I'm traveling to Bangkok with my family. We're from Sweden — do we need to apply for a visa? Should we exchange currency to cash before arriving in Bangkok, or is it better to withdraw locally from an ATM?

Will our electrical equipment work there? We're planning to stay for about a month. What's the best option for buying a SIM card?

Traveling for how many days?

You will get a much worse exchange rate trying to get Baht outside of Thailand. An ATM is fine depending on your bank's fees, just make sure you do not let the ATM do the conversion. You can also bring your home country cash and exchange in Thailand most likely.

I don't know what voltage they use in Sweden but Thailand uses 220V. Most modern portable electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, etc are dual voltage and can be used around the world, as long as the plug is the same or you get a plug adapter.

You can purchase an e-sim online before you travel to Thailand, or get a tourist sim from a shop in Thailand.

Thank you.

We will be in Thailand for about 30 days, maybe a little less.

We barely use cash here at all, so we're not used to carrying it. I assume cash is used everywhere in Thailand?

Also, regarding SIM cards — is an eSIM bought online better, or should we get a tourist SIM card at the airport? What's cheapest, and are there any downsides to eSIMs?

7 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

I'm traveling to Bangkok with my family. We're from Sweden — do we need to apply for a visa?

No. Keep your trip to 30 days or less and enter Thailand visa exempt.

For money exchange... At airport best rate is lowest level bkk airport green super rich next to rail link.

Bring cash and also you can use ATM.

You may consider using rail link into central Bangkok.

Google is your friend.

Re sim.. You can buy pre paid package everywhere.

Be aware that Thailand esp Bangkok has WiFi everywhere.

7 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

I'm traveling to Bangkok with my family. We're from Sweden — do we need to apply for a visa? Should we exchange currency to cash before arriving in Bangkok, or is it better to withdraw locally from an ATM?

Will our electrical equipment work there? We're planning to stay for about a month. What's the best option for buying a SIM card?

Keep your stay to under 30 days then you'll have no need for a Visa.

You'll probably get a terrible rate buying THB in Sweden so better that you purchase it when you get here, there are some great places like SuperRich in the Basement at BKK Airport where the rate is almost as good as you can get anywhere.

Whichever way you decide to go, make sure you bring at least the equivalent of 20,000 (If travelling alone, 40,000 if travelling as a family) in cash ("Show Money") which Google says is approx 7 (or 14,000 Swedish Krona)

I've just checked on TT https://ttexchange.com/ & the actual rate you'll get looks pretty awful (2.55 SEK to 1THB) so bring 8,000 (or 16,000) SEK, it might even be worth Buying USD in Sweden (You'll need $620 if travelling alone $1,240 if a couple/family) then exchanging that here.

SIM Cards can be bought at the airport or in most 7/11s / Tops, no problem with using ESIMs but I wouldn't have thought these would be a Thai SIM from somebody like AIS as these need to be registered against your passport.

No problem using Electronics over here, just bring the appropriate travel adapter https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/se/thailand/

Edited June 23Jun 23 by SamSpade

@Vanessa_T

Never take Swedish or other nordic currencies to Thailand and other countries,

As @SamSpade

has noticed the exchange rates are terrible and commercial banks do not accept cash from Denmark, Sweden and Norway at all.

https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/personal/other-services/view-rates/foreign-exchange-rates

The blame is not on Thailand but on your governments/central banks.

Always have some other cash with you exchanged at home, From Sweden I would prefer EUR.
DON'T rely on one single plastic card.
It;s an unpleasant experience if it is lost, malfunctioning or swallowed by the machine (mate didn't get it back).
Make sure friends or family at home can wire you money (Western Union?) in a case of emergency,

11 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

Thank you.

We will be in Thailand for about 30 days, maybe a little less.

We barely use cash here at all, so we're not used to carrying it. I assume cash is used everywhere in Thailand?

Also, regarding SIM cards — is an eSIM bought online better, or should we get a tourist SIM card at the airport? What's cheapest, and are there any downsides to eSIMs?

You should check if your phone has dual sim option also check the phone manufacturer website to see if it supports esim even in 2026 not all phones sold have esim capability

here is a list of Swedish esim phones and also has instructions on how to check if your phone can support esim

You can also go to Settings > Cellular and check whether you have the button “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile data” or not. If you have this button, your device is eSIM compatible. 

https://swedenesim.com/esim-compatible-list/

Check out this video, "mobile phone package for tourists bangkok" https://share.google/lWQ0qOiyvydVv6yIe

Off topic but heads up for folk going to Oz.

The sim packages that previously you may have grabbed on arrival eg 30 day prepaid (with sim) now no longer work on Many phones.

Avoid a bad start to trip.

15 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

Thank you.

We will be in Thailand for about 30 days, maybe a little less.

We barely use cash here at all, so we're not used to carrying it. I assume cash is used everywhere in Thailand?

Also, regarding SIM cards — is an eSIM bought online better, or should we get a tourist SIM card at the airport? What's cheapest, and are there any downsides to eSIMs?

you can enter visa exempt for 30 days, arrival day is day 1, as a family you will need the equivalent of 40,000 thb, in cash to satisfy immigration, exchanging cash at the airport in the basement area will give you a good exchange rate. Atm's can be used in Thailand, buy a sim card in the airport arrivals hall, have a good trip, keep away from hiring motorcycles and jet skies

22 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

No. Keep your trip to 30 days or less and enter Thailand visa exempt.

For money exchange... At airport best rate is lowest level bkk airport green super rich next to rail link.

Bring cash and also you can use ATM.

You may consider using rail link into central Bangkok.

Google is your friend.

Re sim.. You can buy pre paid package everywhere.

Be aware that Thailand esp Bangkok has WiFi everywhere.

Thank you. Is the Thailand entry for Swedish passport holders a visa exemption, or is it visa on arrival? We don't often (never) use cash, so carrying and exchanging it will probably be a hassle.

How much does a prepaid SIM package cost?

Edited June 23Jun 23 by Vanessa_T

22 hours ago, SamSpade said:

Keep your stay to under 30 days then you'll have no need for a Visa.

You'll probably get a terrible rate buying THB in Sweden so better that you purchase it when you get here, there are some great places like SuperRich in the Basement at BKK Airport where the rate is almost as good as you can get anywhere.

Whichever way you decide to go, make sure you bring at least the equivalent of 20,000 (If travelling alone, 40,000 if travelling as a family) in cash ("Show Money") which Google says is approx 7 (or 14,000 Swedish Krona)

I've just checked on TT https://ttexchange.com/ & the actual rate you'll get looks pretty awful (2.55 SEK to 1THB) so bring 8,000 (or 16,000) SEK, it might even be worth Buying USD in Sweden (You'll need $620 if travelling alone $1,240 if a couple/family) then exchanging that here.

SIM Cards can be bought at the airport or in most 7/11s / Tops, no problem with using ESIMs but I wouldn't have thought these would be a Thai SIM from somebody like AIS as these need to be registered against your passport.

No problem using Electronics over here, just bring the appropriate travel adapter https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/se/thailand/

You say we need to carry 16,000 SEK in cash just to gain entrance into Thailand.??

Edited June 23Jun 23 by Vanessa_T

17 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

Thank you. Is the Thailand entry for Swedish passport holders a visa exemption, or is it visa on arrival?

Visa exempt entry.

18 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

We don't often (never) use cash, so carrying and exchanging it will probably be a hassle

Frankly find your thread a wind up.

Google would provide answers to your very simple questions eg questions about sim cards etc.

I posted link to comprehensive video.

If carrying cash and exchanging currency is "probably be a hassle" then suggest you are not ready for international trip.

14 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

You say we need to carry 16,000 SEK in cash just to gain entrance into Thailand.??

[Technically] you are supposed to be able to show at least the equivalent of 20,000 (Single, 40,000 Couple/Family) in CASH when you enter Thailand Visa Exempt - This can be in any Currency & given the poor exchange rate you will get for SEK it might be worth buying USD/EU in Sweden to be able to show this & to exchange when here.

It was almost unheard of for them to ask to see this unless they were looking to deny you entry (most commonly because you had done too many Visa Exempt visits) but the "Rules" are they can ask you for this alongside proof of onward travel & hotel bookings.

Sounds like it's your 1st time to Thailand so I highly doubt you will be asked to show it, but given the poor exchange rate you'll get for SEK, I'd recommend you bring in some USD/EU anyways, the fact that it will cover you for this is a bonus.

Edited June 23Jun 23 by SamSpade

2 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

Thank you. Is the Thailand entry for Swedish passport holders a visa exemption, or is it visa on arrival? We don't often (never) use cash, so carrying and exchanging it will probably be a hassle.

How much does a prepaid SIM package cost?

As a tourist without bank account here you'll need cash.

Thailand has a very common pay by QR code but it's not usable for you with swedish bank accouts.

Prepaid SIM..

Checkout AIS website

https://www.ais.th/en/consumers/package/prepaid/prepaid-sims

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Visa exempt entry.

Frankly find your thread a wind up.

Google would provide answers to your very simple questions eg questions about sim cards etc.

I posted link to comprehensive video.

If carrying cash and exchanging currency is "probably be a hassle" then suggest you are not ready for international trip.

Thank you for helpful information, no need for saltiness :)

So, I need to show cash on hand before entering Thailand through immigration?

And as Sam suggested, I could exchange money in the basement of the airport, but wouldn't I have to pass through immigration before I can reach that area? If so I would have to exchange money before going to Thailand.

5 hours ago, hanbla said:

As a tourist without bank account here you'll need cash.

Thailand has a very common pay by QR code but it's not usable for you with swedish bank accouts.

Oh is it that bad? What is the name of the pay service? Are you sure?

18 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

I could exchange money in the basement of the airport, but wouldn't I have to pass through immigration before I can reach that area?

Most airports do not have ATM airside for arrivals.

As a family it's 40k baht or equivalent in other currency.

Immigration is prior to exchange stalls.

19 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

Oh is it that bad? What is the name of the pay service? Are you sure?

Again.. In the main tourists in Thailand use cash.

To take train from airport or taxi you want cash.

Also with taxis (and in general) you require small currency.

On lower level of bkk airport there is a 7/11 close to SuperRich money exachane. At 7/11 buy something to obtain small denomination eg 20 baht bills

Suggest again that you check out some blogs on net.

They have excellent detailed information.

Quick Google of "arrive bkk airport" Spits out many useful blogs.

They cover some things you have not asked about but necessary eg TDAC.

Here is one example. Research.

20 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

Oh is it that bad? What is the name of the pay service? Are you sure?

There's nothing bad about it and is is widely used. It called Thai QR payment. Very few non-Thai banks (cross-border payments from Laos for example) can use it. You will not use it with a Swedish bank account.

You can however pay in stores and restaurants using Visa and Mastercard. Some places support contactless "tap" payments for small amounts. But lots of smaller stores, bars and restaurants do not accept cards at all so you must have cash.

29 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

If so I would have to exchange money before going to Thailand.

For immigration purposes you don't need to show Thai Baht. You can show the equivalent in your currency, or any currency you choose.

37 minutes ago, Vanessa_T said:

So, I need to show cash on hand before entering Thailand through immigration?

💵US or 💶 Euro is the best. They will be useful for your trip as well.

59 minutes ago, OneManShow said:

💵US or 💶 Euro is the best. They will be useful for your trip as well.

Why would you exchange home money 2X, losing a bit each time. They take SEK here.

Just bring enough THB for first day, then exchange more, at bank, when you get here or settled in to hotel.

Present yourself with proper attire, not looking destitute, and they won't ask if you have 20k TBH or equivalent. I've never been asked, and arrived on VE, before using Visas.

Someone mentioned earlier in this thread that you cannot exchange SEK in Thailand but I just looked at the current SuperRich app and they have an entry for SEK exchange.

Don't forget TDAC

Source: Thailand Digital Arrival Card https://share.google/J2vzky1fFvkTiGmna

2 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

So, I need to show cash on hand before entering Thailand through immigration?

And as Sam suggested, I could exchange money in the basement of the airport, but wouldn't I have to pass through immigration before I can reach that area? If so I would have to exchange money before going to Thailand.

As far as I'm aware, there are no ATM's airside at BKK Airport before Immigration Arrivals. So my advice to you would be to bring in the equivalent of 20,000 THB in cash with you in either USD or EUR (which currently works out at around 600 USD or 530 EUR). Under no circumstances should you bring the equivalent in SEK with you, however, since you never know whether you might have the misfortune to encounter at BKK Arrivals the solitary Thai immigration officer who is fully au fait with international currency issues and is therefore cognisant of the fact that the SEK is, to all intents and purposes, a completely worthless currency in Thailand.

Edited June 24Jun 24 by OJAS

3 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

So, I need to show cash on hand before entering Thailand through immigration?

And as Sam suggested, I could exchange money in the basement of the airport, but wouldn't I have to pass through immigration before I can reach that area? If so I would have to exchange money before going to Thailand.

If asked, you show the Euro or USD equivalent of 20/40K then once through Immigration you go down to the Basement (IIRC Super Rich Green is the best option down there https://www.superrichthailand.com/#!/en) and change it to THB.

Try to avoid buying a Tourist SIM at the airport as you can find yourself paying 900THB, instead try to get an AIS "The One" or "Super Social" SIM, costs 50THB, stick 200THB on it & it should last you quite a while as there's generally WIFI in most places you'll go.

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Why would you exchange home money 2X, losing a bit each time. They take SEK here.

Just bring enough THB for first day, then exchange more, at bank, when you get here or settled in to hotel.

Present yourself with proper attire, not looking destitute, and they won't ask if you have 20k TBH or equivalent. I've never been asked, and arrived on VE, before using Visas.

Because the FX rate for SEK (and most Nordic currencies) are terrible in Thailand + not everywhere will exchange it for you. You're better off with a more "Globally recognised" currency (No offence to our Nordic friends, that's how it is).

E.g. Google tells me the current SEK to THB is 3.42, TT Currency Exchange (One of the better ones) is quoting 2.55, that's like a 30% difference, I doubt exchanging SEK to USD in Sweden & then USD to THB in Thailand will cost you that much.

You may spend 50% more than you budgeted?

Pack suitcases. Then have a look and take out 50% of what you packed.

Children if old enough; tell them they have to carry what they pack. That will reduce their weight 50%.

5 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

If asked, you show the Euro or USD equivalent of 20/40K

Then carry on using your credit cards as you planned and take the foreign currency home with you at the end of the holiday.

4 hours ago, Vanessa_T said:

Oh is it that bad? What is the name of the pay service? Are you sure?

Yes, I'm completely sure. Ja, jag är helt säker.

The name of the service is promptpay.

How there is a service called TAGTHAi but it's a bit complicated since you need to register with a Thai bank. Google it! I'm not sure how it works. You can also use credit or debit cards, but not in smaller shops and restaurants.

There's another opportunities for you. The Nordmill and Revolut cards. Swedish people has told me they're good. But again you have to Google, I have no knowledge.