What do I need to sort before travelling to Koh Samui with kids?

Koh Samui is a straightforward destination for families. The island is well set up for visitors, most things you need are available locally, and the entry requirements are manageable. What catches people out is not the big stuff - it is the small details that could have been sorted at home. This article covers all of it.

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At a glance

Visa: No visa required for UK passport holders up to 60 days - changing to 30 days, date TBC. Passport needs 6 months validity.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card: Mandatory, free, complete before you fly. Scam sites appear in Google - use the official government link only.

Packing: Bring suncream, formula, prescription medication, swim nappies, snacks. Leave nappies, beach toys, inflatables, and mosquito repellent - all available on the island.

Phone setup: Set up Grab and download Google Maps offline before you fly. Get an eSIM active before landing.

Money: Cash essential for markets and local eating. Best exchange rate at Central Samui. ATM fee flat 350 THB per withdrawal. Cards accepted widely - expect a 3-4% surcharge.

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Do I need a visa for Thailand?

UK passport holders currently do not need a visa to enter Thailand for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for a further 30 days at a local immigration office. Note that this is due to change - Thailand has announced a reduction to 30 days with a 30 day extension option, though the date this takes effect has not yet been confirmed. For a two to three week family holiday, either version is more than sufficient.

Your passport needs at least six months validity beyond your arrival date and at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Check both before you book, not the week before you fly.

Check current visa requirements before booking: Check current visa requirements

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What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory entry form that must be completed before you fly. It is free. Any website charging you to complete it is a scam - and scam pages frequently appear above the legitimate form in Google search results. Always go directly to the official Thai government website.

Complete it as close to your departure date as possible. It takes about ten minutes and you will need your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address.

Complete the TDAC here: Complete the TDAC here

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What should I pack - and what can I get on the island?

The honest answer: most things you need are available on Koh Samui. But not always the brand you want, or the price you would expect. That distinction matters for families with young children.

Bring from home:

Suncream - long-lasting suncream is hard to find on the island and expensive when you do. Bring enough for the whole trip. This is the one thing families consistently underpack.

Formula - UK brands are limited and come at a premium. Bring your preferred brand in sufficient quantity. Other brands are available at Big C, Lotus, and Tops at Central Samui.

Prescription medication - bring a full supply. Do not rely on sourcing it on the island.

Snacks - familiar brands are hard to find. If routine matters for your children, pack some. That said, fresh fruit is everywhere and excellent, and finding new favourites is part of the experience. A snack pot or two is worth the bag space.

Swim nappies - available but limited. Pack enough for the first few days and buy more if needed.

Power adaptor - UK plugs need a Type A or Type B adaptor. Pack one.

Leave at home:

Nappies, beach toys, inflatables, and mosquito repellent are all available on the island. No need to pack them. The mosquito repellent with the pink lid from 7-Eleven works well - buy it when you arrive.

For prams and strollers:

Pavements on Koh Samui are not pram-friendly - uneven, narrow, or absent in many areas. A lightweight stroller works well within resorts and in places like Fisherman's Village and Central Samui. A carrier or sling is often the better option for getting around more freely.

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What do I need to set up on my phone before I fly?

Do this in the days before you travel, not at the airport.

Grab - Thailand's equivalent of Uber. Set up your account and add a payment method before you fly. Grab works reliably across Koh Samui for day-to-day travel, with prices agreed in the app before you confirm. Note that Grab does not offer car seats - factor that in if you need one.

Google Maps offline - open Google Maps, search for Koh Samui, and download the area for offline use. This gives you a fully working map even without mobile data. Do it at home on wifi, not at the airport.

eSIM - get an eSIM active before you land. Mobile data from the moment you arrive makes everything easier - Grab, navigation, looking things up on the go. You can pick up a tourist SIM from 7-Eleven on arrival for a cheaper option, but you will not have data until you do. For a short family holiday, the convenience of an eSIM from the moment you land is worth the small extra cost. Saily is what we use.

Google Translate - the camera mode reads Thai menus and signs in real time. Useful at markets and smaller local restaurants.

Currency converter - the calculator app on your phone handles this well. No need to download a separate app.

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What do I need to know about money in Koh Samui?

Cash is essential. Markets, street food stalls, smaller restaurants, and many local businesses are cash only. If you plan to eat at markets and explore beyond the main resorts, you will need significantly more cash than you might expect. If you are staying mostly within resorts and established restaurants, you will need less - but always have some.

Best exchange rate - the money exchange counter upstairs in Central Samui consistently offers good rates. Avoid airport exchange desks.

ATMs - widely available across the island. The fee is a flat 350 THB per withdrawal regardless of amount, so take out more less often.

Cards - accepted widely at established restaurants, cafes, and shops. Expect a surcharge of 3-4% on card payments. Apple Pay works in most established places.

Travel insurance - non-negotiable. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital admission, and emergency evacuation in Thailand. Save your policy documents and your insurer's emergency number on your phone before you travel. SafetyWing

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Frequently asked questions

Do UK passport holders need a visa for Thailand? Currently no - UK passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, with the option to extend for a further 30 days. This is due to change to 30 days, though the date has not been confirmed. Your passport needs at least six months validity beyond your arrival date.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card? The TDAC is a mandatory entry form completed before you fly. It is free - any website charging for it is a scam. Complete it on the official Thai government website as close to your departure date as possible.

What should I not bother packing for Koh Samui? Nappies, beach toys, inflatables, and mosquito repellent are all available on the island. Do bring suncream, formula if needed, prescription medication, swim nappies, and snacks if familiar brands matter to your children.

Do I need cash in Koh Samui? Yes - markets, street food, and smaller local restaurants are cash only. How much you need depends on where you plan to eat and spend time. If you are eating at markets and exploring locally, bring more than you think. The best exchange rate is at the money exchange in Central Samui.

What apps do I need for Koh Samui? Grab for transport, Google Maps with the Koh Samui area downloaded offline, and Google Translate for menus and signs. Set up Grab and download the offline map before you fly.