FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thailand FAQs

Thailand FAQs

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa for your project.

You will need a nonimmigrant-O visa.

To volunteer in Thailand, you must first obtain a non-immigrant visa. For most nationalities you must apply and obtain it in advance.

Check with the immigration authorities of the countries you intend to visit, or visit www.cibt.com for advice and information on visa applications.

Volunteers and interns staying longer than 90 days must apply for another visa: Non-O. This request can be made by telephone or by mail. This process can cost a total of between $400 and $500 due to the additional documents required to obtain this visa. The field staff on site can help you prepare the visa application.

When you arrive in Thailand, make sure the immigration officer activates the visa and gives you a 90-day stamp.

Keep the white card that will be given to you at immigration, because you will need it when you leave.

Speak directly to the local team! This professional and experienced team will be your main point of contact in the field and will do their best to help you solve the problems you encounter and answer your questions.

Despite the technical difficulties, wifi is available at the volunteer base or in a nearby café, depending on the project.

Mobile/cellular phones are affordable and Thai SIM cards are extremely cheap.

You can buy top-up cards for calling at reasonable prices in Thailand and abroad. There are many phone shops in tourist areas.

The food is usually richly flavored with chili and local herbs. It’s easy to satisfy vegetarians and adjust spice levels.

In case of special diet, keep in mind that the food will be basic.

Laundry services are available and quite inexpensive. Alternatively, attendees can purchase detergent and wash by hand.

The local currency is the Thai Baht.

Participants typically spend around THB 2,000 per week on snacks, drinks, internet and phone cards, as well as renting transportation for city tours.

We recommend traveling with cash as your primary source of funds, although it is wise to have a credit/debit card in reserve.

Additional in-town transportation and other in-town expenses can be more expensive.

ATMs are available in major cities. Only cash is accepted in the village and on the project site. We recommend getting enough Thai Baht in Chiang Mai for your stay on site (tickets under THB 1,000 are recommended).