What is the best way to get Thai Baht?

The most cost-effective method for most travellers is to withdraw Baht from Thai ATMs using a no-fee international card (Wise, Charles Schwab, Revolut) or a card that reimburses ATM fees. The 220 THB bank fee applies to every withdrawal regardless of amount — make larger, less frequent withdrawals to minimise the impact. Currency exchange booths at Superrich (Bangkok) and similar licensed exchange offices offer the best rates for those carrying foreign cash.

How much is the ATM fee in Thailand?

Thai banks charge a flat fee of 220 THB per withdrawal from foreign cards, applied by the Thai bank (not your home bank). This is in addition to any fees your own bank charges. The fee applies regardless of the withdrawal amount, so withdrawing 10,000 THB costs the same fixed fee as withdrawing 2,000 THB. Use Wise or a fee-reimbursing card to avoid your home bank's portion; the Thai 220 THB charge cannot be avoided.

Can I use credit cards in Thailand?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, shopping malls, and many tourist-facing businesses. Street food stalls, local markets, small guesthouses, and transport typically require cash. Amex is accepted at a smaller subset of premium venues. Always carry some cash in Thailand — relying entirely on cards is impractical outside major city shopping areas.

Should I exchange money before travelling to Thailand?

Generally no. Exchange rates at airports and banks in Western countries are typically worse than what you can get in Thailand. Bring enough foreign currency for immediate expenses (taxi, first night accommodation) and withdraw Baht from ATMs on arrival, or use a Wise card. The exception is if your home currency has excellent exchange rates at Thai exchange booths — some currencies like British pounds and Euros get particularly good rates at Bangkok's licensed exchange offices.

Do you tip in Thailand?

Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand and is not part of Thai culture for most local transactions. At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 20–50 THB is appreciated. At hotels, 20–50 THB per bag for porters and 50–100 THB for room housekeeping is standard. Spa and massage therapists appreciate 50–100 THB tips on top of the service price. Tour guides typically receive 100–200 THB per person per day. Never tip at street food stalls — it creates awkwardness.

Thailand Currency Guide — Thai Baht, ATMs & Money Tips

Everything you need to know about handling money in Thailand: Baht denominations, ATM fees, the best way to exchange, digital payments, and tipping etiquette.

Quick Answer

What currency does Thailand use?

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB, symbol ฿). As of 2026, 1 USD ≈ 34–36 THB, 1 GBP ≈ 43–46 THB, 1 EUR ≈ 37–39 THB, and 1 AUD ≈ 22–24 THB. Rates fluctuate — check XE.com for current rates before travelling.

Thai Baht Denominations

The Baht divides into 100 satang, though satang coins are rare in practice. Here is what you will encounter:

Denomination	Type	Colour / Notes
1 THB	Coin	Silver, small
2 THB	Coin	Silver, medium
5 THB	Coin	Silver/copper rim, common
10 THB	Coin	Brass/silver bi-metallic, most common coin
20 THB	Note	Green; most common small note
50 THB	Note	Blue; useful for street food and local transport
100 THB	Note	Red; workhorse note for everyday spending
500 THB	Note	Purple; equivalent to roughly $14 USD
1,000 THB	Note	Brown/tan; highest denomination, keep for larger payments

Keep a stock of 20, 50, and 100 THB notes for street food, tuk-tuks, and small temples. Large notes are harder to break at small stalls.

ATMs in Thailand

ATMs are widely available throughout Thailand — at airports, shopping malls, 7-Elevens, banks, and most tourist areas. All major Thai banks (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, SCB, Krungthai, TMB) accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. You will encounter the machines everywhere; the main consideration is the fee structure.

Every Thai ATM charges a flat fee of 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign cards, regardless of the withdrawal amount or your home bank. The maximum single withdrawal is typically 20,000–30,000 THB depending on the bank. To minimise the 220 THB hit, withdraw larger amounts less frequently — withdrawing 20,000 THB costs the same flat fee as withdrawing 1,000 THB.

Use a fee-friendly card

Wise (formerly Transferwise), Charles Schwab (US), Starling and Monzo (UK), and Revolut all offer cards with no foreign transaction fees and often reimburse ATM fees. The Thai bank's 220 THB charge still applies, but you avoid the additional markup your home bank typically adds on top.

Currency Exchange

If you are carrying foreign cash (USD, GBP, EUR, AUD), licensed exchange booths in Bangkok typically offer significantly better rates than banks or airport counters. Superrich Thailand (multiple Bangkok branches, including near BTS Chit Lom) and Vasu Exchange consistently offer the best rates in the country.

Airport exchange counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang offer the worst rates — use them only for immediate needs (transport to your hotel) and exchange larger amounts in the city. Hotel exchange desks are also poor value.

Outside Bangkok, rates are less competitive. Phuket and Chiang Mai have reasonable exchange options on the main tourist streets; smaller towns and islands have limited exchange facilities and worse rates. Exchange in Bangkok before heading to remote areas.

Digital Payments in Thailand

Thailand has a well-developed cashless payment infrastructure, anchored by the PromptPay national QR payment system. Thai bank apps and apps like TrueMoney Wallet allow instant baht transfers by QR code — you will see QR codes at market stalls and small restaurants. For tourists, this system is not easily accessible without a Thai bank account.

Grab (ridehailing and food delivery) accepts credit/debit cards and is the most practical cashless option for foreign tourists. Use it for all taxis and motorcycle taxis — it eliminates meter disputes, shows the price upfront, and is tracked for safety. Grab also works for food delivery to hotels and guesthouses.

Wise card can be used for in-store purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted at the real exchange rate with minimal markup. At shopping malls, international hotel restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses, card payments are well accepted. At street food markets and small guesthouses, cash remains essential.

Tipping in Thailand

Tipping is not built into Thai culture the way it is in the US, and you will not be judged for not tipping in most situations. That said, the tourism industry has created expectations in certain contexts:

Street food stalls & local restaurants:Not expected. Round up if you like, but do not feel obligated.
Mid-range & tourist restaurants:Round up or leave 20–50 THB — appreciated but not required.
Hotel porters:20–50 THB per bag is standard.
Housekeeping:50–100 THB per day for longer stays.
Massage therapists & spa staff:50–100 THB on a 200–400 THB treatment is common and appreciated.
Tour guides:100–200 THB per person per day for a full-day tour.
Taxi / Grab:Not expected. Rounding up the fare is a gesture, not a norm.

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