Quick Facts

Visitors from most countries are issued two to four week entry permits on arrival, upon presentation of a passport and a ticket for a return or onward journey.

Entry permits cannot be extended while you are in Thailand. It is advisable to check with a Thai embassy or consulate in your country before departure.

If you are planning a longer stay, apply for either a 60-day tourist visa or 30-day transit visa from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These can be extended at the Immigration Office in Bangkok for a nominal fee.

View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand

The national currency of Thailand is the baht.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

THB 1.00 equals:

A value-added tax (VAT) of 7% is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is refundable for tourists only at participating shops.

A provincial tax of 1.5 % is added automatically to the accommodation expenses.

A service charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills in the city. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.

Bank Hours
8.30 / 9.30am - 3.30pm, Monday through Friday.

Office Hours
8 / 9am - 4 / 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Shop Hours
8 / 9am to 9pm or later throughout the week.
Department stores are open daily from 10am to 8 / 9 pm.

Check with your local clinic about vaccination requirements.

Drink only bottled or boiled water. Bottled drinking water is always available in your room, compliments of Shangri-La.

Light clothing for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months are sufficient.

Suits are appropriate for business occasions. Shorts and T-shirts are frowned upon in government offices. Modest dress is required when visiting temples.

A tropical city, Chiang Mai enjoys warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The April to June summer temperatures range from 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F), while the October to February winter temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).