Find here the most frequently asked questions when organizing a trip to Thailand.

What visa do I need for Thailand?

No visa is required for stays of less than 30 days for the vast majority of European citizens; for other nationalities, feel free to consult us. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, other types of visas are available (60-day tourist visa extendable to 90 days, double-entry visa, 2x 60 days + extension = 180 days, other categories).

Visa on Arrival in Thailand

Upon arrival in Thailand by air, you receive a "visa" for 30 days; if you arrive by land (or boat or other means), your "visa" on arrival will be for 30 days (updated February 2014 - European passports); if you are planning a journey through several countries, consult us to find the best way to manage your various visas.

Visa for other Southeast Asian countries

Please consult us.

Passport Validity

Make sure to check that your passport remains valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel end date.

How do I pay for expenses in Thailand?

In Thailand, bring cash in Euros to exchange as you go; there's no need to bring US dollars. There are exchange offices everywhere; so no "black market." In other Southeast Asian countries, the question of using Euros or USD and exchange rates is different; feel free to consult us. Use your bank card only in case of extreme necessity. In Thailand, you don't have a chip card security system. Some businesses will charge you a fee for card payments (often 3 to 5% in Thailand). Payment and cash withdrawal by card: before leaving, make sure to inform your bank. Check with your bank to see what maximum limits are authorized (per transaction or per day) for ATM withdrawals and card purchases.

Telephone in Thailand

Country code for Thailand: (66); Country code for France: (33). In Thailand, to call internationally, you must dial 001 by default; so to call from Thailand to France, dial 001 33 and the 9 digits. It's very convenient to purchase a local SIM card to install temporarily in your mobile phone; you can then easily receive calls from your guides or driver in case of issues; and you can inform your friends and family of your temporary number in case of emergency.

Health and Vaccinations

Basic health precautions (up-to-date vaccinations for TAB-DT Polio); except in special cases and after consultation with a specialist doctor: rabies vaccination or other vaccines against Japanese encephalitis or similar are not mandatory. Anti-malaria treatment: unnecessary in most cases; equip yourself with repellents purchased locally. During the rainy season, there is a surge in dengue cases. Mosquitoes are particularly active at dusk, so avoid unnecessary exposure or being unprotected in the early evening. No need to burden yourself with a first aid kit; all basic medications are available in convenience stores. However, bring your personal and specific medications. Precautions should be taken for certain categories of medicines. Also note that feminine hygiene products are easily found in Thailand, but few "tampon" type protections (plan to bring these in your luggage if needed). Hospitals are of good quality, including small rural clinics that will provide you with basic care quickly, efficiently and affordably; if you have any issues, don't wait to seek medical attention, ask your guide to accompany you.

What type of electrical outlet is used in Thailand?

Electrical outlets follow the dual standard FR UK US 220V 50Hz; there's no need to bring an electrical outlet adapter.

What should I pack?

Travel as light as possible: wear clothes that are easy to wash and dry. It's easy to do laundry everywhere locally at street laundries, and for much less than hotel laundry services. Ask your guide or driver for advice. Shoes: Plan for a pair of open sandals and a pair of water-resistant sports shoes for forest walks; for everyday use, prefer shoes that are easy to slip on rather than laced shoes. You'll often need to remove your shoes when entering temples and homes. Avoid traveling with valuable items (jewelry, necklaces, expensive watches, etc.) or a latest-model mobile phone. Don't bring computers and other large electronic devices that you'll have to constantly watch and won't be able to lock in your room safe. Be cautious of air conditioning, often turned to maximum in transportation, trains or buses, especially when traveling as a family with young children. Remember to bring at least a warm sweater and a scarf. Make copies of all important documents (passports, plane tickets, etc.) either as photocopies or on a USB drive; in case of loss or theft of your passport, the procedures in Thailand are lengthy and require you to be in Bangkok or a major city before you can leave the country with a provisional document.

Driving in Thailand

If you plan to rent a car locally, don't forget to obtain an international driving permit before departure. Also bring your national driving license, as your international driving permit must be presented together during a traffic stop. It should be noted that to drive a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand, regardless of engine size, an international motorcycle license (and therefore also your national license) is legally required. A French car driving license does not permit driving a small-capacity motorcycle as is the case in France. Note that in Thailand, there is no individual motorcycle insurance but only third-party coverage. Unless you had specifically taken the precaution of purchasing special insurance before traveling, you would not be covered in case of a serious third-party accident.