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HomeTopicsFirst 7 Days Checklist

Bangkok

First 7 Days Checklist

The minimum setup tasks newcomers should complete in week one.

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You'll find that navigating Bangkok as a newcomer can be challenging, especially when it comes to staying safe and connected. Most newcomers don't expect the risk of Hepatitis A from street food, so consider getting vaccinated at Bumrungrad Hospital on Sukhumvit Soi 3 before indulging in the city's excellent street food. Watch out for the requirement to report your address to Immigration within 24 hours of arrival, which your accommodation provider should handle. To stay connected, get a Thai SIM card at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where AIS, DTAC, and True offer good deals. You can also download the RabbitCard app for easy travel on the BTS Skytrain and at retail partners. Today, take a concrete step by heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport to purchase a Thai SIM card, which will make the rest of your settling-in process much smoother.

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Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A before eating street food extensively

Trust L4Updated Apr 16, 2026

Bumrungrad Hospital (Sukhumvit Soi 3) · Experience date Mar 28, 2026

Bangkok street food is excellent and generally safe but Hepatitis A risk is real for newcomers from low-incidence countries. BUMRUNGRAD and Samitivej hospitals both offer travel vaccinations in a walk-in setting. Two-dose Hep A series costs around 2,000–3,000 THB total and provides 20+ years of protection. Do this in week one before you start exploring food stalls extensively.

Contributor: Omar

Download the RabbitCard app and use it everywhere

Trust L3Updated Apr 16, 2026

BTS Stations city-wide · Experience date Apr 1, 2026

The Rabbit Card is a stored-value card that works on BTS Skytrain, some buses, and hundreds of retail partners. Get one at any BTS station for 100 THB (50 THB deposit + 50 THB credit). The Rabbit LINE Pay app links to it for contactless payments and top-ups. Without a card you pay cash single-journey fares that are 10–15 THB more per trip.

Contributor: Sara

Get a Thai SIM card at the airport — it's the best deal you'll find

Trust L3Updated Apr 16, 2026

Suvarnabhumi Airport · Experience date Apr 5, 2026

Unlike most cities, Bangkok airport SIM cards are genuinely good value. AIS, DTAC (now True Move after merger), and True Move all have counters in the arrivals halls at BKK (Suvarnabhumi) and DMK (Don Mueang). The tourist SIM with 30–50GB data for 30 days costs 300–500 THB — this is the same price as city stores. You only need your passport. No reason to delay — get it immediately on arrival.

Contributor: Amira

Latest from the community

Opening a bank account in week one vs later

Nov 19, 2025

Ari · Experience date Dec 10, 2025

Realistically: opening a Thai bank account on a tourist visa or in week one is difficult. Better timeline: week 1 — get tax ID (if applicable), week 2 — approach KBank or Bangkok Bank with full documentation. If on Non-Immigrant visa: bring the original visa, passport, rental contract. For businesses: get a business bank account from Bangkok Bank with company registration documents. While waiting: use Wise for the first month. ATM withdrawal fee (220 THB per transaction) adds up — take large amounts each time to minimize transaction costs.

Contributor: Ivan Petrov

Line app — the communication platform of Bangkok

Nov 10, 2025

Ari · Experience date Nov 15, 2025

Download Line immediately. Line (not WhatsApp) is Thailand's dominant messaging app with 47 million Thai users. Your landlord uses Line. Your doctor's clinic uses Line. Restaurant reservations are made via Line. Bank customer service uses Line Official Accounts. Group chats for expat buildings and communities run on Line. When you give your Thai phone number to anyone, they'll add you on Line not send a text. Set up Line with your Thai phone number before contacting any Thai person or business for the first time.

Contributor: Kenji Nakamura
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