Bangkok

Visa-free stay is now 30 days

From 15 September 2026, visa-exempt tourists from about 60 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU) get 30 days, down from 60. One extension can be requested from Thai immigration.

Fill in the TDAC before you fly

Every foreign visitor must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival. It's free on the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th; skip look-alike sites that charge a fee.

Passport validity and proof of funds

Your passport needs 6 months left and a blank page. Immigration may ask for an onward ticket and 10,000 baht per person (20,000 per family).

No tourist entry fee yet

The planned 300-baht tourism fee had no start date as of mid-2026. If it starts, it's expected to be added to air fares or the TDAC, not paid at immigration.

ATMs charge foreign cards 220 baht

Most Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 baht per withdrawal (AEON about 150). Take out larger amounts less often and always choose to be charged in baht.

Tipping is optional

Not expected at street stalls or where a 10% service charge is on the bill. Otherwise 5-10% at sit-down restaurants, round up taxis, and 50-100 baht after a massage.

Plugs and voltage

220V, 50Hz. Most sockets take Type A, B and C plugs. Check your chargers say 100-240V.

Temple and Grand Palace dress code

Cover shoulders and knees at temples. At the Grand Palace no shorts or sleeveless tops. Take your shoes off before entering temple halls.

Respect the monarchy

Criticising the royal family, even in a shared post, can bring a long prison sentence. Never deface royal images, including on banknotes.

Vapes are illegal

Owning or using any vape or e-cigarette is illegal, with fines of 5,000-30,000 baht and possible detention. There's no tourist exemption.

Cannabis now needs a prescription

Since 23 June 2025, buying or using cannabis flower needs a Thai medical prescription. Recreational use is illegal again.

"Grand Palace is closed today"

Friendly strangers near the palace may say it's closed and wave you into a cheap tuk-tuk tour that ends at gem or tailor shops. Ignore unsolicited help and check opening hours yourself.

Taxis, Grab and the metro

Insist on the meter in taxis; walk away from flat-fare quotes. Grab and Bolt show the price upfront. The MRT takes contactless Visa and Mastercard; the BTS Skytrain still needs a Rabbit card or a single ticket.

Dengue and mosquitoes

Dengue is around all year and peaks in the rainy season (about June to October). Use repellent, especially in the daytime. Ambulance: dial 1669.

Street food and water

Pick busy stalls that cook to order and serve it hot. Drink bottled or filtered water: the tap water is treated, but old building pipes can contaminate it.

Beat the heat

Highs are 32-36°C all year. Sightsee in the mornings, drink lots of water, and check the AQI in the dry season if you have asthma.