Money in Thailand | Frommer's (2024)

The Thai unit of currency is the baht (written B, Bt, Bht, or THB) and is divided into 100 satang. Tiny copper coins represent 25 and 50 satang; silver coins are 1B, 2B (rare), and 5B. The larger 10B coin is silver with a copper inset. Bank notes come in denominations of 20B (green), 50B (blue), 100B (red), 500B (purple), and 1,000B (brown).

Travel in Thailand is affordable and therefore attracts all types of travelers. In 2018, the average Thai income stood at around 8,400B per person, per month, so standards of living and corresponding prices reflect this. Compared to home, many excellent hotels and restaurants cost a fraction of the price in Thailand, and, because of this, Thais consider any foreigner to be extremely well-off.

Always bear in mind that throughout Thailand, the baht will be the only acceptable currency, and foreign currency is rarely, if ever, accepted for everyday transactions.

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, but you cannot export foreign currency in excess of 50,000B per person.

Some travelers like to change a little money before leaving home, though it is not really necessary. You can sometimes order baht at your bank; however, it is much easier to visit an airport exchange booth or ATM on arrival in Thailand. There are exchange kiosks at most international airport arrival halls in Thailand, which are generally open when flights arrive, but don't rely on them being open 24 hours.

ATMs

If you have an ATM or a credit card, these can be used in 24-hour cash machines that dispense money in 100-, 500-, and 1,000-baht bills. Thai ATMs accept most international bank card systems. Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the kingdom. Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, and then call or check online for ATM locations in Thailand. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. You'll also need a 4-digit PIN in Thailand, so if yours is a 6-digit number, get it changed before you go.

Credit Cards

International hotels and larger businesses in Thailand accept major credit cards. Despite protest from credit card companies, many establishments, such as supermarkets and department stores, add a 3% to 5% surcharge for payment by credit card (this is above and beyond any fees levied by your credit card company). Be sure to ask before handing over your card, and keep all receipts. When using your card in Thai department stores, also be aware that each section must ring up its receipt separately -- so don't be alarmed when a clerk walks off with your card to process the transaction.

MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in Thailand, followed by American Express. Most hotels and restaurants accept all of these, especially in tourist destination areas. Discover and Diners Club are far less commonly accepted.

Never leave your cards with others for safekeeping (such as during a trek). If you don't want to carry them, put them in a hotel safe. There have been numerous reports of charges made while cards were left at guesthouses, or small shops running extra slips against a card.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

You're in good hands, my friend, as we delve into the intricacies of Thailand's currency and financial landscape. Let's start with the baht, the pride of Thai currency. The baht, denoted by symbols like B, Bt, Bht, or THB, is the official unit, and it's subdivided into 100 satang. Now, these satangs have a visual representation in the form of tiny copper coins, with 25 and 50 satang denominations.

For your heavier transactions, you'll encounter silver coins in 1B, 2B (although quite rare), and 5B denominations. The big spender's choice, the 10B coin, is a silver marvel with a copper inset. If you prefer the paper variety, banknotes in 20B (green), 50B (blue), 100B (red), 500B (purple), and 1,000B (brown) are readily available.

The affordability of travel in Thailand is a beacon for wanderers. In 2018, the average Thai income was approximately 8,400B per person per month, influencing the standards of living and pricing across the country. This affordability extends to hotels and restaurants, making Thailand an attractive destination. Locals might perceive any foreigner as wealthy due to the stark contrast in living costs.

Now, onto the practicalities of handling your finances. Throughout Thailand, the baht reigns supreme, and foreign currency is rarely accepted for day-to-day transactions. While there are no restrictions on importing foreign currencies, exporting them is limited to 50,000B per person.

Some travelers opt to exchange a bit of money before departure, but it's not a necessity. Airport exchange booths or ATMs upon arrival in Thailand provide convenient alternatives. Speaking of ATMs, they're a ubiquitous presence and accept most international bank card systems, including Cirrus and PLUS networks. Ensure you know your PIN and daily withdrawal limit, and if your PIN is a six-digit number, get it trimmed to four digits before your journey.

Credit cards are widely accepted in international hotels and larger businesses, with MasterCard and Visa leading the pack. However, be wary of a 3% to 5% surcharge in some establishments. American Express is a decent fallback, while Discover and Diners Club might not be as commonly embraced. Keep a close eye on your cards, especially in smaller establishments, and consider stashing them in a hotel safe to avoid any unexpected charges.

It's a financial journey as rich as the cultural tapestry of Thailand. Now, armed with this knowledge, you're ready to navigate the vibrant markets and beautiful landscapes with confidence.

Money in Thailand | Frommer's (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5991

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.