£1 THB 43.58
Today
11:01 am
+7h from you
Travel warning
There are violent conflicts near the borders with Malaysia and Cambodia, and tensions there have closed some tourist sites and could affect travel plans.
Weather in Thailand
Thailand
35°
Partly cloudy
Wed
28
35
Thu
27
35
Fri
27
35
Sat
27
35
Sun
27
35
SPF level in Thailand
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Thailand
Language in Thailand
Tipping in Thailand
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. While not always expected, small tips are generally appreciated, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurant
10-15% for good service, or round up the bill.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave small change.
Taxi
Round up the fare or give a small tip for good service.
Hotel Porter
20-50 THB per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 THB per day.
Tour Guide
100-300 THB per day, depending on the quality of the tour.
Safety in Thailand
Tips for British travellers
Thailand is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not hand over your passport as a guarantee, such as to motorcycle or jet-ski rental companies, as they may keep it for claimed damage.
Never leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers in tourist areas to avoid drink spiking.
Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, as it is required by law.
Only carry a copy of your passport photo page, as police may ask to see it and you could be asked to produce the original within 24 hours.
Check that a dive operator has good credentials and safety equipment before scuba diving.
Bonus tips:
Be aware that alcoholic drinks served in bars are often stronger than in the UK.
It is illegal to smoke in public places and you could be fined up to 5,000 baht.
Driving in Thailand
A UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
191
Ambulance
1669
Fire
199
Save 191 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Thailand
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Plug types A, B, C, and O are used. UK travellers will likely need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. Smaller shops, markets, and street vendors usually prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
ATMs in Thailand
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. You may find fewer ATMs in rural areas and on smaller islands.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards. Be aware of transaction fees charged by your bank and the local ATM provider. Look for ATMs affiliated with major banks for potentially lower fees. Always be vigilant against skimming devices.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming rules no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Thailand. Rates can be significantly higher than using a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
15 GB for 499 THB (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
AIS, TrueMove H, dtac
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, especially in tourist areas. Speeds can vary.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also a reliable option, and local SIM cards with data packages are readily available.
Health & vaccinations in Thailand
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as health care in Thailand can be expensive. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Thailand.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention before traveling to Thailand. Dengue fever is also a risk, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Be aware of food and water hygiene to avoid traveller's diarrhea.
Calling Thailand
Country code
+66
To call Thailand from the UK, dial 001 66 followed by the local number without the leading zero.
To call the British Embassy in Bangkok from the UK, you would dial 001 66 2 305 8333.
Thailand's country code is 66. When calling Thailand from abroad, you will usually need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 66, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Thailand
British Embassy Bangkok
14 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
Airports in Thailand
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.