£1 THB 43.45
Today
12:29 am
+7h from you
Travel warning
There are regular attacks and active military tensions near the border areas with Malaysia and Cambodia, and travel in the wider region is being disrupted.
Weather & climate
Weather in Thailand
Thailand
36°
Partly cloudy
Thu
29°
36°
Fri
28°
35°
Sat
28°
35°
Sun
28°
35°
Mon
28°
34°
Tue
28°
35°
Wed
28°
34°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Thailand
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 1 blank page.
You can visit Thailand for tourism for up to 60 days without a visa in advance.
This 60-day stay can be extended once for an additional period not exceeding 30 days.
You must complete a digital arrival card online within 3 days before you arrive in Thailand.
You risk fines, detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban if you overstay your visa.
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from a country listed as a transmission risk.
It is illegal to take more than 200 cigarettes into Thailand and doing so may result in a fine or confiscation.
Good to know:
You need a visa before you travel for purposes like work or study.
It is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter if you are a dual national.
Safety in Thailand
Tips when travelling
Thailand is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers in tourist areas as drink spiking and drug-assisted sexual assault occurs.
Carry your valuables securely and beware of motorbike bag-snatchers, especially when using tuk-tuks.
It is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, or similar device in Thailand, which can lead to heavy fines and detention.
Do not hand over your passport as a guarantee to rental businesses like for motorcycles or jet-skis.
Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle as it is required by law.
Bonus tips:
Keep a copy of your passport's photo page with you as police may ask to see it.
Be cautious when swimming, especially during the monsoon season, and always heed red flag warnings on beaches.
More information
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%
Health 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.
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.
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
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.
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
15 GB for 499 THB (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Thailand
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
191
Ambulance
1669
Fire
199
Save 191 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Thailand
Country code
+66
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.
Language in Thailand
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Safety and security
14 days ago
Vehicle hire and insurance
- Motorcycle or scooter hire is now specifically mentioned as a risk in 'tourist areas', replacing the previous term 'beach resorts'.
- New advice clarifies you must check the lease agreement for engine size limits and necessary licences that correspond to your UK driving licence.
Warnings and insurance
14 days ago
Section Structure
- The subsection 'Thailand-Cambodia border' is no longer a separate, repeated entry. Its details are now integrated into the main 'Thailand-Cambodia border' section above.
Border Risk Advice
- The description of the Thailand-Cambodia border situation now states that travel to 'affected border regions should be avoided', which is a new recommendation.
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.