image creditAll the tips and info you need before your trip
Overview
Bangkok is chaotic, vibrant, and endlessly rewarding once you embrace the pace.
The city sprawls without a true center—think in terms of neighborhoods (Sukhumvit, Silom, Old City, Chinatown, Thonburi) connected by BTS/MRT and rivers.
Heat is constant; plan indoor breaks and hydrate relentlessly.
Visas: US citizens don't need a visa — you'll get a no-fee, 60-day exemption when you arrive. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, and you'll need to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. It's free and takes just a few minutes at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Best Areas to Stay
FIRST TIME: Sukhumvit (Asok/Phrom Phong areas)—central, easy BTS access, restaurants + malls. Silom/Sathorn—business district, good transport, rooftop bars.
CULTURE + TEMPLES: Rattanakosin/Old City—walkable to Grand Palace, temples; less nightlife.
TRENDY + LOCAL: Ari—hip cafés, local vibe, BTS access. Thonglor/Ekkamai—upscale dining, nightlife.
Money & Tipping
Thailand runs on the baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls, and mid-range restaurants, but street food stalls, markets, taxis, and small shops are cash-only or strongly prefer it. Keep a mix on hand.
- ATMs are everywhere and reliable, but nearly all charge a foreign transaction fee (around 220 THB) on top of whatever your home bank charges. Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize fees, and use a no-foreign-transaction-fee debit card if you have one.
- Cash in small denominations is essential for tuk-tuks, street vendors, and temple entry donations. Break large bills at 7-Elevens or malls rather than trying to pay a street vendor with a 1,000 baht note.
- Tipping isn't deeply ingrained but is increasingly expected in tourist-facing spots. Round up for taxis, leave 20-50 baht for massages, and 10% is generous at restaurants without a service charge (check the bill first, many mid-range and upscale places already add one).
- Hotel bellhops and housekeeping appreciate small tips (20-50 baht), though it's not obligatory.
- Street food and local eateries: no tipping expected, just pay the posted price.
- Watch for the dynamic currency conversion trap at card terminals, always choose to be charged in THB, not your home currency, for a better exchange rate.
- Currency exchange counters (Superrich and similar) often beat bank or airport rates noticeably, worth using for larger cash needs.
Bangkok is chaotic, vibrant, and endlessly rewarding once you embrace the pace.
The city sprawls without a true center—think in terms of neighborhoods (Sukhumvit, Silom, Old City, Chinatown, Thonburi) connected by BTS/MRT and rivers.
Heat is constant; plan indoor breaks and hydrate relentlessly.
Visas: US citizens don't need a visa — you'll get a no-fee, 60-day exemption when you arrive. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, and you'll need to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. It's free and takes just a few minutes at tdac.immigration.go.th.
FIRST TIME: Sukhumvit (Asok/Phrom Phong areas)—central, easy BTS access, restaurants + malls. Silom/Sathorn—business district, good transport, rooftop bars.
CULTURE + TEMPLES: Rattanakosin/Old City—walkable to Grand Palace, temples; less nightlife.
TRENDY + LOCAL: Ari—hip cafés, local vibe, BTS access. Thonglor/Ekkamai—upscale dining, nightlife.
Thailand runs on the baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls, and mid-range restaurants, but street food stalls, markets, taxis, and small shops are cash-only or strongly prefer it. Keep a mix on hand.
- ATMs are everywhere and reliable, but nearly all charge a foreign transaction fee (around 220 THB) on top of whatever your home bank charges. Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize fees, and use a no-foreign-transaction-fee debit card if you have one.
- Cash in small denominations is essential for tuk-tuks, street vendors, and temple entry donations. Break large bills at 7-Elevens or malls rather than trying to pay a street vendor with a 1,000 baht note.
- Tipping isn't deeply ingrained but is increasingly expected in tourist-facing spots. Round up for taxis, leave 20-50 baht for massages, and 10% is generous at restaurants without a service charge (check the bill first, many mid-range and upscale places already add one).
- Hotel bellhops and housekeeping appreciate small tips (20-50 baht), though it's not obligatory.
- Street food and local eateries: no tipping expected, just pay the posted price.
- Watch for the dynamic currency conversion trap at card terminals, always choose to be charged in THB, not your home currency, for a better exchange rate.
- Currency exchange counters (Superrich and similar) often beat bank or airport rates noticeably, worth using for larger cash needs.