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5,923 mi away
£1 THB 43.90
Today
6:22 pm
+7h from you
Travel warning
There's serious violence near the border with Malaysia, and there's fighting with rockets along the Cambodia border, making those specific areas very dangerous.
Weather & climate
Weather in Thailand
Thailand
34°
Moderate drizzle
Sat
26°
34°
Sun
25°
34°
Mon
27°
32°
Tue
27°
32°
Wed
27°
32°
Thu
27°
31°
Fri
27°
33°
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:
Carry your valuables and cash securely and beware of bag-snatchers on motorbikes.
Do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers to avoid drink spiking.
Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, as it is the law.
It is illegal to smoke in public and to possess or use any vape or e-cigarette in Thailand.
Take care when swimming off coastal areas and always follow warning signs and lifeguard instructions.
Bonus tips:
Avoid sleeping on buses and trains as people have had items taken from their bags while asleep.
The sale of alcohol is restricted between midnight and 11am in most public places.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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
Thai(primary)
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Airports in Thailand
Beaches in Thailand
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can typically enter Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may need to show proof of onward travel.
It is generally not safe to drink tap water in Thailand. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for drinking and brushing your teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it is made from purified water.
Be wary of gem scams, where you are pressured to buy supposedly valuable gems. Avoid overly friendly strangers offering tours or special deals. Always negotiate taxi fares in advance or insist on using the meter.
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool, dry season from November to early April. The weather is generally sunny and pleasant during these months, making it ideal for exploring the country's attractions.
Thailand is a relatively conservative country, and it's important to dress respectfully, especially when visiting temples. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. In general, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate.
Learning a few basic Thai phrases can enhance your travel experience. 'Sawasdee' (hello/goodbye), 'khop khun' (thank you), and 'tao rai' (how much) are useful phrases to know. Locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language.
Renting a scooter can be a convenient way to get around, but it can also be risky. Ensure you have a valid international driving permit and appropriate insurance. Always wear a helmet and be aware of local traffic conditions. Accidents are common, and medical treatment can be expensive.
Thai cuisine is world-renowned, and there are many delicious dishes to sample. Some popular options include Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Green Curry, Tom Yum soup (hot and sour soup), and Mango Sticky Rice. Be sure to try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
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.