ATMs in Thailand Guide: Fees, Withdrawal Limits, Locations (2024)

If you're traveling here for a holiday, or planning on living here for work or retirement, one of your first considerations will be money – primarily exchanging it and withdrawing it at ATMs in Thailand.

In this post, I'll break it all down for you, so that you won't ever get caught short without cash, and not spend more on fees than you need to.

I'll also reveal a secret tip that will get you a better exchange rate and save you money.

Where Are ATMs Located in Thailand?

The good news is there are plenty of ATM machines.

At the airports, in malls, at 7-11s and other convenience stores, and of course at the banks themselves. You won't have trouble finding one.

That being said, rural areas will obviously have fewer ATM locations.

If you find yourself in a village at night with just one ATM outside the local 7-11, you may have to drive to one.

So when visiting rural areas and remote islands, make sure you have enough cash on you for a couple of days.

To locate ATMs for the five biggest Thai banks, use the links below to visit their ATM locator pages:

  1. Bangkok Bank
  2. Krungthai Bank
  3. Aeon Bank
  4. Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri)
  5. Siam Commercial Bank

Will My Debit / Credit Card Work in Thailand?

The ATMs in Thailand will work with Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus cards.

The easiest way to find out if your card belongs to one of these networks is to check on the card itself and see whether it has the logo on it. Alternatively, call your bank and they will tell you.

When you use an ATM, you will see logos on the machine noting the types of card it accepts.

If that isn't the case, use the Visa ATM locator or the MasterCard ATM locator to find an ATM that works with your card.

ATMs in Thailand work with both chip-and-pin type cards, and with cards that have only the magnetic stripe on the back.

Both four-digit and six-digit PIN numbers will be accepted.

Is it true that withdrawals are blocked sometimes?

This can happen. The main reason is that your bank blocks the transaction, believing it to be fraudulent because it is taking place in a foreign country.

The best way to avoid a block is to phone your bank before you travel and let them know that you will be in Thailand. They will lift any restrictions for you prior to travel.

Are there withdrawal limits on Thai ATMs?

The large majority of Thai ATM machines have a withdrawal limit of ฿20,000 ($617).

Some banks have higher limits such as Bangkok Bank ฿25,000 ($771), and Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri Bank) ($925).

In terms of fees, it works out cheaper to do one large withdrawal over a number of small transactions.

Make sure you check with your bank to see what your card's withdrawal limit is before you travel.

What Are the Fees for Thai ATMs?

You might be surprised to know that compared with money exchanges, Thai ATM machines give you a decent exchange rate.

But, and I stress but, only if you select the option to be charged in the local currency, which is Baht (฿).

And this is the secret tip I mentioned at the start of this post.

Withdrawals from ATMs in Baht are converted using the mid-market rate. This is the fairest exchange rate possible.

The mid-market rate is derived from the mid-point between what the buyer is prepared to pay and what the seller is prepared to sell for.

If you select the option to be charged in your home currency, the ATM will make up an exchange rate using a process called Dynamic Currency Conversion.

This is a a process whereby the amount of a Visa or MasterCard transaction is converted by a merchant or ATM to the currency of the payment card's country of issue at the point of sale.

This is always a bad deal. So always select no to this option.

You should also choose “no” to the home currency charge when paying by debit or credit card in a restaurant or shop.

Withdrawal fees

Withdrawal fees from Thai ATMs can clock up a fair sized bill over the course of a holiday.

The large majority of banks charge ฿200 (approximately $6) per transaction for withdrawals with a foreign bank card.

Some banks such as Aeon Bank charge less, at ฿150 per transaction (approximately $4.50).

And that's not all.

Your home bank will also charge fees for a foreign withdrawal.

So you will pay a local fee and a “back home” fee. This could mean you will pay up to $8-10 per transaction!

How to Avoid Thai ATM fees

1. Find out if your bank has a corresponding bank

None of the banks in Thailand are part of the Global ATM Alliance.

However, your home bank may still have a relationship with a Thai bank that allows for free withdrawals or cheaper fees.

Call your bank to find out.

One bank of interest to some readers might be Citibank. This international back has many ATMs in Thailand where customers can get free withdrawals.

Some foreign banks may have corresponding arrangements with Citibank too, so enquire with your bank.

2. Check your card’s terms and conditions

Banks offer different cards with different terms. Some offer cheaper foreign transactions and some may waive them altogether.

This will help you avoid the home bank fee but not the local Thai ATM fee.

Using a debit card instead of a credit card is cheaper because credit card companies treat withdrawals as cash advances, which have a higher transaction fee.

3. Use a bank teller

The simplest way is to avoid ATMs is to use a human instead, at the bank or at a currency exchange desk. You can also bypass the withdrawal limit.

Note that you may still get hit with a fee from your home bank.

4. Choose to be charged in local currency

As covered previously, you will save money if you choose to be charged in the local currency and not your home currency.

So many people make this error and end up getting ripped off on the exchange rate.

5. Use Krungsri or Aeon for cheaper fees

At ฿150 per withdrawal, Krungsri and Aeon are cheaper than the other banks. It's not much of a saving but it all adds up over time.

6. Use a Thai ATM card

If you're a regular visitor to Thailand, or going to live there, then you should consider opening a bank account and getting a local Thai debit card.

Thai debit cards are usually free when using an ATM of the same bank, and around ฿10 to ฿20 to use a different ATM.

Having a local ATM card helps you avoid fees, except those you will incur when transferring money to your Thai bank from abroad.

These fees can be heavily reduced, though. See below.

7. Use Wise to avoid all fees!

If you are going on holiday to visit a partner, a family member or friend, you can use Wise to send money to their account and then have them withdraw it first.

Of course, it would need to be someone close to you that you trust.

Wise enables you to send money to Thailand at the mid-market exchange rate and without any bank fees. They just charge a small fee for the transaction.

They avoid fees because your money is received and sent locally in both your home country and in Thailand, meaning those evil international fees vanish into thin air.

It's the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand.

If you are going to live in Thailand, for work as a teacher or as a retiree, you will want to set up a Thai bank account.

You can then use Wise for regular transfers to your Thai bank, and then withdraw the money using your ATM card and pay zero fees (or a nominal fee when withdrawing from third party ATMs).

+ Read more about Wise here

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ATMs in Thailand Guide: Fees, Withdrawal Limits, Locations (2024)

FAQs

ATMs in Thailand Guide: Fees, Withdrawal Limits, Locations? ›

Are there withdrawal limits on Thai ATMs? The large majority of Thai ATM machines have a withdrawal limit of ฿20,000 ($617). Some banks have higher limits such as Bangkok Bank ฿25,000 ($771), and Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri Bank) ($925).

Which ATM does not charge a fee in Thailand? ›

On a related note, Citibank has a number of ATMs around the country. ⁵ Its customers can use the bank's worldwide network of ATMs free of charge. So, it's worth checking if your bank might also have an arrangement with Citibank that allows you to use their Thai ATMs fee-free or at a reduced cost.

How much money can you withdraw from Thailand ATM? ›

So the best if withdraw money at ATMs is to take out the maximum per withdraw, some ATMs allows 10 000 THB (about 250 Euro or 285 Dollar) or some others allows 20 000 THB. Another things know it that Atms will let you withdraw once or twice every 24h, even if you bank limit is way more than the amount withdraw!

Which Thai ATM has the lowest fees? ›

AEON BANK has the lowest ATM withdrawal fees in Thailand. There are no free ATM withdrawals in Thailand. The ATM withdrawal fee at the AEON BANK is 150 Bhat, which is about 4.30 USD, still not exactly cheap though.

Where is the best place to withdraw money in Thailand? ›

Withdrawing cash in Thailand

ATMs are everywhere: at the airport, banks, department stores or supermarkets. On small, local islands where there are no ATM's, you can oftentimes withdraw money at bigger resorts. You will pay a transaction fee for every withdrawal you make, usually of about 300 baht per transaction.

What is the cheapest way to withdraw money in Thailand? ›

Exchange cash at an exchange office to get the best rates. Withdrawing cash using your card may cost you a fee. Hotel exchange desks will likely give you a poor rate. You will find a currency exchange office easily in any part of Thailand tourists frequent.

What ATM card is best for Thailand? ›

Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro main cards accepted in Thailand hotels, restaurants and shops. They are also the two main cards accepted at ATMs. American Express is less popular and we don't recommend taking that as your main source of payment.

Is it best to take cash or card to Thailand? ›

Taking cash & cards to Thailand

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.

How much cash can I take to Thailand from USA? ›

Any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding USD20,000 or its equivalent out of or into Thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a Customs Officer.

How to avoid Thai ATM fees? ›

How to Avoid Thai ATM fees
  1. Find out if your bank has a corresponding bank. ...
  2. Check your card's terms and conditions. ...
  3. Use a bank teller. ...
  4. Choose to be charged in local currency. ...
  5. Use Krungsri or Aeon for cheaper fees. ...
  6. Use a Thai ATM card. ...
  7. Use Wise to avoid all fees!
May 11, 2022

How do I avoid international ATM fees? ›

These fees can be avoided by choosing a bank account that doesn't charge fees and reimburses out-of-network ATM fees and by always withdrawing local currency from ATMs. Account holders can also ask their home bank if there are partner branches or in-network ATMs in the destination country or countries.

What banks have no international ATM fees? ›

The Best Checking Accounts to Avoid International ATM Withdrawal Fees
  • 1) Chase Bank. ...
  • 2) Ally Bank® – Interest Checking Account. ...
  • 3) Aspiration – Plus Account. ...
  • 4) Capital One 360 Checking Account. ...
  • 6) Citibank. ...
  • 7) Discover Bank. ...
  • 8) Fidelity Cash Management Account. ...
  • 9) First Republic Bank's ATM Rebate Checking Account.
Mar 21, 2023

Will my ATM card work in Thailand? ›

Credit cards and debit cards are accepted in Thailand, though cash is essential for many purchases. Be sure to exchange your money when you arrive at the airport, as USD isn't accepted anywhere. Thankfully, ATMs are common, so you'll have no trouble pulling out the dough for your next delicious meal.

What are the best ATMs to use in Thailand for foreigners? ›

SCB (Siam Commercial) is probably the most commonly used banks for Thai people. For tourists it's a popular purple signed ATM with plenty available. Others: There are a few others including TMB and Kasikorn that all allow a maximum withdrawal of 20'000 THB, if your home country bank permits that amount.

Can I use my Visa debit card in Thailand? ›

All major credit and debit cards are accepted in large businesses, hotels and restaurants in Thailand. However, you might find that smaller stores and cafes don't take cards, so carry some cash on you at all times.

Which ATM to use in Bangkok Airport? ›

Bangkok Airport ATM's

There are ATM machines throughout the airport terminal once you have exited immigration and customs. There is a withdrawal fee of 220 baht. All Thai Banks charge the same fee except for Citibank & AEON. Citibank withdrawals are free for Citi cardholders but only at Citi ATMs.

Do all Thai ATMs charge? ›

If you use an ATM in Thailand that belongs to the bank that issued your ATM card, you won't have to pay a withdrawal fee if the ATM is in your province. Once you leave your province and use an ATM there, you'll have to pay a 15 baht to 20 baht fee per withdrawal.

Should you exchange money before going to Thailand? ›

It is recommended not to buy any Thai Baht before arriving in Thailand as the rates offered in Thailand are always better than you could get back home. Cash exchanges in Thailand incur no commissions or fees. However, you should avoid changing cash at hotels, hostels or guesthouses because you will get a bad rate.

What is the cheapest way to transfer USD to Thailand? ›

Bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to Thailand. Remitly and Currencies Direct have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

Is it better to use cash or card in Bangkok? ›

Cash or card? As Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city, you won't have any problem paying by card in the majority of the shops, restaurants and hotels. It's only when you go to smaller shops and more local places like street food stalls, a local market or getting tuktuks, it's useful to have cash in your pocket.

Which debit card is best for international ATM? ›

Best International Debit Cards Offered by Indian Banks
  • SBI Global International Debit Card.
  • ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card.
  • Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card.
  • HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card.
  • Yes World Debit Card.
  • HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card.
May 7, 2023

How much cash should I bring to Thailand? ›

A passport and a boarding pass are required when you declare on the form. If you enter Thailand via land/sea, you will need to have cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.

Should I carry USD or Thai Baht to Thailand? ›

It is important to note that US dollars may not be accepted everywhere, but the Thai Baht, being the official currency, will be accepted throughout Thailand.

Do you tip in Thailand? ›

Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. Unlike some other parts of the world, you will never see a Thai service provider with his hand out waiting for a tip.

How much money should I take to Thailand for a week? ›

Quick Tips to Travel in Thailand at a Low Cost

Budget travelers and backpackers can stretch their budget to $175-$245 weekly. With a budget of $350-$420, you can travel to multiple destinations, indulge in delectable international cuisine, and even stay in air-conditioned accommodations.

What are you not allowed to bring into Thailand? ›

Living animals and carcass. Food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement. Vehicle parts. Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

How much money should I take to Thailand for 2 weeks? ›

A vacation to Thailand for one week usually costs around ฿28,531 for one person. So, a trip to Thailand for two people costs around ฿57,063 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs ฿114,126 in Thailand.

What is the best way to withdraw money in Thailand? ›

The best way to get Thai Baht is to withdraw money in an ATM or exchange money before your trip/on arrival). I personally use ATMs to withdraw cash in Thailand as I'm not a big fan of exchanging money abroad, but some people prefer this, so we'll make sure to cover each topic in this guide.

How can I avoid 220 baht ATM fee? ›

The only way of reducing the bank charges is to get a travel credit card, and pay off asap. You can't avoid the 220 Baht ATM Fees, but you might be able to avoid fees by getting a Cash advance inside the Bank.

Is it better to exchange currency or withdraw from ATM? ›

If you exchange your money at a currency exchange, you'll pay a premium on the international spot rate, as that's how the store makes a profit. If you exchange your money through a bank or by withdrawing the local currency from an ATM, you'll likely come out ahead, even if there are ATM or credit card fees.

How can I get around ATM fees? ›

Ways to avoid ATM fees
  1. Get cash back. When you check out at a grocery store or other retailer, you'll typically have the option to get cash back with the purchase. ...
  2. Find in-network ATMs. ...
  3. Go digital with a payment app. ...
  4. Withdraw larger sums, less frequently. ...
  5. Open an account that reimburses fees.
Jul 14, 2022

Can I use my US bank debit card internationally? ›

Yes. Cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries for transactions. If you're planning to travel and want to use your card, let us know. Call us at the number on the back of your card, or add a travel note to your account digitally.

What is the best debit card for overseas travel? ›

The following travel debit cards stood out as offering Outstanding Value:
  • Citi Global Currency Account.
  • Great Southern Bank Everyday Edge Account.
  • HSBC Everyday Global Account.
  • ING Orange Everyday.
  • Macquarie Transaction Account.
  • Suncorp Bank Everyday Options Account.
  • UBank USpend.
  • Up Savers.
Feb 18, 2022

What debit card can I use abroad without charges? ›

The best debit cards to use abroad
  • Starling Bank current account. ...
  • Metro Bank Current Account. ...
  • Virgin Money M Plus Account. ...
  • TSB Spend & Save Plus. ...
  • The Nationwide FlexPlus account. ...
  • Monzo current account. ...
  • Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard. ...
  • Barclaycard Rewards Visa.
Aug 28, 2021

Which bank provide unlimited free ATM transactions? ›

Unlimited Free ATM Withdrawal with your IndusInd Bank Debit Card across any ATM in India.
...
Banking Conveniences.
Cashier's Cheque / Demand Drafts Delivery1 Free / Day
Cash Delivery1 Free / Day upto Rs. 1,00,000/-
2 more rows

Can I use Bank of America in Thailand? ›

Global Presence. You can connect to services from Bank of America from just about anywhere in the world.

Will my Wells Fargo debit card work in Thailand? ›

All Wells Fargo cards should work internationally wherever the card's network is accepted – however, there's often a 3% foreign transaction fee, plus ATM withdrawal costs if you're overseas.

Can I use international debit card in Thailand? ›

All major credit and debit cards are accepted in large businesses, hotels and restaurants in Thailand. However, you might find that smaller stores and cafes don't take cards, so carry some cash on you at all times.

Should I tell my bank I'm going abroad? ›

Do I need to tell my bank I'm going abroad? Yes! It's hugely important for customers to inform their bank of their travel plans in advance. This helps to protect against fraudulent activity and ensures that you have access to your funds while you are away.

Can I withdraw money from my Visa debit card in another country? ›

As long as your ATM or credit card has either a Visa or PLUS logo, you can withdraw cash at ATMs that are part of the Visa or PLUS network. How do I find an ATM in the country that I'm traveling to? Visa is accepted at over 200 countries and territories around the world.

How much can I withdraw from Bangkok bank ATM daily? ›

The withdrawal limit can be set at Baht 50,000, Baht 100,000, Baht 150,000, Baht 200,000, or Baht 500,000. The spending limit can be set at Baht 5,000, Baht 20,000, Baht 50,000, Baht 100,000 or Baht 150,000. For your limit adjustment, simply call Bualuang Phone 1333 or (66)2645 5555 (24/7).

How much is the maximum amount in Thai ATM? ›

How much money can you take out of an ATM in Thailand? The maximum withdrawal amount with a foreign ATM card is 20,000 Baht at most banks in Thailand, but this can vary depending on the bank and your own bank's withdrawal limits.

Do all ATMs in Thailand charge a fee? ›

Using ATM's & Charges. Most of the ATM's can be used in Thailand with foreign bank debit and credit cards. They all have an initial ATM fee of 220 THB (yeah, keeps going up, quickly) as well as your bank charges which depends on the account you hold and what bank you are banking with (check this yourself).

Is it better to change Thai baht in Thailand? ›

Exchange rates are almost always better in Thailand, and a good strategy is to take enough local currency for your first day or so, and change the rest once you arrive.

Can I use US dollars in Thailand? ›

Yes, you can use US dollars in Thailand.

How much is ATM fees in Bangkok airport? ›

Bangkok Airport ATM's

There are ATM machines throughout the airport terminal once you have exited immigration and customs. There is a withdrawal fee of 220 baht.

Is it better to withdraw foreign currency from ATM? ›

If you exchange your money at a currency exchange, you'll pay a premium on the international spot rate, as that's how the store makes a profit. If you exchange your money through a bank or by withdrawing the local currency from an ATM, you'll likely come out ahead, even if there are ATM or credit card fees.

Which ATM is best for international? ›

Best International Debit Cards Offered by Indian Banks
  • SBI Global International Debit Card.
  • ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card.
  • Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card.
  • HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card.
  • Yes World Debit Card.
  • HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card.
May 7, 2023

Which bank is best for international ATM withdrawal? ›

Here are the best banks and best checking accounts that don't charge ATM foreign transaction fees:
  • Aspiration.
  • Betterment.
  • Charles Schwab.
  • Capital One.
  • Alliant Credit Union.
  • First Republic Bank.
  • Fidelity.
  • USAA.
Feb 6, 2023

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