Become a Smart Traveller

Travelling to a new country is exciting, but being a smart traveller is about more than finding cheap flights and good restaurants.

Learn a little before you go, keep your eyes open, respect the country you’re visiting, and use common sense.

Learn the Local Laws

Every country has different laws and rules.

Learn the basics before you arrive, especially rules on visas, drugs, alcohol, driving, photography, public behaviour, and religious places.

Don’t assume something is legal because it’s normal in your home country—or because you see others doing it.

You are responsible for knowing the law.

Learn the Culture

Learn the Language

You don’t need to speak the language fluently.

Start with a few useful words:

Hello. Thank you. Please. Sorry. How much? Where is…? Help. I don’t understand.

People usually appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.

If you’re becoming an expat, keep learning. Speaking the local language makes everyday life much easier.

Make Local Friends

Don’t spend your entire time surrounded by other foreigners.

Other expats can be a great source of advice and friendship, but local friends can introduce you to the real country — local food, traditions, neighbourhoods and everyday life.

Get to know both locals and expats.

Learn How to Spot a Scam

Most people are decent, but don’t make yourself an easy target.

Be careful when someone:
Offers a deal that sounds too good to be true
Pressures you to decide immediately
Asks for money before explaining the full cost
Wants your passport, bank details or passwords
Offers an investment opportunity out of nowhere
Sends you an unexpected payment link or QR code

Check Before You Pay

Understand the price before agreeing to anything.

This is especially important with taxis, tours, accommodation, repairs and online purchases.

Check reviews, prices and conditions before handing over your money.

A few minutes of checking can save you a lot of money.

Protect Your Important Things

Keep your passport, phone, money and bank cards secure.

Don’t carry all your cash and cards in one place.

Keep copies of important documents somewhere you can access them if the originals are lost.

And remember: your phone may contain access to your banking, email and personal information. Protect it.

Don't Flash Your Money

Don't Break the Rules

Know Where to Get Help

Things sometimes go wrong.

You could lose your passport, miss a flight, lose your wallet or have a problem with your accommodation.

Keep important emergency numbers saved and know where to get legitimate help.

If you’re living overseas, know where your embassy or consulate is.

Don't Be the Loud Foreigner

You don’t need to prove that your country does everything better.

Don’t shout because someone doesn’t understand English. Don’t complain because things work differently. And don’t behave badly because you’re on holiday.

You are a guest in someone else’s country.

Respect goes a long way.

Get Outside the Tourist Bubble

If You're Becoming an Expat

Living somewhere is different from taking a holiday.
Learn the immigration rules. Understand local laws. Learn the language. Make local friends. Learn how everyday things work.

And remember: You chose to live there.

You don’t need to change the country to suit you. Learn how to live in it.

Become a Smart Traveller

You don’t need to be paranoid or know everything.

Just be curious, respectful and aware.

Learn the laws. Learn the culture. Learn the language. Make friends. Protect your money and documents. Watch for scams. And when something doesn’t feel right, stop and think.

Travel smart. Respect the country. Enjoy the experience.
And if you stay long enough to call it home, get to know it properly.

Contact - Expats Bangkok