Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Thailand in 2025
Planning a trip to Thailand? 🏝️🌞
This guide covers everything you need to know: visa, health, money, transportation, culture… Everything for a successful trip! 😍
🛂 1. Visa and Entry Requirements
✅ Less than 60 days: No visa required for Europeans, but a return ticket or onward travel ticket is mandatory.
📝 More than 60 days: You need a tourist visa or can apply for an extension in Thailand.
📅 Always check your passport validity (at least 6 months after entry) to avoid any issues.
💉 2. Health and Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccines, but some are highly recommended if you plan to explore the country extensively:
- Hepatitis A/B & typhoid: Protects against contaminated food and water.
- Rabies: Useful if you plan to go trekking or be around animals.
- Japanese encephalitis: Recommended if you go to rural areas or travel during the rainy season.
⚕️ Travel insurance is essential: Medical care can be expensive in case of emergencies!
💳 3. Money and Banking Fees
💰 Local currency: Thai Bath (THB).
🏧 High ATM withdrawal fees: Around 220 THB (~€6) per withdrawal, except at certain banks like AEON. Cash payments are recommended in small shops.
💡 Tip:
- Revolut to avoid bank fees. Here’s our promo code to get a bonus between €10 and €200. Sign up for REVOLUT with this link to receive your bonus.
☀️ 4. Weather and Best Time to Visit
🌞 Dry season (November - April): The best time to travel, good weather guaranteed.
🌧 Rainy season (May - October): Frequent showers but usually short.
🏝 Regional differences matter: Koh Samui and Phuket have different monsoon seasons!
🚕 5. Transport and Getting Around
🚖 Taxis: Always ask to turn on the meter or use Grab or Bolt.
🛺 Tuk-tuks: Fun, but negotiate the price before hopping in!
🏍 Scooter rental: Convenient, but international driver’s permit required, and a helmet is mandatory. Police officers fine foreigners regularly (between €20 and €150).
🚌 Buses and trains: Cheap but long and not always comfortable.
⚠️ 6. Safety and Common Scams
🔹 Thailand is a safe country, but be cautious of pickpockets in tourist areas and common scams:
❌ Taxis without meters: Always insist on using the meter, or switch to another taxi—there are plenty available.
💎 “Exclusive” jewelry stores: Fake quality, inflated prices.
🚍 Fake bus tickets: Buy only from official counters or through 12go , the best site for booking transportation.
⚠️ Never criticize the royal family! It’s illegal and strictly punished.
🙏 7. Culture and Etiquette
🇹🇭 The wai: Traditional greeting (hands together with a slight bow).
🚫 Never touch someone’s head (even a child’s).
👣 Don’t point with your finger or use your feet to indicate something.
👞 Always remove your shoes before entering a home or temple.
🍜 8. Food and Hygiene Tips
🍢 Street food is a must: Choose stalls with lots of customers to avoid food poisoning and always check reviews on Google Maps. (Avoid places with too many reviews, as they are often fake.)
🚰 Avoid tap water: Always drink sealed bottled water.
🌶 Watch out for spicy food! If you want something mild, say “Mai phet” (not spicy).
📶 9. Internet and Communication
📱 Local SIM cards (TrueMove): Cheap and super fast! Get one from 7-Eleven, unlimited for a full month for about €10.
💻 Wi-Fi is available everywhere (hotels, cafés, restaurants).
📲 Google Translate: Your best ally for easy communication.
🔌 10. Electricity and Adapters
⚡ Good news! Thai sockets are compatible with European plugs.
🔌 Some require an adapter (flat plugs like in the US), so it’s best to have one just in case.
🔋 Voltage: 220V (same as in Europe), no need for a converter!
🔥 Ready to explore Thailand? This country has so much to offer, from temples and paradise beaches to incredible street food and unforgettable experiences.
🇹🇭✨ If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
