Living in Thailand
An independent guide to living in Thailand: which visa you need, what life costs, where to settle and how to work there. Rules checked in November 2026.
Where do you want to start?
Visas
Do you need a visa for Thailand? The 30-day exemption, every type of Thai visa compared by stay, cost and conditions, and the entry requirements for 2026.
Moving
How to move to Thailand whatever your nationality: visa, money, where to live, shipping, bank account, TM30, 90-day report, tax and health cover.
Work
Working in Thailand as a foreigner: jobs open to you, Non-B visa and work permit, prohibited occupations, minimum salary, tax and social security.
Money
Thailand currency in 2026: the baht at 33.86 per US dollar, ATM fees of 250 to 350 THB, where to change money, cards, QR payments, tipping and cash rules.
Travel
Thailand holidays in 2026: 30-day visa-free entry, the free arrival card, budget per day, best months, routes, getting around and tips for a first trip.
Destinations
Things to do in Thailand: 18 experiences with 2026 prices, the best places to visit by region, Andaman or Gulf by month, and how to get between them.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Thailand for foreigners in 2026: public vs private hospitals, the best hospitals by city, real prices, social security, pharmacies and 1669.
eSIM
eSIM Thailand prices checked 14 Nov 2026: Airalo, Holafly, Saily and Yesim from $2.86, unlimited 15 days from $38.99, plus airport SIM prices.
Pick a place
All destinations
Guides people read first
Retirement visaRetire in Thailand from age 50 with 800,000 THB or 65,000 THB a month. O, O-A and O-X visas compared, insurance rules, costs and yearly renewal.
Cost of livingOne person lives in Thailand on $855 to $1,420 a month, rent included. Budgets for couples and families, rents by city, food, bills and school fees.
Best time to visitBest time to visit Thailand by month and region: rain and heat in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui, smoke season, festivals and high-season prices.
DTV (digital nomad)The Destination Thailand Visa gives remote workers 180 days per entry for 5 years. Requirements, 500,000 THB proof of funds, fees and the 2026 rule change.
ItinerariesThailand itinerary for 7 or 10 days: day-by-day plans for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands, with 2026 travel times, prices and a family version.
Digital arrival card (TDAC)The TDAC is free on the official .go.th website and opens 3 days before arrival. Step-by-step guide, who is exempt, fixing a mistake and scams to avoid.
Tours and activities to book in Thailand
Four of the most booked outings, with live prices and availability.
Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour
Guided visit of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok, about five hours.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Free cancellation
4.8(6,151 reviews)
See prices & availabilityFrom $22per person
Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Half-Day Tour
Half-day visit to an elephant sanctuary outside Chiang Mai, with a feeding programme.
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Pickup included
4.9(7,305 reviews)
See prices & availabilityFrom $25per person
Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
Day trip by boat from Phuket to Maya Bay, the Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Pickup included
4.6(22,223 reviews)
See prices & availabilityFrom $42per person
Krabi: Premium 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat with Lunch
Day trip by longtail boat to four islands off Krabi, with lunch.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Pickup included
4.6(6,477 reviews)
See prices & availabilityFrom $33per person