The decision is made, the adventure awaits—you’re moving to Bangkok! It’s an exhilarating time, but it’s quickly followed by the daunting task of packing up your life into a few suitcases. What is truly essential for a new life in a tropical metropolis? What will you regret not bringing, and what will just end up collecting dust in your new condo?

Knowing what to pack for a move to Bangkok (and what to leave behind) is an art form, one that can save you a lot of money, stress, and luggage space. We’ve created the ultimate, practical checklist. This isn’t just a list of items; it’s a strategic guide to help you pack smart, ensuring you arrive prepared, comfortable, and ready to embrace your new life in the City of Angels.

Why Trust This Guide?

I remember my own move to Bangkok vividly—I overpacked on sweaters I never wore and underpacked on comfortable shoes that could handle the city’s pavements. After helping countless friends and clients with their own moves, I’ve seen every packing mistake and triumph. I know the specific deodorant brand that’s impossible to find, the regret of not bringing enough passport photos, and the folly of shipping a hairdryer with the wrong voltage. This guide is the culmination of that collective wisdom, designed to help you avoid our mistakes and pack like a seasoned pro.

The Bangkok Packing List at a Glance

The Bangkok Packing List at a Glance

Category✅ Pack This❌ Leave That Behind
ClothingLightweight Fabrics, Light Jacket, Formal Wear, Swimsuit, Comfortable ShoesHeavy Winter Clothes, Delicate Fabrics, Too Many High Heels
ElectronicsUniversal Adapter, Laptop/Tablet, Unlocked Smartphone, Power BankMost Kitchen Appliances, Hair Dryers, Non-Essential Gadgets
Health & ToiletriesPrescription Medication, Favorite Skincare, Specific Deodorant, Contact LensesBulk Toiletries, Standard Over-the-Counter Meds
DocumentsPassport & Visa Copies, Passport Photos, Key Records (Digital & Physical)Non-Essential Paperwork, Old Financial Statements
MiscellaneousSentimental Items, Hobby Gear, Reusable Water Bottle, Good DaypackMost Books, Bulky Decor, “Just in Case” Items

What to Pack: The Absolute Essentials

These are the items you’ll be glad you made space for.

Clothing for the Tropical Climate

Clothing for the Tropical Climate

  • Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Think cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials. Bangkok is hot and humid year-round.
  • A Light Jacket or Cardigan: Trust me on this. You’ll need it for the freezing air conditioning in cinemas, malls, and the BTS Skytrain.
  • At Least One Formal Outfit: Bangkok has a very glamorous side. You’ll want a smart suit or a nice dress for upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, or formal events.
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: You will walk more than you think. A good pair of comfortable sandals, loafers, or stylish sneakers is essential.
  • Swimsuit: With so many amazing condo pools and weekend beach getaways, a swimsuit is a must.
  • Underwear & Socks: Bring a good supply. While you can buy them here, finding the right size and style you’re used to can sometimes be a challenge.
  • Workout Clothes: Lightweight, sweat-wicking gear is perfect for the gym or a run in the park.

Electronics and Gadgets

  • A Universal Travel Adapter: Thailand uses Type A, B, C, and sometimes F plugs. A universal adapter will ensure you can charge your devices from day one.
  • Your Laptop, Tablet, and E-Reader: Bring your primary devices for work and leisure.
  • An Unlocked Smartphone: This is crucial. Arrive with your phone unlocked so you can immediately buy a local Thai SIM card at the airport.
  • A Good Power Bank: Essential for long days out exploring when your phone battery is running low from using Google Maps.
  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Perfect for noisy commutes, cafe work sessions, or long flights.

Health and Personal Care

  • A 6-Month Supply of Prescription Medication: Bring a good supply along with a doctor’s note. While you can find most things here, having your specific prescription is crucial.
  • Your Favorite Skincare or Makeup: While Bangkok has amazing beauty stores, your specific brand or shade might be unavailable or more expensive. I learned the hard way to bring a few of my can’t-live-without products.
  • Specific Deodorant Brands: The selection of deodorant here is different from in the West, particularly for certain types of antiperspirants. If you’re loyal to a specific brand, pack it.
  • Contact Lenses & Solution: If you wear them, bring a good supply. It’s one less thing to worry about finding when you first arrive.
  • A Basic First-Aid Kit: Include essentials like antiseptic wipes, plasters, pain relievers, and anti-diarrhea medication for peace of mind.

Documents and Administration

  • Passport, Visa, and Important Documents: Have both physical and digital copies of your passport, visa, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and driver’s license.
  • Plenty of Passport Photos: You will need these for everything from your 90-day report to getting a gym membership. Having a stash of 10-12 photos in the correct Thai size is a lifesaver.
  • Key Medical & Dental Records: A digital copy is fine, but it’s useful to have for any new doctor or dentist.

Miscellaneous Essentials

  • Small Sentimental Items: A few photos or small keepsakes can make your new condo feel like home instantly.
  • A Reusable Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated. You can refill your bottle at filtered water stations found in most condos and offices.
  • A Good Daypack: A comfortable, lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying your essentials around the city.
  • Hobby-Specific Gear: If you have a specific hobby (e.g., a particular type of camera, specialized art supplies), bring it with you.
What to Leave Behind: Save Your Luggage Space

What to Leave Behind: Save Your Luggage Space

Don’t waste precious weight and money shipping these items.

Bulky and Impractical Items

  • Heavy Winter Clothes: You will never, ever need a heavy winter coat, woolly sweaters, or boots. A single fleece or jacket is more than enough.
  • Most of Your Books: Books are incredibly heavy. Bring a few favorites or an e-reader. Bangkok has excellent English-language bookstores like Kinokuniya and Asia Books.
  • Expensive or Sentimental Jewelry: It’s often safer and less stressful to leave irreplaceable items at home.
  • Most Kitchen Appliances: The voltage in Thailand is 220V. Your 110V appliances from North America (like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers) will not work without a bulky converter and may still get damaged.
  • Hair Dryer: Same as above. A hair dryer is one of the easiest things to fry with the wrong voltage. Buy a cheap one for a few hundred baht when you arrive.
  • Bulky Furniture: Unless it’s a priceless antique, it’s almost always cheaper to sell your furniture and buy new or used items in Bangkok.
  • A Large Supply of Basic Toiletries: You can buy shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen from all the major international brands at any supermarket or 7-Eleven.
  • Delicate Fabrics: Materials like heavy wool or suede can be difficult to maintain in the humid climate.

Travel Smart: A Guide to Avoiding Bangkok Scams

Our 2025 guide, based on local experience, details the classic tricks—from tuk-tuk detours to the ‘Grand Palace is closed’ scam—so you can explore with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code in Bangkok?

For everyday life, it’s quite casual—lightweight trousers, shorts, skirts, and t-shirts are fine. However, Thais appreciate a neat appearance. For visiting temples, you MUST cover your shoulders and knees. For upscale restaurants and rooftop bars, a “smart casual” dress code is enforced (no shorts or flip-flops).

Can I buy my favorite Western brands in Bangkok?

Yes, Bangkok has world-class shopping malls with almost every major international fashion and beauty brand you can think of. However, they are often more expensive than in your home country due to import taxes.

Do I need a voltage converter?

Thailand uses a 220V / 50Hz electrical system. If you are coming from a 110V country (like the US or Canada), your electronics like laptops and phone chargers are usually dual-voltage and will work fine with just a plug adapter. However, heat-generating appliances like hair dryers and kitchen gadgets are often single-voltage and will be damaged. It is better to buy these locally.

What size are clothes and shoes in Thailand?

Clothing and shoe sizes often run smaller than in Western countries. Finding larger shoe sizes (above EU 44 for men, EU 40 for women) can be challenging in standard shops, though many international brands in major malls now carry a wider range.

Should I ship my belongings to Bangkok?

This depends on your situation. Shipping is expensive and involves customs paperwork. For most people, it’s more cost-effective to sell large items (like furniture and cars) and simply bring excess luggage on the plane with personal and essential items. Only consider shipping if you have irreplaceable art, furniture, or a very large volume of belongings for a long-term family move.

References

For official information on customs and what you can bring into the country, and for advice on international moving, we recommend these trusted external sources:

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