Practical Info A–Z

Thailand's medical care is surprisingly good — Bangkok is one of the world's leading centers for medical tourism. However, there are massive differences between city and countryside.

Private Hospitals (recommended)

The major private clinics in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui offer world-class medicine — often on the level of German university hospitals, at a fraction of the cost:

• Bumrungrad International Hospital (Bangkok): The most famous hospital in Southeast Asia — internationally accredited (JCI), English-speaking staff, own department for international patients. Feels like a five-star hotel.
• Bangkok Hospital (multiple locations): Chain with branches in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin — reliable everywhere.
• Chiang Mai Ram Hospital: Best point of contact in the north.

Costs: A doctor's visit in a private clinic costs 500–1,500 Baht (14–42 €). Simple treatments (gastrointestinal, infections) are significantly cheaper than in Germany. Complex procedures can become expensive — travel health insurance is mandatory!

Public Hospitals

Cheap, but overcrowded and with long waiting times. Staff's English skills are limited. Only in emergencies or in rural areas where there is no alternative.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (Ran Ya) are everywhere — even in every 7-Eleven there are basic medications. Many medications that are prescription-only in Germany are available over-the-counter in Thailand (antibiotics, painkillers, antihistamines). Pharmacists often speak enough English for basic advice.

Vaccinations

Recommended (but not required):

• Hepatitis A & B: Strongly recommended
• Typhoid: For longer stays or travel off the beaten path
• Japanese Encephalitis: For stays in rural areas during the rainy season
• Rabies: For close contact with animals (jungle treks, rural areas)
• Malaria: Prophylaxis only needed in border areas with Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the tourist islands are malaria-free.

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB / ฿). Current rate (as of 2026): approx. 1 € ≈ 37–39 Baht.

ATMs

ATMs are available in Thailand on every corner — in 7-Elevens, in front of banks, in shopping malls, at gas stations. They accept all common international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro).

WARNING: Fees! All Thai banks charge a fee of 220 Baht (approx. €6) per ATM withdrawal — this is unavoidable and in addition to your home bank's fees. Strategies:

• Withdraw the maximum amount (usually 20,000–30,000 Baht) to minimize the fee per Baht
• Use a travel credit card without foreign fees (DKB, Comdirect, N26, Wise) — this saves you the foreign currency fee from your home bank
• Always decline the "Dynamic Currency Conversion" at the ATM! If the machine asks if it should convert to euros: choose NO. The ATM rate is always worse than your bank's rate.

Currency Exchange

Exchange offices often offer better rates than banks. The best rates are available at:

• SuperRich (Bangkok) — green and orange logo, the best rates in the city. Branches at BTS Chit Lom and Suvarnabhumi Airport (B level, not upstairs in the arrivals area!)
• Airport: The rate at the arrival gate is poor — exchange only the necessary amount (500–1,000 Baht for the taxi/transfer) and go to an exchange office in the city later

Card Payment

In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and larger stores accept credit and debit cards. But: Thailand is still a cash society. Street food, markets, tuk-tuks, small restaurants, taxis, and many smaller hotels accept cash only. Always have at least 2,000–3,000 Baht in small bills with you.

Thailand is a shopping paradise — from the vast night markets to the chic shopping malls of Bangkok, there's everything, often at prices that amaze Europeans.

The Art of Bargaining

At markets, small shops, and street vendors, bargaining is always done — the initial price quoted (for recognizable tourists) is typically 30–100% above the actual price. Exceptions: Supermarkets, shopping centers, and stores with price tags.

Bargaining Etiquette:

• Start at 50–60% of the quoted price and work your way up
• Stay friendly, smile, make it a game (Sanuk!)
• If the price isn't right: Politely decline and walk away. Often you'll be called back
• Don't overdo it: Haggling over 10 Baht for cheap items (under 100 Baht) is embarrassing — that's 25 cents
• If you name a price and the seller accepts: You MUST buy. Withdrawing an accepted offer is a major faux pas

Top Shopping Destinations

• Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok): One of the largest markets in the world — over 15,000 stalls on 14 hectares. Everything from vintage clothing to ceramics to live animals. Saturday & Sunday 6 am–6 pm. Best early morning, before the heat becomes unbearable.
• Night Markets: Rot Fai Market (Bangkok), Sunday Walking Street (Chiang Mai), Malin Plaza (Phuket) — evening stroll pleasure with street food and handicrafts.
• Shopping Malls: Bangkok has some of Asia's most spectacular shopping centers — Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM (with indoor floating market!), Terminal 21 (each floor styled after a different city).

What's Worth It?

• Thai Silk: Scarves, ties, cushion covers — from 200 Baht (market) to 5,000+ Baht (Jim Thompson)
• Tailored Clothing: Suits, dresses, shirts in 24–48 hours. Quality varies greatly — seek recommendations!
• Spices & Curry Pastes: Vacuum-packed, perfect souvenir
• Coconut Oil & Natural Cosmetics: High quality and affordable
• Thai Ceramics & Celadon: From Chiang Mai, beautiful and affordable

On public holidays, government offices and banks are closed. On Buddhist holidays (Wan Phra), there is a ban on alcohol — no sales in stores, bars, and restaurants (hotels for foreigners sometimes exempt).

Thailand is one of the most popular and safest travel destinations for solo female travelers in Southeast Asia. Thai society is generally respectful, and the tourist infrastructure makes solo travel uncomplicated.

What Works Well

• Safe Public Transport: BTS, MRT in Bangkok have women-only cars during rush hour. Trains and buses are safe, even at night.
• Solo Female Travelers are Normal: You won't stand out — thousands of women travel alone through Thailand. On Koh Phangan, Pai, Chiang Mai, and the islands, you'll easily meet like-minded people.
• Hostels & Guesthouses: Excellent infrastructure with female dorms, secure lockers, and a social atmosphere.

What to Watch Out For

• Full-Moon Parties (Koh Phangan): The famous beach parties are not without risk for solo female travelers — never leave drinks unattended (drink spiking occurs), don't walk back alone, stay in groups.
• Nightlife: In tourist districts (Khao San Road, Patpong, Walking Street Pattaya), the line between normal nightlife and red-light district can be blurred. It's uncomfortable but not dangerous.
• Riding Scooters: Road traffic is the biggest real danger — ALWAYS wear a helmet and drive defensively. Thousands of tourists are injured on scooters every year.
• Temple Rules: In some temples (especially in the south), women are not allowed to enter certain areas. Pay attention to signs.
• Monks: Never touch a monk — even accidentally. On buses: Do not sit next to a monk.

Thailand has an excellent digital infrastructure — fast 4G/5G network in most areas, free Wi-Fi in almost every café, restaurant, and hotel.

Thai SIM Card (recommended)

The simplest and cheapest solution: Buy a tourist SIM card at the airport. All three major providers have counters in the arrival hall of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang:

• AIS: Best network, largest coverage (even on remote islands). Tourist SIM: 299 Baht (€8) for 15 GB / 8 days, 599 Baht for 50 GB / 30 days.
• TrueMove H: Second-best network, good coverage. Similar prices to AIS. Has the best 5G rates.
• DTAC (now: True): Merged with TrueMove, same network.

Required: Passport (will be copied). The SIM is inserted and activated directly. Nano-SIM and eSIM available.

eSIM Alternative

If you don't want to open your phone: eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) can be purchased online before the trip and activated upon landing. Slightly more expensive than local SIMs, but convenient. Note: Data only, no Thai phone number (which you need for some apps like Grab).

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in virtually every café, restaurant, shopping mall, and hotel. The speed is usually good (10–50 Mbit/s). On the islands and in remote areas, Wi-Fi can be slow — here, the SIM card is invaluable.

Thailand stretches over 1,600 km from north to south — the climate varies significantly. Here is an overview for the main travel destinations:

Bangkok (Central Thailand)

Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand)

Cooler than Bangkok, especially November–February (nights 10–15°C!). The Burning Season (February–April) brings extreme air pollution — avoid! Best time: November–January.

Phuket / Krabi (Andaman Sea)

Rainy season May–October (heavy rainfall, high waves, some beaches dangerous). Best time: November–April (dry, calm sea).

Koh Samui / Koh Phangan (Gulf of Thailand)

Opposite monsoon! Best time: February–September. Main rainy season October–December (heavy, sometimes flooding). December and January are variable.

Thailand is one of the friendliest countries in Asia for LGBTQ+ travelers. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2024. Discrimination in tourism is practically non-existent.

Practical Tips

• Hotels: Double rooms for same-sex couples are not a problem anywhere — no one will ask or comment.
• Public Behavior: As for all couples in Thailand: Restraint in public. Holding hands is okay, kissing is not (also uncommon for heterosexual couples).
• Bangkok Pride: Annually in June, now one of the largest Pride events in Asia with over 50,000 participants.
• Apps: Grindr, Hornet, and Blued are widespread and active in Thailand.

Thailand has limited press freedom — in the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, the country regularly ranks in the lower third. The lèse-majesté law, political censorship, and self-censorship shape the media landscape.

What Tourists Need to Know

• Internet Censorship: Some websites are blocked in Thailand (mainly sites critical of the monarchy, pornography, and politically sensitive content). A VPN bypasses these blocks but operates in a legal gray area.
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X work normally. Line (not WhatsApp!) is the dominant messaging app in Thailand — many hotels, restaurants, and tour providers communicate via Line.
• English-language Media: Bangkok Post and The Nation are the main English daily newspapers. Thai PBS World offers English news online.

The most important numbers for emergencies:

• Police: 191
• Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking, 24/7 — THIS is the number for tourists!)
• Fire Department: 199
• Emergency Medical Services / Ambulance: 1669
• German Embassy Bangkok: +66 2 287 9000
• Austrian Embassy Bangkok: +66 2 305 2300
• Swiss Embassy Bangkok: +66 2 674 6900

Tourist Police

The Tourist Police (recognizable by their black uniforms with "Tourist Police" inscription) is your first point of contact in case of problems: theft, fraud, accidents, language issues with the regular police. They speak English and are present in all tourist areas. The hotline 1155 is available around the clock.

Hospitals (24/7 Emergency Room)

• Bangkok: Bumrungrad Hospital (+66 2 066 8888), BNH Hospital (+66 2 686 2700)
• Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Ram Hospital (+66 53 920 300)
• Phuket: Bangkok Hospital Phuket (+66 76 254 425)
• Koh Samui: Bangkok Hospital Samui (+66 77 429 500)

Thailand does not have strict store closing laws — the country is much more flexible than Germany:

• 7-Eleven & FamilyMart: 24/7, 365 days a year. There are over 13,000 7-Elevens in Thailand — one is always nearby.
• Supermarkets (Big C, Tesco Lotus, Makro): Daily 8–22, some until 23.
• Shopping Malls: Daily 10–22 (some food courts open earlier).
• Banks: Mon–Fri 8:30–15:30. Branches in shopping centers often longer (until 19) and also on weekends.
• Authorities: Mon–Fri 8:30–12:00 and 13:00–16:30.
• Temples: Usually 6–18, some until 21 (Wat Pho, Wat Arun). The Grand Palace closes at 15:30!
• Night Markets: Usually 17–23 (some until after midnight).
• Restaurants: Breakfast from 7, lunch 11–14, dinner 17–22. Street Food: often from 5–6 in the morning.

Alcohol Sales Times

The sale of alcohol in stores and supermarkets is restricted to two time windows: 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–24:00. Outside these times, no alcohol is sold (not even in 7-Eleven). These restrictions do not apply in bars and restaurants.

Thailand Post is reliable and affordable. Postcards and letters to Europe take 7–14 days.

• Postcard to Europe: 15 Baht (approx. €0.40)
• Letter (up to 20 g): 17 Baht by airmail
• Package (1 kg by airmail): from 750 Baht (approx. €21)
• EMS (Express): 3–5 days to Europe, from 1,400 Baht

Post offices are in every city (Mon–Fri 8:30–16:30, Sat 9–12). In tourist areas, hotels and souvenir shops also sell stamps.

For packages: Thailand Post EMS is the most reliable. Private services like DHL and FedEx are more expensive but faster and with tracking.

Thailand is generally a safe travel destination — violent crimes against tourists are rare. The biggest risks are scams, theft (pickpockets), and road traffic (the actual greatest danger).

The Most Common Scams

Thailand has perfected some scams that have been working for decades. Knowing them means you won't fall for them:

1. The "Temple is Closed" Scam (Bangkok)

A friendly Thai approaches you near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, or another attraction: "Oh, the temple is closed today — special holiday / ceremony / cleaning." He offers you a cheap Tuk-Tuk tour to "other temples" instead. The tour inevitably leads to a jewelry store or tailor where overpriced goods are pushed on you. Solution: Ignore it. The temple is NOT closed.

2. The Tuk-Tuk Scam

A Tuk-Tuk driver offers you an incredibly cheap city tour (20–50 Baht). Sounds great, but includes forced stops at jewelers, tailors, and souvenir shops where the driver earns commissions. Solution: Use the Grab app or negotiate a fixed price without stops beforehand.

3. The Jet-Ski Scam (Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui)

You rent a jet-ski, return it, and suddenly a "damage" is discovered that was already there. They demand 10,000–30,000 Baht in repair costs and threaten with the police. Solution: Do NOT rent jet-skis. If you do: Film the handover before and after with video, photograph everything, don't be intimidated, call the tourist police (1155).

4. The Taxi Meter Scam (Bangkok)

The taxi driver refuses to turn on the meter and quotes a flat rate (always too high). Solution: Insist on the meter or get out and take the next taxi. Alternatively: Grab app (price is shown beforehand).

5. Drink Scam (Bars)

In bars (especially Patpong, Nana, Soi Cowboy in Bangkok; Walking Street in Pattaya), drinks for "new friends" are pushed on you. The bill at the end can amount to thousands of Baht. Solution: In suspicious bars, clarify prices BEFOREHAND. Do not order drinks for strangers.

Thailand uses 220 V AC, 50 Hz — almost identical to Europe (230 V / 50 Hz). Your devices will work without issues.

The sockets are inconsistent: You will find Type A (two flat pins, US style), Type B (three flat pins), Type C (Europlug), and Type O (three round pins, Thai standard). Most sockets accept both Euro and US plugs — an adapter is rarely needed, but a universal adapter won't hurt.

In older guesthouses and on the islands, sockets can be loose. A power strip and a power bank (at least 10,000 mAh) should be in your luggage.

Thailand does not have a strict tipping culture like the USA, but tips are appreciated and expected in some situations:

Guidelines

• Restaurants (upscale): 10% of the bill if no service charge (++) is included. If 10% is already added (common in hotels and upscale restaurants): Leaving small change on the table is enough.
• Street Food / simple restaurants: No tip needed. Leaving change is nice but not expected.
• Hotel staff: Housekeeping 20–50 Baht/day (on the pillow), bellboys 20–50 Baht per piece.
• Taxi / Tuk-Tuk: Rounding up is sufficient (e.g., 87 Baht → 100 Baht). With Grab: no tip needed (but the app offers the option).
• Massage: 50–100 Baht after a Thai massage (at 200–300 Baht price). In the spa area, 10% of the bill.
• Guides / Drivers: Day guide 300–500 Baht, driver 200–300 Baht per day.

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss can visit Thailand for tourism purposes visa-free — the rules were relaxed in 2024:

Visa-Free Stay

• Duration of stay: Up to 60 days (extended since 2024, previously 30 days)
• Requirements: Passport with at least 6 months validity, return or onward flight ticket, theoretically proof of sufficient funds (20,000 Baht / person, rarely checked)
• Extension: Possible once for an additional 30 days (at the Immigration Office, fee 1,900 Baht)
• Maximum stay: Thus up to 90 days consecutively

Tourist Visa (if longer than 90 days)

For stays over 90 days, you need a Tourist Visa (TR), which you must apply for BEFORE the trip at the Thai embassy:

• Single Entry: 60 days + 30 days extension = 90 days
• Multiple Entry (METV): Valid for 6 months, each entry 60 days. Cost: approx. 150 €.

Overstay — DON'T do it!

Overstaying your visa incurs a 500 Baht per day fine (max. 20,000 Baht). Overstay beyond 90 days may result in a re-entry ban (1–10 years depending on duration). Thai immigration shows no leniency — overstay is detected at the airport upon departure and immediately penalized.

Important Immigration Offices

• Bangkok: Immigration Bureau, Chaeng Wattana Government Complex (north of the city)
• Chiang Mai: Immigration Office, Promenada Resort Mall
• Phuket: Immigration Office, Phuket Town