Bangkok, or the ‘City of Angels’ as it is known in Thai, has much to offer the foreign visitor, and if you are planning your first visit to this iconic metropolis, be prepared for an amazing experience. This is a city like no other, a unique blend of old and new; a colourful Thai culture mixed with 21st-century modern architecture that cannot be found anywhere else.
We asked a few seasoned expats for some advice for newcomers, and the best of their responses are listed below.
- Choosing a hotel – You might be thinking it is cheaper to walk in and book a suite, when in fact, booking online offers the lowest rates. Staying in a 4 star hotel on Sukhumvit would put you in a central location, and that makes moving around very convenient. Of course, check out the reviews before booking, and Google makes it easy to compare packages; hotels have a lot of competition, so prices can vary somewhat.
- Be very careful crossing the street – This is especially important if you come from a country where they drive on the left side of the road. You naturally look to the left when crossing the street, yet in Thailand, oncoming traffic comes from the right, so always remember that and never cross anywhere outside of pedestrian crossings, as you could be fined for jaywalking. Another important thing to note: never assume that traffic will stop when you cross on a pedestrian crossing, as sometimes, cars and bikes carry on despite you stepping out onto the street.
- Metered taxis – Some taxi drivers will try to negotiate the fare when a foreigner flags them down, which would obviously be higher than the meter would read. Be firm but polite and insist that the meter is turned on, and if that doesn’t work, demand they stop and exit the vehicle. There are many colours of taxis in Bangkok, and the green and yellow combination indicates the taxi is driver-owned, which is preferable to any other colour. Any Thai national with a driving licence can rent a taxi for 12 hours, so that is worth bearing in mind.
- Carrying ID – You should always have some form of ID on your person when out and about, and rather than carrying your passport everywhere you go, you could take photos of your passport photo page and current visa with your smartphone. In the event the police stop you and ask for some ID, you can bring up the images, and that would suffice. Click here for essential tips for first-time expats.
- Getting around – There are numerous options; the BTS system is fast and inexpensive, and you can download maps online to see where the different lines go. Taxis are everywhere, while motorcycle taxis are faster and are a good option in heavy traffic. There is an extensive network of canals that criss-cross the city, and you get to see how the Thais live as you travel down the waterways. If you are adventurous, you will love the canal boats, which stop every 500 metres, and most stops are Buddhist temple grounds. There are also a/c and non-a/c buses, and the same bus number does not go on the same route. There are no timetables with regular buses; they come along at random, and you might need to ask a local if you are unsure about the route. Tuks-tuks are typically expensive when foreigners use them, and you have to negotiate the fare before getting in.
- Learn some basic Thai – Start with numbers, greetings and things like ‘How much?’ and ‘Where is the?’. Thai people warm to a foreigner when they make an effort to speak Thai, and it will enrich your experience. Not all Thais speak English, especially outside of tourist areas, but you can always use sign language at a push. Thais are friendly by nature and very kind when interacting with foreigners.
- Keep cash in small denominations – When changing money, make sure you have a few hundred baht in 20 baht notes, a few 50s and some 100 notes, as street vendors do not always have enough to change a 500 baht or 1,000 baht note. Take note that when you use an ATM to withdraw cash, there is likely to be a charge of around 200 baht. If you are looking for a currency exchange booth, Super Rich usually offers the best rates.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers – This is basic common sense, and when planning to board a coach or train for a long journey, if anyone offers you a drink, politely decline, as tourists have been known to be drugged, and when they wake up, their possessions have vanished.
Bangkok is a very safe city, and if you are about to experience the city for the first time, it will be an assault on the senses. Stay hydrated and wear a hat in strong sunlight, as it can get very hot in the middle of the day.
Last Updated on November 24, 2025
