Traveling to Thailand from the U.S.: Greetings from the Midwest! I recently booked my flight from Chicago to Bangkok, with a layover in Istanbul, as it was the most affordable choice. Having previously flown with Turkish Airlines to Bali, I have become a fan of their service. They allow me to check two bags for free, and I absolutely love the Istanbul Airport. It’s one of the best airports to have a long layover in, as many shops stay open late, and there are numerous lounges available for relaxation. Additionally, I hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which proved invaluable for this trip. Thanks to my Priority Pass membership, my mom and I could access two different lounges in Istanbul, allowing us to rest comfortably and enjoy plenty of food without spending a penny! This membership also granted me access to various lounges throughout my five-week journey, making travel from Phuket to Cebu seamless.
Visa and Entry Requirements: If you’re a U.S. citizen entering Thailand, all you need is your passport! As long as your stay is less than 30 days, you won’t need a visa.
Language: The official language in Thailand is Thai, and I encountered a significant language barrier during this trip. English is not commonly spoken by locals, so to avoid misunderstandings, I recommend downloading the Google Translate app. Be sure to download the language pack in advance, so you can use it offline if you lose cell coverage. Also, consider finding an app that can translate images, as this will help with reading signs and menus. I personally found it incredibly useful.
Currency: The currency in Bangkok is the Thai Baht. Currently, the U.S. dollar goes a long way, as $1 is roughly equal to 36 Baht. This means my $6+ lattes back home cost me about $4 in Thailand. Just like in Indonesia, it’s important to have enough cash on hand since many taxis and stores only accept cash or local bank cards. Thailand does have PromptPay, which is similar to CashApp, but you’ll need a local bank account to use it. If you forget your debit card (which I may or may not have done), you can easily send yourself cash via Western Union, provided you have your passport. Alternatively, requesting your credit card PIN at least 10 days before your trip will allow you to use the cash advance option at ATMs.
Best Time to Visit: To avoid the rain, the best time to visit Bangkok is between November and February. When we arrived in late May, we experienced very few rainy days, thanks in part to Ronnie! The temperatures in Thailand can be quite hot, ranging from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun can be intense. Even on cloudy days, it’s easy to get sunburned, so make sure to plan accordingly.
SIM Cards: This was the first trip I ever purchased an international SIM card, and I must say it was worth it! Many people opt for their carrier’s international plan, but these can be overpriced and sometimes suffer from poor coverage, as my dad and I discovered in Iceland. The first step is to determine whether your phone requires a physical SIM or if it can use an e-SIM. You can check this in the “About Phone” section in your settings or by contacting your phone provider. If you need a physical SIM, you can easily purchase one at the airport, and the prices are not as high as people often claim. For e-SIMs, I managed to buy my e-SIM online and had it operational within 15 minutes. A quick tip: make sure your primary number (your U.S. number) is disabled while using the e-SIM to avoid double charges; the instructions on the purchase page will guide you on how to do this.
Getting Around Thailand: Navigating Thailand can be challenging, as the country is larger than most people realize. While some areas are walkable, many of the must-see attractions require transportation. Fortunately, it’s now easier than ever with Grab, which functions like Uber. Grab allows you to pay with either cash or card! Taxis and TukTuks are also available, but be prepared to negotiate prices as they tend to overcharge foreigners, and this can be tricky if you don’t speak Thai. In Bangkok, the Sky Train is a reliable option for getting to various locations. For the adventurous, U.S. citizens can drive abroad with an International Driver’s License, which you can obtain from AAA. However, be warned that driving in Bangkok can be quite chaotic, so it may not be worth the stress to rent a car here.
