What documents do I need to bring to Thailand for a TEFL course?

You must bring your original legalised and notarised degree certificate with apostille. The name must exactly match your passport. You also need a valid passport with at least 12 months validity if you plan to work in Thailand, plus any teaching certificates and official transcripts.

How much spending money should I bring to Thailand for a TEFL course?

Plan for 40,000 to 60,000 THB for a month in Bangkok, excluding course fees and flights. Frugal living costs around 40,000 THB. More comfort and weekend trips will require 60,000 THB or more.

What plug adapters do I need for Thailand?

Thailand uses 220V/50Hz electricity. Sockets commonly accept Type A and Type C plugs, with some Type B. Bring a universal travel adapter to be safe.

What should I wear to teach English in Thailand?

Classroom attire should include lightweight trousers or skirts below the knee, short or long-sleeve shirts or blouses (no sleeveless), smart closed-toe shoes, and a tie for men in many schools. Bring a light blazer or cardigan for formal events and air-conditioned rooms.

Do I need travel insurance for a TEFL course in Thailand?

Yes. You need comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation, lost or stolen items, and trip delays or cancellation. Keep a printed copy and a PDF on your phone.

Thailand Packing List by Essential TEFL

Use this official checklist to prepare for your TEFL course in Bangkok. Bring your original legalised & notarised degree (with apostille), make sure your passport has at least 12 months’ validity if you plan to work, and pack smart for the classroom and life in the city.

TEFL Course in Bangkok · Essential documents · Spending money · Island essentials

Arrival Timeline — Pre-Arrival Mini Gantt

Stage	What to do	Timeline
T-30 days	Book flights & accommodation. Start apostille/legalisation if not done — Hague Apostille (discount link).	Covers the 30-day run-in to arrival
T-14 days	Buy travel insurance; check passport ↔ degree name match; scan documents to secure cloud.	~14/30 days
T-7 days	Pack classroom attire & teaching shoes; confirm airport transfer / first MRT route.	~7/30 days
Arrival Day	Buy SIM/eSIM; get MRT card; check in; course welcome.	Day 0

Essential documents

Original legalised & notarised degree certificate (with apostille) — bring the physical document; scans/photocopies are not accepted. The name must exactly match your passport (all given names).
Passport — at least 12 months’ validity if you intend to work in Thailand.
Any teaching certificates (e.g., PGCE/QTS) and official transcripts (if available).
(Optional) Basic police/background check from your home country.
Printed & digital backups — keep scans in secure cloud storage and carry paper copies in your hand luggage.

Legalisation shortcuts

Degree notarisation & apostille (discount for UK trainees):
https://www.hagueapostille.co.uk/essential-tefl-legalisation

Visa & work-permit overview:
/thai-visas-work-permit

Travel insurance

Comprehensive cover: medical, hospitalisation, evacuation, lost/theft, trip delays/cancellation.
Keep a printed copy and a PDF on your phone.

Classroom & professional clothing

Lightweight trousers/skirts (skirts below the knee).
Short- or long-sleeve shirts/blouses (no sleeveless in class).
Smart, closed-toe shoes suitable for standing/teaching.
Tie (many schools expect men to wear one).
Light blazer/cardigan for formal events/air-con rooms.
Belt and simple, professional accessories.

Note: Larger/taller sizes can be harder to find — bring enough sets from home.

Everyday items

Light casual clothing for days off.
Rain jacket/compact umbrella (rainy season May – Oct).
Comfortable walking shoes/sandals.
Reusable water bottle.

Health & personal

Up-to-date vaccinations — follow GP/travel-clinic advice. If needed, vaccinations can be arranged in Thailand at major hospitals (e.g., Bangkok Hospital).
Prescription medications + doctor’s note.
Basic first-aid kit (plasters, pain relief, antiseptic, hand gel).
Sunscreen (often pricier locally).
Toiletries (bring preferred brands if specific).

Tech & adapters

Unlocked smartphone (for local AIS/True/DTAC SIM or eSIM).
Laptop/tablet for planning and assignments.
USB drive/portable SSD (backups) + power bank.
Plug adapters — Thailand 220V/50Hz; sockets commonly accept Type A/C, some Type B.

Money & banking

Debit/credit cards enabled for international use.
5,000–10,000 THB cash for the first few days.
Wise/Revolut (or similar) for lower-fee transfers and ATMs.

Helpful for lessons (personal touches)

Photos of family/friends/pets — great ice-breakers.
Travel photos from your home country/places you’ve visited.
Small postcards or souvenirs from home (optional props).

Accommodation

Recommended options near the school:
/tefl-student-accommodation-bangkok

We’re a short walk from the MRT, and the BTS/MRT network makes most of Bangkok accessible.

Spending money (guideline)

Plan 40,000–60,000 THB for a month in Bangkok excluding course fee and flights.

Frugal (our recommended accommodation + local food): ~40,000 THB
More comfort/weekend trips: ~60,000 THB+

Island & beach essentials (minimal)

Swimwear
Sun hat or cap
Polarised sunglasses

Questions? We’re here to help. Contact us or see the TEFL Course in Bangkok and course dates & fees.