The first tourist mistake happens before you even arrive+
Mistakes can start even before your flight. Download InDrive in advance and exchange a bit of cash for baht before you leave if you can — that’ll be enough for a taxi and SIM card. Here’s how I do it: 1) In high season, the passport control line can take up to 3–4 hours. Fast Track saves you all that time. 2) Connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi and order a taxi with InDrive, then head to Exit 8 — your driver will pick you up there. Taxis right at the doors usually cost a lot more. 3) On the way, stop by a Tops supermarket: a one-month SIM card is about 200 baht, and you’ll need your passport. In total, it’s around 1,200 baht for everything — and you’re at your hotel with mobile service. If you don’t want to deal with it yourself, book VIP Fast Track through me and my partners at Be Love Travel: airport meet & greet, fast passport control, help with your bags, and escort to the exit — 2,400 baht per person, kids under 2 are free. For departures it’s 2,700 baht, and you can add Coral lounge (food, drinks, shower, 2.5 hours). Book at least 12 hours in advance — just hit the “VIP Fast Track” button on the services page.
Mobile+
At the airport: dtac Tourist SIM 15 GB for 8 days at 299 baht; unlimited AIS/True from 499. eSIM online from about $2–4. Passport needed for SIM.
Taxis: InDrive, Grab, Bolt+
I use InDrive myself: you set the price, drivers are reasonable, usually the cheapest. Grab: more cars and the only official pickup zone at the airport. Bolt is cheaper, but fewer cars, especially at night; Bolt and InDrive may ask to meet outside airport grounds.
ATMs+
Kasikorn, Krungsri, SCB, GSB: 250 baht fee with Visa/UnionPay, ≈350 with Mastercard. AEON: 150, limit 20,000. Fee is shown before confirmation; always decline ATM conversion.
Motorbike license+
You need a Thai motorcycle license or a national license with category A plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with A open. IDP “car only” is treated as no license at checkpoints. IDP must be done at home before your trip.
Bike tips from Takhir, ex-instructor+
Before renting, check the tires: make sure they’re not bald and the same brand front and back — rentals often mix them, which is dangerous in turns and rain. Check the brakes. Every 5 days, stop at a gas station and pump up the tires: heat makes the pressure fluctuate a lot.
Thai Driver’s License with Takhir+
If you don’t have a category A license, you can get one here officially. From scratch: driving school in Krabi, bike license 11,500 baht, car license 13,500 baht (school and transfer included). Use promo code TAKHIR for a 500 baht discount. Issued on Mondays or Thursdays. If you already have a national license, you can swap it for a Thai one in a day: 8,000 baht per category. Plus the government fee, medical certificate, and residence certificate. Your passport stamp must be valid for at least 15 more days. To sign up, click the “Thai License” button on the services page.
Deposit for bike or car+
Common story — they nitpick “scratches” at return and keep your deposit. Before you leave, film the bike from all sides with the owner, never leave your passport as collateral, rent from trusted places. I rent bikes and cars at Religion — see the “Takhir’s Favorites” section.
Insurance+
Without a motorcycle license (category A) and IDP, insurance almost always denies claims for bike accidents. Check your policy for the motorcycle and engine size clause.
Dress code at temples+
Wat Chalong, Big Buddha: shoulders and knees must be covered, and take off your shoes before entering the halls. Sarongs aren’t always provided, so bring your own scarf just in case.
A gift from Takhir · I live in Phuket
