Here I share my most important travel tips to help you have a smoother vacation and avoid mistakes I made.
Before Departure:
• Check with the Thai Embassy to see if you need to apply for a visa. If you have Austrian citizenship, you can enter visa-free for up to 60 days. The visa will be issued upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. Occasionally, return or onward tickets may be required.
• To enjoy your flight, download movies, games, and music offline beforehand.
• For flights with layovers and checked luggage, ensure you have at least a 5-hour layover, as you may otherwise not receive your luggage in time.
• A power bank is helpful since some airplane sockets might not work.
• One of the best tips I received was to download offline maps and Google Translate. Trust me, these two tools will make your life so much easier.
Which Airlines to Use and Where to Book:
• From personal experience, I flew with Air China with a layover in Beijing, and I was 100% satisfied. I booked my flight through Expedia and collected my tickets at the airport counter – 2 hours before the flight.
• If you ever fly with Air China, be aware that their app is not very user-friendly, and self-check-in is often not possible. However, they make up for it with included meals, drinks during the flight, and very friendly staff.
• Bring a jacket or sweater for the flight, as it can get quite cold on the plane.
Arrival at the Airport:
• After processing your initial overwhelm, follow the crowds. You don’t need to be highly experienced to find your way; most airports are very well labeled.
• At Bangkok Airport, there are countless currency exchange machines. I recommend using those on the lower floor where the Airport Rail Link departs, as they offer the best exchange rates.
• I also recommend using a credit card for withdrawals and payments. I set up an account with an N26 Bank credit card, which offers the best conditions for longer trips.
• From the airport, you can take a taxi or, my recommendation: the Airport Rail Link to your accommodation. The Airport Rail Link is located on the lower floor of the airport and is much cheaper than a taxi.
Accommodation:
• For long-term travelers, it’s worth booking accommodations on-site, as you’ll often get better deals. However, it’s advisable to organize a place to stay for at least the first week in advance.
Infrastructure:
• Bangkok and the rest of Thailand are very traffic-dependent. If you decide to take a taxi, I recommend using Bolt or Grab. If you hail a taxi or scooter from the roadside, be sure to negotiate the fare in advance.
• If you rent a car or scooter, research the rental provider beforehand and make a video documenting any damages to avoid being scammed.
• For a cheaper travel option, public transport is a great tip. You can travel from A to B for as little as 35 Baht. Google Maps is again very helpful here. For long distances, like Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani, it’s worth taking a night train or booking a flight.
Sightseeing:
• When visiting temples, wear appropriate clothing – long pants and a top that covers your shoulders. Otherwise, you won’t be allowed to enter the temple.
• Be cautious with TukTuk rides. If someone in the city approaches you, speaks decent English, and tells you about promotions at the Thai Factory or that a temple is closed, it’s 100% a scam. I fell for this trick and ended up on a TukTuk ride. While I saw some cool temples, I was also taken to an alleged “Thai Factory” and offered overpriced, low-quality clothing and jewelry. The trick here is that the TukTuk drivers and businesses collaborate to increase sales. Be cautious!
• For market and temple visits, it’s worth arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Miscellaneous:
• If you need a SIM card, I recommend buying one at a 7-Eleven or purchasing an eSIM online, as these are the most affordable options and don‘t buy a SIM card at the airport, was to expensive.
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