A Thailand holiday is an exciting and rewarding experience, there’s so much to see and do, that you can easily become distracted and forget things before even arriving at the airport. With this checklist we aim to minimise forgetting any of the essentials, so you can concentrate on having fun.
Thailand Visa Requirements
Thailand has a visa exemption scheme with multiple countries with varying lengths of stays from 15 to 30 days visa free.
You can check your own eligibility by visiting the Thai e-visa official website, we have added the link in the button below.
Flight Information
Keep a hard copy of your itinerary making sure you double check the personal information. Pay special attention to making sure that your name on the tickets match your name on your passport exactly.
Sending a copy of your itinerary to a family member or friend can also help in event of emergency or if you lose your information.
Thailand Accomodation
If you prepay your accommodation – keep your receipt and any confirmation emails.
Check what time your flight arrives and what time check in is and on the other side, when checkout is. There’s nothing worse than waiting around for a room to be ready or having to leave for the airport way too early on the final day. If you discuss this with your hotel, they can at times help accomodate you with these times.
Remember that most hotels will require a security deposit for the room so make sure you find the details. Most hotels will place a charge on your credit card for the amount and refund it at the end of your stay.
Hotel transfers
Many hotels offer transportation from the airport to the hotel by private ‘limousine’ which is typically a nice Mercedes, BMW or a higher end Toyota. This can be more expensive than taking a taxi, but offers a lot less headaches especially on late night arrivals. Typically you will need to let the hotel you’re staying at know that you will require pickup from the airport, this is often an option you can select while booking online.
Travel Insurance
There are many types of travel insurance policies, offering basic levels of cover to comprehensive insurance. Some credit card companies offer travel insurance at no extra charge that is attached to your credit card, you just need to activate it by talking to them. Just make sure it covers your requirements.
It’s important to have insurance for medical also make sure that your policy covers covid related issues, these are often a basic ‘medical only’ type cover.
Comprehensive covers typically cover not only medical, but things such as cancellations and delay costs, lost or stolen baggage or valuables, high risk activities.
As always, speak to your insurer and discuss your individual needs especially around any COVID-19 coverage requirements. Make sure you get covered as early as possible, this can help saving on policy costs and also potential coverage for any unforeseen circumstances prior to travel.
Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations
Visit your regions Royal Thai Embassy website for the latest information on entry requirements.
Other vaccinations
You should consult your GP or travel health clinic prior to visiting Thailand, as many diseases are vaccine preventable and preventable through simple awareness. Don’t leave these until last minute either, as availability may vary.
Passport
You will need to have at least 6 months validity left on your passport when entering Thailand.
You must keep your passport dry and clean and free of damage, as a damaged passport may lead to refusal of entry into Thailand (or anywhere for that matter).
Always keep it with you and never let anyone else take off with it. Keep a copy of the information/identification page, this can be a photocopy or just a photo, if your passport is lost or stolen, you won’t be able to travel under a photocopy or photo, but it could help you get a replacement quicker.
Credit cards in Thailand
Most places In Thailand accept credit cards, but you need to check what international fees you may incur while in Thailand.
Prior to travel, alert your credit card company that you will be travelling, also make sure your credit card won’t expire while you’re on vacation.
Keep the international phone number for your credit card in case it is lost or stolen.
Cash
Having the majority of your funds in USD or your home currency is fine, you can find many local banks such as SCB to exchange your USD to Thai baht, you will need to have your passport with you when changing your money. Plus you can do it at your leisure and not have too much THB left over at the end of your vacation.
Thai Baht
You can often pre plan changing your cash for Thai baht at your own bank, well ahead of a vacation. You can either change a small amount or larger amount if you have a good exchange rate at the time.
Having local currency as soon as you land in the airport can be a benefit for catching transport to your hotel. Hang on to any small notes or coin, just incase you need a public toilet, you will find that there is often a fee to use the toilet or you need to pay for toilet paper.
If you’re heading to the markets or buying food from street vendors try to have smaller denominations. ฿1000 and ฿500 notes are often an inconvenience to give change for in certain situations.
Travel money card
Also known as foreign currency cards or multi currency cards, these cards are available from a number of banks and are even offered by some airlines. The accounts on these cards are seperate from your normal transaction account, so it creates a buffer that may minimise some of your losses if your card is lost, stolen or skimmed.
Travellers Cheques
Keeping some funds in the form of travellers cheques can also be a good idea, these can be cashed in most banks and often in hotels. You will need your passport to cash these.
Driving in Thailand
If you plan on driving in Thailand while on holiday, you need to have an international drivers permit. You can order these online in most countries.
We have included a button that links to the International Driving Permit website, here you can find out who issues IDPs in your country.
Cell Phones
Check if your cell phone provider has roaming and what kind of fees will occur for receiving or making sms/calls or using data. Some plans have massive fees and will lead to a nasty surprise after your vacation. You can get a travel sim from some providers within your own region or even pick up a local prepaid sim from somewhere like dtac or even 7eleven.
Laptops
Bringing a laptop with you to Thailand is a good way to keep in touch with family, keep up with emails, catch up with some work or do some quick research before heading out on your day. Keep in mind you will need to pass through security and normally remove it from its bag etc, make sure you have a bag where it’s easily accessible. Leaving it in your hotel room is reasonably safe, but like anywhere it’s good to take precautions. Some laptops will fit into a room safe, if not you can lock it in a suitcase when you’re off on your adventures. Back up your data prior to leaving for your holiday and keep a password on your computer while you’re away, just in case.
Cameras
Definitely bring a camera with you, there’s so many new and interesting things you will see in Thailand. Don’t forget the charger and some extra memory cards.
Entertainment devices
Handheld gaming devices or tablets are a must for keeping entertained in airports or on planes. Makes sure you stock up on your favourite shows, movies and music prior to your flights.
Battery Chargers
Pretty self explanatory, don’t forget your chargers. It’s not like you wouldn’t be able to purchase something while in Thailand if you did forget them, but save your money and bring them along.
Travel adapter
Thailand residential voltage is 230V, meaning any devices you intend on bringing with you must be able to operate at this voltage. Most hotels have a variety of universal outlets, but it’s definitely something you shouldn’t rely upon. You should have at the very least one socket adapter, but it’s a good idea to also bring a Multiple outlet board that you can plug it into the adaptor.
Prescription medicine
If you have a pre-exisiting medical condition, it’s a good idea to plan well ahead and find out if you are allowed to carry your particular medication into Thailand. You can get help from travel clinics or you local Thai consular regarding these matters.
Remember in general to keep prescription medication labelled with your name clearly visible on it.
Medicine
Thailand has many pharmacies with english speaking pharmacists, look out for Boots or Fascino pharmacy. Hotel staff will also be more than happy to assist you to find places nearby.
Making yourself a small travel kit with some supplies for if you feel unwell can save you from having to rush out when you feel under the weather. As always it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice on medicine.
Anti-diarrheal: These drugs can help with excessive diarrhoea caused by Traveler’s diarrhea. A common brand is Imodium which contains Loperamide.
Electrolyte drink: These drinks can come in powdered form, which is great for a small travel kit. They help to rehydrate after vomiting or diarrhoea, even if you caught a bit too much sun. Hydralyte is a common brand of powdered electrolyte drink.
Motion sickness: Nausea from motion can be eased with medications such as Dramamine.
Hand sanitizer: use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to be effective.
Sunscreen: You can definitely buy sunscreen in Thailand, but they may not have your preferred brand or type.
Tissues: used for the obvious, but also handy for using as toilet paper while in Thailand as a lot of restrooms will require you to pay for toilet paper.
Mask: You can buy masks in Thailand, it’s just another thing where they may not have your preference, plus it’s good to have some ready to go when you need them. Besides wearing a mask for COVID-19 or influenza requirements, Thailand has days where air quality is low and it’s recommended wearing a mask.
Clothing
Dress for hot humid weather, light and airy is a good way to go.
When visiting temples or places such as the Grand Palace, you are required to wear modest clothing, meaning no singlets or shorts. Often these place will have appropriate attire that they will loan to you.
Formal dining, bars, clubs or executive lounges will also require you to wear appropriate attire, normally similar to business casual and no flip-flops or sandals.
Sunglasses
If you normally wear sunglasses, then these are essential, especially if you will be visiting islands/beaches. Glare from white sandy beaches and sparkling water can make some days unbearable.
Footwear
Footwear should obviously be comfortable to walk in, you will probably find yourself walking a bit more than usual, especially in Bangkok. You will need some going out shoes for any more formal engagements.
Keep this checklist handy while you’re planning your Thailand holiday and most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself.
While you’re in Thailand it’s worth checking out JJ Market in Bangkok. We have written a comprehensive guide to help you shop till you drop!
