Travel tips · Pattaya · Thailand
Pattaya 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
Photo: Sergey S. Dukachev, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Pattaya is one of Thailand's most international cities, with large communities of foreign residents and visitors from Europe, Russia, India, China and the Middle East, and a reputation for nightlife that dates from the Vietnam War era. Beneath it, it remains a Thai city with temples, markets and Buddhist festivals.
Key facts
- Language
- Thai
- Currency
- THB
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220–230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is cheap and widely…
- Emergency
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Things to know
- Dress modestly at temples and the Sanctuary of Truth, covering shoulders and knees.
- Do not touch people's heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
- Show respect for the Thai royal family; criticism is a serious offence under Thai law.
- Cover up when walking away from the beach; walking shirtless away from the beach is frowned upon.
- Keep calm and polite in disagreements; raised voices cause loss of face.
- Use baht buses and ride-hailing apps instead of taxis touting on the street.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving THB 20–100 in restaurants and tipping massage therapists and hotel staff is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawasdee krap / ka | Hello (said by men / women) |
| Khob khun krap / ka | Thank you |
| Mai phet | Not spicy |
| Tao rai? | How much? |
| Mai ao | I don't want it |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing for the heat; beachwear only on the beach, and a cover-up for temples.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220–230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is cheap and widely available.
- Emergency number
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
- Phone and internet
- 4G and 5G coverage is excellent; SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at the airports and convenience stores.
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Watch for heavy traffic and scooter accidents, pickpocketing in crowded nightlife areas and disputes over jet-ski damage claims. Check bar bills and keep drinks in sight; tourist police can help with complaints.
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 Pattaya?
Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving THB 20–100 in restaurants and tipping massage therapists and hotel staff is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Pattaya?
Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is cheap and widely available.
+What plugs are used in Pattaya?
Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220–230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Pattaya?
Thai.