Thailand Essentials: What Every European Traveler Should Know (2025 Guide)
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for European travelers — affordable, beautiful, friendly, and perfect for both short trips and long holidays.
This guide covers everything you must know before flying, including visas, money, safety, transport, SIM cards, and prices.
🌍 1. Visa & Entry Requirements (2025)
Most Europeans can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days.
Visa-free countries:
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Austria
- Italy
- France
- Slovakia
- Czech Republic
- Poland
- All EU/EEA countries
Extend your stay:
- Visa extension possible for +30 days at immigration offices
- Cost: 1,900 THB (approx. CHF 49 / €47)
💡 Always check passport validity — must be valid for 6 months.
💰 2. Money, Cards & Costs
Currency:
🇹🇭 Thai Baht (THB)
ATMs:
- ATM fees: typically 220–250 THB per withdrawal
- Use Revolut / Wise for best rates
- Exchange cash only at legit places (SuperRich, TT Exchange)
Typical costs (2025):
- Bangkok hotel (3★): CHF 28–45 / €30–50
- Chiang Mai hotel (3★): €20–35
- Taxi Grab in Bangkok: €3–8
- Street food: €1–3
- Restaurant meal: €4–10
📱 3. Internet & SIM Cards
Best tourist SIM cards:
- AIS Traveller SIM
- DTAC Happy Tourist
- TrueMove Tourist SIM
Price: 299–599 THB (7–16 EUR) depending on data plan
Activation takes 2 minutes at the airport.
💡 eSIM also available for most phones.
🚕 4. Transport & Getting Around
Bangkok:
- Grab (best for taxis)
- MRT (clean & modern)
- BTS Skytrain
- Avoid taxis without meters
Chiang Mai:
- Grab
- Motorbike rentals (€7–10/day)
- Red Songthaew shared taxis
Phuket:
- Grab (limited but works)
- Bolt (cheaper)
- Avoid: tuk-tuks asking crazy prices
🏥 5. Safety & Travel Insurance
Thailand is generally safe, but keep basic caution:
- Watch your belongings in crowded streets
- Don’t rent scooters without experience
- Wear helmets — police fines are common
- Avoid drinking tap water
- Use sunscreen (UV is extremely strong)
Travel Insurance:
Highly recommended — medical care can be expensive for foreigners.
Top choices:
- Allianz Travel
- World Nomads
- SafetyWing
🏨 6. Best Places to Stay (Quick Guide)
Bangkok
- Sukhumvit
- Silom
- Riverside
- Phrom Phong
Phuket
- Kata
- Karon
- Bang Tao
- Patong (only for nightlife lovers)
Chiang Mai
- Old City
- Nimman
- Riverside
🛫 7. Best Time to Visit Thailand
Best months:
✔ November
✔ December
✔ January
✔ February
Avoid (rainy season):
✖ September
✖ October
🛒 8. Useful Apps in Thailand
- Grab (transport)
- Bolt
- Agoda (hotels)
- FoodPanda / GrabFood
- Google Translate (Thai menu lifesaver)
📌 Final Tips for Europeans
- Carry cash — many places don’t accept cards
- Don’t drink tap water
- Use mosquito spray (especially Chiang Mai)
- First 2 days take it slow — heat is intense
- Use Agoda for the best hotel prices in Thailand
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Thailand Essentials 2025: Visa, Money, SIM, Safety & Travel Tips for Europeans
📝 Meta Description
Complete Thailand guide for European travelers. Visa rules, prices, SIM cards, safety, transport, apps and practical travel tips for Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.