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Travel Essentials › Thailand

Travel Essentials

Thailand: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types A, B, C and O, 220 V. Emergency: One number for everything 191, Police 191, Ambulance 1669, Fire 199. Tipping: Not required; rounding up or leaving 20-50 baht in restaurants is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water..

Open The Thailand Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types A, B, C and O, 220 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything191
Police191
Ambulance1669
Fire199

Tourist police: 1155

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: gov.uk

Tipping

Not required; rounding up or leaving 20-50 baht in restaurants is appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water
Drink bottled or treated water.
Vaccines
Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid; rabies, hepatitis B, and Japanese encephalitis for some travelers.
Malaria
Risk mainly in rural, forested border provinces (Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia); rare cases elsewhere, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui; none in Pattaya or on the islands of Krabi province. Tablets are advised only for the border provinces

Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: wwwnc.cdc.gov

Apps To Download Before You Go

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Greet with the 'wai' (palms together, slight bow) rather than a handshake; return a wai when offered.

Respect for monarchy and monks. Never criticize the royal family (lèse-majesté is a serious crime); women should not touch monks or hand them objects directly.

Feet and head. The head is sacred and feet are lowly: don't point feet at people or Buddha images, and remove shoes before entering homes and temples.

Dress at temples. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples; sarongs are often available to rent/borrow at the entrance.

Safety And Scams

Thailand is rated a normal-precautions destination; the biggest real risks are traffic and motorbike accidents, not violent crime, though petty theft and tourist-targeted scams are common.

Tuk-tuk/gem scams. Drivers claim a temple is 'closed' and steer you to a gem or tailor shop; politely refuse and go directly to your destination.

Jet-ski/motorbike rental damage claims. Renters are accused of pre-existing damage on return; photograph the vehicle in detail before and after, and avoid leaving your passport as a deposit.

Drink spiking / bar scams. In nightlife areas, watch drinks being made and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

Women travelers. Solo women travel Thailand very commonly and safely, including at night in tourist areas, though normal precautions (avoiding isolated areas late at night) still apply.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Thailand is one of Asia's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries with a visible, tolerant scene, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya; same-sex marriage became legal in 2025.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)฿90$2.60
Local bus or metro ride฿30$0.90
Mid-range restaurant meal฿250$7.30
Hostel bed / budget room (night)฿450$13
Mid-range hotel (night)฿1,800$52
Daily budget, mid-range traveler฿2,800$81

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

November to February (cool, dry season) is the most comfortable and most popular; the hot season (March-May) suits Songkran but is very hot, and the rainy season (May-October) is cheaper with fewer crowds.

Do You Need A Visa?

Thailand visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Thai phrases · Basic Isan (Northeastern Thai) phrases

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