What to Pack Before Moving to Thailand

Not sure what to bring when moving to Thailand in 2025? Here’s a complete packing checklist for expats and long-term visitors — including electronics, clothes, documents, and more.

🎒 Why Packing Right Matters

Moving to Thailand isn’t the same as going on vacation. Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or digital nomad life, packing properly can save you money, time, and stress — especially for items that are expensive or hard to findlocally.

This 2025 checklist covers the most important things to bring, what not to bring, and local alternatives if you forget anything.

🧳 Documents & Paperwork (Most Important!)

✅ Passport

Valid for 6–12 months minimum

✅ Visa documents

Printed approval letters if applicable

✅ Copies of passport

Both digital & printed

✅ Travel insurance/health insurance proof

Required for certain visas

✅ International Driving Permit (IDP)

Needed to legally drive

✅ Medical records & prescriptions

Especially for chronic conditions

👚 Clothing (Pack Light, Pack Smart)

Thailand is hot and humid most of the year, but also conservative in many places.

Bring:

• Lightweight t-shirts and tops (quick-dry recommended)

• Shorts, skirts, cotton pants

• Swimwear + sarong

• Light jacket or cardigan (for malls or mountain trips)

• Modest clothes for temples (shoulders and knees covered)

• 1–2 dressy outfits for business or night out

• Comfortable walking shoes & sandals

• Flip flops or slip-ons (for daily indoor/outdoor use)

Don’t overpack:

• Winter clothes — unless you’re heading to northern mountains in Dec–Jan

• Heavy jeans — uncomfortable in hot weather

💊 Medicine & Health Essentials

• Prescription meds: Bring 2–3 months’ supply

• Allergy meds: Antihistamines are sometimes pricier here

• Mosquito repellent

• Rehydration tablets / electrolytes

• Hand sanitizer & wipes

• Birth control / feminine hygiene products (brands differ)

💻 Electronics & Work Gear

• Laptop + charger

• Universal travel adapter (Type A, C, F used in Thailand)

• Unlocked phone (for Thai SIM card)

• Noise-canceling headphones

• External hard drive / USB stick

• Portable WiFi device (optional)

🛌 Optional Comforts from Home

• Favorite toiletries (some brands may not be available)

• Deodorant, sunscreen (local versions may feel different)

• Bedding or pillow if you're sensitive

• Small kitchen tools (if you love cooking)

• Non-English books or specific reading materials

📦 What NOT to Pack

• Bulky furniture (buy or rent locally)

• Heavy books (use Kindle or Audible)

• Hair dryer/straightener (voltage may differ)

• Too many shoes or jeans

• Things you "might use someday" — space is more valuable

📥 Printable Packing Checklist

✅ Passport + visa + IDP
✅ Laptop, adapters, chargers
✅ Medications (2–3 months)
✅ Weather-appropriate clothing
✅ Travel insurance proof
✅ Backup documents online

💬 Final Tips Before You Fly

• Thailand has 7-Eleven on almost every corner — you'll survive!

• Don't stress if you forget something. Most items are available here.

• Pack for your lifestyle: city life vs. island life vs. nomad gear

• Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs and local finds!