City in Chonburi, Thailand
Pattaya
Cheap, easy beach city two hours from Bangkok with a big expat community and nonstop nightlife. Suits long stays in Jomtien or Pratumnak; the sex-tourism strips and murky city beach put many off.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,130–1,790Comfortable, one person · ฿38,000–60,000Details
- Value for money59/100Better value than 58% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Internet299 MbpsFixed broadband, Thailand medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-machine water; refill machines are common near condos.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$24–75Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for baht buses, bars, street food and markets.Details
Where to stay in Pattaya
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central Pattaya (Beach Road–Second Road) | Nightlife, malls and walking everywhere |
| Jomtien | Long-stay expats, quieter beach, cheaper condos |
| Pratumnak (Cosy Beach) | Quiet hill between Pattaya and Jomtien |
| Naklua–Wongamat | Upscale condos and a calmer northern beach |
Apps that work in Pattaya
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Most drivers; cars and motorbikes |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- 12Go: Buses, trains and ferries between towns
- IQAir AirVisual: Checking smoke levels in burning season
- Taxis: Baht buses are cheapest; if a driver asks where you're going, it's a charter. Agree prices before any taxi ride.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Thailand.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for baht buses, bars, street food and markets.
- Currency: Baht (THB). US$1 ≈ ฿33.56 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Thai ATMs charge foreign cards about 220 THB per withdrawal; limits usually 20,000–30,000 THB, so withdraw larger amounts.
- Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 20–100 THB for good service. Upmarket restaurants add 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; Thai QR (PromptPay) works with some linked Asian bank apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; paid look-alike sites are scams.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds (20,000 THB per person); rarely checked, but enforced at times.
- In May 2026 the cabinet approved shortening visa-free stays; check the current permitted length before booking a long trip.
Emergency numbers
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155
Plugs
Type A, B, C, O · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
AIS, True and dtac airport counters sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs, roughly 300–600 THB for 8–15 days; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Thailand
Going to Pattaya solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Pattaya meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.