Travel and Visa
Travel and Visa
International Flights and Connectivity
Bangkok is served by two major airports, providing excellent connectivity for international and domestic travelers:
Located approximately 30 km east of downtown Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi is the primary international gateway to Thailand and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. It offers direct flights to major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Serving primarily low-cost carriers, Don Mueang handles both domestic and regional flights. It is located approximately 24 km north of downtown Bangkok, making it closer to the city center than Suvarnabhumi.
Transportation in Bangkok
Bangkok offers a wide range of transportation options to suit all budgets and preferences. The BTS Skytrain (Bangkok Mass Transit System) and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) are the two most convenient ways to travel around Bangkok and are one of the fastest modes of transport in Bangkok.
BTS Skytrain: The BTS consists of 62 stations along three lines: BTS Sukhumvit Line runs northwards and south-eastwards, BTS Silom Line which serves Silom and Sathon Roads, the central business district of Bangkok, and Gold Line runs from Krung Thon Buri to Klong San and serves Icon Siam. The fare can be paid using contactless Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and UnionPay.
MRT system: The MRT comprises two fully operational rapid transit lines (Blue and Purple Line) and two fully operational monorail line (Yellow and Pink Line). The fare can be paid using contactless Visa and MasterCard
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and available 24/7 throughout Bangkok. They are the most convenient point-to-point travel. They are metered with 35 THB of starting fare. However, traffic congestion during peak hours can make taxi journeys slow, especially in downtown areas.
Tuk-Tuks: The iconic tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle that is popular among tourists for short trips. While fun and unique, tuk-tuks do not have meters, so fares must be negotiated with the driver before starting the journey.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab and Bolt are widely available in Bangkok. These apps allow users to book taxis, private cars, or motorbikes with upfront pricing and cashless payment options.
Important Notice on Visa Application for iGeo 2025 Participants
Although nationals from 93 countries and territories are entitled to visa exemption when entering Thailand, such exemptions apply only for purposes related to tourism, business engagements, urgent assignments, or ad-hoc work.
Therefore, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of iGeo 2025 Thailand strongly recommends all participants to apply for a Courtesy Visa (CY), in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Please refer to the infographic below for the required documents, application procedures, and relevant health and immigration requirements.
Travel Insurance
Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand. In the event of illness or injury, travelers will need to cover their own medical expenses. Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before arriving in Thailand.
Comprehensive travel insurance should cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Personal injury and accidents
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Damage to personal belongings
- Lost or stolen luggage
To ensure adequate coverage, select a travel insurance policy specifically designed for travel in Thailand, as this will help avoid exclusions or unexpected conditions.
Electricity and Socket Power
- The standard voltage for electricity in Thailand is 220 Voltage and 50 Hz of Frequency
- Compatibility: This voltage is compatible with many devices used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.
- 110V Devices: If you are traveling from a country that uses 110V (like the US, Canada, or Japan), you may need a voltage converter or a dual-voltage device to safely use your appliances.
Money Exchange Locations
If you need to exchange currency during your stay, here are some convenient options:
- Twelve Victory Exchange: Located at B1 Floor, Samyan Mitrtown – just a short distance from the hotel. Offers competitive rates and convenient service.
- At the Airport: Currency exchange booths operated by major banks are available upon arrival.
- SuperRich: One of the most popular money exchange providers in Thailand. You can find branches in key areas around Bangkok.