Travel to Thailand from the UK: travel advice for Thailand

From the bustling markets of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) to the tranquil, palm-fringed beaches of the southern islands, travelling to Thailand is an unforgettable adventure. However, you need to pay close attention to the details — especially when it comes to entry requirements, cultural differences, and managing your money.

If you’re planning on travelling to Thailand, navigating currency exchange rates, potential bank charges, and social customs like polite tipping can feel overwhelming. Our aim with this guide is to simplify this process, giving you the confidence you need for a stress-free trip.

The information provided is accurate as of 13 November 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut isn't a financial adviser.

At present our insurance partner is ERGO Travel Insurance Services Limited (Underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE - UK Branch).

Thailand entry requirements: documents and pre-travel checks

The starting point for any international trip is getting the right paperwork. Thailand offers a relatively smooth entry process for short-term tourism, but some rules still apply to UK citizens.

Do you need a visa for Thailand?

Most British citizens visiting Thailand for tourism can benefit from the Visa Exemption Scheme. This allows you to enter without applying for a visa in advance, typically for a stay of up to 30 days at a time. This duration can sometimes be extended locally once you’re in Thailand.

To qualify for the Visa Exemption, you must have:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Thailand
• Proof of onward or return travel (e.g. a flight ticket leaving Thailand within 30 days)
• The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which must be completed by all visitors within 3 days before arrival

If you aren't travelling for tourism, or if you plan to stay for more than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa (such as a 60-day Single-Entry Tourist Visa) at the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel. Always check the official rules before booking your flights or hotels to make sure your travel is allowed.

You can find more information on the official Thai government website.

Visa exemption and visa costs for UK travellers

The 30-day Visa Exemption for UK citizens is generally free of charge upon arrival.

If you need a 60-day visa, the cost and application process will be different and require submission to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in the UK. We recommend starting this process well in advance, as processing times can vary.

Vaccinations and health concerns

Required and recommended vaccinations for travel to Thailand from the UK often include making sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.

For most travellers, it’s also recommended to consider vaccinations for:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid

We strongly suggest that you talk to your GP or a travel health clinic a few weeks before your trip for personalised advice on vaccinations and anti-malarial prophylaxis, depending on which regions of Thailand you plan to visit.

Also, make sure you’ve got adequate travel medical insurance. Although medical costs are generally lower than in places like the US, serious illness or an emergency hospital stay in a private facility can still be very expensive. Travelling to Thailand without proper insurance puts you at risk financially, especially if you plan to do things like ride a scooter.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand?

The question of safety in Thailand is a common concern for UK travellers. It’s generally a safe country, and most trips are trouble-free, but awareness is key. The UK government advises increased caution, which is standard advice for most major global destinations.

Safety tips for tourists:

• Petty crime: be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas like markets, public transport, and airport lounges, where snatch-and-grab theft of phones and bags (often from passing motorbikes) can occur.
• Emergencies: the single emergency number to call for ‌police across Thailand is 191. Other key numbers are 1669 for the ambulance service and 199 for the fire department.
• Scams: tourists can sometimes be targeted by common scams, such as the infamous gem scam or tuk-tuk drivers claiming major temples are closed to redirect you to a tailor or souvenir shop. Always be sceptical of unsolicited advice from strangers.
• Scooters: accidents are a major cause of injury. Never ride a scooter unless you’re licensed and insured to do so, and always wear a helmet.
• Civil unrest: political demonstrations do happen, particularly in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). Avoid areas of protest and follow the directions of local law enforcement.

For peace of mind, remember that if your Revolut card is lost or stolen, you can instantly freeze it in-app with a single tap, protecting your money until you can get a replacement.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Managing your money smartly in Thailand

The Thai baht (THB) is the official currency in Thailand. Converting your money, deciding whether to pay with cash or card in Thailand, and budgeting effectively requires smart financial planning to avoid unnecessary fees.

Converting GBP to THB and getting the best rate

Some traditional UK banks apply a poor exchange rate when converting your GBP into THB, and they might add extra foreign transaction fees on top. This cost, known as slippage, can significantly increase your holiday expenses over time.

To combat this, the best approach is to manage your currency smartly. Here’s how you can do that with us:

• Exchange in advance: you can exchange GBP into THB in-app when the rate is favourable, and hold the money in THB. That way, you can lock in the rate and avoid fluctuations.
• Spend directly: if you spend from your GBP balance, we provide the conversion using a competitive rate, helping you to keep your spending costs low.

Before you travel, you can check live conversion rates in-app. Avoid using currency exchange kiosks at airports, as they almost always offer the worst rates.

Exchange 150+ currencies with the Revolut exchange rate. Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

How to pay in Thailand: cards, cash, and mobile payments

While cards are widely accepted in big hotels, modern shopping malls, and large restaurants, cash is king in Thailand. You’ll need cash for most street food vendors, local markets, smaller guesthouses, and taxis.

• Chip and PIN: most modern terminals accept chip and PIN, but you should carry a small amount of cash at all times.
• Mobile payments: local mobile payment apps like PromptPay are common, but mostly only used by locals. As a tourist, your international card or cash is more reliable.
• Cash: you’ll need cash for smaller purchases, tuk-tuk fares, and anything you buy outside major tourist areas. Always carry small change (e.g. ฿20, ฿50, and ฿100 notes).

Taking money out from ATMs in Thailand usually costs a lot. Even if your bank doesn't charge you a foreign ATM fee, the local Thai ATM operator almost always charges a fee, typically ฿220 per withdrawal. With us, you get fee-free ATM withdrawals up to your plan limit each month, helping you manage those inevitable cash costs more effectively.

Get ATM withdrawals without fees from Revolut up to your rolling monthly limit as per your plan. T&Cs apply. Third parties may charge ATM fees.

Budgeting for your Thailand trip: how much does it cost to travel to Thailand?

Thailand is known for being an affordable destination, but costs can vary significantly between the bustling capital of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) and the remote islands. You should budget for accommodation and transport to be your biggest expenses. This includes:

• Flights: prices vary depending on the time of year and the UK departure airport. Booking well in advance is recommended.
• Accommodation: you can find budget guesthouses for as little as ฿500 per night, while luxury hotels can easily cost several thousand THB.
• Food: street food is very low-cost (around 40–100 THB per dish), while dining at Western-style restaurants will cost significantly more.

Always check local prices and keep a close eye on your budget. When using your Revolut card, we help you manage your money easily with smart, in-app budgeting tools. You can plan the budget for your Thailand trip with us, putting each expense in its own category.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Hidden travel costs: dealing with ATM fees and DCC

One of the biggest financial surprises for UK travellers is the combination of local ATM operator fees and dynamic currency conversion (DCC):

• ATM fees: as mentioned, virtually every ATM in Thailand will charge a fee on top of any fees our competitors may charge. Using a Revolut card may minimise the overall cost of withdrawing cash, as we offer fee-free ATM withdrawals up to your plan’s monthly limit.
• DCC: this is the single biggest trap to avoid when you travel to Thailand. DCC happens when a card terminal or ATM asks if you want to pay in GBP (pounds) instead of the local currency, THB. Always say no. The exchange rate used by the local merchant for DCC is usually significantly worse than the rate we apply. Always choose to be charged in the local currency, THB, to get the best possible exchange rate.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.

Cultural basics and Thai rules

Knowing a bit about the local culture and laws before you get there will make your travel to Thailand from the UK easier and more respectful.

Tipping culture: what to expect (and why)

Tipping isn’t mandatory or expected in the same way it is in places like the USA. However, it’s a gesture of appreciation for good service.

Tipping guide:

• Restaurants: in high-end or tourist-focused restaurants, a 10% service charge may already be added. If not, leaving 5–10% is generous.
• Street food and taxis: tipping isn’t generally expected. You can round up the fare or bill to the nearest ฿10 or ฿20 if you like.
• Hotels: leaving a small amount (e.g. ฿20–50 per night) for housekeeping is appreciated.

General cultural etiquette is also important. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so avoid touching anyone’s head. Conversely, the feet are considered the lowest, so never point your feet at a person or at an image of the Buddha. Respect for the Thai monarchy is very important and is enforced by law. People who show disrespect in public are very likely to be punished.

Driving, alcohol laws, and Thai plugs

• Driving rules: Thailand drives on the left, just as we do in the UK. However, road safety standards are very different, and driving conditions can be chaotic, especially for scooters. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for UK citizens to drive or ride legally.
• Alcohol laws: the legal drinking age across Thailand is 20. The sale of alcohol is also restricted at specific times of the day (usually 2–5pm and 12–11 am), and often during religious or political holidays.
• Thai plugs: Thailand uses Type A (2 flat pins), Type B (2 flat pins and a round grounding pin), and Type C (2 round pins) plugs. The voltage is 220V, which is similar to the UK's 230–240V. You need a simple travel adaptor, but your UK devices should work fine without a separate voltage converter.

Travel smarter with Revolut

When you travel to Thailand, you want a financial tool that gives you clarity and control. That’s why we offer a range of features designed for international travel. These include:

• Fee clarity: we offer competitive exchange rates and we're upfront about any additional fees.
• Budgeting: get instant spending notifications in GBP with every THB transaction, so you can stick to your budget and know what you’re spending in real-time.
• Global access: our cards are accepted worldwide. If you need to send money to anyone while you're there — like paying back a friend for a dinner bill — we make international transfers fast and easy.

Exchange fees, remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

Frequently asked questions for Thailand travel

Do I need to book a flight out of Thailand?

Yes, to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme, immigration officials typically require proof of onward or return travel (a flight ticket) showing you’ll leave the country within the 30-day allowance.

Can I use my UK phone and data in Thailand?

Yes, most modern UK phones work in Thailand. However, using your UK SIM card for calls, texts, and data will incur expensive roaming charges from your network provider. To avoid high bills, we suggest:

• Turning off data roaming on your UK SIM
• Relying on free public WiFi where possible
• Using the Revolut Thailand eSIM service for budget-friendly global data connectivity, allowing you to stay connected without excessive costs

eSIM fees and T&Cs apply.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

No, it isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Thailand. Always stick to bottled water — which is widely available and affordable — even for brushing your teeth. Ice in restaurants is generally safe as it’s made from purified water, but exercise caution with street vendor ice.

Ready to explore Thailand?

Preparing for your trip to Thailand from the UK involves a few essential steps, but securing your documents, understanding the cultural landscape, and equipping yourself with the right financial tools will ensure a smooth journey. We're here to help remove the stress so you can fully embrace your experience in the Land of Smiles.

If you’re not a customer yet, getting started is simple:

1. Download the app: get Revolut from your phone's App Store or Google Play
2. Sign up: follow the simple on-screen instructions to verify your identity
3. Order a card: choose the plan that best suits your travel needs (look at conversion limits, travel insurance, and more), and order your physical Revolut card (delivery fees may apply)
4. Add money: top up your Revolut account via a linked bank account or debit card
5. Prepare your currency: exchange some money into Thai baht (THB) in-app before you leave and hold it in your account, or simply spend from your GBP balance and let us handle the conversion