Essential Travel Info

Ten Moons Sunset Villas

Plan Your Trip

Arriving at Koh Lipe is a breeze! The island's immigration and customs procedures are designed to be efficient and hassle-free. With clear guidelines and friendly officials, you can easily navigate through the process and start your island adventure. Immigration and customs at Koh Lipe are governed by Thai laws and regulations, given its status as part of Thailand and its proximity to the Malaysian border.

General Requirements for All Travellers

From 1 May 2025, all foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entry.
Overstaying your permitted stay incurs fines of THB 500 per day (up to THB 20,000). Serious overstays (over 90 days) may result in deportation or entry bans.
Thai authorities are strict on repeated “visa runs” (leaving and re-entering to reset your stay).
Health requirements are minimal: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if arriving from or transiting through affected countries.

Passport & Visa

Overstaying your permitted stay in Thailand incurs a fine of THB 500 per day (maximum THB 20,000). Serious overstays of more than 90 days may lead to deportation, entry bans, or blacklisting. Avoid repeated “visa runs” (leaving and re-entering Thailand to reset stay limits), as immigration authorities now scrutinise this practice closely.

Health-related entry requirements are minimal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Regulations can change, so always confirm the latest requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy or official Tourism Thailand resources before you travel.

For Malaysian Citizens

Malaysian passport holders enjoy 30 days visa-free entry when arriving by air, land, or sea (including direct boats from Langkawi to Koh Lipe).

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Immigration may request proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket) and sufficient funds.
A 30-day extension can usually be obtained at a Thai immigration office (fee approx. THB 1,900).

For Other Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Citizens of 93 countries and territories (including the UK, US, Australia, EU nations, Singapore, and more) may enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days.

A one-time 30-day extension may be granted at a Thai immigration office (fee approx. THB 1,900).
Requirements include:
- Passport valid at least 6 months.
- Proof of onward travel (e.g. confirmed flight or ferry out of Thailand).
- Proof of sufficient funds (THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family).

For Nationals Requiring a Visa

Travellers from countries not covered by the visa-exemption scheme must apply for a visa before travelling or on arrival if eligible.

Tourist Visa: Available at Thai embassies and consulates. Valid for 60 days and can usually be extended once.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available to citizens of 31 countries at designated checkpoints, including Satun (Koh Lipe pier). Valid for 15 days.
Requirements include: passport valid 6 months, 1 recent photo, proof of onward ticket, sufficient funds, and a fee of THB 2,000.

Customs & Duty Regulations

All travellers entering Thailand (including via Koh Lipe) must comply with Thai customs rules. You must declare restricted or dutiable goods that exceed your duty-free allowance. Passengers arriving by sea (ferry) undergo customs checks at the Satun Immigration and Customs checkpoint on Koh Lipe. Regulations change often, so check the Thai Customs Department or Tourism Thailand before travel.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Narcotics (e.g., heroin, cannabis/marijuana, synthetic drugs)
Obscene publications or pornography
Firearms, ammunition, explosives (without prior permit)
Counterfeit or pirated goods

Restricted Items (Permit/Declaration Required)

Medications (especially psychotropic drugs or supplies exceeding 30 days — carry a prescription in English)
Plants, seeds, soil, or live animals (permit from the Thai Department of Agriculture)
Drones (must be registered with NBTC and CAAT)
Commercial goods or samples for resale
Cash:
- On entry — declare amounts over USD 20,000 (or equivalent)
- On exit — declare amounts over THB 450,000 (or equivalent)

Duty-Free Allowances (per adult, 18+)

Alcohol: 1 litre of wine or spirits
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 250g of cigars, or 250g of loose tobacco
Personal effects: Clothing, toiletries, and one used camera/laptop (non-commercial)
Gifts/Souvenirs: Up to THB 80,000 in total value

Goods exceeding these limits are subject to import duties (typically 5–100% of value).

VAT & Tax Refunds in Thailand

Thailand applies a 7% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services. Prices in shops, hotels, and restaurants usually include VAT, with receipts marked “VAT Included” if the business is registered with the Revenue Department.

Tourist VAT Refund Scheme

Foreign visitors can reclaim VAT on eligible goods if the following conditions are met:

Minimum Spend: At least THB 2,000 per purchase per store, and a total of THB 5,000 or more during your trip.
Eligible Goods: Only physical goods taken out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase. Services, food, beverages, gems, gold, and prohibited items are not eligible.
Participating Stores: Look for the “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. Ask for a PP10 form (VAT Refund Application) and original tax invoice at the time of purchase.

How to Claim Your Refund

Airport Departures: At international airports (e.g., Hat Yai, Phuket, Bangkok), present goods, PP10 forms, passport, and receipts at the VAT Refund Inspection Counter before check-in. Goods over THB 10,000 must be shown to customs officers.
Refund Collection: After approval, collect your refund at the VAT Refund Counter in the departure hall. Refunds are paid in cash (Thai Baht) or by bank transfer/credit card (with small handling fees).
Sea & Land Borders: No VAT refund counters exist at Koh Lipe Pier or other land/sea borders. Refunds are only available if you depart Thailand via an international airport.

Key Notes for Koh Lipe Travellers

VAT refunds cannot be processed in Koh Lipe or at ferry terminals to Malaysia (e.g., Langkawi).
Plan to make your VAT refund claim at your final international airport of departure from Thailand.
Keep all original invoices and PP10 forms - refunds are not granted without them.
A handling fee (THB 100–200) is deducted from the total refund amount.

Currency & Money

Thailand’s official currency is the Thai Baht (THB), symbol ฿.

Banknotes: ฿20 (green), ฿50 (blue), ฿100 (red), ฿500 (purple), ฿1,000 (brown).
Coins: ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10. Smaller satang coins (25, 50) exist but are rarely used in daily transactions.

Payments on Koh Lipe

Cash is essential: Most small businesses (boat taxis, street food stalls, beach bars) accept only cash.
Cards: Hotels, dive shops, and larger restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard, but expect a 2–3% surcharge. American Express is rarely accepted.
Digital payments: While PromptPay/QR code payments and e-wallets are common in Bangkok and other big cities, their use is still limited on Koh Lipe. Travellers should not rely on digital payments as a primary option.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

ATMs are located on Walking Street and near piers. They charge a ฿220 fee per withdrawal, with a daily withdrawal limit of ฿20,000–฿30,000. Machines can run out of cash during weekends or peak seasons.
Currency exchange services are available but offer less favourable rates compared to mainland Thailand or Langkawi.
Best practice: Exchange currency before arrival (Hat Yai, Bangkok airports, or Langkawi).

Practical Tips

Carry small denominations (฿20–฿100). Large notes (฿500/฿1,000) may be declined by smaller vendors.
No banks operate on Koh Lipe — plan cash needs in advance.
Ferries from Langkawi sometimes accept Malaysian Ringgit, but rates are poor. Always pay in Thai Baht when possible.
Average budget: ฿3,000–฿5,000 per person per day for meals, activities, and transport.
Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid blocked card transactions abroad.