Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers to Thailand
Planning your first trip to Thailand? I’ve been there—and I’ve made the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to. From tech to temples, transportation to Thai etiquette, there are a few things I really wish I had known before stepping off the plane.
Whether you’re staying for a week or making a long-term move, this page has everything I wish someone had told me before I arrived.
Let my journey be your guide.
Section 1: Essential Apps Before You Land
Download these before your flight to make life smoother once you arrive:
• Grab is Thailand’s version of Uber—for both rides and food delivery—and it’s an absolute game-changer. I use it daily as my go-to for meals, and I’m still amazed by how affordable and seamless the experience is. The delivery service is fast, respectful, and incredibly polite. Most of the time, the delivery fee is either free or around $1 USD. And if you tip 100 baht (which is considered generous), that’s only about $3 USD. Trust me—once you try it, you won’t want to go back.
• Bolt is Thailand’s go-to app for getting around—think of it as the local version of Uber, but with even more options. You can book everything from a taxi to a tuk-tuk, but the most popular (and fastest) way to ride is by motorbike.
It’s incredibly affordable. For example, I can take a Bolt car from my place in Laguna all the way down to Patong—a 45-minute ride—for about $11 USD. If I go with a motorbike instead, it’s usually just $4 to $5 USD.
Pro tip: Add your credit card to the app before you land. If you have a card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees, even better. Bolt charges will appear as Bangkok-based transactions on your bank statements.
Curious about what it’s like to ride a motorbike taxi in Thailand? I wrote a full post about the experience—check it out here. It’s definitely one for the memory bank.
Section 2: Exchanging & Accessing Money in Thailand
Getting baht without overpaying on fees is an art form. Here’s what I’ve learned:
• ATMs are everywhere but charge a 220 THB fee (~$6 USD). *When it asks you, would you like us to do the conversion for you? Answer, NO. Answering yes will cost you.
• Currency exchange shops or booths are seemingly pepped somewhere in almost every tourist or beach town. They offer better rates than the airports.
Avoid airport exchange kiosks unless absolutely necessary.
Bonus Tip: Always choose to be charged in THB, not your home currency, when paying by card.
• Cash is still the most common form of payment in Thailand. Many places do not take cards.
• Your iPhone calculator does real time conversion for you!
Section 3: What to Pack (That I Didn't Think Of)
I packed all the “usual” travel stuff, but these are the items I wish someone had told me about before my first trip to Thailand and a couple things that aren't necessary (in case you were wondering).
• Most Thai outlets handle dual voltage, and all of them receive the US plug style, so you won't need a universal adapter.
• Especially if you’re staying in the jungle or remote bungalows; Mosquito Spray – You’ll end up using it way more than sunscreen. Trust me—pack it, or you’ll pay double for it at 7-Eleven.
• Lightweight, Breathable Clothes – Leave the jeans at home. Dry-fit and moisture-wicking fabrics are your best friends. I wear tank tops 90% of the time.
• Flip-Flops or Easy Slip-Ons – You’ll be taking your shoes off constantly—entering temples, homes, even some cafes. Make it easy on yourself.
• VPN – Essential for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi and accessing content from home while abroad. I personally use this VPN service: NORD VPN.
• SIM or eSIM – Grab a local SIM card at the airport (AIS or DTAC are solid choices), or if you're a digital traveler, try eSIM options like Airalo—you can activate them before you land. Data plans are incredibly affordable.
• Bring serious sunscreen! The sun is incredibly strong here, like next level. SPF 50+ (I use Dermalogica, it's on my travel essentials page).