Money and Currency Exchange Guide for Thailand

Understanding Thai currency and managing money efficiently can save you significant amounts during your trip. This guide covers everything about handling finances in Thailand.

Thai Currency Basics

The Thai Baht (THB)

Denominations:

Coins	Notes
1 Baht	20 Baht (green)
2 Baht	50 Baht (blue)
5 Baht	100 Baht (red)
10 Baht	500 Baht (purple)
	1000 Baht (brown)

Note: All Thai currency features the King's image - treat it with respect.

Current Exchange Rates

Approximate rates (check current rates before travel):

Currency	THB Equivalent
1 USD	33-36 THB
1 EUR	36-40 THB
1 GBP	42-46 THB
1 AUD	22-25 THB
100 JPY	24-27 THB

Where to Exchange Money

Best Exchange Options

Method	Rate Quality	Convenience	Fees
SuperRich, Vasu	Excellent	Medium	Very low
Bank exchange counters	Good	High	Low
Airport exchange	Fair	High	Medium
Hotel exchange	Poor	High	High
ATM withdrawal	Good	High	ATM fees

Recommended Exchange Services

Bangkok:

1. SuperRich (Orange and Green)

   • Best rates in Thailand
   • Locations: Central World, Siam area, Silom
   • Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM

2. Vasu Exchange

   • Excellent rates
   • Nana area (Sukhumvit Soi 7/1)

3. SuperRich Thailand (Green)

   • Near Central World
   • Very competitive rates

At Airports:

• Rates are worse but convenient
• Exchange small amount only (2,000-5,000 THB)
• Find SuperRich booth for better rates

Exchange Tips

1. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP in good condition
2. 50s and 100s get better rates than small bills
3. No torn or marked bills - may be rejected
4. Compare rates - they vary significantly
5. Count money before leaving counter

Using ATMs

ATM Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Thai bank ATM fee	220 THB per transaction
Your bank foreign fee	Varies (1-3%)
Currency conversion	2-3%

Tip: Withdraw larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.

ATM Tips

1. Decline conversion offer - let your bank convert
2. Maximum withdrawal usually 20,000-30,000 THB
3. Use bank ATMs inside or attached to branches
4. Cover PIN entry carefully
5. Keep receipts for records

Best ATM Cards

Card Type	Benefit
Charles Schwab	Reimburses all ATM fees
Wise (formerly TransferWise)	Low conversion rates
Revolut	Multi-currency, low fees
Crypto.com	Competitive rates

Credit and Debit Cards

Card Acceptance

Location	Visa/MC	AMEX	UnionPay
Shopping malls	Yes	Often	Yes
Hotels	Yes	Often	Yes
Restaurants	Many	Some	Some
Markets	Rarely	No	No
Street vendors	No	No	No
7-Eleven	Yes	No	Yes

Card Tips

1. Notify your bank of travel dates
2. Carry two cards from different banks
3. Know your PIN for chip transactions
4. Avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)
5. Some places charge 2-3% card fee

What is DCC?

When a machine offers to charge in your home currency:

• Always decline and pay in THB
• Your bank gives better exchange rates
• DCC adds hidden fees (3-7%)

Cash Management

How Much Cash to Carry

Daily Budget	Recommended Cash
Budget	500-1,000 THB
Mid-range	1,000-2,000 THB
Comfort	2,000-4,000 THB
Luxury	As needed

Keeping Cash Safe

1. Split your money - different locations
2. Use hotel safe for bulk cash
3. Money belt for passport and backup
4. Front pocket or secure bag for daily cash
5. Avoid obvious tourist wallets

Small Bills Strategy

Street vendors and taxis often cannot break large bills:

• Keep 20s, 50s, 100s separate
• Break 1000 THB notes at 7-Eleven or malls
• Request change when paying at restaurants

Tipping in Thailand

General Guidelines

Tipping is not traditionally Thai but appreciated:

Service	Suggested Tip
Restaurants (no service charge)	Round up or 20-50 THB
Restaurants (with service charge)	Nothing required
Hotel porter	20-50 THB per bag
Taxi (round up)	10-20 THB
Massage	50-100 THB
Tour guide	100-300 THB
Spa therapist	100-200 THB

Note: Many restaurants add 10% service charge - check bill.

VAT Refunds

Eligibility

• Non-Thai passport holders
• Purchases of 2,000+ THB at participating stores
• Goods taken out of Thailand within 60 days

How to Claim

1. At Purchase: Request VAT refund form (PP10)
2. At Airport: Get customs stamp before check-in
3. After Immigration: Claim at VAT Refund counter

Refund Amount: 7% minus processing fee

VAT Refund Locations

• Suvarnabhumi Airport: After immigration, Concourse D
• Don Mueang Airport: International departure
• Land borders: Designated checkpoints

Budgeting Tips

Daily Cost Examples

Item	Budget	Mid-Range	Comfort
Street food meal	40-80 THB	-	-
Restaurant meal	-	150-300 THB	400-800 THB
BTS/MRT ride	20-50 THB	20-50 THB	20-50 THB
Taxi (short)	-	60-100 THB	60-100 THB
Temple entry	0-100 THB	0-100 THB	0-100 THB
Massage (1 hour)	200-300 THB	300-500 THB	500-1,500 THB

Money-Saving Tips

1. Eat at food courts and street stalls
2. Use public transportation
3. Visit free temples and parks
4. Buy water from 7-Eleven (7 THB) not tourist shops
5. Bargain at markets (appropriately)

Useful Thai Phrases for Money

English	Thai	Pronunciation
How much?	เท่าไหร่	Tao rai?
Too expensive	แพงไป	Paeng pai
ATM	ตู้เอทีเอ็ม	Dtoo ATM
Change money	แลกเงิน	Laek ngern
Small bills please	ขอแบงค์ย่อย	Khor bank yoi
Credit card	บัตรเครดิต	Bat credit
Receipt	ใบเสร็จ	Bai set

Emergency Contacts

• Lost Card (call your bank immediately)
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Western Union: Available at some banks

Money Management Checklist

• Notify banks of travel dates
• Get travel cards with low fees
• Bring some USD/EUR/GBP for exchange
• Research exchange locations at destination
• Know your daily budget
• Carry backup debit/credit card
• Save emergency card numbers
• Download currency converter app
• Learn to refuse DCC at ATMs
• Keep receipts for VAT refund

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