Practicalities A-Z

Airports

Bangkok is served by two airports: Suvarnabhumi (pronounced “su-wahn-a-boom”, the final “i” is silent) Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main airport and used by all full-service airlines, but most low-cost carriers use Don Mueang Airport. Both airports lie about 30 km (19 mi) on opposite sides of the city, so plan for a longer ride into the city centre.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) by Train

On the basement level of the passenger terminal, the Airport Rail Link offers a speedy train service to downtown. It’s also a way of avoiding Bangkok’s rush-hour traffic, particularly when it’s raining. Trains depart 06:00-midnight every day.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) by Taxi

Follow the signs to the public taxi area between exits 4 and 7 on the 1st floor. Use the public taxi slip dispensing machine (you may need to wait in line). The “Lane Number” on the slip tells you which bay your taxi will be waiting at.

Expect to pay 250-400 THB for the meter fare plus a 50 THB airport surcharge and highway tolls of about 75 THB. Drivers may ask if you’d like to take the toll highway—we recommend saying yes. Be prepared with smaller bills; drivers may return change after the second toll booth.

Ignore touts offering rides. They can pose as public meter taxis but are not. You will need cash for taxis in Thailand; credit cards are not accepted. ATMs and currency exchange booths are available at the airport. Grab ride-hailing is possible, but expect longer pickup times—see Transportation for more details.

From Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Public transport to and from DMK is efficient thanks to the SRT Dark Red Line, which connects to the MRT at Bang Sue station. Visa and Mastercard are accepted on both systems. Taxis are also available—follow the signs to the main taxi stand and ignore touts.

Budgeting

Thailand is affordable by global big-city standards, but costs can add up. Here are some money-saving tips:

• Flights: Use aggregators like Google Flights or Kiwi.com. Consider flexible dates or a stopover for cheaper fares.
• Accommodation: Options range from hostels under 800 THB, quality 2-4 star hotels for 1000-2000 THB/night, to five-star stays from 2500 THB/night.
• Food & drink: Embrace Thai street food—delicious and affordable. Skip alcohol to save, as it’s heavily taxed.
• Freebies: Enjoy free coffee breaks, lunch, and the official party during the conference.

Code of Conduct

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers must agree to and abide by our Code of Conduct. Organisers will enforce this code throughout the event.

If you are being harassed, notice someone else being harassed, or have other concerns, contact a conference staff member immediately. Staff members wear red STAFF T-shirts and matching lanyards.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian and Halal options are available for lunch each day of the conference. Need something else? Reach out in our attendee Slack and we’ll help.

Entry Requirements

Visas

Many nationalities, including the US, most EU countries, and the UK, China, and India, can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Check the official list of visa-exempt countries.

Always consult your own government’s travel guidance, such as the US, UK, or Australian advice.

Travel Medical Insurance

We strongly recommend arranging travel/health insurance before visiting Thailand.

Return Ticket

Thai immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Affordable regional flights and refundable fares are good options to satisfy this requirement.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.

Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

All non-Thai travellers must complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arriving. Submit the form only via the official immigration website at tdac.immigration.go.th and beware of third-party sites charging fees. Keep the confirmation QR code handy to show at the immigration checkpoint.

Health & Vaccinations

Consult your doctor to determine if you need any vaccinations before travelling. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so start early. The CDC Travel Health site is a useful resource.

For emergency medical assistance in Thailand, dial 1669 (may not connect from non-Thai numbers) and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance provider promptly if you visit a medical facility. Medical care in Thailand is excellent and relatively affordable, but serious incidents can still be costly—travelling with insurance is important.

Money

Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Around 32 THB ≈ 1 USD. Credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are widely accepted, but taxis, street vendors, and some shops are cash-only, so carry some cash.

ATM withdrawals incur a fixed fee of about 250 THB, so it’s better to withdraw larger amounts (5,000 or 10,000 THB). US residents can consider an ATM-fee-free account like Charles Schwab.

Official Party

The official party takes place on Friday evening. Just bring your conference lanyard for entry. More party details soon!

Plugs & Adaptors

Thailand uses 220V AC at 50Hz. Outlets commonly accept plug types A, B, C, F, and O. US-style plugs (Type A/B) generally fit, but always check that your devices support 220V (look for “100-240V” on the power label). If not, you’ll need a voltage converter plus an adapter. Many hotels provide adapters or have universal sockets.

Safety & Scams

• The roads can be dangerous—always wear a seatbelt and avoid motorbike taxis.
• Traffic drives on the left. Look both ways; motorbikes sometimes travel against traffic.
• Ignore touts at the airport—head straight to the public taxi queue.
• Beware of gem scams or “this place is closed” tricks. Do your research before following unsolicited tips.
• Drink bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
• Stay hydrated—Bangkok heat can be intense. Carry water with you.
• In urgent situations, you can contact the Tourist Police by dialing 1155.
• If you don’t want to carry your passport, keep a photocopy of the main page in your wallet.

SIM Cards

True, AIS, and DTAC are the major providers. Airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with data and call packages at fair prices—just pick one up on arrival. True has the best nationwide coverage, but for Bangkok any provider will do.

Install the SIM and test both voice calls and data before leaving the kiosk; staff are happy to help configure your phone.

Slack

Join our attendee Slack to get live updates and ask questions before and during the conference. The invite link is sent in your registration email—reach out if you need it resent.

Transportation

The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown. Tickets must be paid in cash.

The BTS Skytrain has two lines (Sukhumvit and Silom) that interchange at Siam. Buy single-journey tickets with cash or get a Rabbit card (passport required).

The MRT underground serves the city with Blue and Purple lines. Use cash or tap Visa/Mastercard directly—the queues are shorter.

Download the offline Explore Bangkok metro map app (iOS & Android) for easy route planning.

Public buses can be confusing for newcomers—consider other options first.

Taxis are plentiful and cheap, but drivers may decline certain destinations. Always insist on the meter; if they refuse, find another taxi. Carry smaller bills (ask your hotel or a nearby 7-Eleven to break larger notes).

Motorbike taxis are risky due to road conditions and limited passenger helmets. We recommend sticking to regular taxis or ride-hailing.

Tuktuks are fun for short trips—agree on the price before you ride. Some hotels offer free tuktuk shuttles for guests.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt work well in Bangkok. Grab is more widely available, while Bolt is often cheaper but has fewer cars. Expect slightly longer wait times than the apps estimate.

Tipping

Thailand doesn’t have a strong tipping culture, but tips are appreciated. Restaurant bills usually include 7% VAT and 10% service charge—no extra tip is required. It’s common to leave small coins or round up. Tip hotel porters who help with luggage.

Weather

Bangkok is hot and humid. In late January and early February, expect daytime highs around 32°C (89°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F). Rain is less frequent but sudden showers can happen—carry a compact umbrella or raincoat (easy to find at convenience stores).

For forecasts, check the BBC’s 14-day outlook for Bangkok.