Hi I’m traveling to Thailand from USA. I already have my visa, wondering what other requirements are needed. Any advice would be much appreciated. 🙏🏼
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler from the USA inquiring about additional requirements after obtaining a visa for Thailand received various advice from community members. Key points included suggestions such as bringing sufficient cash, understanding local customs, and showing respect in cultural contexts, especially when visiting temples. Recommendations emphasized the need for comfortable clothing, carrying an international driving license if planning to ride motorbikes, and using apps like Grab for transportation. There was also mention of downloading useful local apps and preparing for specific cultural practices, like the Wai greeting and appropriate dress codes at temples.
Tipping is an American custom taken from old England.
Thais have become accustomed, so much so some bins at restraunts say 15% gratuity has been added for your convenience.
See how verbiage leads you to thank them.
Nigel ********
Don't tip every chance you get just leave the odd coins
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Just use ATM to get cash. SELECT CONTINUE WITHOUT CONVERSION. Every thousand baht approximately $30 so you don’t think you have big bucks. Feels like you’re loaded when you have baht but things that are expensive in America are still expensive here. Live like a Thai and you’ll be ballin👊🏽
Johnny **********
Above is true...but more immediately, if it is a short stay.....visit your local US bank before you leave and get some Thai currency...2000 to 4000 Baht or bring some extra money to convert. You will need it for the taxi/bus from the airport to your destination. Also, an unlocked smartphone for a Thai sim card is also helpful. I never could get Bolt/Food Panda or any Thai apps to work quite right using US based carriers. Maybe it was just me. And remember...the best part of visiting Thailand is when you arrive and the worst part of visiting Thailand is when you depart, so enjoy! Just be smart, respectful, and use common sense....Youtube can be helpful. It's a magical place and chances are...you will return. Have fun.
David ********
To get the best advice we need to know what type of visa you have....i.e tourist visa, retirement visa, business visa etc. etc. I think there are many visas available.
you have to apply for the LTR visa on the BOI website!
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Chris *******
Money lots of money
Mark *************************
You asking a jealous trolling bunch of farangs... Come here, the important ones will welcome you. They trolls? They wouldnt dare do jack even if they are in your face. Live your life, welcome to thailand.
James *********
If you're bringing ANY cash to exchange - make sure it's in new-ish $100 bills - with no markings, and dog-eared. Let your bank know ahead of time, and they'll have new ones for you.
Mike *********
Alessandro **********
👇
Pete ********
Remember you are a guest. Respect goes a long way. Be polite and have a good time.
Robert **************
Condom
Russell *******
YouTube can also be a great tool. There are a lot of great Vlogs from Thailand. They go over the customs, what to do and not to do. Ie: Live Love Thailand, Coopers Thai Adventures, Retired Working For You… Just to name a few good YouTubers. You can learn a TON from these guys. They have tons of videos on what to do from the time you touch down and land at BKK.
Russell *******
YouTube can also be a great tool. There are a lot of great Vlogs from Thailand. They go over the customs, what to do and not to do. Ie: Live Love Thailand, Coopers Thai Adventures, Retired Working For You… Just to name a few good YouTubers. You can learn a TON from these guys. They have tons of videos on what to do from the time you touch down and land at BKK.
Bonnie *********
You’re traveling to a country and know absolutely nothing about it?
Peter ********
$$$. ATM card with no foreign fees. Unlocked phone that takes local SIM card. Open mind. That’s all you really need. Have fun.
No but there must be lists. My BOA Alaska card. My Amex card (only some of them). My credit union cards. There are lots. But certainly not all. Also there are cards like Schwab that also give back the he 220b that Thai banks charge for cash.
Get a Wise card and a Charles Schwab account with a debit card. Charles Schwab will refund all ATM fees at the end of the month...Wise is a great back up just in case you lose your Charles Schwab card. Depending on airport arrival, book your transfer in advance in case they don't offer Grab or Bolt at the airport. Get THB when you land as you may have to pay cash for your transfer (Bolt).
Start taking a strong probiotic now and bring them with you and continue to take them. Bring activated charcoal with you in case you do end up with an upset stomach. That and coconut water will fix it.
Enjoy! It's such a beautiful country with lovely people!
Ned *******
You just need comfortable clothes, a visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and you'll get a visa exemption stamp when you pass through the passport check (no hassle). Just make sure to say "60 day visa" maybe they'll give you 60 days instead of 30 (worked for some people). Enjoy Thailand!
no I made mistakes I thought it’s for woman. Sorry
Reply to
Tammy *********
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Robert *****
Seriously the only cash you should bring are crisp new $100 bills. For exchanging at the various money kiosk. Just exchange enough at the airport to get you thru a couple days then you’ll find a better exchange rate outside the airport. You’ll have an amazing time. 🙏
Zoe ******
You don’t need a visa to visit Thailand as a US citizen. Thailand is very foreigner friendly country. You do need some cash, not all places take cards. Most Thai people use their phone app to pay but you won’t be able to because you won’t have a Thai bank account. Sim/data cards are easy to get at
****
. Foods are plentiful and affordable. Download grab or bolt for car service, it’s more convenient and safer than taxis. Show respect to the people, the culture and the temples. Wear clothing that cover up, I’ve see too many westerners wear inappropriate clothing at temples. Thai people show respect by putting their hands together and bow. Thank you in Thai is: kop khun krap(if you are a man) kop khun ka (if you are a woman) oh and don’t drink tap water under any circumstances.
The fact that you are asking these questions suggests a degree of potential vulnerability. Don’t look for love or you’ll find yourself in a financial dependency relationship where you always do the financing bit , that is until you run out of money.
what William said has happened a lot when foreign guys go looking for love in Bars etc., where there's plenty of young Thai women eager to find a foreign partner. If you're in tourist Bar/nightclub areas there's no shortage of young women 'throwing themselves' at you & the majority might 'give themselves to you', but with the goal of you providing for them and their families. Away from these areas, there's definitely some very nice women who can make lovely wives, very caring and loyal.
I just don’t understand what does that have to do with my question about whether it’s required to have medical travel insurance before entering Thailand? 
read your own post that you put out there originally...you never asked about travel insurance. In your original post, it seemed (not only to me) that you have little or no experience with Thailand and were asking for general advice. If you follow my comment up to where this thought started (up the chain, so to speak), I was just adding some thoughts to what others had said previously. If the advice isn't what you're looking for, ignore it and perhaps be more specific in what advice you want in future.
Tap water or the 1 baht water should never enter your body. Don't even think about brushing your teeth with it. After 45 days I received an amazing yeast infection in my mouth, bacterial pneumonia, and nasty dry cough. I couldn't find cough medicine at the near by pharmacy's so I flew to the philippines for some and a real US style pizza
isn't there a big import duty? Or do they have the duty free allowance of a certain amount? I'm not really a drinker, so I'm not familiar, but might think about it as a gift next time I'm there
No duty on one 1 liter bottle. Plus that is the limit allowed in. That is my understanding anyway. I am no great expert. If I am incorrect, about 20 gentlemen will tell us muy pronto! Ha Ha!
Reply to
Ron ********
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Gary ******
Hey Sam how long do you plan on staying here? And do you know where you want to visit here? 🤙🏻
dont need a lot, an advantage to tourists visiting.
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Steve **********
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Thomas ********
Be prepared to eat, eat ,and eat. When you met up with Thai friends you eat .
Leslie *******
do not keep connection with tuk tuk people.
Alain ***************
Amererican tourists are known for talking loud. Keep that at home, please. Officially need to bring 20k thb (in any currency) but i don’t know anyone who was asked to show. Don’t dress like a homeless 😂 Thai people understand that foreign tourists don’t know everything about their culture and forgive most mistakes
and please never talk more than 20 seconds in public coffeehouse or restaurant on a cell phone… If in a coffeehouse or any wonderful Thai establishment,please use earplugs if you’re listening to a video…
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James ***********
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Mike *********
What visa did you already get? If you are going on holiday and staying 30 days or less US passport holders don’t need a visa. You will need cash a good credit card. Every thing else is at 7-11 😂 No joke 😎 Safe travels 🙏🏼
Richard **************
Don’t “wai” everyone. Save them for the police. Pack less If you are going before October bring an umbrella and rain coat
It is my understanding wai's should be returned if offered by anyone. Plus a person should learn the different meanings relative to how high your Wai is.
ok, I'll try and research it. It looked like something that Google wouldn't have information on, that's why I asked you, as you seemed to know something that I hadn't heard mention of before. I appreciate you "humbly" suggesting searching Google and not being a smart a*s like
Kind thanks my friend. I try to be humble, respectful, and unassuming here on the groups, but I have lost my cool a few times! Ha Ha! Good luck and safe travels!
said about different types of "Wai" seemed to me like something that perhaps only those with considerable experience in Thailand would be familiar with, so I asked him,not thinking that Google would have that depth of information about the "Wai"!
First of all, it is “you’re”, a contraction of you and are. If your license does not indicate Class C, Thai DLT will not give you a motorcycle license. Check the DLT site.
yeh, a bit like typing responses in a smartphone... All looks good until after hitting 'send', then you realised that 'autocorect' had different ideas 🙄😂
Enjoy. Don't drink and ride. If you don't know how to ride a motorbike, don't start learning here. Shoes off in people's homes. Respect goes a long way. People are much kinder and genuine than the states. MUCH BETTER and healthier food. Try everything.
Peter *****************
,lots lots of cash and credit card.Everyone shower you with lots lots of love and bom bom.
Just bring money 💰 everything else you can get it there. Bring a shawl to cover up if u will visit palace, or temples grounds. Bring long skirt to wear too. Anything above knees is not permitted in temple.
I have seen women sent to buy over priced clothes across the street to enter the grand palace grounds. Personally, I respect the Thai customs and always cover my shoulders and knees
Saw lots of Thais passing through the temple grounds today wearing shorts and flip flops 🩴
Velkommen på landet
Henrik *****
Others behaving wrong and disrespectful, is the worst excuse to do the same.
Reply to
Henrik *****
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Gray *******
Real advice. Wrap up, respect the royal family, download bolt and grab apps (Uber/lyft), download “get your guide” app. Contact me for local spots. I live here. Blessings and have fun.
common sense prevails. I don't think the point of this group is to provide answers to people that research can provide. Alternatively, this group should be supplemental and offer advice to those who have already exhausted an initial effort.