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Getting here

Visas, flights and the paperwork nobody explains

From picking the right visa to clearing immigration and surviving your first week, here's the order to do it in.

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Choose the right visa

Most newcomers overpay or over-apply. Match the visa to how long you actually plan to stay.

Visa exemption: 30 to 60 days for most passports, extendable once
Tourist visa (TR): 60 days, extend 30 more at immigration
DTV: the digital-nomad friendly long-stay option
Non-B / Non-O: work, marriage, retirement, needs sponsorship or funds

Flights and arrival airports

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) are not interchangeable — check before booking a connection.

Book Tuesday/Wednesday departures for the cheapest long-haul fares
Allow 4+ hours between BKK and DMK connections
Airport Rail Link into the city beats a taxi in rush hour
Only use the official taxi queue and insist on the meter

Immigration paperwork

Have these ready before you land and you'll clear immigration in minutes.

Digital arrival card (TDAC) completed before departure
Proof of onward travel: airlines do check
Hotel or condo address for the first night
TM30 address registration handled by your landlord or hotel

Your first 72 hours

The short list that makes everything else easier.

Buy a Thai SIM at the airport (AIS or True)
Withdraw cash: many places are still cash-first
Download Grab, Bolt and LINE
Set your 90-day report reminder on day one

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