Thailand is a fantastic destination, but a smooth trip requires some preparation. Here are essential tips to keep in mind.

📜 Travel Documents & Visa


✅ Visa Requirements Indians can get a visa on arrival for 15 days or apply for an e-visa beforehand
✅ Passport Validity Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
✅ Documents to Carry Return flight tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of funds 10,000 THB per person

💰 Money & Currency Exchange


✅ Currency Thai Baht THB – Exchange some INR to THB at the airport for immediate expenses
✅ ATMs & Cards ATMs are widely available, but they charge a 220 THB withdrawal fee. Carry a forex card or cash
✅ Bargaining Common in markets but not in malls or 7-Eleven stores

📱 SIM Card & Connectivity


✅ Best SIM Cards AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC offer good tourist SIM plans buy at the airport
✅ WiFi Availability Free in most cafes, hotels, and shopping malls

🚕 Transportation Tips


✅ Grab App Best for taxis and food delivery safer than local tuk-tuks
✅ Tuk-Tuks & Taxis Always negotiate or insist on a meter to avoid overcharging
✅ BTS & MRT The Skytrain BTS and Metro MRT are fast and cheap ways to travel in Bangkok
✅ Bike Rentals Available in islands like Phuket, Koh Samui – always wear a helmet and check for damage before renting

🛂 Local Laws & Customs


✅ Respect the Monarchy Criticizing the Thai royal family is a serious offense
✅ No Littering Heavy fines apply if caught littering in public places
✅ Public Displays of Affection Avoid excessive PDA in public places
✅ Temple Etiquette Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples like Wat Arun or Grand Palace

🍽️ Food & Drinking Water


✅ Street Food Safe if fresh and cooked hot avoid raw seafood
✅ Water Safety Always drink bottled or filtered water, not tap water
✅ Spicy Food Thai food is spicy – ask for less spicy if you’re not used to it
✅ Alcohol Restrictions Alcohol sales are banned from 2 PM – 5 PM and near religious sites

🎒 Packing Essentials


✅ Weather Thailand is hot and humid; carry light, breathable clothes
✅ Sun Protection Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are a must
✅ Mosquito Repellent Essential for beaches and jungles
✅ Power Adapter Thailand uses Type A, B, and C plugs 220V

⚠️ Scams & Safety Tips
🚨 Common Scams


Jet Ski & Bike Scam Always take pictures of rented vehicles before use
Tuk-Tuk Gem Scam Drivers may take you to overpriced jewelry shops
Fake Tour Guides Book tours from reputed agencies only
Pickpocketing Be cautious in crowded areas like night markets

🎉 Best Places to Visit in Thailand


🏖 For Beaches Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui
🏙 For City Life Bangkok, Pattaya
🏕 For Adventure Chiang Mai, Pai
🌊 For Islands Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao

🔹 Final Tips


✔ Keep your passport and valuables in a hotel safe
✔ Avoid touching people’s heads – it’s considered disrespectful
✔ Use a translation app for basic Thai phrases
✔ Have travel insurance for medical emergencies