Kayiwa · · 4 min read
Thailand is one of the easiest countries in Asia to travel, and that is exactly why first-timers get caught out. A handful of small mistakes, each easy to avoid, account for most of the wasted money, lost time and ruined afternoons. These are the fifteen I see most, with what to do instead.
Before you fly
1. Planning around 60 days
Thailand’s visa-free stay for US, UK and EU passports was 60 days until 14 September 2026. Since 15 September it is 30 days, for tourism only. Count from the day you arrive. The full details, including extensions and the land-border limit, are in what changed for visas in September 2026.
2. Skipping the arrival card, or paying for it
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card replaced the paper form. Submit it online at tdac.immigration.go.th within three days before you arrive and save the QR code. It is free. Plenty of other sites charge for it and they are not the official one.
3. Forgetting passport validity
Thailand generally expects at least six months left on your passport when you arrive. Check it before you book.
Money
4. Taking a taxi from the airport
The Airport Rail Link into Bangkok is 45 baht, around $1.30. A taxi is 400 baht or more. That one decision, made on the way in and the way out, can pay for a night of accommodation.
5. Withdrawing small amounts from ATMs
ATMs charge 220 baht for every foreign withdrawal, which is punitive. Take the maximum each time, and do it less often. Cards work in malls and chains, but not at street stalls.
6. Expecting to pay by card at street food stalls
Street food is cash only. Carry small notes and coins. The full price breakdown is in how much a day in Bangkok costs.
Getting around
7. Getting in a taxi without a meter
Metered taxis are fine if the driver agrees to use the meter. If he will not, walk away and find another.
8. Not using Grab or Bolt
Grab covers cars and motorbike taxis, and Bolt is often cheaper in Bangkok. You see the fare before you ride, which avoids arguments.
9. Believing “the temple is closed”
A friendly stranger or tuk-tuk driver tells you the temple is closed for a ceremony and offers a cheap tour instead. It ends at shops that pay him commission. Ignore it, and walk to the official entrance yourself.
10. Renting a scooter or jet ski without photographing it
Some operators point to old scratches and demand payment, sometimes while holding your passport. Rent from a reputable shop, photograph every mark before you leave, and never hand over your passport as a deposit.
Health
11. Drinking the tap water
Do not drink it. Refill stations are everywhere, usually 1 to 2 baht a litre, and most guesthouses have one. Bottled water is cheap too.
12. Forgetting mosquito repellent
Dengue is a real, year-round risk in the cities, and repellent matters more than malaria tablets, which most travelers do not need here. Wear long trousers in the evening and use repellent. Check TravelHealthPro or the CDC for current advice, and the street food guide covers the food side.
Manners
13. Touching heads and pointing feet
Never touch anyone’s head, never point your feet at a person or a Buddha image, and take your shoes off when the pile by the door tells you to. Dress modestly at temples, with shoulders and knees covered.
14. Joking about the monarchy
Criticism of the monarchy is a criminal offence in Thailand. Keep jokes about it to yourself, in person and online.
15. Worrying about tipping
Tipping is not expected in Thailand. Rounding up or leaving small change in a restaurant is appreciated, but nobody will be offended if you do not.
One number to save
The Tourist Police number is 1155. Save it in your phone before you land.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip in Thailand?
Tipping is not expected. Leaving small change or rounding up in a restaurant is a kind gesture, and no one expects it at street stalls.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Thailand?
No. Drink bottled or refill-station water. Refills are usually 1 to 2 baht a litre.
Should I get a SIM card or an eSIM for Thailand?
A tourist SIM from AIS or TrueMove at the airport is roughly $8 to 12 for 15 to 30 days with plenty of data. You need your passport. Pick whichever suits your phone.
How much cash should I carry in Thailand?
Enough for street food, taxis and small shops, because many places are cash only. ATMs charge 220 baht per foreign withdrawal, so withdraw larger amounts less often.
Is Grab or a taxi better in Bangkok?
Grab or Bolt shows the fare in advance. Metered taxis are fine if the driver uses the meter.
Sources
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (official)
- Pattaya Mail: TAT advice for visitors
- Kayiwa Craves Thailand guide
Information checked in October 2026. Rules, fees and prices change, so confirm anything important before you travel.