Arriving in Thailand require a passport valid for at least 6 months, completing mandatory TDAC – Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before for an QR code and potentially showing proof of funds (20k baht/person) in cash if asked but rarely checked and proof of onward ticket.
Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand—whether by air, land, or sea—are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to arrival. This digital form replaces the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival card and is mandatory for tourists, business travelers, and long-term residents alike.
You can apply for TDAC – Thailand Digital Arrival Card on the official website here: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
The TDAC is free of charge when submitted through the official website.
U.S. passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. You can extend your stay once for an additional of 30 days at a Thai immigration office bringing your total stay to 90 days from your entry date.
If you overstay your visa, you’ll need to pay a fine before you can leave. You could also be banned from re-entering Thailand or arrested.
There are two international airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Confirm which airport you are departing from to avoid missing your flight.
If transiting in Bangkok, ensure your connecting flight is booked for the same airport, and on the same itinerary and ticket.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit is during the cool and dry season from November to February, when the weather is pleasant across most of the country. Thailand’s green season (June-October) has smaller crowds and still lush landscapes.
Rideshare apps in Thailand
The main rideshare apps in Thailand are Grab, Bolt, and inDrive, with Grab being the most comprehensive (cars, bikes, food), Bolt often cheaper, and inDrive allowing you to propose fares. Grab is the most popular and widely used ride-hailing app in Thailand. It operates in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, offering services such as car rides, motorbike taxis, food delivery, and even grocery delivery. Grab is a convenient and often safer alternative to negotiating fares with traditional taxis or tuk-tuks. You can pay through the app using a credit card or cash. While other apps like Bolt and inDrive are emerging in some areas, Grab remains the most reliable for tourist.
If you prefer a faster transfer you can use transfer services that are reliable and are at your disposition at the arrival airport. GetTransfers website help you schedule your pick up ahead of time and you can enter the date and time of your arrival and also the vehicle class you like. Once your request is live, local independent drivers and transport companies review your itinerary. Instead of a single automated price, multiple drivers will reply with their own competitive bids. This marketplace dynamic often drives prices lower than standard local taxi rates. You retain full control over who you ride with. You can review all incoming offers and compare them based on:
Vehicle Details: The exact make, model, and actual photos of the vehicle you will be riding
Final Price: The total cost, which includes all standard tolls and fuel.
Driver Ratings: Reviews and star ratings from previous travelers.
Sim Card and data for your phone.
If your phone is career unlocked you can use it in Thailand
Getting a SIM card in Thailand is easy and affordable. You can purchase a prepaid tourist SIM card at major airports (like Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang), convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart), or mobile provider shops (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove). Most tourist SIMs include high-speed data, local calls, and international calling options, valid for 7 to 30 days.
To activate, you’ll need to show your passport. Plans typically cost $5–$20 USD, depending on the data package. Thailand also has strong mobile coverage and widespread 4G/5G service, making it easy to stay connected throughout your trip.
If your phone supports eSIM, you can easily purchase mobile data for Thailand from several reputable providers online.