Few tips for Thailand holiday please

Ayr_Rage

@Westin , you are correct, no avoiding the Thai ATM fees these days if you are from the UK.

Just the usual advice, never accept DCC anywhere when using a card of any type, always pay in local currency.

Doshwaster

Don't bother changing any cash before you go. Rates here will be very poor. Just make sure the notes you take are in immaculate condition without any folds, marks or tears as these will probably be rejected.

If you do use an ATM avoid taking out small amounts. Go for at least 10,000 BHT at a time (one tip is to take out an odd number such as 11,900 so you get some smaller notes and don't get stuck with a pile of 1000s which can be hard to break)

Thailand is still cash heavy but cards are becoming more accepted in bars and restaurants. Markets will be cash only. The QR codes you see locals use can be hard to setup for a tourists though I understand that is changing but I haven't tried it yet.

Several money changers in the basement of the airport at the entrance to the Airport Rail Link. Just chance enough for a few days then change a few hundred at a time as you need it. Saves being stuck with a pile of THB that you have to change back

The Airport Rail Link is fine if you are straying central and travelling light but if you are tired after a long flight then just get a taxi from the rank. Traffic may be bad but they are reasonably priced by global standards. Make sure you have the Grab and Bolt apps for booking rides in Thailand but from the airport I would just take a metered taxi as there are always loads available (and make sure they use the meter!) and the queue for Grab can be long.

For a short trips e-Sims are the way to go. Yes you can get a local SIM at a 7-Eleven but it's more hassle for not a lot of savings.

Wine: don't bother taking it as you are asking for trouble at customs.. Wine is available everywhere but relatively expensive in due to the import taxes so get a taste for the local beers, cocktails and spirits

Most important, smile a lot and learn a few words of Thai to be polite.

winkowinko

Thailand is the greatest country on planet earth. I have been several times and don't have a bad word to say about.

And yes, Songkran is absolutely mental.

Enjoy.

Doshwaster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81928333#Comment_81928333

Yes, after you've been to Thailand once you will surely return several times. I've been going regularly for 20 years. Bangkok has changed a lot over those years but it's still my favourite city in the world.

Jemma01

For someone who likes physical activities (water sports + scuba diving, quad biking, zip lining, ski diving, NOT hiking up a mountain), and beaches/nature, no cities, which areas or islands would those who visited recommend, please?

Doshwaster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929238#Comment_81929238

I'm more of a sitting in a bar doing some people watching type of person!

Phuket and Samui are the two big ones and good choice for a first timer with the most tourist activities and are easy to get to but will the most expensive. Others (Koh Tao, Ko Lanta, Koh Phangan) will be quieter and cheaper but more off the beaten track

Which to choose will mostly depend on the time of the year as the seasons vary depending if you are on the Gulf or Andaman side.

Worried_fool

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81926492#Comment_81926492

The way to avoid ATM fees is to bring cash in GBP and exchange to Thai Baht at a good money-changer. Only do this if your travel insurance covers lots of cash.

Worried_fool

Get a guide book to the Thai islands.. your choice will depend on the time of year and many other factors. Most of the islands have very limited public transport, so plan to hire motor-cycles for your stay there. Be sure to bring a license for this, and read all you can about defensive driving.

Doshwaster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81932452#Comment_81932452

Always useful to have a travel-friendly debit/credit card as an emergency backup but in most cases cash should be the first choice for payment. Even places which accept cards often charge a fee or have a minimum charge.

Tips aren't expected but always appreciated. 20-50 BHT for a meal (unless a high end place) should be enough though. I just leave the loose change.

Mark7

For money, no need to bring £1–2k in cash, just bring a small amount and withdraw locally, and use a card with no FX fees (just decline any ATM conversion). For your phone, the easiest option is setting up an eSIM before you go so you’re connected right away, while local SIMs are slightly cheaper but less convenient. Flight-wise, risk is very low since it’s one booking, the airline will handle any changes. For alcohol, the limit is 1 litre per person (not based on alcohol %), and anything over may be taxed if declared; local alcohol is generally safe if you stick to proper places. Also, apps like Grab work well there, but keep some cash for smaller vendors.