Guidelines for Packing your Suitcase for coming to Thailand

I first flew to Thailand after residing in India for a year. Moving from one tropical country to another, I supposed that packing for Thailand would be like any other trip I had taken. I soon realized that Thailand was much more developed than I had envisioned, and I purchased many new items. Although Thailand is an inexpensive country and buying some things once you have arrived is recommended, following my tips should make your <<<Teaching in Thailand>>> adventure go smoother than mine first did.

Regardless of the time of year, when moving to Thailand, you should make sure you pack the following in addition to some essentials specifically for teachers:

Basics that are needed for a more comfortable life in Thailand

Easy-to-remove shoes like flip-flops
A water bottle to refill and cut down on single-use plastics
Insect spray as there are mosquitoes everywhere
Sunscreen as it shines almost every day
Rain Coat/Jacket for the monsoon and random thunderstorms/downpours
A jumper or sweater for the occasional chilly days/nights
Swimsuit for days at the pool or the beach
Sturdy Hiking shoes for exploring the jungles, mountains & waterfalls
Electric adapter/plug so you can charge your phone/laptop

Easy to remove shoes for Thailand

You have to take your shoes off repeatedly in Thailand — When entering someone’s home or a temple, you will always take off your shoes. However, sometimes it’s required before entering shops, restaurants, cafes, etc...Instead of wasting time unlacing shoes or trainers, pack a pair of breathable, easy-to-remove shoes.

Refillable Water Bottle for Thailand

Bring a good quality aluminum water bottle because, in Thailand, you can refill water bottles with filtered water at machines in the street for just 1 baht. Water machines are found in most towns and cities and are fantastic for saving some money and the environment.

Insect Spray for Thailand

It’s easy to purchase insect spray in Thailand, but to ensure you have some when you land, I recommend packing a small bottle, as mosquitoes are everywhere.

Sunscreen for Thailand

In Thailand, many products have skin-whitening properties, including sunscreen. I recommend packing at least one bottle of sunscreen so that you have some for when you first land, and don’t accidentally buy a product with skin-whitening properties.

Rain Coat/Jacket for Thailand

The rainy season in Thailand is typically between May – October. However, there’s always the potential for a thunderstorm/downpour at any time of the year. Thailand has ponchos for sale everywhere, including at 7/11, but they tend to be very cheap and flimsy. Bring a decent raincoat/jacket so that you are sure to stay dry. I recommend bringing a small waterproof pouch to keep your mobile phone and money dry.

Jumper/Sweater for Thailand

It is typically hot in Thailand; however, the air conditioning is constantly blasting out on the plane, on buses, on the train in first-class sleepers, and even in the cinema. You will appreciate having something to slip on and feel warm and cosy.

Swimming Trunks – Swimsuit for Thailand

Thailand is famous for its paradisiacal beaches; you will be foolish to miss the opportunity to visit the south of Thailand during your stay in Thailand. Also, swimming pools can be easily found in every town and city. Your evenings and weekends can easily be spent at the local swimming pool, so bring your favourite swimming trunks/swimsuit; it saves trying to find one that fits once you have arrived!

Sturdy Hiking Shoes for Thailand

Throughout the northern and central parts of Thailand, there are some exceptional places for hiking and exploring. A good pair of hiking shoes is helpful in Thailand, whether in the jungle, mountains, or waterfalls.

Electric adapter/plug for Thailand

Most of the plug sockets in Thailand are the same as in the US and Canada. Thailand also has a round two-prong plug like that found in Europe. However, Thailand doesn’t use 3-pronged plugs from the UK. I recommend a universal plug adapter as it has every type of plug socket imaginable; this way, you can’t go wrong!

Digital Documents Bring to Thailand

Prepare a USB or a Google drive with scanned copies of your passport, degree, transcripts, criminal background check, driving license, etc.

Original Documents bring to Thailand

Also, bring all the original documents mentioned above. Especially the degree and transcripts! You do not want to forget them! It will be photocopied in Thailand to apply for your visa, teacher’s license, and work permit. The last thing you want to do is liaise with folks back home in different time zones and expensive airmail fees!

Passport Photos in Thailand

I don’t recommend bringing extra passport-sized pictures as these can be taken in Thailand and are very inexpensive. Also, different-sized photos are needed for various documents, and the photo specifications are strict. Just get these done once you have arrived and settled in. You will always get support, advice on how and where to go, etc...

Banking in Thailand

Don’t forget to inform your bank that you are leaving the country and will use your ATM card abroad. This way, your account won’t get flagged, and your cards won’t get frozen. Again, the last thing you want to do is try to communicate with your bank in a different time zone, and you certainly don’t want to be paying for international calls!

Money in Thailand

I recommend you bring at least USD 1,000 -1,500 in cash to exchange into Baht or access your bank. You won’t need to spend it all, but it will give you a safety net until you receive your first month’s salary and ensure you can make your visa trip without any stress or issues!

Medication in Thailand

If you regularly take medication, you may need to ensure that you have a letter or a prescription note from your doctor. Many medicines, like sleeping aides, etc., are controlled substances in Thailand, and you can have issues at the airport. On the flip side, many other medicines are available over the counter in Thailand without a prescription. It’s better to be safe than sorry; a quick Google search on your treatment should give you the necessary information. Most controlled medication can be obtained by visiting a doctor and getting a prescription, and small doctors’ clinics and government hospitals are inexpensive. Beware of Private Hospitals in Thailand; they are costly, and you do not want to go to one without insurance.

Mobile Phone/Cell Phone in Thailand

You may need to check with your network provider and get your phone unlocked. When you arrive in Thailand, you are going to need to use a Thai Sim card, and you don’t want to suddenly discover that your phone is locked and you need to purchase a new one or pay for it to get unlocked, which is relatively easy to do in Thailand. Save yourself some money and ensure the phone you are bringing is unlocked and ready for a Thai Sim card!

Teaching Clothes for Thailand

As you should be aware, the dress code for teachers is very conservative in Thailand. For an insight into the correct attire <<<read KET’s Dress Code Tips for Teachers in Thailand>>>. I recommend bringing at least five work outfits and some closed-toe shoes. You can purchase inexpensive clothes in Thailand; however, size can be an issue. Have yourself covered for teaching by planning!

Vaccines for Thailand

Some vaccines are recommended for Thailand.

Check out this informative website for further information.

Extra Tips for Thailand

Some items are not necessary to pack as they are inexpensive. Extra toiletries are not recommended; bring a travel set. It is easy to buy all toiletries in Thailand; the only thing you must be careful of is some products have whitening properties. Even underarm roll-on deodorant has whitening properties. So be alert and always read the label before buying.

For females, you should know that it’s hard to find tampons in Thailand. Thai women use sanitary towels, readily available everywhere, including at 7/11. If you don’t want to switch to using sanitary towels, then bring a few extra boxes. Tampons can be found, but only in tourist destinations, and are generally expensive!

Suitcase Packing Techniques for Thailand

I squeeze it all and sit on it to shut it. However, if you’re looking for packing tips and ideas, check out this fabulous website.

Also, have a read of this informative guide on <<<How to Pack Efficiently for Your Next Vacation>>> from our friends at <<<campingcooks.com>>>

Now that’s the suitcase taken care of! Have a read of our <<<Introduction to Thailand series.>>> We are covering everything from history, cultural norms, and language. Spending a few minutes reading through the series will ensure you have a head start when you land in Thailand to begin your teaching adventure.

Relevant

Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons and climate in Thailand.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/applying-for-a-police-clearance-certificate-in-bangkok-thailand to learn how to acquire a Thai Police Clearance Certificate.

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