Know Before You Go

~The Basics~

• Most passports have a 30 day free visa on arrival. But always check your country specifically. If you overstay your visa, they will charge you. You can go on a visa run and leave the country and return to extend your visa for free.

• Make sure you have at least 6 months of validity on your passport before it expires and 2 blank pages.

• You can get a local SIM card easily once in Thailand. They are super cheap and available everywhere. All you need to bring to the shop is your passport. I prefer this over E-SIMs because if your phone gets lost/stolen you at least have your SIM card from home.

~Money Money Money~

Currency: Thai Baht // 1 USD =32.87 Baht

• Cash is King in Thailand. Some places in the bigger cities will take card but cash is more widely used.

• I always use a local ATM to get cash out and I've never had any issues. Just make sure to look for an ATM that says they take visa/mastercard/Amex etc.

• The ATM will charge a small fee usually around 2-5 dollars. This is an unavoidable fee so try and get a bigger lump sum out at once.

• If you don't have a travel debit card that has no international fees, I would get one! Capital One has an international card for no annual fee.

• I also recommend getting a credit card with no international fees so you can rack up points and even get free flights. If you want my referral code for Capitol One Venture X (my fav travel credit card) message me.

• Tipping is not customary or expected. But if you had excellent service, of course a tip is welcomed. Although I have had my tip money returned to me because Thai people are very humble and did not want to accept extra money.

• In one month of backpacking, I spent $1200 USD. I consider myself a mid range budget backpacker. You can easily spend less than this and can also go wayyy over if splurging every day. Thailand can be very cheap if you budget and eat street food and stay at hostels.

~Customs and Culture~

Thailand has a rich culture and history. There are many customs you can learn but these are the main ones to know before you go.

• To greet locals with respect, place your hands together in a prayer position, and bow from your waist with your head lowered. This greeting is known as a wai.

• Dress modestly when entering temple grounds. For women that means covering shoulders, knees, and midriff . For men, covering shoulders. Most temples have clothes available for rent or for free if you forget. I always carried a shoulder cover in my bag just in case!

• When sitting inside a temple, do not put your feet towards the buddha. Sit in a crossed leg position or on your knees with your feet towards the back. The head is seen as the holiest part of the body (as its closer to nirvana) and therefore the feet are the least holy. So placing your feet towards to buddha is a sign of disrespect.

• You can take pictures inside the temples but no flash. The locals are often praying inside these temples so respect them by not hogging the main buddha statue just for Instagram.

• Do not speak badly about the royal family. It is actually a criminal offense to speak poorly about any member of the royal family or government. I don't know why you would have a strong opinion about their politics, but in general its best to just keep your mouth shut.

• Since the royal family is so well respected, even crumpling money or stuffing it in your pockets is seen as disrespectful since the Kings face is on the currency.

~Safety~

In general Thailand feels very safe and the locals are so kind and helpful. But of course, you should always be aware.

• Pickpockets do exist here so always watch your stuff. No phone in the back pocket, don't leave valuables when going to the bathroom at a coffee shop, don't take all your cash with you when out.

• All of the stories I've heard of pickpockets have happened at Full Moon party in Koh Phangnan and on nights out. Only take what you need and leave the rest in the room locked up.

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Bottles only, sorry environment. If you get sick its most likely because of the water. Ask restaurants if the ice is store bought, if not then no ice in drinks.

• I personally would not eat the street meat. I am vegetarian and have never had food poisoning in Thailand and everyone I know who has, eats meat. Be picky with meats.

• In general, street food is safe and delicious to try! Just use your common sense, if a stall is empty and has a weird smell stay away. But if its busy, thats a good sign.

• Mosquitos are here and they don't mess around. If you scratch your bites to death they will get infected because of the humidity. Pack bug spray and hope for the best.

• DON'T ride elephants!!! It's cruel. Animal sanctuaries only. Please and thank you.

~Transportation~

There are lots of different way to travel around Thailand, it's really up to your preference.

• Flights- If you want to be a bit boujee, you can fly to each destination but this is not the most cost effective option. If you are budgeting, there is no need to fly. I personally traveled the whole country without flying.

• Trains- Thailand has both overnight trains and regular trains to go long distances. There is a sleeper train from Bangkok to Khao Sok. There are also sleeper train from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai. If you want to budget, you can take a slow train which has no AC, wooden seats, and goes very slow but you will be surrounded by locals and its deff a unique experience.

• Bus- I never really took buses in Thailand but they do exist of course. It is more common to take shuttle vans as they are faster.

• Shuttle Vans- Many hostels or bus terminals will offer shuttle van service. Its faster, more reliable, and only a bit more expensive.

• Ferries- If you are traveling to the islands, you will have to take a ferry. They are pretty standard and do sell out during high season/full moon party so make sure to book a few days in advance.

• Motorbike/scooter- my personal favorite way to get around. If you are comfortable driving you can rent one yourself. No need for an international licence as the rental companies don't care. You will just have to leave a passport or ID with them. If you don't want to drive, Grab App offers motorbike services with you as the passenger (helmet included). Just be careful as always and try not to come home with a Thai Tattoo (not the ink kind).

~Useful Apps~

• Grab- for motorbike/ car rides and food delivery

• Bolt- Ridesharing

• Food Panda- food delivery

• Currency XE- offline currency exchange

• GoogleMaps or Maps Me- offline maps