First Time Thailand
The Arrival
Checklist
สบาย สบาย
Take it easy
Tick these off before you fly and on the day you land. Everything a first-timer needs to clear the airport, get cash and a SIM, and reach town without the stress. For train, taxi, and Grab prices from both Bangkok airports, see Airport Transfers.
Before you fly
2 to 4 weeks out
Passport valid at least 6 months past arrival
At least one blank passport page for your entry stamp
Confirm your visa or visa-exempt entry length
Proof of funds if asked: about 20,000 THB per person, 40,000 per family
Book the first 2 nights of accommodation
Buy travel insurance (make sure scooters are covered if you plan to ride)
Tell your bank and card provider your travel dates
Save digital and paper copies of your passport
Print bilingual Thai and English food allergy cards if you need them
Pack smart
Hot, humid, casual
A light shawl for your shoulders and a wrap or pants that cover the knees, for temples
Easy to remove, comfortable walking shoes
Medicine in its original packaging, plus a copy of any prescription
A reusable tote for shopping to cut plastic waste
Universal adapter for the local sockets
Landing day
At the airport
Draw a little baht at an airport ATM, then change larger amounts in town
Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM from AIS, TrueMove or dtac
Download Grab to avoid taxi scams
Screenshot your hotel name and address in Thai
Keep small notes (20s and 100s) for taxis and street food
Apps to install
Set up before you land
Grab for taxis, food, and delivery
Bolt as a cheaper ride-hailing backup
Google Maps, with Bangkok saved offline
LINE, the app Thailand messages and books on
Your bank app and a currency converter
Good to know
The small stuff
Tap water is not for drinking; bottled water is cheap everywhere
Tipping is not expected; rounding up is a kind touch
Remove your shoes before entering homes and many shops
Dress modestly at temples and the royal palace
Emergency: Tourist Police 1155, ambulance 1669
1sttimethailand.com · The Stress-Free Guide
2026 edition
About this guide
Written by Belle, a Thai American who travels to Thailand every other year and has family in Bangkok. Everything here comes from my own visits unless the text says otherwise. Prices and journey times are typical cases rather than quotes, so recheck anything time-sensitive before you pay. Brand mentions are never paid placements, and the guide is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
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