1. Entry Requirements
2. Airports in Thailand
3. Currency and Payments
4. Time zone and Climate
5. Staying connected in Thailand
6. Sightseeing - Tourist Spots near AIT
7. VAT Refund
1. Entry Requirements
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card: All visitors are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before entering the country. It can be easily filled out online at tdac.immigration.go.th
- Visa: Please verify the visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. Click here for Visa Requirements details.
2. Airports in Thailand
There are two international airports. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport is 40 km (about a one-hour drive) from AIT, while Don Mueang (DMK) Airport is only 20 km (roughly a 30-minute drive) from AIT. Public taxis are the most affordable mode of transportation from both airports.
3. Currency and Payments
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Notes: 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 THB
- Coins mostly come on 1, 2, 5, and 10 THB
- Credit cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; some places accept American Express, UnionPay, JCB. Small shops and markets may only take cash
- Traveler’s cheques: Not recommended
- Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 30-32 THB
Note:
The rate at the airport will be slightly lower. Please exchange about USD50 to get you to AIT. At both airports, there are exchange counters both before and after immigration. Currency exchange services are also available at malls and banks throughout Thailand. AIT does not have an exchange facility on campus, but banks are located just outside the campus, where you can change money. SuperRich Currency Exchange offers one of the best rates. The branch nearest to AIT is at Future Park (Robinson Zone, 2nd floor). A passport is required for changing money.
4. Time zone and Climate
- Time zone: T GMT+7 (the same as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam)
- Weather: The average temperature, in October, in Bangkok, Thailand, is around 32°C (89.6°F), with very high humidity
5. Staying connected in Thailand
- Sim cards and Dialing prefixes: Pre-paid SIM cards are available for purchase at the airport and most convenience stores (you will find 7-Elevens everywhere) as well as the service operators’ shops – DTAC, AIS and TRUE – located inside shopping malls. To make a call to a landline within Bangkok, dial 02 then the seven-digit number. Making a call outside Bangkok requires a three-digit area code, starting with 0, the area code, then the six- digit number. Calls between mobile phones require the three-digit prefix (08x), followed by the seven-digit subscriber number.
- Wi-Fi and internet: We understand the importance of staying connected! We will try to keep you connected when you are in your hotel/dorm rooms or in the conference rooms.
- Electricity: Thailand operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz. The most common socket types are:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins
- Type B: Two flat pins with a grounding pin
- Type C: Two round pins
6. Sightseeing - Tourist Spots near AIT
The wider Bangkok area offers a variety of attractions for visitors. History enthusiasts can visit Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, just 40 km from AIT, known for its impressive ruins and temples. For shopping, street food, and local crafts, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-see.
Bangkok is also famous for its stunning temples, including Wat Pho with the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun by the riverside, and the majestic Grand Palace. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can enjoy boat rides along the Chao Phraya River or stroll through scenic parks and cultural districts.
For more details on Ayutthaya and planning your visit, check: The Essential Ayutthaya Guide
7. VAT Refund
Thailand has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7 per cent. You may be able to claim a refund for the GST paid on goods at the Tax Refund Scheme at the Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport before departing Thailand. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of international terminals.
