Thailand is one of the most welcoming destinations in the world, but a little preparation goes a long way.
These 10 steps will help you avoid unnecessary stress, protect your health, and keep more money in your pocket.
Whether it’s making sure your bank card actually works overseas or knowing which medications are banned, getting these details sorted before you fly makes everything smoother once you land.
Trust me, future you will be grateful. 😊
1. Check Your Electronics and Power Adapters
a. Why This Matters in Thailand
Thailand runs on 220V, 50Hz electricity. If you’re from a 120V region (like North America), plugging in the wrong device could damage it.
b. Voltage, Plug Types & Compatibility
Thailand uses Type A (flat pins), Type C (round pins), and Type O (three-pin) outlets. Many hotels have hybrid sockets accepting both US and European plugs.
Check your chargers for an “110–240V” label. If it only says 110V, leave it home or bring a voltage converter.
c. What to Pack (Adapters, Chargers, Cables)
- Universal travel adapter covering Types A, B, C, F, and O
- Multi-port USB charger so you can charge several devices from one outlet
- Spare cables (easy to lose, cheap to pack)
- Portable power bank for long travel days
d. Thailand-Specific Tips for Hotels & Outlets
You can buy adapters at 7-Eleven, but quality varies. Arrive with at least one good adapter.
One universal adapter plus a multi-port USB charger handles most needs.
e. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming plugs and voltage are the same as home
- Forgetting to check device voltage (hair dryers are common casualties)
- Packing too many adapters when one universal adapter works
2. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
a. What TDAC Is & Why It’s Mandatory
The TDAC is the online form replacing the old paper arrival card. It collects your passport details, flight info, and hotel address.
b. Who Must Submit It & When
As of May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals must complete it. Submit within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival.
c. Information You’ll Need to Prepare
Passport details, flight number, first hotel address, contact info, and departure details.
d. How to Complete the Form Correctly
Use the official website: tdac.immigration.go.th
Double-check for typos, especially your passport number. Save your confirmation QR code.
The form is free. Any site asking for payment is fake.
e. Warnings About Fake Sites
Only use the official government website ending in .go.th. Scam websites may try to charge fees or steal your data.
The Thai government has warned that no fees are required for TDAC.
f. Common TDAC Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to submit (set a reminder 2–3 days before your flight)
- Submitting too early or too late
- Making typos in your passport number
- Not saving the confirmation
- Forgetting to re-submit if you leave Thailand and return
3. Know Where to Do Your Laundry
a. Why Planning Laundry Saves Luggage Space
When you know you can easily wash clothes mid-trip, you can pack half the outfits and save space for souvenirs.
Thailand makes laundry incredibly convenient. Services are everywhere, fast, and cheap.
b. Your Laundry Options in Thailand
- Self-service laundromats: ฿50–90 per load. Great for saving money.
- Drop-off wash & fold: ฿50–90 per kg. Hand over clothes, pick up next day.
- Hotel laundry: Convenient but expensive (฿50–100 per item). Use for emergencies only.
c. Modern App Options
WashDrop operates in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Schedule a pickup, and they deliver clean laundry within 24 hours.
Pro tip: Bring a foldable travel storage bag from home. It makes handing off laundry easier and helps separate dirty clothes during your trip.
d. How to Find Laundry Near You
The easiest method is searching Google Maps for “laundromat” or “laundry service” in your area. In tourist areas, you’ll often spot laundry signs on the street.
e. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking clothes (trust Thailand’s easy laundry access)
- Relying only on expensive hotel laundry
- Not having small change for coin laundromats
4. Notify Your Bank About Overseas Card Usage
a. Why Travel Notifications Matter
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a blocked card.
Banks often flag foreign transactions as potential fraud, especially in countries like Thailand. A quick heads-up ensures your cards stay active throughout your trip.
b. How to Notify Your Bank
- Mobile banking app or website. Most banks have a travel notice feature. It’s quick and avoids hold times.
- Call the number on your card. Tell customer service your travel dates and destinations.
- Include all transit countries. A layover charge in Singapore could get flagged if it’s not on your list.
Set up mobile alerts so you catch any suspicious activity immediately.
c. Bring Multiple Cards + Use Wise as a Backup
Carry at least two cards from different banks. Keep them separate.
The Wise debit card is an excellent backup. It offers good exchange rates.
d. ATM Fees in Thailand & How to Reduce Them
Thai ATMs charge about ฿250 ($7–8) per withdrawal for foreign cards, on top of any fees your home bank charges.
Here’s how to minimize the impact:
- Withdraw larger amounts less often since the fee is flat per transaction
- Use fee-reimbursing cards if your bank offers this perk
- Consider cash exchange at reputable places like SuperRich in Bangkok
e. Avoiding DCC & Skimming Risks
When ATMs ask to charge in your home currency or Thai baht, always choose baht. Choosing your home currency gives you a terrible exchange rate.
Use ATMs attached to banks, check that card slots don’t look tampered with, and always cover your PIN.
f. Common Money-Related Mistakes
- Not knowing your daily withdrawal limit
- Ignoring foreign transaction fees (often 3%)
- Not monitoring your account during the trip
5. Download Grab and Bolt for Easy Transport
a. Why Ride-Hailing Helps First-Time Travelers
Grab and Bolt are ride-hailing apps like Uber. They give you upfront pricing, cashless payment, and no haggling with drivers.
Essential when taxis refuse to use meters or quote inflated fares.
b. How to Set Up the Apps Before Flying
Download both apps before leaving. Register a card for cashless payment, or you can pay drivers in cash. Allow location permissions so pickup works properly.
c. When Grab/Bolt Are Better Than Taxis
Use them when taxis won’t use meters, in Phuket (where taxis are expensive), or late at night for safety.
Tip: Bolt often has lower prices than Grab, especially during busy times. Check both apps.
d. Key Safety & Usage Tips
- Verify the car model, plate number, and driver photo before getting in
- Sit in the back and buckle up
- Follow designated pickup points at airports and malls
- Be aware of surge pricing during rain or rush hour
e. First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering the wrong pickup location on the map. Pin the exact spot on the map or select a known landmark.
- Using Grab for short distances when walking or BTS train is faster
- Cancelling rides repeatedly. Both apps penalize frequent cancellations.
6. Buy Comprehensive Travel Insurance
a. Why Insurance Is Essential for Thailand
Thailand’s private hospitals are excellent but expensive. An unexpected hospital stay could cost thousands of dollars. Even food poisoning requiring an IV can cost hundreds.
Trust me, don’t skip this.
b. What Your Policy Must Cover
- Medical coverage: At least $50,000 USD (ideally $100,000+)
- Medical evacuation: $100,000+ to transport you to adequate care
- Trip cancellation: Reimburses prepaid bookings if you must cancel
- Baggage/electronics: Covers lost or stolen items
c. Motorbike accidents
Most policies exclude motorcycle accidents unless you wear a helmet and have a valid license. Check the fine print if you plan to ride.
d. Adventure activities
Scuba diving, rock climbing, and Muay Thai may not be covered by standard policies. Get coverage that includes your planned activities.
e. How to Compare & Choose a Policy
Look at coverage limits, not just price. Check deductibles, pre-existing condition exclusions, and whether they have 24/7 emergency assistance.
f. Common Insurance Mistakes Travelers Make
- Traveling without any insurance
- Buying the cheapest plan without checking coverage limits
- Not carrying proof of insurance and emergency contact numbers
7. Pack All Necessary Medications
a. Bring Enough Prescriptions for the Entire Trip
Pack enough prescription medications for your entire trip plus extra for delays. Your specific brand may not be available in Thailand.
Thai regulations allow up to a 30-day supply of regular prescription medication without special permits.
b. Original Packaging & Documents to Carry
Keep medications in original bottles or blister packs with prescription labels. Carry a doctor’s note for controlled substances or injectables.
c. Thailand’s Rules on Controlled Medications
Some common medications (certain painkillers, ADHD meds, anxiety meds) are controlled substances in Thailand. Check Thai FDA guidance before traveling.
Do not bring medical marijuana or CBD oil across borders.
d. Always Hand-Carry Your Meds
Put medications in your carry-on, never checked luggage. Bags can be lost or delayed.
e. Build a Small “Travel Pharmacy”
Think about OTC medications you might need:
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Antihistamines for allergies or mosquito bites
- Antidiarrheal like Imodium and rehydration salts
- Motion sickness tablets for boats and winding roads
- Insect bite relief (hydrocortisone cream)
- Basic first aid (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer)
- Any personal items (spare inhaler, eye drops, thermometer)
f. Heat, Storage & Practical Tips
Thailand is hot. Keep medications cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. Use an insulated pouch for temperature-sensitive meds during travel.
g. Common Medication Mistakes to Avoid
- Running out of medication (pack extra)
- Packing meds in checked luggage
- Not checking if your medication is legal in Thailand
8. Review Required and Recommended Vaccinations
a. Entry Requirements
Most travelers don’t need any vaccinations to enter Thailand.
Exception: Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from a risk country (parts of Africa/South America).
b. Strongly Recommended Vaccines
- Hepatitis A: Spreads through food/water. Get it 2+ weeks before travel.
- Typhoid: Recommended if you’ll eat street food.
- Hepatitis B: Advisable depending on your activities. It transmits through blood and sexual contact. Many people were vaccinated as children, but if you weren’t, it’s worth considering.
- Routine boosters: MMR, tetanus (if not updated in 10 years), polio.
c. Situational Vaccines
- Japanese Encephalitis: Usually for 1+ month in rural areas, but can be considered for shorter rural trips.
- Rabies: Consider if doing outdoor activities in remote areas. Thailand has stray dogs and monkeys.
d. Regional Health Risks to Know
Dengue fever is the main mosquito-borne risk. Most countries don’t offer a vaccine for travelers, so using repellent is essential.
Malaria is limited to border areas. Most visitors don’t need pills.
e. When to Visit a Clinic
Ideally, visit a clinic 4–8 weeks before your trip. They can review your immunization history and advise based on your specific itinerary.
f. Common Vaccine-Planning Mistakes
- Waiting until the last minute
- Assuming old vaccines are still effective (check for needed boosters)
9. Bring Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent
a. How Strong the Thai Sun Really Is
Thailand’s UV index regularly reaches extreme levels (11+). You can burn in just 10–15 minutes, even on cloudy days.
b. Sun Protection Essentials
- Sunscreen: SPF 30+ (SPF 50 for fair skin). Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
- Hat and sunglasses: Wide-brimmed hat and UV400 sunglasses.
- Clothing: Lightweight long sleeves or cover-ups. Many locals use umbrellas for shade.
c. Hydration & Heat Safety
Drink plenty of water and carry a bottle with you.
Avoid strenuous activities during peak sun hours (10am–3pm). If you feel dizzy or get a headache, get to a cool place and rehydrate immediately.
d. Mosquito Risks
Dengue fever is the main risk. The mosquitoes bite during the day, especially at dawn and dusk.
e. Choosing the Right Repellent (DEET, Picaridin)
Use repellents with 20–30% DEET or 20% Picaridin. Apply on exposed skin and reapply in evenings if still outside.
f. Extra Bite-Prevention Tips
- Wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings
- Use plug-in repellents or coils when sitting outdoors
- Keep a fan running (mosquitoes don’t fly well in wind)
g. Common Sun & Mosquito Mistakes
- Underestimating the tropical sun
- Not reapplying sunscreen throughout the day
- Skipping daytime repellent (dengue mosquitoes bite during the day)
- Scratching bites until they get infected
10. Know the Typical Scams Targeting Travelers
a. Why Scam Awareness Matters
Thailand is safe and friendly, but some scams target tourists. Knowing them helps you avoid losing money.
b. Transport Scams
No-meter taxis: Some drivers refuse the meter and quote inflated prices. Insist on the meter or walk away. Use Grab/Bolt instead.
“Closed attraction” trick: Someone tells you a temple is closed and offers a cheap “tour” that takes you to gem shops or tailors for high-pressure sales. Never believe it. Go check the entrance yourself.
c. Shopping & Tour Scams
- Gem scams: Never buy gems as an “investment” from strangers.
- Tailor scams: Choose tailors from online reviews, not tuk-tuk recommendations.
- Fake tour agencies: Book through hotels or well-known companies. Be suspicious of prices much lower than elsewhere.
d. Beach & Equipment Rental Scams
Jet ski/motorbike scams: Operators claim you caused damage and demand payment. Photograph everything before renting. Never leave your passport as collateral. Offer cash deposit instead.
e. Nightlife & Credit Card Scams
Some bars present inflated bills with hidden charges. Always ask for prices upfront. Pay cash in nightlife areas to avoid unauthorized card charges.
f. ATM, Currency & Fake Police Scams
- Use ATMs inside banks and check for tampering
- Use official exchange counters
- Real police don’t collect cash fines from tourists on the street
g. Practical Tips to Stay Scam-Smart
- It’s okay to say no and walk away
- Never give your passport as collateral
- Report serious scams to Tourist Police (dial 1155)
h. Common Mistakes Travelers Make
- Being too polite to refuse
- Trusting too-good-to-be-true deals
