Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Australian tourists can get a visa exemption for:

• up to 30 days, if you arrive through one of the international airports
• up to 15 days, if you enter through a land border (restricted to 2 entries per calendar year)

For longer stays, or if you’re travelling other than for tourism, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, so it’s important that you check for the latest information. Please contact the nearest Embassy or consulate of Thailand for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Thailand?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Thailand but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Thailand. Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your tour guide or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

What is currency in Thailand?

The official currency in Thailand is the Baht.

Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks or at any one on of the numerous exchange booths that line the streets of the big cities. You may also choose to purchase currency in advance, though it’s possibly not necessary as ATMs can be found everywhere with the exception of the hill tribe areas of Chiang Rai and if enroute between Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong border if crossing to Laos. It is not common to pay with a credit card at restaurants, cafes or shops for small purchases and if you do often there will be a surcharge applied or minimum charge required. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.

What do foods and drinks cost in Thailand?

• A market fruit shake = 25 THB
• Bottle of local beer = 100 THB
• Market stall meal = 40 – 100 THB
• Dinner at a nice restaurant = 350 – 1000 THB

What’s the food like in Thailand?

Thai food is some of the most popular in the world. Overflowing with flavour, fresh ingredients and plenty of variety, this well loved cuisine is a must try for any traveller visiting Thailand. Pad Thai, Green Curry, Som Tam, Tom Yum Gai… almost certainly everyone has a favourite.

A typical Thai meal will contain rice or noodles, a soup dish, meat or fish and fresh vegetables. Seasonings such as salty, sweet, sour and spicy are usually incorporated somehow and Thai people tend to eat from lots of small dishes instead of having one meal.

You will also find street stalls offering a variety of food that can be eaten on the go, from satays and spring rolls to fruit and sticky rice treats. You could say variety is the spice of life in Thailand!

Is tipping customary in Thailand?

Tipping isn’t customary in Thailand, but feel free to leave restaurants, driver or service workers a small tip if the service has been particularly good. It’s always appreciated.

What’re the toilets like in Thailand?

Squat toilets are most common in Thailand, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in your hotels and tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided.

Is WiFi widely available in Thailand?

Internet can be accessed at hotels and internet cafes in large cities and tourist areas but is limited in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Thailand?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Thailand’s urban areas, but may not be available on some of the islands and in more remote and areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What sort of sockets are used in Thailand and what is the voltage?

Standard voltage is 220 volts. Primary sockets generally require the 2 flat prong plugs (type A) and the 2 round pin plugs (type C). We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and a plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.

Weather overview

Thailand essentially has three seasons – rainy, cool and hot. The hot dry season starts in March and stays until May. This is followed by the rainy season from May to October. Frequent rains do occur during this time, but generally in short sharp bursts which are sometimes quite spectacular to witness – so certainly bring some waterproof clothing for this time of year. The cool season then lasts from November to February. With dry days and temperatures that are still very warm, this is considered the best time to visit.