Travel essentials for Thailand

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

Type A, B, C adapter required

Thai sockets usually accept both flat American-style pins and round European pins, but not the angled Australian Type I plug. A universal adapter covers you.

230V, 50Hz

Tap water

Not safe to drink

Don't drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere; ice in restaurants and bars is generally made commercially and is safe.

Staying connected

Very good across cities, islands and tourist areas.

Thai eSIMs are among the cheapest in the world - often under AUD $10 for 15-20GB. AIS and True have the widest island coverage.

Compare Thailand eSIMs

Health risks

Dengue fever year-round
Road trauma - Thailand has one of the world's highest road death rates
Food and water-borne illness
Methanol in cheap spirits and bucket drinks
Jellyfish on Gulf beaches

Emergency numbers in Thailand

All emergencies	191 police / 1669 ambulance
Police	191
Ambulance	1669
Fire	199
Tourist assistance	Tourist Police 1155 (English-speaking)
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Bangkok - +66 2 344 6300

Tipping and everyday costs

Not traditionally expected. Rounding up a taxi fare or leaving ฿20-฿100 is appreciated. Hotels and upmarket restaurants often add a 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.

What screening will actually let you pack

Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.

Plan a trip to Thailand Pick recharge, scenic, food or balanced and get a day-by-day itinerary, with Thailand's entry rules and your checklist on the same page.

More Thailand essentials

Thailand visa and entry rules Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Flights to Thailand Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip. Thailand eSIM plans Instant data, no physical SIM required. Thailand travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers. Thailand money and cards Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Thailand airport transfers Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving in Thailand International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do in Thailand Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.

Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack

How these comparisons are made

Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.

Thailand travel essentials FAQs

Can you drink tap water in Thailand?

No. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice in restaurants and bars is usually commercially produced and safe.

We will send you the Thailand guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.