Home › Countries

🇹🇭 Thailand: plugs, time difference, currency & tipping

The practical stuff UK travellers need to know before going to Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Krabi.

Plug adapter from the UK?YesType A, B, C, F, O
Voltage230VSame as UK (230V)
Local time now–+7h / +6h vs UK
CurrencyTHBThai baht
Drive on theLeftSame as UK
Tipping5–10%Restaurants

🔌 Plugs & adapters

Yes. You'll need a universal travel adapter.

The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

  • Type A: Two flat parallel pins (no earth)
  • Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin
  • Type C: Two round pins (the "Europlug")
  • Type F: Two round pins with earth clips on the sides ("Schuko")
  • Type O: Three round pins (Thai)

Check another destination →

🕒 Time difference

Thailand is 7 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 6 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Convert a time to Thailand →

💶 Money & tipping

Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB).

Rounding up or 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated. Small tips for massages and hotel staff are common.

Work out a tip →

🚗 Driving

Traffic drives on the left, the same as in the UK. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →

🗣️ Language & phone

Main language: Thai. Dialling code: +66.

Quick answers for Thailand

Plug adapterTime differenceTippingCurrencyDriving sideCan I use my hair straighteners?Can I use my hairdryer?Can I use my phone charger?Can I use my laptop charger?Can I use my electric toothbrush?Can I use my electric shaver?

Places in Thailand

BangkokPhuketKoh SamuiChiang MaiKrabi

Common questions

Do I need a plug adapter for Thailand?

Yes. You'll need a universal travel adapter. The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

What plug type does Thailand use?

Thailand uses type A, B, C, F, O: type A – Two flat parallel pins (no earth); type B – Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin; type C – Two round pins (the "Europlug"); type F – Two round pins with earth clips on the sides ("Schuko"); type O – Three round pins (Thai). The voltage is 230V at 50Hz.

What is the time difference between the UK and Thailand?

Thailand is 7 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 6 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Thailand?

On the left, the same as the UK.

What currency is used in Thailand?

The Thai baht (THB).

Do you tip in Thailand?

Rounding up or 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated. Small tips for massages and hotel staff are common.

What is the dialling code for Thailand?

+66. From a UK phone, dial +66 and drop the first 0 of the local number.

For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.