Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Bangkok.

Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

Skip anyone in arrivals offering a taxi or tour. Use the official taxi queue on Level 1 or a booked ride. Unofficial drivers often overcharge.
Thailand asks most visitors to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. Check current rules for your passport.

From the airport to the city center

Cheapest

Airport Rail Link (ARL) to Phaya Thai

฿20 to ฿45 ($1 to $1.50)

25 to 35 min

  1. 1After baggage claim and customs, follow signs for Airport Rail Link. The station is on the lower level (B floor).
  2. 2Buy a single-journey token at the ticket machines or counter. Choose Phaya Thai for the city center.
  3. 3Ride the City Line toward Phaya Thai. It makes several stops.
  4. 4At Phaya Thai, change to the BTS Skytrain for Siam, Chit Lom or Asok. Or take a taxi or ride for the last stretch to your city center stay.
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Easiest

Official metered taxi from the Level 1 queue

฿350 to ฿600 ($10 to $17)

35 to 70 min

  1. 1From arrivals, follow signs to Public Taxi on Level 1.
  2. 2Take a queue ticket from the dispatcher and wait for your bay number.
  3. 3Show your hotel name or address on your phone in Thai or English.
  4. 4Insist the driver uses the meter. Expect a small airport fee of about ฿50 added to the fare.
  5. 5Ask to use the expressway and pay tolls in cash, usually ฿25 to ฿75 total. Keep small bills ready.
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Fastest

Grab from the airport pickup point

฿350 to ฿650 ($10 to $18)

35 to 70 min

  1. 1Connect to airport Wi-Fi or your eSIM and open Grab.
  2. 2Enter your city center hotel or address as the drop-off.
  3. 3Follow the in-app directions to the airport pickup point. It is usually signed on the arrivals level.
  4. 4Check the plate number before you get in.
  5. 5Pay in the app or in cash, and expect to cover any expressway tolls.
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Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

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Money

Thai baht

THB

$1 is about ฿33 to ฿36

Cards

Cards work in malls, hotels and many restaurants. Street food, markets, tuk-tuks and small shops are mostly cash only.

Tipping

Not required. Round up taxi fares and leave ฿20 to ฿50 for good service. Many restaurants add a service charge.

Cash

  • Withdraw or exchange enough for the first day, about ฿1,000 to ฿2,000.
  • Carry small notes and coins for taxis, street food and tolls.
  • Bank exchange booths in the airport are fine. Compare with city booths like SuperRich for better rates later.

ATMs

  • Thai ATMs charge a foreign card fee, often around ฿220 per withdrawal. Take out larger amounts less often.
  • If asked, decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in baht.
  • Use ATMs inside the airport or in bank branches rather than standalone street machines.

Apps to download

Grab

Must have

Rides, taxis and food delivery across Bangkok.

App StoreGoogle Play

Google Maps

Must have

Navigation, BTS and MRT routes, and walking directions.

App StoreGoogle Play

Bolt

Alternative ride-hailing, often cheaper than Grab.

App StoreGoogle Play

LINE

Messaging used by locals, hotels and tour operators.

App StoreGoogle Play

Foodpanda

Food and grocery delivery.

App StoreGoogle Play

Rabbit Rewards

Top up and manage a Rabbit card for BTS Skytrain trips.

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile data is cheap and fast in Bangkok. An eSIM installed before you land is the smoothest start.

  • Install an eSIM before departure with Airalo or Holafly and switch it on after landing.
  • Buy a tourist SIM at the AIS, True or dtac counters in the arrivals hall. Bring your passport.
  • Use free airport Wi-Fi briefly to book a ride, but do not rely on it.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

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Good to know

  • Be wary of friendly strangers who say a major attraction is closed and offer a tuk-tuk tour. This is a common gem or tailor shop scam.
  • Taxis should use the meter. If a driver refuses, get out and find another.
  • Dress modestly at temples. Cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before entering buildings.
  • Never touch someone's head, and do not point your feet at people or Buddha images.
  • Disrespecting the monarchy is a serious crime in Thailand. Avoid joking or commenting about it.
  • Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Buy bottled water.
  • Bangkok is hot and humid. Drink water often and take breaks in air-conditioning.

Emergency numbers

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.