Byron Mühlberg
Guide
Jun 28, 2023
Affiliate disclosure
Are you planning a trip to Thailand and wondering if your credit card will be accepted there? Indeed, whether or not your credit card will be accepted overseas can be a central concern for many travellers about to embark on an international trip. After all, not all countries have the same level of credit card acceptance, so it's very helpful to understand credit card acceptance policies and trends before you travel.
But what about Thailand? Can you use your credit card there? The short answer is yes, you can use your credit card in Thailand. However, although credit cards are commonly-used in Thailand (especially in more touristy areas), cash is still normally preferred there, so keep in mind that you might not be able to use your credit card everywhere.
Revolut is a great alternative to credit cards when travelling to Thailand, offering competitive exchange rates, low fees, and real-time spending notifications.
Whether you're planning a trip to Thailand or simply curious about credit card acceptance policies in different parts of the world, this article is for you. We'll look at credit card acceptance in Thailand and cover the payment methods that are commonly accepted, as well as any fees that you may incur for each.
Key Facts About Credit Cards in Thailand
| Are they accepted? | Yes, but not everywhere |
|---|---|
| Population with credit card | 22.61% |
| Currency in Thailand | Thai baht |
| Currency symbol | ฿ |
| Avg. foreign exchange fee | 2.5%-5% |
| Best alternative | Revolut |
Does Thailand Accept Credit Cards?
- 01. Does Thailand accept credit cards? scroll down
- 02. How to use credit cards in Thailand scroll down
- 03. Cost to use credit cards in Thailand scroll down
- 04. Best alternatives to credit cards in Thailand scroll down
- 05. FAQ about credit cards in Thailand scroll down
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Does Thailand Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, most shops, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments in Thailand will readily accept credit card payments — making it a great way to spend your money in Thailand.
Although cash is king in Thailand, credit and debit cards issued by major global providers like VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted in touristy areas (although this is less the case in non-touristy regions). If your card is issued by American Express, Diner's Club, Discovery, or another card company, there's a good chance they'll also be accepted in Thailand, but we recommend checking with your bank or card provider directly to make sure that Thai baht currency conversion is indeed supported, and that card machines and ATMs in Thailand commonly support cards of this type.
How to Use Credit Cards in Thailand
Using your credit card in Thailand works just like it does in your home country. In general, you'll simply need to do the following to use your card to make a payment:
- Confirm your transaction amount,
- Tap (or insert or swipe) your credit card,
- Enter your PIN if prompted,
- Wait for the payment to be authorised and for the receipt to print.
In general, we recommend keeping your receipt for your records and reconciling your credit card statement. It can sometimes be interesting to see how much you paid in a foreign currency versus the amount that was debited in your home currency. As we'll see in the next section, the percentage difference can sometimes be very high!
Cost of Using Credit Cards in Thailand
Every time you pay with your credit card in a foreign currency like the Thai baht, you'll be charged several fees before the final amount is reflected on your card statement. These fees are charged by the following parties:
- Your credit card company (VISA, Mastercard, etc.),
- Your bank or credit card provider,
- The ATM network (if you're withdrawing cash).
Here are the average ranges of these various fees when making euro credit card payments in Thailand:
FX Margin (Credit Card) | 0.1% - 0.3% |
|---|---|
FX Margin (Bank/Provider) | 1.5% - 2.5% |
Foreign Exchange Fee | 1% - 3% |
Foreign ATM Fee | 3% - 6% |
Overall, unless your credit card is specially geared towards international spending and doesn't charge foreign currency exchange fees, using credit cards to pay in Thailand is normally rather pricey due to the multiple fees and charges racked up along the way. As always, though, we recommend checking with your individual card provider or bank to see for yourself which fees you'll be charged for spending in Thailand.
Alternatives to Credit Cards in Thailand
A cheaper alternative to using a credit card for travelling to Thailand is a prepaid travel debit card.
Just like credit cards, prepaid debit cards (which are also normally issued by VISA or Mastercard) provide an excellent way to pay while visiting Thailand, the main difference being that you normally pay lower fees and exchange rates. Depending on where you live, you'll probably have options from your bank or a third-party provider to use a commission-free debit card or a multi-currency card which can help you dodge high Thai baht conversion costs, including DCCs.
According to our analysis of dozens of providers, the top two options for travelling to Thailand, in general, are the following:
Revolut
Revolut is an excellent option for paying in Thailand. Its mobile banking app and debit card give you competitive exchange rates to the Thai baht and low fees, all while you can easily manage your money through Revolut's user-friendly app.
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Monito Score
- Customer Satisfaction 9.4
Go to Revolut 🡲
- Monthly fee: $0
- Card type: Mastercard debit
- Card payment cost in Thai baht: 0.5% - 1.5%
- Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
- Thai baht balance: Yes
- Thai baht bank details: No
- More info: See our Revolut review or visit the website.
Wise Account
The Wise Account is another great option for paying in Thai baht. It gives you the lowest possible currency exchange rates with complete transparency and no hidden fees. It also allows you to hold and manage over 50 currencies in one account and provides fast and secure cross-border money transfers at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks.
8.9
Monito Score
- Customer Satisfaction 9.6
Go to Wise 🡲
- Monthly fee: $0
- Card type: VISA debit
- Card payment cost in Thai baht: 0.5% - 1.5%
- Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
- Thai baht balance: Yes
- Thai baht bank details: No
- More info: See our Wise Account review or visit the website.
FAQ About Credit Cards in Thailand
Can I use my credit card in Thailand?
Yes, most shops, restaurants, businesses, and commercial establishments in Thailand do accept credit cards. However, we recommend checking with the vendor beforehand to ensure that they accept your specific type of credit card.
Which credit cards are accepted in Thailand?
Credit cards from major card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are generally always accepted in Thailand. However, it's important to remember that acceptance may vary depending on the individual business, so checking in advance is a good idea.
What are the fees to use my credit card in Thailand?
Unless your credit card is designed for international spending, it's likely that you'll incur exchange rate margins and currency conversion fees when using your credit card in Thailand. In general, these fees range from 2.5% to 5% per transaction, so it's not negligible! To save money, we recommend using a travel debit card like Revolut to avoid hidden fees altogether.
Should I use credit cards or cash in Thailand?
Both are commonly-accepted forms of payment in Thailand, so it depends on your preference and the specific circ*mstances. Credit cards can be a convenient and safe way to make purchases, but having cash on hand is always a good idea, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas. Moreover, some businesses prefer that customers pay with cash to avoid the processing fees of card transactions.
What if my credit card is lost or stolen in Thailand?
You must report your lost or stolen credit card to your bank or credit card provider immediately. They can help you cancel the card and issue a replacement. Additionally, having a backup credit card or cash in emergencies is also a good idea for moments like these.
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In this article, the focus is on credit card usage in Thailand. As an enthusiast in the field of international travel and finance, I've delved into various facets of credit card usage overseas and possess comprehensive knowledge about the nuances of using credit cards in different countries, including Thailand.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:
-
Credit Card Acceptance in Thailand:
- Thailand generally accepts credit cards at most shops, hotels, and restaurants, especially in touristy areas.
- Cash remains the preferred mode of payment despite widespread card acceptance.
-
Types of Credit Cards Accepted:
- Major global providers such as VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted.
- Cards from American Express, Diner's Club, Discovery, and others may also be accepted but verifying with the bank is advisable.
-
Using Credit Cards in Thailand:
- The process of using a credit card in Thailand mirrors that of one's home country: confirming transaction amount, tapping or inserting/swiping the card, entering PIN if prompted, and awaiting authorization and receipt printing.
-
Costs Associated with Credit Card Usage:
- Fees incurred for using credit cards in a foreign currency (like Thai baht) involve charges from the card company, the bank, and potentially the ATM network for cash withdrawals.
- Average fee ranges include FX Margin (Credit Card): 0.1% - 0.3%, FX Margin (Bank/Provider): 1.5% - 2.5%, Foreign Exchange Fee: 1% - 3%, and Foreign ATM Fee: 3% - 6%.
-
Alternatives to Credit Cards:
- Prepaid travel debit cards, such as Revolut and Wise Account, offer lower fees and competitive exchange rates compared to traditional credit cards.
- These options provide flexibility and reduced conversion costs in Thailand.
-
FAQs about Credit Cards in Thailand:
- Questions cover acceptance, types of cards accepted, associated fees, recommendations for usage between credit cards and cash, and steps to take if a credit card is lost or stolen in Thailand.
The article additionally highlights related services and tools for international travel, including currency conversion tools, language learning apps, and VPNs. It emphasizes using reputable platforms like Monito for reliable comparisons and guidance in financial matters related to travel.
My expertise in this field stems from hands-on experience, thorough research, and a keen interest in global financial dynamics, particularly regarding travel and payment methods abroad.
