If You Pay for the Thailand Arrival Card, You’ve Been Scammed!

Thailand Arrival Card Scams: TDAC Is Completely Free, Don’t Pay a Baht!

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, there’s a very important piece of travel paperwork you’ve probably heard about: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC. But before you reach for your credit card and pay an online fee, stop and read this article. The truth is simple and critical: the Thailand Arrival Card is 100% free. If any website asks you to pay, no matter how official it looks, you’re being scammed.

TDAC: What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The TDAC, or Thailand Digital Arrival Card, is a form introduced to digitize entry and exit for visitors. Previously, travelers filled out a paper arrival/departure form on their flight or at the airport. Now, you might encounter the process online. It’s important to stay updated via official government channels, since requirements can change, especially considering Thailand’s push for digitization around entry procedures.

The Only Truth: The Thailand Arrival Card Is Always Free

Here’s the one fact every traveler must understand: the official TDAC process is free of charge. No matter how many times websites claim that there’s a processing fee, service charge, or "express option," you should never pay for a Thailand Arrival Card. The government, and only the government, administers this document. There are zero baht, zero dollars, and zero hidden costs.

How Arrival Card Scams Work

Scam websites prey on uninformed visitors and first-timers coming to Thailand. The process usually follows a familiar pattern:

• A site appears high on Google search results, often with “official” looking logos and a sleek design.
• It asks for your passport details and journey information, just like the real form.
• At the end, you’re asked to pay (sometimes listed as a “service fee” or “processing charge”), usually between $10 and $50.
• You might be sent a PDF, or sometimes nothing at all.

In reality, these websites do nothing but steal your money. Worst case, they can harvest your data for identity theft or phishing.

Why You Should Never Pay for a Thailand Arrival Card

• Official Site is Free: The correct process, via the Thai government or upon arrival, is always zero cost.
• Phishing Risk: Dodgy websites might put your passport, identity, and travel plans at risk.
• No Value Added: These “services” don’t expedite your entry, and the government doesn’t recognize their forms over the regular ones.
• Red Flag for Scams: If a site requests your credit card or payment for a visa, visa-on-arrival, or arrival card, it’s likely trying to scam you.

How to Get Your Thailand Arrival Card Without Paying a Fee

Worried about your paperwork? Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track:

• Always go to the official Thai government site for travel requirements.
• If you’re arriving via air, the arrival/departure form will be provided on your flight or at the immigration area. Airport staff will assist if you have questions.
• In case paper forms are phased out, online versions or electronic kiosks at the airport will never require payment.

If you want broader advice, check trusted travel communities and articles like Chonburi Travel Guide: Top 10 Places to Visit for updates and travel tips.

Red Flags: How to Spot an Arrival Card Scam

Not sure if a website is the real deal? Here’s what to watch for:

• A request for credit card info or any sort of payment
• Website URL does not end in .go.th (the standard for Thai government sites)
• Poor English, rushed website design, or strange customer service claims
• Insistence that you need their service to "guarantee" entry
• Promises of a "fast track" or "express" option for a fee

Remember: the official TDAC site, if applicable, will never ask for your money.

Have You Already Paid? What To Do Next

Noticed that you accidentally submitted your information or paid a fee? Here are steps you can take:

• Contact your bank to report the transaction as fraudulent.
• Change any passwords you used for registration, and monitor your email for suspicious activity.
• Keep your boarding passes and official documentation; the real process only occurs via airport staff or the true government portal.
• If you need legal advice, visit the local tourist police on arrival in Thailand for guidance.

Stay Safe: Rely on Verified Resources

For any immigration or entry requirements, always start with the official Thai government websites or ask your airline for advice. Don’t trust social media ads or the first non-official search result on Google.

Planning to travel around or beyond your arrival? Check our recommendations for the most convenient areas to live in Bangkok (BTS/MRT) or the best beaches in Thailand in February for more travel inspiration.

Other Thailand Travel Document Scams to Watch Out For

The arrival card isn’t the only target for online scammers. Travelers should also be wary of:

• Overpriced “visa agency” fees (always double-check against official embassy sites).
• Fake “express visa” offers through unofficial emails or WhatsApp.
• Unofficial travel health forms or “COVID certificates” now that health protocols have eased.

For honest details on official policy shifts, you can follow government announcements or check trusted local media outlets.

Bottom Line: TDAC = Zero Baht, Zero Dollars, Always

The only safe and legal way to fill out your Thailand Arrival Card (whether digital or paper) is directly through the free, official government process. If anybody asks you for payment, it’s best to close the page and start again through Thailand’s .go.th websites or in person at the airport.

If you want more tips and facts about getting settled, learn about how to get a Thai driving license or brush up on unique aspects of Thai culture before your arrival.

Key takeaways

• The official TDAC/Thailand Arrival Card is always free
• If any website asks for payment, it’s a scam; never pay for the form
• Use only the official government portals (.go.th) or fill forms provided on arrival
• Report scams and monitor your accounts if you accidentally paid
• Verify all travel requirements with official sources and your airline, not random websites