FAQ: Questions about Thailand

Find here the most frequently asked questions when planning a trip to Thailand.

What visa do I need for Thailand?

For stays of fewer than 30 days, most European citizens do not need a visa; for other nationalities, feel free to consult us. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, other types of visas are possible (tourist visa for 60 days extendable to 90 days, double entry visa, 2x 60 days + extension = 180 days, among other categories).

Visa on arrival in Thailand

When arriving in Thailand by air, you receive a "visa" for 30 days; if you arrive by land (or by boat or other means), your "visa" on arrival will also be for 30 days (updated February 2014 for European passports); if you plan a trip to multiple countries, consult us to see the best way to manage your various visas.

Visas for other countries in Southeast Asia

Consult us.

Passport validity

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip.

How do we pay for expenses in Thailand?

In Thailand, take euros in cash to exchange as needed; there's no need to bring US dollars. There are currency exchange bureaus everywhere, so there's no black market. In other countries in Southeast Asia, the use of euros or USD and currency exchange differs; feel free to consult us. Only use your debit or credit card in cases of extreme necessity. In Thailand, there is no chip or PIN security system for cards. Some merchants may charge card payment fees (often 3 to 5% in Thailand). Payment and withdrawal by debit or credit card: before leaving, inform your bank. Check with your bank for the maximum allowed limits (per transaction or per day) for ATM withdrawals and card purchases.

Phones in Thailand

Telephone code for Thailand: (66); Telephone code for France: (33); In Thailand, to call internationally, you need to dial 001 by default; so to call from Thailand to France, dial 001 33, followed by the 9-digit number. It's very convenient to buy a local SIM card to temporarily install on your mobile phone; you can easily receive calls from your guides or driver in case of issues and inform your friends and family of your temporary number in case of emergency.

Health and vaccinations

Basic health precautions (up-to-date vaccinations for DTP-polio); except for special cases and after consultation with a specialized doctor, no rabies vaccination or other vaccination against Japanese encephalitis or others is mandatory. Malaria treatment is unnecessary in most cases; bring locally purchased repellents. During the rainy season, there's an increase in dengue cases. Mosquitoes are particularly active at dusk, so avoid unnecessary exposure or unprotected exposure in the early evening. There is no need to carry a first-aid kit, as basic medicines are available in supermarkets. However, bring your personal and specific medications. Some categories of medications require precautions. Note that while ''sanitary napkins'' are easily found in Thailand, ''Tampax''-type protections are scarce (so pack them in your suitcase). Hospitals are of good quality, including small rural clinics, which provide basic care quickly, efficiently, and affordably. In case of trouble, don't hesitate to consult, and ask your guide to accompany you.

What type of electrical socket is found in Thailand?

The electrical sockets are of the FR UK US 220V 50Hz dual standard; there is no need to bring an electrical socket adapter.

What to pack?

Travel as lightly as possible, wearing clothes that are easy to wash and dry. It's easy to wash clothes everywhere locally, at street laundries, and much cheaper than hotel laundry services. Ask your guide or driver for advice. Shoes: Pack a pair of open sandals and a pair of water-resistant sports shoes for forest walks; for daily wear, use slip-on shoes rather than lace-up shoes. You'll often have to take off your shoes to enter temples and houses. Avoid traveling with valuables (jewelry, expensive necklaces, watches, etc.) or the latest model cell phone. Avoid bringing laptops and other non-pocket electronic devices that you'll need to constantly monitor without being able to secure them in your room. Be cautious of air conditioning, often turned up to the maximum in transportation by train or bus, especially when traveling with young children. So remember to bring at least one warm sweater and a scarf. Make copies of all your important documents (passports, plane tickets, etc.), either as photocopies or on a USB stick; in case of loss or theft of your passport, the procedures in Thailand are lengthy and require being in Bangkok or a major city before you can leave the country with a temporary document.

Driving in Thailand

If you plan to rent a car locally, don't forget to get an international driver's license before leaving. Also, bring your national driver's license, as the international driver's license must be presented along with it during a check. It's reminded that to ride a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand, regardless of the engine size, the international motorcycle license (and therefore also the national license) is legally required. The French ''car'' driver's license does not allow you to ride a small-engine motorcycle, as in France. Note that in Thailand, there's no individual motorcycle insurance, only third-party insurance. Unless you have expressly taken the precaution of subscribing to special insurance before traveling, you would not be covered in case of a serious accident involving a third party.