Thailand Travel Guide for Americans

Buy a prepaid SIM at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Terminal 1 or 3) immediately upon arrival, or at any 7-Eleven. AIS (red) and Dtac (blue) dominate; both are reliable. A standard package runs 99–299 baht ($3.50–11) and includes 2–8GB data plus some voice credit. Top up anytime at 7-Eleven, 99Baht Shop, or Tesco Lotus. For a 30-day trip, get a True Move H card (green) at 399–699 baht with 15GB data—best value. Expect 4G LTE nearly everywhere except deep rural areas. Download Google Maps offline; you'll use it constantly. WhatsApp, Facebook, and messaging apps work without issues (no censoring of Western apps as of 2026). Don't buy international roaming from your US carrier—it's a scam; local SIM is 100x cheaper.

Tipping is NOT obligatory in Thailand but is appreciated. Restaurants: Leave 5–10% for good service at mid-range spots; street food vendors expect nothing (coins are fine if you want). Taxis/Tuk-tuks: Round up to nearest 5–10 baht if metered; not expected for negotiated fares. Hotel staff: $1–2 for porters/housekeeping is appreciated but not demanded. Tour guides and drivers: 100–200 baht ($3.50–7) per person per day is standard if they were good. Massage therapists: 50–100 baht ($1.75–3.50) is kind. Bargaining at markets is normal and expected—sellers will negotiate; start at 50–60% of asking price. Don't feel obligated to tip as a rule; Thais understand Western tourists' varying customs. Avoid tipping with your left hand (considered disrespectful).

Thailand is generally safe for tourists—petty theft (phone snatching, bag cutting) happens in crowded areas and night markets, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Avoid Pattaya and Phuket after midnight in tourist zones (petty robbery and drunk aggression happen). Bangkok's Khlong Toei and certain soi off Sukhumvit are dangerous after dark; stick to main roads. Political protests and southern Thailand (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat provinces) occasionally flare up with bombs—monitor news and avoid these areas entirely. Road accidents are the biggest danger: Thailand has the worst traffic fatality rate in Southeast Asia. Don't rent a motorbike unless you're experienced; local drivers are reckless. Police are generally polite to tourists but can be corrupt if you're caught with drugs (harsh penalties—avoid entirely). Show respect to images of the Thai king everywhere; negative comments are illegal and seriously enforced. Tap water isn't safe to drink—buy bottled water (cheap everywhere). Dengue fever and occasional malaria in rural areas—use insect repellent. Overall: Use common sense, avoid valuables on display, don't go out alone drunk, and you'll be fine.