Thailand – the “Land of Smiles” – is a welcoming, vibrant country famed for its cities, culture and beaches. In fact, it’s often cited as “one of the safest countries in southeast Asia for travelers”. Now that your Thai visa is approved, your adventure truly begins. Before you go, learn key tips on money, transport, culture, safety and immigration to make the most of your trip. Whether you secured a visa through Visa Centre Australia or another provider, this guide will help you navigate every part of your Thailand journey.

Money & Currency

Thai Baht (THB): Thailand’s currency is the baht. You can exchange foreign currency (e.g. AUD) in banks or authorized changers in cities and tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and most hotels/restaurants accept major credit cards. However, carry some cash for markets, taxis and street vendors.
Safe Exchange: Only use official money changers or bank ATMs. Avoid on-the-street exchangers and always check notes for damage or counterfeits. Keep passports or ID handy when exchanging large amounts, as required by law.
Card Skimming: Beware of ATM scams – skimming devices are reported. Use ATMs in bank lobbies or shopping malls, cover your PIN, and regularly check bank statements. Carry only the cards/cash you need each day, and separate backup funds (for example, keep one credit card and some cash in a secure, hidden pouch).

Transportation in Thailand

Thailand’s transport options are plentiful, especially in big cities. Bangkok has modern rail systems: the elevated BTS Skytrain and underground MRT subway. These run every few minutes and connect major areas – as one guide notes, the BTS is an “easy and efficient way to move between busy areas”. Using the Skytrain or subway lets you bypass Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams and quickly reach places like the Sukhumvit shopping district or Silom business area.

Taxis and Tuk-Tuks: Metered taxis (usually orange or green) are abundant and air-conditioned. Official taxis display a driver ID card on the dashboard. Always insist on using the meter. Tuk-tuks (3-wheelers) are iconic and fun for short rides, but note they are more expensive per km than taxis. Expect roughly 80–150 THB for a short tuk-tuk ride. If you do take a tuk-tuk, agree on a price first or be prepared to negotiate – drivers often charge tourists more. Ride-sharing apps (Grab is popular) work well: just double-check the car’s license plate and driver name before you hop in. For any unmetered taxi, tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi, agree on the fare before starting the ride.

Other Local Travel: Cheap local buses run everywhere, though they can be slow and crowding. In provinces and smaller cities (like Chiang Mai), you’ll see songthaews – red pickup trucks with bench seats – which charge a flat fare for a route. Motorcycle taxis are plentiful for short distances (and cheaper than taxis) – they zip through traffic but ride with one person on the back, often with no helmet (wear one if you can). Finally, Thailand is well-connected by domestic flights (AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai VietJet etc.) for travel between cities, and overnight trains/buses offer budget travel to Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya and beyond.

Language & Culture Etiquette

Basic Thai: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Thai words goes a long way. Greet people with “Sawasdee” (hello/goodbye) and add “krub” (for men) or “ka” (for women) to show respect. For example, “thank you” is “khop khun krub/ka”. Thai people will appreciate even simple effort, and using polite particles helps smooth interactions.
Wai Greeting: Thais commonly use the wai (palms together, slight bow) to greet and show respect. Return a wai if someone greets you. Children usually wai older people first, who may respond without bowing.
Respect and Modesty: In Thailand, courtesy is prized. Never raise your voice or show anger in public – maintain a calm tone. Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites: cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats. You’ll notice shoe racks at temple or home entrances – always remove your shoes before entering. Inappropriate attire (e.g. sleeveless tops or short shorts at temples) can deny you entry.
Do’s and Don’ts: Never touch anyone’s head or hair (the head is sacred) and avoid pointing your feet at people or sacred objects – feet are considered the lowest, “dirtiest” part of the body. Don’t put your feet up on tables or chairs, or wave to someone with your foot. Also, Thais have deep respect for the monarchy and Buddha – avoid any disrespect. For example, stand in silence if you happen to hear the national anthem in public, and never touch or climb on Buddha statues.
Royal Family: Thais hold their royal family in extremely high regard. Never make negative or humorous comments about the King or royal symbols – such acts are against the law and very offensive.

Food & Drink

Thai cuisine is a major highlight of any trip. Street food stalls and markets serve delicious dishes: don’t miss pad Thai (noodles), gaeng keow wan (green curry), tom yum soup, or mango sticky rice for dessert. Thai food often uses chili, garlic, and fish sauce (fermented anchovies), so specify “mai phet” (not spicy) or “khong mai sai naam bpla” (no fish sauce) if you have preferences or allergies. Eat where locals queue – busy stalls mean turnover and fresher food.

Safe Eating: Stick to freshly cooked foods and eat at places that look clean. Raw salads and undercooked meats carry higher risk. “Avoid tap water in Thailand; drink bottled or filtered water,” advises local health guides. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth, and be cautious with ice – only use ice if you know it’s from purified water. Fruit juices and shakes are refreshing, but ensure they use clean ice or drink from fruit where the peel is removed.
Street Food: Trying street food is part of the fun, but make smart choices. Look for high-turnover stalls (people eating means the food is freshly made). Sanitization: Carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating. If you have a sensitive stomach, consider taking an anti-diarrheal medicine along. A mild tourist stomach can happen to anyone – just keep hydrated.
Tipping: Tipping isn’t required, but is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving small change or rounding up the bill is a kind gesture. Hotel porters typically expect 20–50 THB per bag. For taxis, you can round up or add 10–20 THB to cover luggage help.

Safety & Health

Thailand is generally safe, but common-sense precautions go a long way.

Petty Theft: Incidents of pickpocketing or bag-snatching do occur in crowded areas. Australian travel advice notes that “money and passports have been stolen from hostel rooms and from bags on public transport”. To reduce risk, never leave valuables unattended. Keep cameras, phones and wallets in a front bag. Consider a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and cash. If you store luggage under buses or trains, be cautious – use locks on suitcases and keep important items in your carry-on. Tourist police (dial 1155) are available if you need help.
Scams: Be aware of common tourist scams. These include tuk-tuk drivers offering very cheap city tours that end at overpriced shops, gem sellers with “too-good-to-be-true” deals, or unofficial travel “agents” promising cheap tickets. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Use reputable tour operators, and always agree on prices in advance for tuk-tuks, taxis and tours.
Emergencies: Note emergency numbers – dial 191 for police or 1155 for the Tourist Police. For medical emergencies, Bangkok’s number is 1724 (elsewhere, 1669 for ambulance). It’s wise to save these on your phone and know your hotel’s address (Thai hotels can provide an English-labeled address card).
Health: Travel insurance is strongly recommended (with cover for health care and evacuation). U.S. and Australian authorities urge travelers to buy a comprehensive policy before departure. Vaccinations: Check that routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.) are up-to-date. Thailand has some risk of dengue (mosquito-borne fever), so use insect repellent and consider long sleeves/pants at dusk in jungle or rural areas. Thailand has modern clinics and hospitals in Bangkok/Phuket; always seek prompt medical help if injured or ill.
Sun & Heat: Thailand’s sun can be intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat and stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion can happen to anyone, so drink plenty of safe fluids and take breaks in shade or air-conditioning.

Immigration Checks & Entry Requirements

When you arrive in Thailand, have your documents ready. An immigration officer will check your passport, visa approval and stamping forms. Tickets/Funds: You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Keep copies or photos of these documents handy (many airlines check before boarding).

Entry Stamp: Make sure you receive your official entry stamp from the immigration officer. Do not get visas or stamps from unofficial agencies – altered or fake entry stamps are a serious offense that can lead to fines, imprisonment or deportation. The date on your stamp is your legal entry date, even if your visa sticker says otherwise.
Visa Duration: Note the number of days allowed by your stamp. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at a local immigration office well before expiry. Overstaying is penalized harshly: even accidentally overstaying by a day can lead to fines, detention, and bans (1–10 years) on re-entry. Always double-check your permitted stay and plan your exit accordingly.
Registration: If you plan to stay continuously in Thailand beyond 90 days, the law requires you to report your address to immigration every 90 days. Most hotels can help you with this if needed.

By following these tips, you can focus on enjoying Thailand’s wonders instead of worrying about logistics. In summary, keep your travel documents secure, respect local customs, and make smart choices on transport, money and health. With your visa in hand (for example, applied through Visa Centre Au), you are now ready for the journey. Have a fantastic trip – safe travels and sawasdee krub/ka!

Thailand Travel Tips for Holidaymakers