Asia

Thailand

Thailand's Work and Holiday Programme runs as a 12-month visa for Australians 18-30 (small quota). Most Aussies travel tourist-only; cost of living is among the lowest in popular destinations.

Currency

THB

1 AUD = 23.5 THB (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

40% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

Work and Holiday Programme (subclass 462 reciprocal)

Age 18-30 | up to 12 months

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 191 (police) / 1669 (ambulance)

Working Holiday Visa

Scheme: Work and Holiday Programme (subclass 462 reciprocal)
Visa class: Work and Holiday visa
Eligible age: 18-30
Max stay: 12 months

Source: www.thaiembassy.org.au

Tourist or short-stay entry

Visa-free entry (extended to 60 days from 2024)

Up to 2 months. Work rights: none.

Australians can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days (extendable once for 30 days).

Source: www.thaiembassy.org.au

Highlights

Tourist visa-free is 60 days from 2024, doubled from the previous 30.
Cost of living is low: a comfortable Bangkok room can be AUD 350-500 a month.
English ESL teaching market exists in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai are major Asia digital-nomad bases (Wi-Fi, coworking, healthcare).

Watch outs

Working without a visa is illegal and fines are heavy; tourist visa does not include work rights.
Scooter accidents are the leading cause of Australian medical evacuations from Thailand.
Bag-snatching, drink-spiking incidents in nightlife areas (Phuket, Koh Phangan); travel insurance is essential.
Dengue and malaria precautions in rural areas; check Smartraveller before going north or to islands.

Money tips

Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank open accounts with a long-stay visa; tourist visa-holders cannot.
Cash is king outside Bangkok; bring a fee-free card and use blue Bangkok Bank ATMs (lowest fee).
7-Eleven is everywhere and accepts card; use for top-ups, snacks and TrueMove SIMs.
Bargain at markets, do not bargain in shops with marked prices.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $15
Budget meal: $4
Mid-range meal: $15
Beer (bar): $4
Public transport day pass: $4

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type A / B / C
Drives on: Left (same as AU)
Emergency number: 191 (police) / 1669 (ambulance)

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.