Travel tips · Bangkok · Thailand
Bangkok travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy where the royal family is deeply respected, and Theravada Buddhism shapes daily life, from monks collecting alms at dawn to the spirit houses outside buildings. Thais value calm, politeness and saving face; raising your voice is seen as embarrassing, while a smile and 'mai pen rai' (never mind) smooth most situations.
Key facts
- Language
- Thai
- Currency
- THB
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz; many sockets accept both flat and round pins
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is inexpensive and sold…
- Emergency
- 191 police; 1669 ambulance; 1155 Tourist Police
Things to know
- Show respect for the monarchy at all times; criticising the royal family is a serious offence under Thai law.
- Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering temple buildings, and never point your feet at Buddha images or people.
- Do not touch anyone's head, and women should avoid touching monks or handing things to them directly.
- Return a wai — palms together with a slight bow — when someone greets you with one.
- Stand still when the national anthem plays in public places at 8am and 6pm, and for the royal anthem before cinema screenings.
- Eat at street stalls and mall food courts, where a full meal costs a fraction of restaurant prices.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditional but is appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave small change at casual restaurants and tip massage therapists. Upmarket restaurants usually add a service charge already.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawasdee khrap / kha | Hello (men say khrap, women kha) |
| Khop khun khrap / kha | Thank you |
| Mai pen rai | Never mind / no problem |
| Tao rai? | How much? |
| Mai phet | Not spicy |
| Aroi | Delicious |
| Check bin | The bill, please |
What to wear
Light, loose cotton clothes for the heat, plus a shirt or shawl and long trousers or a long skirt for temples and the Grand Palace; some rooftop bars require smart-casual dress.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz; many sockets accept both flat and round pins
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is inexpensive and sold everywhere.
- Emergency number
- 191 police; 1669 ambulance; 1155 Tourist Police
- Phone and internet
- Tourist SIM cards and eSIMs with generous data are sold at the airports and convenience stores, and free Wi-Fi is common in malls and cafés.
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Bangkok is generally safe for visitors, but well-known scams target tourists: the 'Grand Palace is closed' trick, cheap tuk-tuk tours to gem shops and unmetered taxis. Traffic is the bigger everyday risk — watch for motorbikes even on pavements — and the heat and humidity can cause exhaustion, so drink plenty of water.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Thailand's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Bangkok?
Tipping is not traditional but is appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave small change at casual restaurants and tip massage therapists. Upmarket restaurants usually add a service charge already.
+Can you drink the tap water in Bangkok?
Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is inexpensive and sold everywhere.
+What plugs are used in Bangkok?
Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz; many sockets accept both flat and round pins
+What language is spoken in Bangkok?
Thai.