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Pattaya Travel Checklist

Pattaya Travel Checklist

Pattaya Chonburi Province, Thailand Travel Guide

Required Preparations

Advance planning makes for a smooth journey.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Structured steps for an organized trip.

1

+ Months Before

Passport validity: 6+ months

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Book major flights

Secure international and major domestic flights, especially for high season.

Consult doctor for vaccinations

Discuss required vaccinations and health advice for your destination.

2

Month Before

Book accommodation

Confirm all hotel or guesthouse reservations.

Plan itinerary, book tours

Outline your daily activities and secure popular excursions.

Notify bank of travel

Inform your bank to avoid any issues with card usage abroad.

3

Week Before

Pack your bags

Finalize packing, ensure all essentials are included.

Charge electronics, prepare adapters

Ensure all devices are charged and power adapters are ready.

Make copies of useful documents

Physical and digital copies of passport, visa, and insurance.

Required Advance Bookings

Book these items well in advance: flights, hotels (especially during peak season), airport transfers, and popular tours or shows.

Reservations

  • Flights booked.
  • Hotel reservations confirmed.
  • Airport transfers arranged.
  • Major tours secured.

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarize yourself with Thai culture and etiquette. Research specific attractions and their opening hours or fees. Read recent reviews for restaurants and activities.

Cultural & Activity Insights

  • Thai culture and etiquette.
  • Attraction details researched.
  • Recent reviews for places.
  • Itinerary basics.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Secure your home by locking windows and doors. Stop mail or newspaper delivery, or arrange for a neighbor to collect them. Pay bills due during your travel. Inform family or friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts.

Security Measures

  • Lock windows and doors.
  • Stop mail delivery.
  • Pay bills due.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights.

Communication

  • Inform family of itinerary.
  • Provide emergency contacts.
  • Arrange for pet/house sitting.
  • Set up home automation if applicable.

Digital Safety

  • Digital copies of documents on cloud.
  • Download offline maps.
  • Download translation apps.
  • Backup important files.

Digital Document Backup

Create digital copies of all important documents and store them on a cloud service. This provides backup if physical copies are lost.

Arrival Checklist

First steps upon reaching Pattaya.

Immediate Arrival Steps

  • Clear immigration and customs.

    Have your passport and entry documents ready.

  • Collect your luggage.

    Verify baggage tags before leaving the carousel.

  • Proceed to your pre-arranged transfer or find a taxi or bus to Pattaya.

    Follow airport signs for official transport options.

Initial Orientation

  • Locate your hotel and nearby convenience stores or ATMs.

    Familiarize yourself with immediate surroundings.

  • Familiarize yourself with the main baht bus routes.

    A cost-effective way to move around Pattaya.

  • Use Google Maps to get a sense of the area.

    Pinpoint attractions and essential services.

Currency & Transport from Entry Point

Currency Exchange

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs.

Use ATMs or exchange booths in Pattaya for better rates for larger amounts.

Transport to Accommodation

Refer to travel section for detailed information on how to travel from the airport to your accommodation in Pattaya.

Options include taxis, buses, and pre-booked transfers.

Local Area Reconnaissance

Pinpoint spots like convenience stores and ATMs near your accommodation.

Buy bottled water right away.

SIM Card Acquisition

Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for immediate connectivity if you did not pre-order one.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure efficiently.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  1. Allow time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
  2. If shipping items, clarify costs and customs procedures with the shipping company.
  3. Pack fragile items carefully for transit.
  4. Keep receipts for any VAT refund claims.
  5. Consider luggage weight limits for return flights.

VAT Refund & Timing

  1. Tourists can claim a VAT refund of 7% on goods purchased from participating stores.
  2. The total purchase must exceed THB 2,000 per store on any single day.
  3. Total value of goods must be THB 5,000 or more. Complete claim forms at the store.
  4. Present goods, passport, and forms to Customs for inspection at the airport before checking in luggage.
  5. For international flights from BKK or DMK, allow 4-5 hours from Pattaya to the airport; for UTP, 2-3 hours usually suffices.

Final Document Check

Ensure all travel documents are ready.

Checklist

  • PassportVerified
  • Boarding PassPrinted/Digital
  • VisaConfirmed
  • InsurancePolicy ready

Return Journey Essentials

  • Confirm return flight details.
  • Reconfirm your airport transfer if pre-booked.
  • Ensure all belongings are packed, including your passport and valuables.
  • Check for any remaining local currency.

Departure Planning

Account for potential traffic on the way to the airport.

Allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.