8 Things TO BRING (and NOT TO BRING) to THAILAND! - Packing Guide & Recommendations
Summary
TLDRIn this informative video, dvtv shares essential travel tips for Thailand, highlighting eight categories of items to pack or avoid. They advise bringing certain toiletries like face wash and sunscreen due to local preferences and prices, while suggesting to skip bringing expensive clothing brands. The video also covers the importance of having a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees, the convenience of Thai pharmacies, and the need for proper documentation. Additionally, they caution against buying electronics and recommend local SIM cards for connectivity. Finally, they emphasize the value of a good attitude and an open mind for a pleasant Thai experience.
Takeaways
- 🧴 Toiletries: Bring specific toiletries like face wash without bleaching agents and sunscreen, as they can be expensive or hard to find in Thailand.
- 🛍️ Clothing: Avoid packing heavy clothing as you can find affordable alternatives at night markets and bazaars in Thailand.
- 💵 Cash: Get a card with no foreign transaction fees for convenience and bring your home currency for better exchange rates in Thailand.
- 💊 Medicine: Thailand has accessible pharmacies and hospitals, but check for the availability of specific medications before you go.
- 🔌 Electronics: Don't expect to find bargains on electronics in Thailand; they are often more expensive than at home.
- 🔌 Adapters: No need for an adapter if coming from the USA or Europe, but a converter is needed for appliances requiring different voltage.
- 📑 Documents: Carry an international driver's license, a background check, and copies of your passport for identification purposes.
- 📱 Apps: Utilize local SIM cards for data and the Grab app for convenient transportation services in Thailand.
- 😄 Attitude: Embrace the local culture with a friendly and open-minded attitude, as Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles.
- 👜 Packing: Leave space in your suitcase for cheap clothing and other items you can purchase in Thailand to pack lighter.
- 💳 Cards: Use cards for purchases at larger stores and malls, but be prepared to pay in cash for many transactions, especially at night markets and smaller shops.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the video by DVTV?
-The main purpose of the video is to share insights on what to pack and what not to pack when traveling to Thailand, based on the creators' personal experiences.
Why should you consider bringing your own face wash to Thailand?
-You should bring your own face wash because many products in Thailand may contain bleaching elements, which might not be suitable for everyone's skin.
What is the advice given for sunscreen when traveling to Thailand?
-It is advised to bring sunscreen from your home country because it tends to be almost double the price in Thailand, especially if you plan to visit beaches or tropical locations.
Why might it be a good idea to bring tampons to Thailand?
-Tampons are recommended to bring in advance because they can be difficult to find outside of tourist areas and are significantly more expensive when available.
What is the suggestion for clothing purchases in Thailand?
-The suggestion is to buy clothes at night markets or bazaars, where you can find great bargains, rather than expecting lower prices on branded items like Adidas or Levi's, which tend to be more expensive in Thailand.
Why should you avoid filling your suitcase to the limit when traveling to Thailand?
-Filling your suitcase to the limit is not advised because you might end up with space for the bargains you can find at night markets, which often sell clothes at much lower prices than branded stores.
What is the recommendation regarding cash and cards in Thailand?
-It is recommended to have a debit or credit card with no ATM or foreign transaction fees. While cash is widely preferred in Thailand, especially at night markets and smaller stores, it's also important to have a card that can be used at larger stores and malls.
How does the availability and cost of medicine compare in Thailand to other countries?
-Thailand has an extensive hospital and pharmacy network, and many drugs are available over the counter at a lower cost compared to other countries. However, it's advised to check if specific medications are available and if they require a prescription.
What is the advice on electronic devices and voltage converters in Thailand?
-You do not need an adapter if you're coming from the USA or some European countries, as Thailand has outlets that accommodate both types of plugs. However, if you're bringing devices that require a specific voltage, you will need a converter, as Thailand operates at a higher voltage than the US.
Why is it not recommended to buy expensive electronics in Thailand?
-Buying expensive electronics in Thailand is not recommended because they are either the same price or more expensive than in your home country. However, you can find good deals on accessories or knockoff products at night markets.
What are the document requirements for renting a scooter or car in Thailand?
-For renting a scooter or car in Thailand, you need to have a driver's license and an International Driver's Permit, which is only valid when used in conjunction with your regular driver's license.
What is the importance of having a good attitude when traveling to Thailand?
-A good attitude is important because Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and having a positive and open-minded approach will enhance your travel experience and interactions with locals.
Outlines
🧳 Essential Toiletries and Clothing Advice for Thailand
The video segment discusses the necessity of packing specific toiletries and clothing for a trip to Thailand. The speaker advises against overpacking and highlights the high cost of certain items like face wash, sunscreen, and tampons, suggesting they be brought from home. They also note that while toiletries are widely available, some personal care products may not meet travelers' preferences. Additionally, they mention that branded clothing and shoes are more expensive in Thailand, but affordable options can be found at night markets. The advice is based on the speaker's personal experience and aims to help viewers pack lighter and save money.
💳 Financial Tips and Medication Considerations
This part of the video script emphasizes the importance of having a debit or credit card without foreign transaction fees for cost-effective transactions in Thailand. The speaker also recommends exchanging currency upon arrival for better rates and advises on the availability and cost of medicines, suggesting that travelers check for the presence of specific medications before the trip. They mention that while Thailand has a robust healthcare system, some prescription drugs are cheaper and easier to obtain without a prescription compared to the US. The segment also touches on the practicality of carrying certain over-the-counter products like mosquito repellent, which is more affordable locally.
🔌 Electronic Adapters and Documents for Thailand Travel
The speaker informs viewers that adapters are generally not needed for electronic devices from the USA or some European countries due to compatible outlets in Thailand. However, a voltage converter is necessary for high-power devices like hairdryers. They also caution against expecting bargains on branded electronics, suggesting that non-branded or knockoff items can be found at local markets. The segment further emphasizes the importance of carrying essential documents such as an international driver's license and a police clearance certificate translated into English for those intending to work in Thailand. The speaker also advises travelers to have copies of their passports for identification purposes.
📱 Technology and Attitude for a Smooth Thailand Experience
In this segment, the speaker recommends obtaining a local SIM card for cost-effective data usage and highlights the utility of the Grab app for convenient and reliable transportation. They also stress the importance of having a positive attitude and an open mind when traveling in Thailand, known as the 'Land of Smiles.' The speaker encourages viewers to engage with the local culture and people in a friendly manner to enhance their travel experience. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to subscribe, like, and comment for further engagement and support.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Toiletries
💡Night Markets
💡Import Tax
💡Cash
💡Credit Card
💡Prescription Medication
💡Electronics
💡Adapter
💡International Driver's License
💡Apps
💡Attitude
Highlights
DVTV shares eight categories of items to consider bringing or not bringing to Thailand.
Toiletries can be found in Thailand, but certain items like face wash without bleaching elements and sunscreen are recommended to bring due to availability and price.
Tampons are often expensive and hard to find in Thailand, so bringing them in advance is suggested.
Avoid filling suitcases to the limit for Thailand, as some brands like Adidas and Levi's are more expensive there.
Night markets offer great bargains on clothes, unlike branded items which are pricier.
Import taxes make certain items like Crocs expensive in Thailand, so bringing specific shoes or clothing is recommended.
Cheap sunglasses are widely available in Thailand, and their affordability makes them less precious to travelers.
Using a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees is advised for saving money in Thailand.
Cash is preferred in many places in Thailand, but credit and debit cards can be used at larger stores and malls.
Exchanging money in Thailand is generally better than pre-ordering Thai Baht due to better rates.
Thailand has a well-developed hospital and pharmacy network with cheaper and easily accessible medication.
Prescription medications are often available over-the-counter in Thailand, but checking availability is recommended.
Anti-mosquito sprays are cheaper in Thailand, so there's no need to bring them from abroad.
Adapters are not necessary for US or some European travelers due to compatible outlets in Thailand.
Voltage converters are needed for high-voltage appliances in Thailand, which operates at a higher voltage than the US.
Electronics like new Samsung phones or Canon cameras are not cheaper in Thailand and may be more expensive.
GoPro accessories and similar knockoffs can be found at Thai night markets at negotiable prices.
Thailand requires specific documents like an international driver's license and a police clearance for work.
Carry a copy of your passport or the original when traveling in Thailand for identification purposes.
Local SIM cards are more cost-effective than international ones, with good data plans available in Thailand.
The Grab app is a convenient taxi service app similar to Uber, widely used in Thailand.
A good attitude and being friendly are essential when traveling to the Land of Smiles, Thailand.
Transcripts
hey everybody we are dvtv and today
we're going to talk about eight
categories of things to bring and not to
bring to Thailand check it out the idea
behind this video is we're about to head
back to Thailand we were there for eight
months and we're about to go back we
want to pack a little lighter this time
we'll go to compare prices a little bit
but we learned when we were there things
that we should bring and things that we
shouldn't bring we want to share that
with you today so the first category is
toiletries pretty much you can buy
everything in Thailand there's 7-elevens
everywhere you'll find toiletries but
there are a few toiletries that I found
I definitely would have brought in
advance for example face wash they
desire to be paler there so a lot of
their things tend to have bleaching
elements in it it took me forever to
find a face wash that didn't have a
bleaching element and I wish I would
have known that in advance cuz I would
have just brought my own
another thing is sunscreen it tends to
be almost double the price so if you
know you're going to go to a beach or a
tropical paradise to save you some time
I would just throw in a bottle of
sunscreen in advance and bring that with
you on your trip just one more thing
that I thought that tend to be super
expensive there it was tampons they
don't have a lot of them oftentimes I
couldn't even find them in stores unless
I was in like a touristy area so I would
bring those in advance they're super
expensive there so just throw in a box
and you're good to go
the second category is gonna be closed a
lot of travelers say this if you travel
to a country do not fill your suitcase
up to the limit and that cannot be more
true with Thailand however if you think
you're gonna make huge bargains buying
Adidas shoes or Levi's pants this is not
gonna be true these brands tend to be
more expensive in Thailand if you go to
a mall and you go to these Adidas store
to a proper sports shop that has Nike
and all that good stuff it's gonna be
more expensive how about what you should
do is you should go to the night markets
night markets are ever
we're in Thailand even during the day
there are bazaars or places that sell
clothes that are comparable to night
markets at the night markets you can get
amazing bargains for example I bought
these pants pretty basic pants they are
100 baht 150 baht this shirt 100 by the
shirt Adidas brand net it's 200 baht
they also have if you want these
elephant pants like 100 hundred 50 baht
one thing that was more expensive I
notice any name-brand products so these
are Crocs I live in them I love them you
can get sandals for like $30 they're 100
baht but these are imported they were 50
dollars and Thailand because of the
import tax that they have a really high
import tax and I could get it in the US
for $15 if you have specific shoes or
specifically clothing products that you
want just bring them and then find the
rest of it there now that thing awesome
I love them cheap sunglasses they have
sunglasses for 100 baht everywhere all
different kinds of course they're
knock-offs
but the nice thing about that is you
don't have to be that careful with them
so in the end leave some space in your
suitcase and buy yourself some cheap
clothes at the night markets third
category that we will be talking about
is cash our major point of advice is get
a card a debit card a credit card with
no ATM or foreign transaction fees
that'll save you a ton of money
whether you're withdrawing from an ATM
it's like 252 bought every withdrawal or
you're paying with your credit card at a
store there will be a thief
cash is king in Thailand most people
will prefer cash whether you're going to
a night market or a restaurant or just
the store a lot of them prefer cash and
they will ask you if you have cash
instead of a card you can use your
credit card or debit card at like a
grocery store or some of the big malls
that's fine but just to let you know
they don't use a credit card like we do
in the states to swipe swipe swipe I get
this question a lot whether you should
bring a lot of cash with you there are
places where you can exchange your money
all over the place whether it's
Airport or malls or outside in the town
they've taken a pretty good cut and it's
not a great exchange rate it's not the
one you'll find on Google but it tends
to be better than the ones you'll get
back home so it's best to bring your
home currency and exchange it there
versus transferring Thai Baht in advance
oh so a fourth point we're going to talk
about is medicine and drugs overall you
don't have to be nervous Thailand has an
awesome hospital and pharmacy network
the hospitals are pretty much up to date
they have they have good equipment they
have very good doctors that take care of
you and they have pharmacies everywhere
and it's a lot easier to get most of the
drugs in Thailand than it is at home
because for a lot of things in Thailand
you do not need a prescription also
everything you get in the pharmacies is
way cheaper than back home back home in
the US you would need a prescription for
like thyroid medication high blood
pressure medication or maybe birth
control they have that all the local
pharmacies they're available you can buy
it there it's cheaper their birth
control if you have a specific dosage of
progesterone or hormones I would check
to see if it's available in Thailand in
advance because I know they have only
specific ones in Asia that's not always
offered in the US and vice versa
like any prescription medication check
to see if it's available check to see if
you need it and then kind of go from
there another thing I would not bring is
anti back spray that's one thing I
packed when I first came to Thailand and
it was pretty expensive Thailand is
aware of the mosquitos they have the
good anti black spray everywhere and
it's much cheaper than back home
this category we'll be talking about
today is electronic slash adapters in
Thailand you do not need an adapter if
you're coming from the USA or some
European countries they have outlets
that accommodate both American plugs and
these European plugs so it's super
convenient if you're going there you
don't really need it most of your phone
and laptop charges have an internal
converter so that's fine but if you're
coming from the US we use a hundred and
ten volts in Thailand it's 200 plus
volts so you will need a converter if
you're bringing like a hairdryer or
anything that requires that that voltage
just let you know I will say that if
you're traveling outside of Thailand at
least a kuala lumpur we know that we
needed an adapter for that just FYI look
that up in advance but in Thailand you
do not need an adapter I quickly want to
talk about buying electronics in
Thailand so I was hoping that in
Thailand you can get good bargains for
electronics that is usually not the case
if you look at stuff that has a name on
it if it's a new samsung phone with it's
a canon camera anything like that is
either gonna be the same price or more
expensive than back home buying
expensive electronics is not a good deal
in Thailand however what you can get is
GoPro I bought a couple of GoPro
accessories there these self course
knockoffs off the real ones they have it
at the night markets and everywhere and
if you negotiate with the salespeople
it's gonna be a very good deal we bought
this little Bluetooth speaker and I
looked it up again JBL it was more
expensive than back home don't you plan
on buying electronics Italian it might
not be the best idea don't count on
getting any awesome deals there so our
next point is gonna be documents
Thailand is a pretty bureaucratic
country it's very important to have the
right documents with you at all times if
you want to go to China and riding a
scooter renting a scooter renting a car
it's an awesome idea if you're up for it
what you really really need to bring is
a driver's license and you will need an
international driver's license I thought
that out of being stopped by cops I did
not bring my luck driver's license I
just brought my German driver's license
which is not enough before you go you
have to apply for an
national driver's license this
international driver's license only
valid with your normal driver's license
combined you have to carry both of them
with you at all time there are a lot of
checkpoints in Thailand where they pull
people over and especially people who
seem to be tourists another one that's
important is if you intend to work in
Thailand you will need a background
check a police clearance and that has to
be in English language so if you come
from another country like me I'm from
Germany you need to have it translated
by an official institution first bring
that if you intend to work so when you
move around the Thailand you need to be
able to identify yourself at all times
your international ID part is your
passport that will require you to carry
out your passport at all times however
sometimes places like the hotel or a
scooter rental place requires you to
leave your passport there so what we did
is we got clean copies of our passports
which we would carry around at all times
if police officers stopped you and they
check for your passport they usually
always just find with that
so always bring a copy of your passport
or your original passport number seven
apps in technology it's become necessary
for us to have one of these with us at
all times whenever we go into another
country we usually immediately go to get
a local SIM card international SIM cards
are super expensive so we usually stick
with the local plan in Thailand we've
used AIS and true I think it was like
six hundred baht for five gigabytes of
data which is a lot of data and you're
good to go you're going to use your
phone you can use all the different apps
and upload to your social media if you
want what are the best apps that we used
all the time and we actually didn't
learn about it until we went to Thailand
was the grab app the grab app is very
similar to ver it's a taxi service app
it's very convenient that's what's great
about this app is it's convenient you
just put your destination in and you're
good to go you don't worry about if the
taxi driver speaks English you can even
put your credit card or debit card in
there or you have the
to pay cash on the end so it's really
convenient it's sometimes cheaper then
taxis depending on a season meter
depending on where you are but probably
is it getting from the airport to our
hotel when we arrive a last point number
eight it's one of the most important
things to bring the time is just a good
attitude China is known to be the Land
of Smiles and that's what you experience
when you go there so that's what you
should bring as well have a good ever
attitude and open mind and be just
friendly towards people so I enjoy your
travel to Thailand
thanks so much for watching our video we
really hope this helps you and your
future travels to Thailand let us know
in the comments below if you have any
questions or suggestions on things that
you guys like to bring if you like this
video please give it a thumbs up check
out our other videos if you liked it
please subscribe it would mean the world
to us and we greatly appreciate it
thanks so much for watching now and
we'll see you next time bye
[Music]
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