You’ll want to take care of several things before your trip. Getting these items squared away will make for a more enjoyable vacation. The following Thailand travel checklist will help you get organized and reduce your hassles as you prepare for your travel.
- Check your passport expiration; Thailand requires that you have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry.
- Get a Tourist Visa if you need it. If you won’t be using or are not eligible for a visa exemption, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. Do this several weeks in advanced to make sure it is approved and returned in time for your trip. You can also extend your tourist visa in Thailand once you get there.
- Make reservations well in advance, especially if you are traveling during high season. If you need help choosing a place, see our curated list of Guest Friendly Pattaya Hotels.
- Call credit and debit card companies to let them know you will be travelling. If you don’t notify them you run the risk of your cards being frozen. Make sure you have an emergency number for your banks to call in case of emergency.
- Buy Travel Insurance before you go. A lot of insurance doesn’t cover you while traveling overseas. Check with your provider and if you need travel coverage get a policy. It’s relatively cheap and it’s one of those things it’s better to have and not use than to need it and not have it.
- Make Copies of important Travel documents and save them to the cloud in case you lose the originals
- Book your ride from the airport to Pattaya by private car, unless you are planning on taking a taxi, bus, or rental car.
- If you are renting a car or motorbike you need a valid license for whichever type of vehicle you’ll be using. An International Driving Permit is also required.
- Unlock your phone to use a local Thai SIM card or make sure your phone works in Thailand. If you want data and to make calls without wifi, you’ll want a local SIM card or a phone company that has free international data plans.
- Get a guide book if you need it, or bookmark our site for the most recent up to date information.
- Download any apps you might want to use like currency converters, translators, maps, or communication apps like Skype or Line.
- Take care of medical needs before you go. See a travel doctor and make sure you have the proper vaccinations, for some shots you need to do this several months in advanced. Get your prescriptions filled for the trip.
- Take care of household needs – put a hold on your mail, cancel newspaper, make sure you can receive and pay your bills online.
- Give a copy of your itinerary to family or friends. If you need help in Thailand and aren’t able to reach out to them it will be easier for them to try and help. It’s peace of mind for both of you.
- Make a list of valuables you are bringing – Cameras, computers, or other electronics. Make notes of serial numbers, models, and take photos. If anything is stolen you’ll have a record for insurance claims.
- Visit airline and TSA sites to check carry-on luggage restrictions. Rules are always changing, make sure you have the most up to date information.
Photo To-Do List