First-Timer's Guide to Thailand: Essential Travel Tips

A first trip to Thailand is easier than many people expect: transport works well, tourism is well organised and people are welcoming. These practical tips cover the things first-timers most often wish they had known before landing.

Money, cards and ATMs

• The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cash is still essential for street food, markets, local transport and tips.
• Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but smaller places may add a surcharge or take cash only.
• ATMs are everywhere, and most charge foreign cards a fixed fee per withdrawal, so take out larger sums less often.
• If a machine or terminal offers to bill you in your home currency, pick baht to avoid a poor exchange rate.
• Exchange booths in town usually beat airport rates; change just enough on arrival for the journey in.

Plugs and power

Thailand runs on 220–230V at 50Hz. Most sockets take both flat two-pin and round two-pin plugs, often in the same outlet. Travellers from the UK, Ireland or Australia will need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage, but check hair dryers and straighteners before you plug them in.

Tipping

Tipping isn't part of everyday Thai life, but it is welcome in tourist areas. Rounding up a taxi fare, leaving small change at a casual restaurant and giving 50–100 baht after a massage are all common. Hotel porters and tour guides appreciate a small tip too. Glance at restaurant bills first, as some already include a service charge.

Apps to download before you fly

• Grab and Bolt: ride-hailing, plus food delivery on Grab
• Google Maps: walking routes, public transport and restaurant searches
• Google Translate: download Thai for offline use and try the camera feature on menus and signs
• A weather app with radar: useful in the rainy season
• Your bank's app: to freeze a card or check foreign transaction fees

Etiquette in a nutshell

• Dress modestly for temples and take your shoes off before going inside.
• Don't touch people's heads or point your feet at anyone.
• Avoid any negative remarks about the royal family.
• Stay patient and polite when things go wrong; a calm request gets far more help than a raised voice.
• Learn "sawasdee" (hello) and "khop khun" (thank you), adding "khrap" if you're a man or "kha" if you're a woman.

Your first hours after landing

1. 1Once you land, switch on your HelloSIM line, choose it for mobile data and turn on Data Roaming for that line; keep data roaming off on your home line.
2. 2Withdraw or exchange a modest amount of baht for transport and snacks.
3. 3Head into town by rail link, the official taxi queue or a ride-app pick-up point, never with touts.
4. 4Have your accommodation's address saved in Thai to show drivers.
5. 5Stock up on water and snacks at a convenience store; you'll find them open late on almost every street.
6. 6Take day one easy; heat and jet lag catch up with most people.

Stay connected in Thailand

From ordering a ride at the airport to translating menus and finding your way back to the hotel, mobile data is what makes a first trip feel easy. A HelloSIM eSIM is data-only, so your WhatsApp and home number stay the same; install it at home over Wi-Fi, and it connects once you arrive. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries too, an Asia Pacific regional plan may suit your route better.