Get a Local SIM
While most hotels, public transport, and even eateries have wifi in Thailand, getting a local SIM card or eSIM is a great way to ensure you always have data. That way, you can access your favorite travel apps like Google Maps, Grab Taxi, Google Translate, and more on the spot.
Data packages in Thailand are super affordable, and the connection is stable no matter where you go. Grab a 4G SIM online if you prefer to arrange everything before your trip and collect it upon arrival.
Another option is simply getting a SIM card at the airport when you arrive. Look out for the AIS, Dtac, or Truemove booths near the baggage claim area in the arrivals hall. They are among the most reputable prepaid SIM providers in the country.
Using Grab Taxi
While Thailand’s main hubs usually have excellent transport systems connecting you to all corners, using Grab Taxi (Asia’s version of Uber) is a great alternative if you don’t feel like wasting time with public transport.
Not only will it save a lot of time getting from A to B, but the rides are generally much cheaper than normal taxis or tuk-tuks. It’s easy to book rides on the app, and the best part is you’ll get a fair estimation before booking the ride, meaning you never have to worry about ripoffs. Another perk is tracking your ride in the app and sharing it with a friend.
Cash is King
While debit and Credit Cards are accepted in some places, you should know that Thailand is very cash-oriented. So unless you’re splurging at a lavish hotel, fancy restaurant, or high-end goods store, you want to ensure that you always carry enough cash. Besides buying goods at the grocer or grabbing street food, you’ll also need money for shopping, public transport, and taking a tuk-tuk.
Luckily, ATMs are plentiful in Thailand. You’ll find them everywhere – at airports, on the streets, in malls, and even in some 7-11s or Family Marts. It’s always best to withdraw larger amounts at the ATMs (if offered, choose local currency and let your own bank do the exchange) to avoid heft banking fees – and make sure your Credit Card has a positive balance to further reduce fees.
Train Travel
Don’t be concerned at going 3rd class on the trains. We travelled 100 kilometres for 25 Baht and had an amazing time interacting with the locals and watching teh countryside go by – the open windows cooled the carriage down, more than the A/C we had experienced in 2nd class.
Hiring a Scooter
Driving without an International driving License (IDL) is illegal and you will get ticketed for not having one (unless you have a Thai driver’s license). Thai scooter rental places largely don’t check to see if you have an IDL before renting to you. They’ll rent their scooters to anyone without checking anything.
You will come across regular police roadblocks set up in specific areas to help reduce the number of traffic accidents. The issue with driving a scooter without an IDP isn’t about renting it–it’s about getting pulled over by the police. Helmets are the number one reason that police will pull you over and hand you over a ticket – iis the most obvious thing to pull you over for. This is not just exclusive to foreigners; Thai people will get pulled over for non-helmet-wearing compliance too.
Before riding off on your newly rented scooter, do a complete vehicle inspection – making sure to document (with pictures) any dents, scratches, or other areas of damage. Also, check that all the indicator lights and brakes are working properly.