Some of the most important things you will need for your trip to Thailand won’t actually be in your backpack. Make sure you’ve got these essentials for your trip sorted out – they all need a bit of time before you plan to travel to sort out.
Vaccinations – Check what injections you need to get or renew at least 8 weeks before you go to Thailand (usually Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, typhoid and possibly rabies, plus maybe malaria tablets, although they are usually not required)
Travel Insurance – Travel Insurance can make all the difference when you are faced with unplanned circumstances. Make sure you go with an option that covers all of the activities you plan on doing, such as riding a motorbike or scuba diving. World Nomads travel insurance is useful as it can be bought immediately online and extended even if you are not currently in your country of origin.
Passport – Ensure your passport is valid for at least a year and has plenty of blank pages. You will be barred from entry to the country if you have less than 6-months remaining.
Visa Requirements – A 30-day visa on arrival, that can be extended an additional 30 days once you are in Thailand is available for citizens of most countries. If you are planning on staying longer, it would be a good idea to apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa before you leave. This can also be extended an additional 30 days without needing to leave the county.
Prescription Medicines – While some medicines that are prescription-only in the United States are available over the counter in Thailand, it is good to make sure you have full supplies of the medicines you need. Keep in mind Thailand does have strict policies regarding drugs, and some medicines that are available outside of the country, such as Adderall, are illegal to possess in Thailand, even with a prescription.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards – Many places in Thailand are cash-only and do not accept credit cards. All ATM’s charge a 200 baht fee ($5 USD) for each withdrawal. Having a debit card with a bank that doesn’t charge you international fees will help reduce the cost of accessing your cash.
Document Back-up – Take photos of your passport, drivers license, insurance cards, and any other important documents and upload to a folder on Google Docs. This helped me immensely when my drivers license and credit cards were stolen.
What Do You Need To Pack For Thailand?
The golden rule is always pack less. Don’t buy half of the local camping shop in an attempt to be prepared for every situation – simply buy it when you need it while you’re travelling. In Thailand this is particularly true, because, assuming you’re starting your journey in Bangkok, pretty much every Western thing you could need is available and is often cheaper too.
Stuff You Don’t Need To Bring Lots Of As You Can Buy It In Thailand
Toiletries – Toothpaste, shampoo, mouthwash, soap, razors, tampons, pain relievers and deodorant are available in every 7-11, which seems to be on every street corner. Don’t fill up your pack with these generic and easily purchasable items.
T-shirts and tank tops – These can be bought for cheap (around $2 USD) in local markets all over the country.
Towel – Unless you invest in a quick dry towel, these take up valuable space and weight in your pack. Purchase one on arrival, even if you are going to a beach destination.