Frequently Asked Questions
Airport Tax
Is there any departure tax in Thailand?
Yes, an international departure tax is payable by all travellers leaving Thailand. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket and must be purchased at the airport before departure. The international departure tax is THB 500 (Approx USD 13).
In most Thai airports, domestic flights are subject to a THB 50 airport tax that is already included in the price of your ticket. However, some private airports charge an 'Airport maintenance fee' that is not included in the price of your ticket, including:
Yes, an international departure tax is payable by all travellers leaving Thailand. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket and must be purchased at the airport before departure. The international departure tax is THB 500 (Approx USD 13).
In most Thai airports, domestic flights are subject to a THB 50 airport tax that is already included in the price of your ticket. However, some private airports charge an 'Airport maintenance fee' that is not included in the price of your ticket, including:
- Samui, the Airport maintenance fee (even for domestic flights) is THB 300.
- Sukhothai and Trat, the Airport maintenance fee (even for domestic flights) is THB 200.
Getting There
How can I get to Thailand by air?
Exotissimo Travel Thailand enjoys special rates for international flights with Bangkok Airways, to Siem Reap (Angkor) and Luang Prabang. Contact one of our travel consultants to assist you in your flight arrangements. Alternatively, depending on your country of origin, ask your national carrier: they may have convenient flights for you. Also consult your usual local travel agent for routings, fares and availability or check on the Internet: several discount websites or flight search engines may offer some good deals.
Every major airline flies to Bangkok which is a main hub of the global air network. The following airlines also have a representative office in Bangkok:
Code shares are possible with fellow Star Alliance, One World or Sky Team members. If you are a frequent flyer, check directly with one of the members to see what best suits you.
Other entry entry/departure points to/from Thailand are the international airports of Phuket, Hat Yai, Samui, and Chiang Mai.
What are the border-crossing points to Thailand?
Thailand is bordered with Myanmar on the west and the north, Laos in the east and the north, Cambodia in the east, and Malaysia in the south. Thailand is also bordered by the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and the Gulf of Thailand (Pacific Ocean).
From Myanmar: Most travellers from Myanmar enter Thailand by flying from Rangoon. However daytrips can be done on the other side of the border in Mae Sai (North), Ranong (South West), and at the Three Pagoda Pass (West).
From Laos: The major crossing point is in Nong Khai located a few kilometres from Lao's capital Vientiane, via the friendship bridge over the Mekong. Other interesting crossing points open to foreigners are at Chiang Khong (Golden Triangle) and Mukdahan (I-San).
From Cambodia: If you come from Siem Reap by road, you will enter Thailand in Aryanaphrathet in the eastern region (I-San). Another crossing point is in Trat area.
From Malaysia: Four crossing points are open to foreigners - at Sadao, Betong, Sungai Kolok, and Takbai - and custom formalities are quite easy if a little time consuming.
Exotissimo Travel Thailand enjoys special rates for international flights with Bangkok Airways, to Siem Reap (Angkor) and Luang Prabang. Contact one of our travel consultants to assist you in your flight arrangements. Alternatively, depending on your country of origin, ask your national carrier: they may have convenient flights for you. Also consult your usual local travel agent for routings, fares and availability or check on the Internet: several discount websites or flight search engines may offer some good deals.
Every major airline flies to Bangkok which is a main hub of the global air network. The following airlines also have a representative office in Bangkok:
Aeroflot | Air France | KLM |
Thai Airways Intl. | Cathay Pacific | China Airlines |
Air France | Emirates | Eva Air |
Garuda Indonesia | Japan Airlines | Korean Air |
China Southern Airlines | Lufthansa | Malaysian Airlines |
Pacific Airlines | Philippines Airlines | Qantas |
Vietnam Airlines | Singapore Airlines | Lao Airlines |
Tiger Airways | United Airlines | Kenya Airways |
Other entry entry/departure points to/from Thailand are the international airports of Phuket, Hat Yai, Samui, and Chiang Mai.
What are the border-crossing points to Thailand?
Thailand is bordered with Myanmar on the west and the north, Laos in the east and the north, Cambodia in the east, and Malaysia in the south. Thailand is also bordered by the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and the Gulf of Thailand (Pacific Ocean).
From Myanmar: Most travellers from Myanmar enter Thailand by flying from Rangoon. However daytrips can be done on the other side of the border in Mae Sai (North), Ranong (South West), and at the Three Pagoda Pass (West).
From Laos: The major crossing point is in Nong Khai located a few kilometres from Lao's capital Vientiane, via the friendship bridge over the Mekong. Other interesting crossing points open to foreigners are at Chiang Khong (Golden Triangle) and Mukdahan (I-San).
From Cambodia: If you come from Siem Reap by road, you will enter Thailand in Aryanaphrathet in the eastern region (I-San). Another crossing point is in Trat area.
From Malaysia: Four crossing points are open to foreigners - at Sadao, Betong, Sungai Kolok, and Takbai - and custom formalities are quite easy if a little time consuming.
Health
Do I need any vaccinations to enter Thailand?
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions, especially if travelling off the beaten track. It is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling.
NOTES: In any doubt, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Thailand.
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions, especially if travelling off the beaten track. It is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling.
NOTES: In any doubt, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Thailand.
Money - Currency
What is the local currency in Thailand?
The currency in Thailand is the Baht (THB). Banks, which are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30 ONLY, give the best exchange rates. In tourist areas there are also foreign exchange kiosks that stay open later, usually at least until around 20:00. All major Thai banks offer ATM machines and most will accept foreign ATM cards. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Thai Baht come in the following forms:
Bank notes: 10; 20; 50; 100; 500; 1,000.
Coins: 0.1; 0.25 (gold) and 0.5; 1; 5 (silver); 10 (gold and silver)
NOTES: Most hotels offer the opportunity to change USD and Euros at a reasonable rate. Check at the reception of your hotel or ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for assistance. However the best place to do so is still the banks.
Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Thailand?
Banks such as Citibank, Bank of Asia, HSBC, Kasikorn Bank, and Bangkok Bank can change your Travellers' Cheques for Thai Bahts, US Dollars, or Euros, but a commission will be applied. Note that some shops, hotels or restaurants also accept Travellers' Cheques.
NOTE: Travellers' Cheques can be difficult to change outside of the major cities.
Can I use credit cards in Thailand?
Most credit cards are accepted in Thailand: VISA, MASTERCARD, JCB, and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Increasingly more hotels, commercial centres, shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Bear in mind that a surcharge applies at the time of purchase.
Where can I withdraw cash?
In major cities, ATMs are widely available. Before you to head to remote areas such as islands, it is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash. ATMs deliver Thai Bahts and (if not all) have an English language version. Ask your tour guide for help when you need to locate an ATM. Alternatively, you can have a look at the following links for: Visa ATM locator Mastercard ATM locatorAmex ATM locator
What is the exchange rate for Thai Baht (THB)?
Just to get an idea of the scale in the terms of exchange, the following exchange rates were applied in October 2005:
USD 1 = 40 THB
EUR 1 = 50 THB
For real-time official exchange rates and currencies converter, click here
You get a slightly better exchange rate for $100 and €100 notes than for smaller denominations. When exchanging currency you may be asked for your passport.
The currency in Thailand is the Baht (THB). Banks, which are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30 ONLY, give the best exchange rates. In tourist areas there are also foreign exchange kiosks that stay open later, usually at least until around 20:00. All major Thai banks offer ATM machines and most will accept foreign ATM cards. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Thai Baht come in the following forms:
Bank notes: 10; 20; 50; 100; 500; 1,000.
Coins: 0.1; 0.25 (gold) and 0.5; 1; 5 (silver); 10 (gold and silver)
NOTES: Most hotels offer the opportunity to change USD and Euros at a reasonable rate. Check at the reception of your hotel or ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for assistance. However the best place to do so is still the banks.
Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Thailand?
Banks such as Citibank, Bank of Asia, HSBC, Kasikorn Bank, and Bangkok Bank can change your Travellers' Cheques for Thai Bahts, US Dollars, or Euros, but a commission will be applied. Note that some shops, hotels or restaurants also accept Travellers' Cheques.
NOTE: Travellers' Cheques can be difficult to change outside of the major cities.
Can I use credit cards in Thailand?
Most credit cards are accepted in Thailand: VISA, MASTERCARD, JCB, and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Increasingly more hotels, commercial centres, shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Bear in mind that a surcharge applies at the time of purchase.
Where can I withdraw cash?
In major cities, ATMs are widely available. Before you to head to remote areas such as islands, it is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash. ATMs deliver Thai Bahts and (if not all) have an English language version. Ask your tour guide for help when you need to locate an ATM. Alternatively, you can have a look at the following links for: Visa ATM locator Mastercard ATM locatorAmex ATM locator
What is the exchange rate for Thai Baht (THB)?
Just to get an idea of the scale in the terms of exchange, the following exchange rates were applied in October 2005:
USD 1 = 40 THB
EUR 1 = 50 THB
For real-time official exchange rates and currencies converter, click here
You get a slightly better exchange rate for $100 and €100 notes than for smaller denominations. When exchanging currency you may be asked for your passport.
Safety
How safe is Thailand?
Thailand is a relatively safe country to visit but as everywhere when travelling, its important to never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. It is advisable to avoid Tuk Tuks late at night and choose reliable metered taxi companies. Ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for the do's and don'ts on a case by case basis.
Thailand is a relatively safe country to visit but as everywhere when travelling, its important to never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. It is advisable to avoid Tuk Tuks late at night and choose reliable metered taxi companies. Ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for the do's and don'ts on a case by case basis.
Telecommunication
How can I get in touch with my family, workplace and friends?
Telephone:
Most hotels have IDD phones in their rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices. In remote areas, away from the major cities, it may not always be possible to make international calls.
If you benefit from worldwide coverage, you bring your own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls and send text messages. Check with your mobile phone provider for the fares before using it abroad.
Another interesting option is to buy a local SIM card in Thailand. For the equivalent of a few dollars you will be able to make domestic and international calls. You will easily find recharge cards in 7 Eleven and Family Mart stores.
Internet: Major hotels in Thailand have a Business Centre with PCs connected to the Internet. Some even have wireless broadband access. Check with the reception for fares and connection facilities.
Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Many travellers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail or chat. Fares are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to landline or mobile phone. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards can be bought at all tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks (but not common). For your information, a postcard stamped to Europe costs THB 12 (about USD 0.3) while a letter costs THB 15 (about USD 0.35) and usually arrives within a week.
NOTES:
Telephone:
Most hotels have IDD phones in their rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices. In remote areas, away from the major cities, it may not always be possible to make international calls.
If you benefit from worldwide coverage, you bring your own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls and send text messages. Check with your mobile phone provider for the fares before using it abroad.
Another interesting option is to buy a local SIM card in Thailand. For the equivalent of a few dollars you will be able to make domestic and international calls. You will easily find recharge cards in 7 Eleven and Family Mart stores.
Internet: Major hotels in Thailand have a Business Centre with PCs connected to the Internet. Some even have wireless broadband access. Check with the reception for fares and connection facilities.
Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Many travellers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail or chat. Fares are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to landline or mobile phone. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards can be bought at all tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks (but not common). For your information, a postcard stamped to Europe costs THB 12 (about USD 0.3) while a letter costs THB 15 (about USD 0.35) and usually arrives within a week.
NOTES:
- If Internet connections are vital during your visit to Thailand, please tell your travel consultant.
- Exotissimo Travel provides travellers with the list of hotels (including telephone and fax contact details) where they stay at during their trip, should they need to be contacted while on tour.
Time
What time is it in Thailand?
Thailand is GMT + 7 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Thailand is GMT + 7 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Transportation
Can I rent a car and drive myself?
Several car rental services are available in Thailand, including the renowned Avis and Budget. It is however not really necessary to rent a car in Thailand since using Taxis, BTS, Tuk Tuks, or the Subway is much more convenient for going from one point to another within a city while trains and planes are ideal for domestic and international destinations. Moreover, you really need know the location you intend to travel to and to be able to speak Thai in case of any problems if you rent a car. Traffic conditions may also be very surprisingly different compared to what you are used to.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
Our drivers are not English speakers (or could be but that's not a skill we can guarantee). Tour guides with a licence delivered by the Tourism Authority of Thailand are the only persons legally entitled to comment and escort tourists. That is why our Exotissimo Thailand teams generally include the services of both drivers and guides.
Several car rental services are available in Thailand, including the renowned Avis and Budget. It is however not really necessary to rent a car in Thailand since using Taxis, BTS, Tuk Tuks, or the Subway is much more convenient for going from one point to another within a city while trains and planes are ideal for domestic and international destinations. Moreover, you really need know the location you intend to travel to and to be able to speak Thai in case of any problems if you rent a car. Traffic conditions may also be very surprisingly different compared to what you are used to.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
Our drivers are not English speakers (or could be but that's not a skill we can guarantee). Tour guides with a licence delivered by the Tourism Authority of Thailand are the only persons legally entitled to comment and escort tourists. That is why our Exotissimo Thailand teams generally include the services of both drivers and guides.
Visas
Do I need to get an entry visa for Thailand?
Citizens of 56 countries can enter Thailand without a visa and be granted a free visa for a 30 day stay. Next in length of validity is the tourist visa which is good for 60 days and costs approximately USD 25, depending on the country of application. Three passport photos must accompany all applications.
NOTES:
What are the immigration procedures on entering Thailand?
On entering Thailand all visitors must complete a entry/exit form including a customs declaration. It is important that the bottom copy of this form is kept safe with your passport while in Thailand and is presented to the customs and immigration officials on departure.
Citizens of 56 countries can enter Thailand without a visa and be granted a free visa for a 30 day stay. Next in length of validity is the tourist visa which is good for 60 days and costs approximately USD 25, depending on the country of application. Three passport photos must accompany all applications.
NOTES:
- All travellers must have a passport valid for 6 months after their planned exit of Thailand.
- The above information may change without prior notice. It is your responsibility to check whether or not you are subject to a tourist visa for Thailand.
- In case of any doubt, contact your closest Thai embassy or consulate. Alternatively, please ask one of our travel consultants.
What are the immigration procedures on entering Thailand?
On entering Thailand all visitors must complete a entry/exit form including a customs declaration. It is important that the bottom copy of this form is kept safe with your passport while in Thailand and is presented to the customs and immigration officials on departure.
Weather
What is the weather like in Thailand?
Thailand's climate is ruled by monsoons that produce three seasons in Northern, North Eastern, Eastern and Central Thailand, and two seasons in Southern Thailand. The three season zone, which extends roughly from Thailand's northernmost point and reaches to Phetchaburi province of the Southern Peninsula, experiences a 'dry and wet monsoon' climate, with the south-west monsoon arriving between May and July and lasting into November. This is followed by a dry period from November to May, a period that begins with lower relative temperatures until mid-February, followed by much higher temperatures from March to May.
For live weather forecasts, click here
When is the best season to travel to Thailand?
The best time to travel is from January to March when the weather is dry and fresh, the beaches are at their best. You'll find pretty high temperatures from March to June. The rainy season starts from early July to late October and can be quite uncomfortable, especially on the west coast (Andaman Sea) - even though rains rarely fall for a whole day. The strongly appreciated cool and dry season lasts until the end of the year from November to December.
NOTE: As a reminder, the peak season lasts from November to April. To avoid disappointment because hotel rooms or domestic flights are fully booked, contact an Exotissimo travel consultant to discuss and reserve your travel arrangements early.
Thailand's climate is ruled by monsoons that produce three seasons in Northern, North Eastern, Eastern and Central Thailand, and two seasons in Southern Thailand. The three season zone, which extends roughly from Thailand's northernmost point and reaches to Phetchaburi province of the Southern Peninsula, experiences a 'dry and wet monsoon' climate, with the south-west monsoon arriving between May and July and lasting into November. This is followed by a dry period from November to May, a period that begins with lower relative temperatures until mid-February, followed by much higher temperatures from March to May.
|
| BANGKOK Average Temperatures oC | CHIANG MAI Average Temperatures oC | PHUKET Average Temperatures oC | |||
| High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |
| Jan | 32 | 21 | 29 | 14 | 32 | 24 |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 32 | 16 | 33 | 24 |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 35 | 19 | 34 | 25 |
| Apr | 35 | 26 | 36 | 22 | 34 | 25 |
| May | 34 | 26 | 34 | 24 | 33 | 25 |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 33 | 24 | 32 | 25 |
| Jul | 33 | 25 | 32 | 24 | 32 | 25 |
| Aug | 33 | 25 | 31 | 24 | 32 | 25 |
| Sep | 32 | 25 | 32 | 23 | 31 | 24 |
| Oct | 32 | 24 | 31 | 22 | 31 | 24 |
| Nov | 32 | 23 | 30 | 19 | 31 | 24 |
| Dec | 31 | 21 | 28 | 15 | 32 | 24 |
When is the best season to travel to Thailand?
The best time to travel is from January to March when the weather is dry and fresh, the beaches are at their best. You'll find pretty high temperatures from March to June. The rainy season starts from early July to late October and can be quite uncomfortable, especially on the west coast (Andaman Sea) - even though rains rarely fall for a whole day. The strongly appreciated cool and dry season lasts until the end of the year from November to December.
NOTE: As a reminder, the peak season lasts from November to April. To avoid disappointment because hotel rooms or domestic flights are fully booked, contact an Exotissimo travel consultant to discuss and reserve your travel arrangements early.
