🇹🇭Thailand
Travel Risk Intelligence · Updated regularly
Thailand Digital Travel Overview
Grab Dominance
Grab is the super-app for rides, food delivery, and payments. Essential for getting around. Accepts international cards.
PromptPay QR
Thailand's national QR payment system. Most vendors display PromptPay QR codes. Tourists can't easily use it — requires Thai bank account.
Tourist-Friendly
Thailand is very tourist-friendly. English widely spoken in tourist areas. Cash and international cards work at most places. LINE app used for local communication.
Essential Apps for Thailand
Grab
CriticalRides, food delivery, payments. Accepts international cards. Essential for transport.
LINE
High PriorityThailand's primary messaging app. Businesses and locals use LINE more than WhatsApp.
Google Maps
CriticalReliable navigation. Shows BTS/MRT routes and walking directions.
Bolt
High PriorityRide-hailing alternative to Grab. Often cheaper. Good coverage in Bangkok.
Foodpanda
MediumFood delivery. Wide restaurant selection. Accepts international cards.
Google Translate
MediumCamera translation for Thai script. Download Thai offline pack.
Payment Guide for Thailand
Cash is King
International Cards
PromptPay
ATMs
Transport in Thailand
Grab/Bolt
Primary transport in cities. Cheaper and safer than street taxis. Fixed prices, no meter scams. Accept international cards.
BTS/MRT (Bangkok)
Skytrain (BTS) and Metro (MRT) cover central Bangkok. Buy single tickets or Rabbit Card (BTS) / MRT card. Not interchangeable.
Tuk-tuks
Fun but negotiate price BEFORE riding. Common tourist scam: driver offers 'free' ride then takes you to gem/suit shops. Agree on destination and price.
Songthaews & Boats
Shared trucks (songthaews) and river boats are cheap local transport. Fixed routes. Pay when exiting.
SIM & Connectivity in Thailand
Tourist SIM
Buy at airport arrivals — AIS, DTAC, TrueMove. Tourist packages from ฿299 for 7-15 days with data + calls. Passport required.
eSIM
AIS and DTAC offer eSIM. International providers (Airalo, Holafly) also work well.
WiFi
Excellent free WiFi at malls, cafes, 7-Eleven. Hotels have good WiFi. Less reliable in islands.
Coverage
4G excellent in cities and tourist areas. Islands and remote north may have spotty coverage.
Tickets & Bookings in Thailand
Temples
Most temples free or ฿20-100 entry. Grand Palace is ฿500. No advance booking needed except popular cooking classes.
Island Transport
Ferry tickets via 12go.asia or at piers. Book popular routes (Surat Thani to Koh Samui) in advance during peak season.
Train
Book via 12go.asia or at Hua Lamphong station. Sleeper trains to Chiang Mai popular — book 2+ weeks ahead.
Shows & Events
Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium, Full Moon Party — some events require advance tickets.
Common Mistakes in Thailand
Avoid these common pitfalls to save time and frustration.
Not Negotiating Tuk-tuk Price
High RiskAlways agree on price before riding. 'Free' rides lead to shopping scams.
Disrespecting the Monarchy
CriticalLèse-majesté laws are strict. Never disrespect the King or royal family. Even stepping on a coin (has King's face) is offensive.
ATM Fee Surprise
MediumAll Thai ATMs charge ฿220 per foreign withdrawal. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.
Inappropriate Temple Dress
High RiskTemples require covered shoulders and knees. Many offer wraps but some turn you away.
Taxi Meter Scams
MediumAlways insist on meter for taxis. If driver refuses, get another taxi. Or use Grab.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Thailand
Complete these before your trip.
Digital Setup
Documents
Money
Cultural
FAQ — Thailand
Answers to the most common questions.
Many nationalities get 30-60 day visa exemption. Check with Thai embassy. Extensions possible at immigration offices.
Generally very safe for tourists. Petty theft in tourist areas. Use common sense. Scams more common than violent crime.
Yes! Thai street food is excellent and generally safe. Look for busy stalls with high turnover.
Recommended Tools
Travel Money Card
Spend abroad without hidden fees
Having a second payment method from a different provider is the most reliable way to avoid being stranded without money abroad.
- Real exchange rate, no markup
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- Instant card freeze if lost
May contain affiliate links.
May contain affiliate links.
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