Yes, it's generally much better to exchange GBP to Thai Baht (THB) in Thailand, not the UK, as you'll get significantly better rates from specialized providers like SuperRich in Bangkok or reliable exchange booths at airports and cities. While airport rates might be okay, aim for city centers for the best deals, but always compare rates and check for hidden fees; for larger sums, consider a travel-friendly card like Wise/Revolut to avoid ATM fees, or just exchange small amounts for immediate needs at the airport.
Is it better to exchange money before going to Thailand?
If you exchanging currency for Thai Baht then yes it is better to do it after you arrive in Thailand. You can get some baht at the money exchanges right after you go through immigration at the airport. Get only about $100 USD or equivalent to get you started.
For a tourist, carry plenty of cash. Have a good debit card and credit card that won't get blocked as backup, but be warned a lot of places do not accept debit cards even if they accept credit cards (it is a stupid distinction Thai stores often make).
2000 is enough. Just keep in mind nightlife and drain your budget fast. I'd add another 1000 so your budget is around 3000-4000 just in case. All really depends on what you're actually going to and how many excursions you do.
In bustling Bangkok, you're looking at a brief stint, possibly just a couple of weeks. However, if you head to the more wallet-friendly Chiang Mai, that same amount might keep you going for nearly a month. Your choices, like savoring street food or opting for budget accommodations, can make all the difference.
The amount you tip should vary with the service and length of time the tour guide is with you. For great guides who have been with a group the whole day, it's not unusual for them to be given upwards of 1,000 baht – a large amount for someone who will only earn around 15,000 per month.
Using a foreign card in Thailand will result in higher transaction fees compared to using an ATM card issued by a local bank. Therefore, opening a local bank account helps you avoid excessively high ATM fees and pricey foreign transaction fees applied by foreign banks.
If you stick to street food or Thai shops, you could look at $1-2 per meal. If Western style is what you want then $10-20 per meal. Fancy sit down restaurants may be $100-200 per meal. Bangkok has food options for every budget.
Cash is still commonly used in Thailand, especially in more rural and remote areas. You'll be able to use a card in major cities, large hotels and restaurants and in touristy areas. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on you for day-to-day spending.
In Thailand, people take politeness very seriously when addressing others – adding “ka” or “krub” at the end of the sentence marks that politeness. So, say “Sa-wad-dee ka (krub)” when you want to say hi or hello, and “kob-khoon ka (krub)” when you want to say thank you.
One thing is certain: cash is still essential in Thailand. You'll find ATMs on almost every corner, and you can easily withdraw Thai Baht with your credit card. However — and here's the important part — the fees for withdrawing money with foreign credit cards are surprisingly high in Thailand.
If you're great at budgeting and love to sample street food, £100 per week may be enough – but if you want to really indulge and try as many extra experiences as possible, allow twice this amount so that you don't need to keep counting your cash at the end of each day.
The worst months to visit Thailand are typically September and October, due to the peak of the rainy/monsoon season bringing heavy rains, potential flooding, and rough seas (especially the Andaman coast), while March to May is bad for extreme heat and poor air quality from agricultural burning in the North, making those months generally challenging for typical tourist activities.
