Thailand, Cool & Dry
A curated packing list for your trip between Bangkok tuk-tuk traffic, Chiang Mai hill-tribe markets, and the Andaman beaches. Built for tropical heat, surprisingly cool nights up north, and the casual elegance of long Thai evenings.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free 60 days, TDAC required
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, EU, and most other tourists get 60 days visa-free, extendable once for 30 (90 total). Every visitor must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. Passport must be valid 6+ months with one blank page. The 60-day exemption is under review and may be reduced; check official sources before booking.
Cash for street food, cards in cities
Card acceptance is strong in malls, hotels, and chain restaurants. Markets, street food, tuk-tuks, and small shops are cash-only. ATMs charge a flat 220 THB (~$6.50 USD) fee for foreign cards, with 20,000-30,000 THB max per withdrawal, so pull the maximum each time.
TAGTHAi Easy Pay for tourist QR
PromptPay (the local QR system) requires a Thai bank account. As a workaround for tourists, TAGTHAi Easy Pay launched in March 2025 in partnership with Kasikorn Bank, letting visitors load and pay with QR. Useful at smaller vendors that prefer QR over cards.
Tipping is appreciated, not expected
Round up your tuk-tuk fare. Leave 20-40 THB at casual restaurants, 10% at upscale spots if no service charge is included. Hotel housekeeping appreciates a 20-50 THB note. Cash tips travel directly; card tips often do not.
Modest dress at temples
Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off at the entrance, no public displays of affection. The Grand Palace and many wats refuse entry to anyone in shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts. A scarf and a sarong each earn their place in your bag.
Universal sockets at 220V
Thai outlets accept Type A, B, C, F, and the local Type O. UK Type G plugs do not fit and need an adapter. Voltage is 220V/50Hz: most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers handle it; single-voltage US-only hair tools will burn out without a step-down converter.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Lightweight, breathable, modest layer for temples. Linen and cotton beat synthetics in the humidity.
Shoes
You take them off a hundred times at temples and homes. Slip-on saves real time.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies are excellent and cheap. Pack travel sizes; restock at any 7-Eleven.
Health & Medications
Stomach bugs and bites are the everyday risks. Bring more than you think.
Documents & Money
TDAC must be on file before you board. Cash + cards everywhere.
Tech & Electronics
Universal sockets accept Type A/B/C/F. UK travelers need an adapter.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel boats, tuk-tuks, and Chiang Mai alleys better than wheels.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights, longer ferry rides. Stay fed and entertained.
Weather & Climate Gear
The sun is intense even in dry season. A surprise downpour is always one cloud away.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Temples, beaches, and night markets each have their own dress code.
Safety & Precautions
Thailand is broadly safe; tourist scams (gem shops, jet ski deposits, "closed temple" tuk-tuks) are the recurring annoyance.