Thailand

Many nationalities get visa-free entry for 30 days when arriving by air or 15 days via land borders. Longer stays require a tourist visa, which you can apply for at a Thai embassy or consulate.

• Cool season (November to February): Pleasant weather and best for sightseeing.
• Hot season (March to May): Great for beaches but very warm.
• Rainy season (June to October): Fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and lower prices.

• Budget: $30-50 USD per day
• Mid-range: $60-150 USD per day
• Luxury: $300+ USD per day

ATMs are everywhere, though they often charge a fee for foreign cards. Currency exchange booths usually offer better rates than airports.

Thailand's currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and rural areas.

Generally very safe, but watch out for petty theft and tourist scams like "too good to be true tuk-tuk rides" in Bangkok, use your common sense Also stay informed about local customs and avoid sensitive topics like the monarchy.

• Tuk-tuks: Fun for short rides, but negotiate the fare.
• BTS and MRT (Bangkok): Fast and efficient public transport.
• Airplanes: Very fast and affordable travel.
• Buses and minivans: Affordable long-distance travel.
• Trains: Scenic routes, especially the sleeper trains.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to legally drive.Traffic controls of especially scooter drivers in tourist areas such as Phuket are very common.

No, stick to bottled or filtered water.

Thailand uses plug types A, B, and C. An international travel adapter is highly recommended.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

• Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with peanuts and lime.
• Tom Yum Goong: Spicy shrimp soup.
• Green Curry: Rich and fragrant coconut-based curry.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet and satisfying dessert.

Watch for jellyfish at some beaches and be mindful of stray dogs. Keep your distance from monkey as they can get aggressive. Mosquito repellent is a must to avoid dengue fever.

Excellent, with affordable SIM cards from AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC. Many cafes and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.

Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering temples.

• Sawasdee (ka/krub): Hello.
• Khop khun (ka/krub): Thank you.
• Mai pen rai: No worries / It’s okay.