First Steps on Arrival
- 1
Clear immigration — Chiang Mai airport is small and queues move quickly. Allow 15–30 minutes.
- 2
Collect baggage and exit through customs.
- 3
Purchase a SIM card at the AIS or True Move counter in the arrivals area.
- 4
Exchange cash at the bank counters inside — rates are standard. Withdraw 2,000 THB for first-day expenses.
- 5
Chiang Mai city centre is only 5–10 minutes by taxi from the airport — transport is simple and affordable.
SIM Cards
AIS and True Move H have counters in arrivals. A 7-day tourist SIM with data and calls costs 299 THB. Coverage in Chiang Mai city and the surrounding mountains is generally good on all networks, though remote mountain areas may have limited signal.
Money & Currency Exchange
The airport has standard ATMs (220 THB fee). Currency exchange booths in the arrivals area offer competitive rates. SuperRich branches in Nimman Road and Tha Phae Road offer slightly better rates for larger amounts. The old city and Night Bazaar area have multiple exchange offices.
Getting from the Airport to Chiang Mai
Metered Taxi
Official metered taxis are available from the rank outside arrivals. Short distances make this very affordable.
Grab
Grab works well in Chiang Mai. Pick-up from the designated area near the terminal exit.
Songthaew (Red Truck)
Shared red pickup trucks — negotiate the fare before boarding. The cheapest option for solo or couple travellers willing to share.
Airport Shuttle
Many hotels near the airport or old city offer free or cheap shuttle services. Confirm at booking.
Your First Night
Chiang Mai's old city (within the moat) is the most popular area to stay — central, walkable, and well-served by tuk-tuks and songthaews. The Nimman Road area suits younger and design-conscious visitors. Most guesthouses allow flexible check-in and can store bags if you arrive early.
Common Arrival Mistakes
- !
Overpaying for a tuk-tuk without checking the Grab price first — always compare.
- !
Not exploring outside the tourist areas — Chiang Mai's best markets and temples are spread around the city.
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Renting a scooter without experience — Chiang Mai's ring road traffic can be challenging for inexperienced riders.
- !
Visiting Doi Suthep without an early start — the mountain viewpoint gets crowded after 10 am.
- !
Missing the Sunday walking street by arriving on a weekday — it only runs on Sundays.
Disclaimer
Frequently Asked Questions
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Visa & Legal Specialist · Phuket · 15+ years in Thailand
Tom is a former immigration consultant who has helped over 2,000 foreigners navigate Thailand's visa system. Based in Phuket since 2011, he maintains direct relationships with Thai immigration offices and stays current on policy changes. He writes ThailandKnowledge's visa guides, nationality-specific entry requirements, and long-stay documentation guides.
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