Stay connected from the get-go! A local SIM card is great for maps, Grab, and sharing your first Bangkok moments.
Where to Get It: Look for official AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H counters.
BKK: Prominently in the Arrivals Hall (Level 2, after customs, often near major exits like Gates 4/5, 7, 9/10) and sometimes in the Baggage Claim area.
DMK: In the Arrivals Hall (after customs, often near Exits 3-6 or between Terminals 1 & 2).
What You'll Need: Your passport is required for registration. Airport staff will usually help with setup.
Popular Choices:
AIS: Excellent 5G coverage, various tourist plans (e.g., 15GB for ~299 THB).
DTAC (Happy Tourist SIM): Good coverage, unlimited and capped data options.
TrueMove H: Strong data packages.
📱 eSIM Option: If your phone supports eSIMs, consider services like Thailandesim.com, Airalo, or SimOptions for pre-arrival setup.
💰 Cost & Top-Up: Packages often start around 299 THB. You can easily top up at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or via the provider's mobile app.
Friendly Note: AIS Serenade Club is a loyalty program for long-term subscribers, not the service point for Tourist SIMs.
Cash is king for many things in Bangkok, especially taxis and street food!
General Advice: For convenience, exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses (e.g., 1,000-3,000 THB). For the absolute best rates, exchange larger sums at reputable changers in central Bangkok (like SuperRich head offices).
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – For Better Airport Rates:
Go to: Basement Level (B Floor), near the Airport Rail Link station.
Look for: SuperRich Thailand (Green booth), SuperRich 1965 (Orange booth). Some bank counters here may also offer better rates than upstairs.
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Other Convenient Locations: Bank counters (Kasikorn, SCB, etc.) are easily found in the Arrivals Hall (Level 2) and Baggage Claim. Rates might be slightly less favorable.
Don Mueang (DMK): Bank-operated counters (e.g., Krungsri, TMBThanachart) in the Arrivals Hall offer fair rates.
⚠️ Crucial Tip for Taxis: Taxis in Bangkok operate on a cash-only basis for fares and tolls. Ensure you have Thai Baht!
Passport: May be required for currency exchange.
Quick Tip: If time permits, glance at rates at a couple of counters before exchanging.
Arriving before check-in or have a late flight out? Send your luggage ahead!
What It Is: Services that deliver your luggage from the airport to your hotel (or vice-versa), or between hotels.
Main Providers:
BKK: Main 24/7 counter on B Floor (Basement, near Airport Rail Link). Kiosk also on Level 2 Arrivals (check operating hours).
DMK: Terminal 2, 1st Floor, Gate 9 (Hours usually 7 AM–10 PM, verify for late arrivals).
BKK: 2nd Floor (Arrivals, near Exit 4) & 4th Floor (Departures).
DMK: Between Terminals 1 & 2 (often focuses on hotel-to-airport here).
Smile Lugg (BKK only): B Floor (Basement, near Airport Rail Link).
How It Works: Usually, you can book online (sometimes at a discount) or at their counter. Drop off your bag, get a tracking receipt, and it’s delivered.
💰 Estimated Cost: Starts from around 250–350 THB per piece, varying by distance and delivery speed.
Hotel Check: Always confirm with your hotel that they can receive luggage on your behalf if you won't be there.
Perfect for layovers or if you want a few bag-free hours to explore.
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Options:
AIRPORTELs: B Floor (near Rail Link, main 24/7) & Level 2 kiosk (Gate 4). Approx. 100 THB/day.
Bellugg: Level 2 (Arrivals) & Level 4 (Departures).
Smile Lugg: B Floor (near Rail Link area).
Don Mueang (DMK) Options:
AIRPORTELs: Terminal 2, 1st Floor, Gate 9.
LOCK BOX: Terminal 2, 1st Floor (automated lockers, various sizes).
Bellugg Left Luggage: Counter between Terminals 1 & 2.
Official "Left Baggage" Service: 2nd Floor walkway between terminals (often around ~75 THB/day).
The Process: Typically involves showing your passport, a quick bag scan, payment, and receiving a claim tag. Always take a photo of your claim tag!
Security: Reputable services offer CCTV monitoring and basic insurance.
Once you have your SIM card, cash, and luggage, your next step is getting to No.31. This is often where first-time visitors can encounter confusion. Here’s how to navigate it smoothly and safely.
For a fair and safe journey, we recommend one of these options:
Official Metered Taxis (Recommended Practice):
IGNORE TOUTS: Ignore anyone approaching you in the arrivals hall offering a taxi.
GO TO THE OFFICIAL STAND: At BKK, go to Level 1 (Ground Floor) and follow the "Public Taxi" signs to the automated kiosks. At DMK, follow signs to the official taxi queue outside the terminal.
GET A TICKET: The kiosk will print a ticket with your taxi's bay number.
INSIST ON THE METER: When you get in, politely confirm with the driver: "Meter, na ka/krap?" (ka for female speaker, krap for male). If the driver refuses or quotes a high flat rate, it's best to politely decline and get the next taxi in the queue.
Navigating taxi fares in a new city can be tricky. Here’s our practical advice to help you pay fairly and confidently.
The Meter is the Real Price First and foremost, the price on the meter is the full and correct fare for your ride. Unlike in some other countries, a tip is not mandatory or culturally required in Thailand. You have fulfilled your obligation by paying the metered fare (plus any expressway tolls you agreed to).
The Local Custom: Rounding Up It is a common and polite gesture for locals and tourists alike to round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 Baht, or simply let the driver keep the small coin change. This is a sign of convenience and courtesy, not a required tip.
Example: If the meter says 82 THB, you can pay with a 100 THB note and receiving 10 THB back (leaving an 8 THB tip) is a perfectly normal and polite gesture. Paying 90 THB is also very common.
The "Tourist Tip" Expectation (What to be aware of) As you've noted, some drivers in tourist-heavy areas may hope for or expect a larger tip from visitors. You might notice a driver waiting after you've paid or seeming disappointed with a small tip.
Our Advice: Please remember that you are under no obligation to provide a large tip. A generous tip for truly exceptional service is a kind gesture, but it is entirely your choice. Do not feel pressured.
How to Handle Different Situations (Your Game Plan):
⭐ Best Practice - Carry Small Bills: This is the single best way to avoid any awkward situations. Always try to have 20, 50, and 100 THB notes on hand. This allows you to pay close to the exact amount and decide on any small tip you wish to leave.
The "I have no change" Situation: Occasionally, for a small fare, a driver might claim they don't have change for a large 500 or 1000 THB note. While this can be genuine, it is sometimes a way to get a larger tip. It is the driver's responsibility to provide change. You can politely wait while they find it, often from a nearby 7-Eleven. This is another reason why carrying small bills is so helpful.
For Excellent Service: If your driver was exceptionally helpful, friendly, navigated difficult traffic well, or helped with heavy luggage, a tip of 20-50 THB is considered a very generous and kind thank you.
Using Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab): After your ride is complete, the app will give you the option to add a tip to your driver electronically. This is also completely optional and can be done after you have comfortably exited the vehicle.
Ride-Hailing Apps (e.g., Grab):
This is a very convenient option with upfront pricing.
Book your ride through the app once you're ready to leave. Both airports have designated pick-up areas for ride-hailing services. Check the app for the specific location.
Airport Limousine: As mentioned in our guide, this is a premium, fixed-price service. It's the most hassle-free (but most expensive) option if you want to avoid any uncertainty.
Bangkok is generally very safe, but like any major city, it's wise to be aware of common scams targeting new arrivals.
The "Fixed Price / No Meter" Taxi Scam: This is the most common issue. A driver might offer a "special price" of 700 or 800 THB, claiming it includes tolls. A metered fare is almost always cheaper (our "Getting Here" guide estimates around 400-600 THB from BKK). Always insist on the meter.
The "Helpful" Stranger Scam: Be cautious of overly friendly people (who are not official staff) approaching you to offer help with transport or tours. Politely decline and only use official information counters, taxi stands, or trusted apps.
The Tuk-Tuk "City Tour" Scam: You may be offered a very cheap tuk-tuk ride or "tour" from the airport vicinity. These almost always involve mandatory, high-pressure stops at gem shops or tailors where drivers get a commission. Avoid accepting cheap tuk-tuk tours from the airport area. Save the tuk-tuk experience for shorter trips within the city.
💧Stay Hydrated: Bangkok is hot and humid! Grab a bottle of water at the airport (e.g., from a 7-Eleven) for your journey to the house. Always drink bottled or filtered water.
A Polite Greeting: Thais are incredibly welcoming. A simple smile and a polite "Sawasdee ka/krap" (hello) and "Khop khun ka/krap" (thank you) will be very much appreciated.
📸 Bag & Tag Photos: Take photos of your checked luggage before check-in and always photograph any luggage claim tags you receive (for storage or delivery).
💎 Valuables: Avoid packing valuables (electronics, jewelry, important documents, medication) in any luggage you plan to check in or store. Keep them with you.
💻 Book Ahead: For luggage delivery or some storage, booking online can sometimes save time or money.
⏰ Midnight Arrivals: While many core services are 24/7 (especially at BKK), if arriving very late, double-check specific counter hours for less common services if critical.
Disclaimer: Airport services, counter locations, operating hours, and prices can occasionally change. For the very latest information, it's always a good idea to check the official airport websites or with service providers directly if you have specific concerns before your flight.
We hope these tips help make your arrival in Bangkok smooth, easy, and stress-free! Welcome to the Land of Smiles!