Visiting Thailand: The Basics

Anytime we travel we like to get a solid handle on the basics of the places we are visiting.  *NB: This information about travelling in Thailand was valid for us in July, 2023 as we planned our six month, 2023-2024 trip.  Please take the time to double check any information at things tend to change over time.

Thai Embassy in Toronto

180 Island Park Dr
Ottawa
We contacted the Thai Embassy for information about extending our stay in Thailand, and they were very good about responding.

Travel Advisory

Learn what the government of Canada has to say about safety concerns.

Currency

The local currency is the Bhat (B). At the time of writing the exchange is 1 CAD = 26 B. Click here for up to date currency rates.

Money

In major cities credit cards are accepted at mid-range and high end locations. It's good to have access to cash for street food, markets, small towns and villages. We find that in Toronto Calforex provides the best exchange rate. We're planning to take as much cash as we think we'll need so we can minimize the need to access ATMs once we arrive.

Time

Indochina Time. GMT/UTC +7 hours

Phoning

Calling Thailand from Canada

011 - Exit code for Canada, and is needed for making any international call from Canada
66 - ISD Code or Country Code of Thailand
Area code - There are 79 area codes in Thailand. If there is an area code dial area code of the city in Thailand you are calling after dialing ISD Code. If there is no area code dial the Recipient's Telephone Number after ISD Code.


Emergency Numbers In Thailand

To reach an English-speaking operator call the Tourist Police. In the case of an accident, call an ambulance service from one of the many international hospitals in Thailand.

Tourism Police: 1155
Police: 191
Ambulance and Rescue: 1554
Fire: 199
Private Air Ambulance (Siam Air Care): 02 586 7654

Entry Visa

Get Up To Date Information on Travelling to Thailand from Canada on the Offical Website: Thai Embassy

• Canadian citizens may travel to Thailand for tourism for 30 days without a visa
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• You must have an air ticket leaving Thailand within 30 days of your entry
• adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 Baht per person ($385 CAD at the time of writing this) or 20,000 Baht per family ($769 CAD)

Travellers from Canada may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of 90 days within any six month period from the date of first entry. Please note that entering Thailand under the visa exemption scheme by air has no limitation for the number of entries. On the other hand, entering Thailand by land is limited to twice per per calendar year.


Extending Your Stay In Thailand

It is best to apply for your extended stay visa while in the country. 

If you’d like to stay in Thailand  longer than 30 days, you can apply for a Thai visa online at
Thaievisa.go.th

For updated information on how to apply for an online Thai visa from anywhere in the world visit this link

INFORMATION FOR CANADIANS APPLYING FOR A THAI VISA:

Cost to apply: USD $40

The visa approval takes up to 25 business days, with no expedited service provided, once the complete application with all supporting documents has been submitted. Incomplete information will cause a delay in your application.

In the case that additional documents are requested, the visa process will take more than 25 business days. It is recommend that you apply two months before your departure date.

The Visa fee is non-refundable; please check the information to ensure everything is correct before submitting the application. Double-check all information especially if your device is using autofill or auto-correct.

The Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa can not issue a visa for foreign nationals who are currently in Thailand. All travellers need to obtain a visa before entering Thailand (*Note: We tried to apply for an eVisa when we were in Laos. The website informed us that we were not eligible to apply for an eVisa from Laos.). 

After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to applicants. It is kindly requested to print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials to carry out checks when travelling to Thailand.

Upon arrival, travellers with this type of visa may be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days.

Embassy of Canada in Bangkok

15th floor, Abdulrahim Place
990 Rama IV, Bangrak
Bangkok, 10500, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0) 2646 4300
Emergency Phone: +66 (0) 2646 4300
Fax: +66 (0) 2646 4345

Email: bangkok-consul@international.gc.ca

Accredited Hospital

JCI accredited hospitals 

An independent, not-for-profit organization, Joint Commission International (JCI) identifies, measures, and shares best practices in quality and patient safety around the world.

Thailand has 61 accredited hospitals.  Click here to view the list. 


International Society of Travel Medicine 

Located in more than 90 countries, clinics offer pre-travel immunizations, counselling and medicines to help protect travellers while travelling internationally. 

There are 13 ISTM medical facilities in Thailand. Click here to search.

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