🇹🇭 Thailand · THB
Thailand runs largely on cash, especially outside big malls and hotels, so the baht is essential day to day. Exchange rates in Thailand are often competitive, and you'll generally do better changing money in-country than before you arrive.
The baht (THB) is divided into 100 satang, though satang barely appears outside supermarket pricing. Banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht, and coins in 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht plus small satang coins. All notes feature the King, so handle and treat them respectfully, as defacing currency is taken seriously.
Cards work in hotels, malls, larger restaurants and chains, but markets, street food, songthaews, tuk-tuks and small shops are cash-only. The local QR-based PromptPay system is everywhere, though it's hard for short-term tourists to use without a Thai bank account. Keep small notes handy, as vendors often can't break 1,000 baht bills.
Independent exchange chains such as SuperRich and similar booths in Bangkok and tourist areas typically offer excellent rates, better than banks or hotels. Bring clean, undamaged foreign notes, as torn or marked bills may be refused or discounted. Compare a couple of booths, as rates vary and the difference adds up on larger amounts.
Booths inside the airport terminals (especially before immigration) offer the worst rates. If you land at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, the exchange counters down at the lower public-transport levels are usually better than those in arrivals. Change just enough for transport and your first day, then use a city exchange booth.
ATMs are everywhere, but Thai banks charge a fixed foreign-card withdrawal fee (commonly around 220 baht) on top of your home bank's fees. Withdraw larger amounts less often to spread that fixed fee, and always decline the ATM's offer to convert to your home currency (choose to be charged in baht). Watch the daily withdrawal limits, which can be low per transaction.
Tipping isn't deeply ingrained but is appreciated, especially in tourist areas. Rounding up taxi fares, leaving small change at casual restaurants, and tipping spa and hotel staff are common. Many sit-down restaurants add a 10% service charge, in which case extra tipping is optional.
Beware 'always on' DCC (dynamic currency conversion) at ATMs and card terminals, and tuk-tuk or taxi drivers who refuse the meter or steer you to commission-paying shops. The classic 'attraction is closed, let me take you somewhere else' gem-shop scam is still common in Bangkok. Insist taxis use the meter and ignore unsolicited 'helpful' strangers near temples.
Plan to use cash for most daily spending, especially food, transport and markets, and keep a stash of small notes. Withdraw or exchange a few days' worth at a time rather than carrying large sums. ATMs are plentiful, so you can top up easily as you travel between cities and islands.
Compare verified currency exchange shops near you — opening hours, locations and reviews.
⭐ Free account
Create a free account to bookmark exchange shops, get rate alerts, and sync across devices. No fees, no ads.
Sign up free with email →