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Practical guide
Everything a first-time visitor to Thailand actually needs.
Eight sections. No fluff. The stuff we tell every guest on WhatsApp before their trip.
Visa & entry+
- 60+ nationalities get 30-60 days visa-exempt entry (US, UK, EU, AU, GCC — check IATA Timatic for yours).
- Passport must have 6+ months validity remaining.
- Proof of onward travel occasionally requested at check-in.
- Overstay penalty: ฿500/day, cash on exit. Do not overstay.
Weather season by season+
- Nov–Feb: dry, cool (28°C), flat sea — peak season, book early.
- Mar–May: hot (32°C+), still dry — great for city + North.
- Jun–Oct: monsoon — 30-min showers most afternoons, cheaper, sea rougher.
Money & tipping+
- Currency: Thai Baht (฿). Roughly ฿35 = $1, ฿38 = €1, ฿9 = 1 AED.
- ATMs: everywhere in tourist areas — ฿220 foreign-card fee per withdrawal.
- Cards: accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls — cash preferred by small vendors and taxis.
- Tipping: not required, always appreciated. 10% at good restaurants, ฿100-200 for a driver, ฿300-500 for a full-day guide.
What to pack+
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — Hawaiian brands mostly banned in Thai marine parks.
- Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders + knees covered).
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Universal power adapter — Thailand uses Type A/B/C sockets.
- Light rain jacket if travelling Jun–Oct.
- Reusable water bottle — every tour includes refill.
Connectivity+
- eSIMs: AIS, TrueMove, dtac work with Airalo/Nomad. Cheapest is ~$10 for 15 days unlimited.
- Airport SIM: buy at HKT/BKK arrivals — ฿300-500 for 15GB.
- Wi-Fi: hotels, malls, cafes — always fast. Not on longtails, patchy on remote islands.
- WhatsApp works everywhere — Line is the local equivalent.
Emergency numbers+
- Tourist Police: 1155 (English support).
- Ambulance: 1669.
- Loma 24/7 concierge WhatsApp: +66 99 391 5504.
- Marine emergencies: 199 (Phuket Marine Department).
Health & insurance+
- Travel insurance covering adventure sports is a Loma requirement for jet-ski, paramotor and diving.
- Recommended: World Nomads, AXA Assistance, Chapka (Europe), Squaremouth (US).
- No mandatory vaccinations for Thailand. Rabies + Japanese Encephalitis suggested if rural stay.
- Water: tap water not drinkable. Ice at hotels/restaurants is filtered.
Cultural etiquette+
- Head is sacred, feet are unclean — don't touch heads, don't point feet at people or Buddha statues.
- Never disrespect the monarchy — even in jest. It's a serious crime.
- Remove shoes before entering homes and most temples.
- Wai greeting: hands together, slight bow. Optional for foreigners, but polite.
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