Take Thai Baht (THB) in cash for daily expenses, as smaller shops, street food vendors, and taxis often do not accept cards. Carry a mix of denominations, focusing on smaller notes ( 100 1 0 0 , 50 5 0 , 20 2 0 THB) for, convenience, and use ATMs for larger withdrawals (expect a 200 2 0 0 - 300 3 0 0 THB fee). Exchange money upon arrival for better rates, particularly in city centers.
We recommend that you change some money into Baht on arrival and it is advisable to carry local currency in small denominations (20, 50 and 100 Baht notes) for tipping and the purchase of small items.
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).
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.
Visa and Mastercard are definitely the most widely accepted debit card networks in Thailand. Travelers with these cards benefit from accessible and convenient payments and cash withdrawals. Before traveling to Thailand, check if your debit card is affiliated with one of these major networks.
Is Thailand CHEAP or EXPENSIVE? AVOID SPENDING TOO MUCH! 💰
How to carry cash in Thailand?
According to Thailand's official rules, you can bring up to $20,000 USD or the currency equivalent into the country before you have to declare it to customs. If you're bringing Thai baht (THB) into the country rather than a foreign currency, the most you can carry with you is 500,000 THB.
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.
How to prepare before travelling to Thailand. Go with Visa or Mastercard. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards in Thailand, and it is not advisable to bring an American Express card as they are rarely accepted. Think no foreign transaction fees.
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.
We recommend you bring enough local money only for the cost of your first day before your trip to Thailand. The exchange rate of Thai Baht is always better in Thailand, so you can just change your money after arriving in Thailand.
Many merchants in Thailand also offer contactless payment options, allowing you to simply tap your card on the terminal to complete your transaction. Visa's acceptance in Thailand is a testament to the country's modern and progressive economy, which values convenience and accessibility for all consumers.
Is it better to use a credit card or exchange money?
Our advice? Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee when possible. Or get your cash as local currency from a local ATM when abroad or from your bank before your trip. If you do decide to use a currency exchange, do your research and assess the exchange rate and other fees beforehand.
How much money can you withdraw from ATM in Thailand?
How much you can withdraw at once (or per day) from ATMs overseas largely depends on the limits set by your home bank or card provider. However, Thai ATMs do have some maximum cash withdrawal limits. It varies between banks, generally ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 THB (approx £428 to £642 GBP) per transaction.
It's simple to change pounds to Thai Baht at your local Asda Travel Money bureau – with locations in Asda stores up and down the UK. Just pop in when you're doing your weekly shop.
It's good to get some cash early on. You can either get some before you leave home for ease, or take some cash to exchange at the airport. You'll usually get a slightly better rate locally in Thailand and can also get money out from the ATMs, although fees will apply.
Just like in most countries around the world, it is considered rude to touch a stranger's head. It is also disrespectful to touch the head of a statue, especially a statue of Buddha. However, close friends and family members often touch each other's heads or hair, which is not considered rude.
And when tipping for spa services ranging from massages to facials you should expect to pay between 15-20% of the cost of services or more if you are very satisfied and feeling generous.
It's also acceptable to tip at the end of your stay, but leave a cash tip for the number of nights stayed, even if the housekeeping team was not able to clean your room due to hotel policy. The housekeepers should not be penalized because they are unable to provide service each day.
