15 Things You Should Know Before You Come To Thailand

If you are thinking about coming to Thailand, learn the 15 things you should know before you come to Thailand! In this video, we'll cover...
Greetings in Thailand 0:28
How to Get Around Thailand 1:13
Changing Money in Thailand 3:05
Tipping in Thailand 4:45
Alcohol Sales in Thailand 5:53
Bathroom Etiquette in Thailand 7:44
When to Remove Your Shoes in Thailand 9:10
The Seasons in Thailand and the Best Time to Come to Thailand 10:10
Thai Food to Try 11:41
Water Concerns in Thailand 13:03
Insect Repellent 13:51
Respecting the King 14:50
Temple étiqueté 16:28
Getting the Check 19:05
Saying Thank-you 20:12
Read even more on our blog below! Bookmark these tips for your reference!
lucasworldtravel.com/15-things-you-will-love-to-know-before-you-come-to-thailand/
Want to see the Top 20 Things to do in Krabi, Thailand? Check it out below!
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We are David & Kendra Lucas, an American couple who sold everything to travel the world. The pandemic left us stranded in Thailand, but our journey through Thailand has been an amazing one! As the world reopens, our goal is to discover over 100 countries while discovering ourselves at the same time. Subscribe to find out where we'll go next and in which country we will make our permanent home one day.
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[@LucasWorldTravel]

Hey world travelers! Hope you have a great trip to Thailand! Share any tips or questions that you have in the comments below! We're happy to help! Let's help one another travel the world freely and easily! Thanks for watching everyone!

[@destinationsunknowntheroadsles]

Don,t leave your common sense at the airport. The most basic of the Thai language is not that difficult. Being able to say hello in Thai is certainly helpful. Some very helpful hints for all those visiting Thailand for the first time. The Thai Military bank is one of the best allowing you to take out 30,000 baht per day.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Interesting! I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing!

[@lindabuck2777]

Are there banks in the airports??? Thank you🙏🏻🌟

[@chev6901]

Which banks that accept foreign residents in Thailand to open accounts have the best interest rates?

[@Us-zy7xx]

Going to India and thailand in December, I am amazed to see how respectful you both are towards other religion and culture. Great tips, love the video

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great to hear! Hope you enjoy your trip!

[@lawandahuffman8847]

Thank you sooo much for the tips!! They are really helpful. I truly appreciate that you took the time out to share these tips with us. Great tips and keep going!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful Lawanda! Have fun in Thailand!

[@findingbliss4me]

Fantastic info. Thank you for sharing!

[@thespiritualplug__]

So appreciative of this video, you both provided details on many topics that are important as a first-timer to the country that I didn’t think of.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

So glad it was helpful! Enjoy Thailand!

[@mzsexidreadz]

Thanks y'all, well needed. So excited!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad you liked the tips! Enjoy Thailand!

[@bssmith4181]

Thank you so much for this very informative video and also how well articulated !!!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@vamosindeed5228]

This was a great video I appreciate the funk out of both of you.

[@romanandfizah]

Another enjoyable content of you. Looks beautiful. Thank you touring and sharing with us. Have a great weekend ❤️between we missed Thailand 🇹🇭

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thank you! You guys have a great weekend as well!

[@donaldlilly495]

Take your passport and a debit card with your name on it inside a bank. You will be allowed to get money out with no fees.

[@HollyBollyWolly25]

Thank you so much for sharing these tips! 😃

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad you found the tips helpful! Hope you enjoy Thailand!

[@HaswellTravelled]

Hello my travelling friends! Very useful advice for a Thailand trip - and you speak from lots of experience! Well done and big like 👍. Hope you had a wonderful time in your Eastern Europe Balkan tour - looking forward to those videos. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend 😀.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for watching! Balkan videos will be coming soon!

[@DIAMONDGIRL57]

Enjoyed the information so much!! I am ready to return. Love the rainy season, as I currently live in the Mojave desert.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes the rain will probably be a welcome change for you but Thailand is a joy in all seasons!

[@RochelleClarke0075]

Thanks CUZ for the wonderful advice! Hubby and I are going to Thailand in February! We are so excited and now more prepared!!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great to hear! You guys are going to love it!

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

REALLY good and informative/helpful video!! Going to Thailand late this year so this will help! Cheers from Toronto Canada!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

So glad to hear it was helpful! Enjoy your time in Thailand!

[@BangkokJack858]

Some great tips for the Thai uninitiated here. This should help those who are nervous about coming to Thailand

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Indeed it should! Thanks for watching!

[@Gene1974]

Great and very informative video. Thank you both..

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy Thailand!

[@hectorangel5408]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@keithcoye6121]

Excited to visit Thailand. Even more excited when I saw that you guys are also black Americans also so I'm loving your perspective. Great video. Wishing you guys the best!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks Keith! You’ll love Thailand and don’t worry you won’t be the only black American there. We’re sparkled throughout the country. 😉

[@wendytesulov6083]

So good!!!! Thank you😊

[@vonnpowell3844]

Hi Kendra and David. I love the information you all give. Thailand is definitely on my list of places to go. Love the close up vibrant colors of the food. I wonder if I should travel with my activated charcoal or wormwood just in case I ingest the water. Super great video❤️

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Hey Vonn! Yes, it doesn't hurt to have some medicine with you just in case!

[@livingonourterms531]

Great information. The weather has been lovely so far & Loi Krathong was amazing in Chiang Mai. The times to buy alcohol sometimes suck, but just go to a local shop and can sometimes get around things 😃. Living in the kingdom for a month so far has been great

[@LucasWorldTravel]

That's great to hear! So glad you got to experience Loi Krathong. That was one of our favorite festivals.

[@mslaxson]

Well done. Thank you.

[@Thirstytraveler41]

Nice informative video! Also, if you have a Charles Schwab debit card, you pay $0 for all foreign transactions, which is so great.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, great tip!

[@justeshort]

Thank you very much for mentioning the water conditions, insect repellant necessity, spice food caution, shoe removal policy, silence for the king at movie theatres, how to say hello, and dress codes for temple visits. Wow, essential to know shoulders and knees need to be covered since it is so hot and sitting etiquette.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy Thailand!

[@justeshort]

@@LucasWorldTravel Any advice on how I can find a month beachfront rental... Everything online is substantially over priced compared to the prices everyone is saying on YOutube within the past three months...

[@justeshort]

Even the Marriott is coming in at $200 per night. I was thinking to stay a week in a hotel and look once I got there but $1,400 for the hotel will put a dent in my budget

[@LucasWorldTravel]

@@justeshort Why are you just looking at the Marriott? Stay at a local hotel. There are plenty of nice ones for $30-$40 a night.

[@Nicetime-nc7zn]

Thank you 🫶🏾

[@megahern8467]

Wonderful tips -- thank you so much!! :)

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful Meg! Hope you are well!

[@megahern8467]

@@LucasWorldTravel Thanks so much -- you too! :)

[@link2440]

Hey! I know these people! I’m heading to Phuket for the first time in 6 weeks. Great video! Lots of good info! Will check out the rest of your videos! Thanks!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Wow! Hey Jeff! Small world! Yes, we are travel KZbinrs now and are absolutely obsessed. We spent 18 months in Thailand during the pandemic and loved it. Glad you liked the video! Hope you love Thailand as well!

[@adrianr-j8131]

Great advice- love your videos! Two more tips: 1. in some upscale places you can’t get in wearing open-toed sandals/shoes. 2. It can be counterintuitive, but metered taxis can be much cheaper than the negotiated price of a tuktuk.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing with everyone!

[@britsincerely7718]

So helpful thank you

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy Thailand! 🇹🇭

[@vanstewart3607]

Thank you so much very help full

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it helped! Enjoy Thailand!

[@martelprayer416]

This is one of the best videos I've watched before going to Thailand

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Wow! Glad it was helpful for you! Enjoy Thailand!

[@martelprayer416]

@@LucasWorldTravel I'm going to subscribe to your channel. Many thanks for bringing us very helpful videos like this. Peace and blessings to you both.

[@TheAverageTourist]

That's so interesting that the taxi fares are so negotiable! And great info about the toilet paper - such a western thing and as a Canadian I would definitely not know that without these tips. Good info about the shoes as well. Weather details are so important to know too, and so interesting about requesting your cheque at a restaurant. Thanks for sharing all of these great tips!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Happy to share Sara! Naturally not many people talk about the bathroom issues but it’s such vital info for the tourist!

[@anointedoneac8748]

Thank you

[@superexcited5929]

Useful tips. It took me a long time to become used to driving in Thailand. Coming from a country where they drive on the right side of the road.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, it took us a couple of months to get used to driving on the left as well. It's amazing how you eventually adapt though.

[@TravelInteresante]

Are you guys back in Thailand again? I believe there is a mandatory quarantine for the first night of arrival now. Good call on the alcohol sales on the holiday time. Wow, the King aspect was something we had no idea about. I absolutely love this video!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We're in Montenegro currently, but I'm just now editing some older Thailand footage. Our next series will be on the Balkans. We look forward to sharing a new journey soon!

[@bpe9578]

Thank you so much for these very important cultural notes, especially the temple etiquette. Will you be visiting Serbia? I'm looking forward to your new videos.

[@robsitum1]

I like the way you explain. No hurry, calm, to the detail, super. Keep doing that way. I wonder if you have experience visiting Jerusalem. I need your opinion.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks! Glad you found our explanation helpful! No, unfortunately we haven’t been to Jerusalem yet but it’s on our travel list.

[@genecollins7656]

Enjoy your channel. Thank you. Only 2rd one. Thanks

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great to hear! Enjoy Thailand! 🇹🇭

[@TideKnotTravellers]

These tips were really interesting and helpful, thank you! Good to know that taxi prices are negotiable, us Brits are notoriously bad at negotiating down as historically it's seen as rude/cheeky. so interesting about the hours of alcohol sales being restricted, we don't drink much but a bottle of wine with the afternoon food shop would definitely catch us out too! 😄

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Believe me! We struggle negotiating as well. Usually when I get a lower price it's completely accidental (i.e. I take to long deciding and they lower the price without me asking 😂). I'll take what I can get though!

[@vivap176]

I don't think so that taxi prices are negotiable. As now all taxis in Bangkok are compulsorily required to have taxi meters, they must use metres or else they could face fines by transport authorities. However for travels out of the city for example to Pattaya, law allows negotiation with customers. So in Bangkok, taxi metres must be applied but for travels out to faraway places, they preferred negotiation.

[@LiveLongNaturee]

A very nice share👍👍. The footage is very high quality, keep it up, keep uploading successful videos. I'm looking forward to new videos. God bless you and your family.🤲🤲Greetings from Turkey, hope to see you again.🙋‍♀️🇹🇷👏👏👏👏🛎👉

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks guys! We appreciate it! Best wishes to you!

[@TheMapPinners]

"Sa-wat-dee-kat" guys! These are great tips! I forgot that they drive on the left side of the road, that's a helpful one to know as an American before arriving. And good to know about the meter w/ taxi's- I've learned that the hard way before haha I also appreciated your notes about tipping as well as water concerns. Thanks you two! You both are great resources.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching guys!

[@BeingBedingfield]

Awesome tips guys! I remember going to Vietnam and not knowing the bathroom etiquette 😂 luckily that prepared me for when I went to Thailand and I could also warn Craig 🙈😅 so glad you mentioned it though, not a lot of people talk about that. Very interesting about the king!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Indeed! Honestly it was little embarrassing to talk about the bathroom but it really is essential information a tourist would need to know.

[@BeingBedingfield]

@@LucasWorldTravel I can imagine 🙈 but you did it well and didn’t come off awkward 💯👍

[@Xylo58]

Check your change for any writing or torn bills. These are not accepted in almost any establishment. Refuse to accept any such bills. Some may want to sneak it in your change.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for sharing this tip with everyone!

[@ftnwo868]

Is it not redeemable at banks or something?

[@hosannayeshua]

Would you recommend anyone for doing Black hair in Phuket?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Unfortunately we have no idea. We do our own hair. You’ll love Phuket though with or without a stylist.

[@629th]

as far i know : to avoid ATM fee you can go inside the bank withdraw your money with your ATM card without any fee

[@Explorcation]

Hey Kendra and David, these are great tips from your experience in Thailand. I didn't realize how negotiable taxi fares may be. And I was surprised to learn about the alcohol sale restrictions! We will have to watch these tips again when we plan a trip to Thailand 😊 Mmm all of the food looks sooo delicious! I would have to work my way up with the spices 😆

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes, you'll love the food. So many great flavors!

[@Jlarsson-JL]

Taxi: meter it. Money. I heard form another content provider the you can go into a bank and draw money and avoid the ATM fee. TYM: TP tip. I'd have messed that up. I wondered why there was a hose in every toilet picture. Nice video ขอบคุณ. lol

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for sharing your tips! Glad the video could be helpful to you too! Safe travels!

[@jamesparnell1131]

Hi thnx for the info. I really appreciate it. I am also an American living in NJ. I am a retiree. I would like to move and retire in Thailand. Could tell me the steps to take to move there. Thank you

[@LucasWorldTravel]

The hardest part is getting the retirement visa so just spend your time researching that. You can do it yourself or hire an agency to help. Everything else is an easy transition.

[@samdunham1482]

Wow! The flushing thing took me by surprise! Talk about a tid-bit of info I needed.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes indeed! So few people talk about this, but it's such vital information!

[@Justvisiting14]

Aloha!! Do you know if the faucets are the same size as the US? I would like to bring my counter top water filter and shower filter..?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

All the faucets are different sizes. We’ve stayed in several different apartments and there is not one standard size.

[@Justvisiting14]

@@LucasWorldTravel Thank you very much!!

[@colinb8512]

Thanks for the great tips! I'm going to Thailand very soon, for the first time & only my second overseas trip. I will be meeting a really nice Thai lady who was introduced to me in June by a Thai friend here in my country. She will help me as much as she can, but at the moment we can only understand a few words of each other's languages & rely on a translation App & Google. I knew about the water (not drinking), but thanks for the extra info about it, as my stomach is quite sensitive.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Glad it was helpful Colin! Hope you have a great trip!

[@ebonysoblessed]

Hello I plan to leave for Thailand in a few months. What shots do I need?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We’re not sure either. Best to ask Google.

[@ebonysoblessed]

@@LucasWorldTravel did you get shots to in the country? Google has conflicting information.

[@maankayaking528]

Sawassdee Krab

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Sawatdeeka! Kopkunka!

[@erikam4620]

I would love to visit Thailand!!! How much money should I bring to sustain a 2 week trip roughly?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

That’s impossible to advise as everyone spends so differently. It’s best to do an estimate of the activities, restaurants, and accommodations that you want to visit and make your budget from there.

[@erikam4620]

@@LucasWorldTravel that makes sense. Thank you!

[@colombianman1969]

Excelente video como siempre. Muchas gracias. ¿Cuándo los esperamos en Colombia? Será muy grato tenerlos acá. Un gran abrazo. 😀😀

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Gracias Mauro! Estamos en Europa ahora pero iremos a Colombia un dia por seguro!

[@colombianman1969]

@@LucasWorldTravel Esperemos que así sea. Un gran abrazo. :)

[@LiveLongNaturee]

Muhteşem

[@tanikagee3204]

You can exchange at your local bank for free FYI...before you leave

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@farangjohn]

I came from the UK but have been a resident of Thailand for over 30 years. I have a Thai ID card and consider myself to be more Thai that English. I would like to thank you for your video, I am so used to seeing similar things that are so inaccurate its embarrassing and frankly upsetting. The fact that you explained the difference between the male and female preposition made me feel comfortable with you and its why I am responding. Nothing I say is intended to disrespect your video report. On the taxi negotiations you might be giving a slightly wrong impression, I assume you are talking about long distances because most trips are not much more than 100 Baht. Most taxis will run with a meter which is government controlled and not expensive. My advice would be if the taxi driver tries to negotiate a price, simply get out and wait for the next one that will run on a meter. You mention that the exchange rate at the airport will not be the best rate and yes that’s true but exchange rates in Thailand are government controlled and you will not find much difference between outlets. Airport is really convenient and you are not losing much. Exchange booths are better because the rate is government controlled but your bank ATMs are controlled by your home country bank and often with poor exchange rates and huge fees. My next point is no alcohol sales. Yes, that are four religious events that you can’t buy alcohol but some of those religious events happen more than once a year, then there are also events such as Local elections, national elections, and a variety of other events that will stop the sale of alcohol. Plan for that but if you forgot and really so desperate for a drink there are lots of local mum and pop shops that will satisfy your craving. Many years ago, the Thai government decided to have multiple elections on December 25th, which made the sale of alcohol illegal, trust me we still got drunk without too many problems. Just don’t do it openly. ON the bathroom etiquette, I suggest buying a small pack of wet hygiene wipes to carry with you all the time, if you have to use public facilities you will be happy to have them with you. With regard to removing shoes, yes you are correct. The feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of a person. Just assume you need to remove your shoes unless someone tells you that you don’t have to. You talked about the quality of tap water. Firstly, Bangkok Tap water is generally to a very high standard. The plant at Westgate Bangkok built in cooperation with the UK’s Thames Water authority was actually the most advanced treatment pant in the world when it opened. The problem is that some of the distribution piping has still not been replaced, however you will not get sick from using and consuming the tap water in Bangkok. Any issues you have had probably did noy come from the water if you are in Bangkok Outside of Bangkok it’s probably best to be careful, You did not mention it in your report but I see it talked about so many times, ICE in Thailand is 100% safe, the industry is very regulated and controlled and I use ice every day and I have been here over 30 years with no ice related issues. Insect repellant I agree, use it a lot and shower it off before sleep. Thank you for respect out king, Thank you for respecting our temples. Your comments about if you know already you should dress appropriately, that resonates very well with me. Tips here are basically based on service, good service then good tip. Bad service means no tip. 10% is absolute max here, but service staff get a reasonable livable salary to start with, I have been in chain restaurants in Thailand that add a mandatory 10% service fee but I have refused to pay it because the service was so bad. Conversely I have paid30% at private restaurant when they go far beyond the expected service level. Sorry for such along comment butI wanted to tell the issues from a Thai Resident, JOhn

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for sharing John! It’s great to hear your unique perspective!

[@ftnwo868]

Do their ATMs work with American bank cards?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yes definitely. You will just have to pay a fee, so be sure to take out the maximum amount every time you use the ATM.

[@ftnwo868]

@@LucasWorldTravel thanks

[@EAster33]

I highly recommend not using the airport for cash exchange!! Atm at the airport, as soon as you set your items down go to the exchange.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Great tip!

[@EAster33]

@@LucasWorldTravel great video

[@PawGreigTV]

where are you guys at now?

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We’re traveling through Eastern Europe. In Montenegro at the moment.

[@chev6901]

Would you mind commenting on gays in Thailand, or in any specific cities? Thank you.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

We don't know much about over than the lady boy culture in Phuket.

[@gracecaldwell4952]

you will get the best rate at the airport. they are the same.

[@ReneesChannel-RMRTravel]

I thought it sounded like cup not crap lol

[@LucasWorldTravel]

It's definitely crap but there are definitely some variations as it's such a commonly used word that a lot of people don't pronunce it completely.

[@AwakenIndigos]

Bolt for transportation Food Panda for food delivery

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Thanks for sharing your tips with fellow travelers!

[@Rafatdk]

dont change at the airport and dont use atm and never hire jetski or anything on the beaches

[@LucasWorldTravel]

So do you go inside the bank every time you need money?

[@birnablack3343]

Go in to the bank and don't use the ATM, the banks are free, tell them that!!

[@imoldgreggboosh3467]

How much did you get for advertising on that tee shirt? Buh Bye

[@melissathomas9207]

shame, why does she sound so nervous?

[@russhaywood6418]

Please do not recommend that viewers exchange currency at the airport! It’s a sure way to get ripped off!

[@629th]

you can flush the toilet but recommend not to

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Yep, no reason to take a chance and clog it.

[@amberlily3379]

Just skip Thailand as long as (baby) elephants are still broken and abused for and in the tourist and entertainment industries. It's still LEGAL in Thailand and there are no animal rights!! Just check KZbin on how (baby) elephants are trained and broken in Thailand (it's legal). If you are human, you can not have a relaxing holiday in Thailand, knowing that this is going on around the corner!!!

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you