Do I need a visa for Thailand as an Australian citizen visiting for the first time?

Visa Rules Visa Exemption Travel Advice Financial Access in Thailand Vaccinations for Travelers Accommodation Booking Malaria Precautions

Feb 5, 2024

10 months ago

Derek **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

G’day all, first time visitor, after some basic info, leaving from Perth WA, do I need to organise visa here or do it on arrival?, best way to access my money? (ie my card, travellers cheque, open a Thai account) as I’m arriving around Xmas, am I better to book well in advance my hotels or just wing it?…and finally regarding vaccinations ie malaria etc…worth while getting done? Or just wing it again……cheers 🍻

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TLDR : Answer Summary

As an Australian citizen visiting Thailand for the first time, you can enter without a visa for stays under 30 days. It's advisable to access cash via ATMs, noting that there is a withdrawal fee. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended during the busy Christmas period. For health precautions, consider vaccinations based on your travel itinerary; malaria medication is typically unnecessary for popular areas like Pattaya but may be needed if visiting jungle regions.

Bart **************

Visa: depends on how long you stay.

Hotels around Christmas: book in advance.

Vaccinations: get the recommended ones. If your doctor or the responsible institute recommends malaria vax: get. If they recommend preventative malaria pills: DO NOT get those. Those pills are not just a vaccine, it's a drug! And it's no joke. Acceptable to take after diagnosed malaria. Not to be taken otherwise. It's not candy.

10 months ago

Derek **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

yeah I figured as much just thought I’d voice the question before consulting my GP here

10 months ago

Reply to

Derek **********

Graham ******

As an Aussie you get 30 days Visa Exempt entry (can be extended once for another 30 days), there are plenty of ATMs to withdraw cash but withdraw larger amounts as each withdrawal on a foreign card usually has a 220B fee and Malaria medication is not required unless you're out in the junge areas. Check hotel prices on websites like booking dot com as Xmas/NY tends to be peak season as demand and prices are highest at this time.

10 months ago

Derek **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

thanks mate appreciated

10 months ago

Reply to

Derek **********

Stuart ***********

Depends how long you are coming for. If under 30 days you can enter without a visa from Aus.

Do travellers cheques still exist? You can't open a bank account easily, so bring some cash and use your card.

Malaria, Depends where you intend to go, for example the jungle yes, but Pattaya no. Ask your doctor for specifics.

Hotels, no need to book in advance, although it is a busy time, so you will get a nicer place if you plan ahead.

10 months ago

Derek **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart **********

cheers bud appreciate it

10 months ago

Reply to

Derek **********

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