Thailand is very tourist-friendly, and despite the language barrier, fairly easy to navigate. Here are a few basic things to know before you go so your trip can be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. How to Pay
Always carry cash. Many places, especially restaurants and taxis, don’t accept credit cards. I recommend withdrawing a few thousand baht (around $100 USD) when you arrive. It’s best to use airport ATMs when possible since those tend to be more protected from skimmers.
2. How to Tip
Tipping culture in Thailand is much more relaxed compared to the United States. Although not expected, tipping your server or cab driver is definitely appreciated and a little bit goes a long way. If you do leave a tip, it’s typical to just round up to the nearest bill and let them keep the change.
3. What to Wear
Thailand is very hot and humid, so avoid wearing heavy materials like denim and opt for something more breathable like linen or cotton. I wore jeans on my first day in Thailand, and by the afternoon, I had already changed into elephant pants I bought from a street vendor. In metropolitan areas, people tend to dress modestly, and loose, flowy clothing is the norm. The beach towns of southern Thailand are far more casual, and swimsuits, sarongs, and other beachwear are common.
If you plan to visit the temples in Thailand, be aware that many of them have a dress code and require guests to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don’t have anything suitable, there are usually sarongs and/or t-shirts for sale near the entrance to the temple.
4. How to Deal with Bugs
Be aware of bugs. Like any other tropical climate, Thailand has a ton of bugs, especially mosquitoes. Pack a strong bug spray and use it frequently, even if you are wearing long sleeves. Some hotels provide mosquito nets; regardless, you should avoid leaving your doors and windows open at night.
Although malaria is present in Thailand, it’s not a major concern in tourist areas. It mainly exists in rural areas near the borders of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Check the CDC guidelines for the latest information before you leave on your trip.
5. How to Get Around
I found that the easiest way to get around Thai cities is by using an app called Grab. It’s essentially the Southeast Asian version of Uber or Lyft, and is very affordable. The cost of the ride is set in advance, so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged. It gives you the option to pay with either cash or card.
Taxis in Thailand are easy to find and usually pretty cheap. If you take a taxi, always make sure the meter is on when you start the ride to avoid getting ripped off. If your hotel or hostel can arrange a cab for you, you are far less likely to get scammed than if you find one on your own. You’ll almost always need to pay your driver in cash and it’ll be easiest for everyone if you have close to the exact change.
Tuktuks, which are three-wheeled motorized rickshaws, are all over the tourist areas of Thailand and you will undoubtedly be offered a ride – multiple times. They are fun to experience once or twice but are notably more expensive than taking a taxi or Grab.
6. How to Stay Safe
Thailand is generally safe, even for solo female travelers. Like anywhere, you should always be aware of your surroundings, and watch for pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially at night and in crowded areas. There are tourist scams that can result in your having to spend a few extra dollars. The most common is cab drivers charging too much, either by not running the meter or shortchanging you during the payment.
7. How to Discuss the Royal Family
Thailand does have royal family and photos of the King, Rama X, are all over Bangkok. Do not speak poorly about the royal family. It is illegal to insult, defame, or threaten the monarchy in Thailand and can result in prison time.
8. Don't Drink the Tap Water
Do NOT drink the tap water in Thailand. It is known to have heavy metals and bacteria and even the locals don’t drink it most of the time. Some people say it’s fine to brush your teeth with, but I still wouldn’t risk it. Stick to bottled water or bring a water purifier. Avoid boiling the water unless it’s your last resort; even though it kills bacteria, it doesn’t remove heavy metals.
Ice is usually fine as long as it comes from a factory rather than the tap. A hole in the middle of an ice cube means it was made in a factory with distilled water and therefore safe for consumption. This is what you will usually find at restaurants. Ice machines also tend to be safe.
You should also be careful with raw fruits and vegetables, especially at street markets. Sometimes they’re completely fine, but they could also make you sick if they were cleaned with tap water.
That’s it! I hope you enjoy Thailand as much as I did and that these eight tips help you navigate some of the unknowns of visiting a new country.
