General travel information on Thailand; pasport, money and health tips!

Passport and visa

If you travel to Thailand for a holiday then you’ll need a visa. If you are less than 30 days on a journey you get this visa for free at the airport. Check your visa immediately upon arrival at the airport in Bangkok. During the flight you will receive the visa forms, it is useful to fill it in completely upon arrival. This saves a lot of time at the desk of the customs. If you travel to Thailand by land, then you’ll only get a Thai visa of 14 days. For all travelers, the passport must be valid at least 6 months upon departure from Thailand. A great tip is to leave a copy of your passport with family or friends in your country of origin.

Travelers who want to stay longer than 30 days, should get an additional visa upon arrival. This visa can be arranged at the Thai in your country of origin. Thai visa arrangements can be difficult and time consuming and often take 14 to 16 days. Quick requests are not always possible. Applying for visas is also possible at the Thai consulate.

Money

In Thailand you pay with the Thai baht. It is convenient to look up the currency rate just before your arrival, because the exchange rate can fluctuate. The best way to get Thai money is out of an ATM in Thailand. You can find almost everywhere ATMs where you take out money easily with your bank card or credit card. Upon arrival at the airport you can cash in your euros/dollars for bath at the currency. It is also wise to take some Thai bath with you from your country of origin. Most ATMs are located in the cities. However if you go into the jungle or to an Island there might not be always an ATM around, keep this in mind. Credit cards are accepted in many places, especially Visa and Mastercard.

Thailand is generally safe to travel to. It is wise not to take a lot of valuable items with you on your holiday. Money, passports and valuables are best in the safe of your hotel until your departure. Almost all the hotels in Thailand that are able to be booked online have a safe in the room, or else at the reception. Never leave valuables unattended in your room behind. There is always cleaning staff present with a key to the room.

Health

Vaccinations for Thailand are not required, but generally are vaccinations against Hepatitis A and DTP recommended. For the latest information on the required vaccinations, we recommend you to contact (at least 6 weeks before departure) agencies as your GP or other Health institutions.

For Asian concepts Thailand has a pretty good hygiene. However, you do have to pay attention. For example you cannot drink water from the tap unlike some European countries. Drink water from a bottle. Food should be well cooked, so that any bacteria are slain. For fruit is that it is better to wash them before eating, just like in any other country. Do this with clean water. Hospitals are generally very good. If you get ill it is not a problem for a foreigner to go to a Thai hospital since their service is great, they have great doctors and Thai hospitals are internationally reputable.