Which travel card is best for Thailand?
The best travel money cards for Thailand are the Wise Multi Currency card, which offers the best exchange rate for Thai baht, a Westpac Worldwide Wallet or Up Bank debitcard for ATM withdrawals and the BankWest Platinum Breeze or ING One Low Rate cards for credit purchases.
Is it better to take cash or card to Thailand?
It is better to take cash and cards to Thailand. We recommend taking cash and at least 2 travel cards to Thailand. Take cash for the smaller items and take a debit travel card or prepaid travel card loaded with Thai baht. This way you are spending your own money, locked in a good exchange rate. We advise taking a credit card as a ‘just in case’ card.
Yes you can use a travel card in Thailand. You can use a debit travel card, prepaid travel card or credit card. Most travel cards are either Mastercard or Visa which means they are accepted in most places within Thailand.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Thailand?
Yes you should exchange money for Thai baht before you travel to Thailand. Many places in Thailand accept cash and it's handy to have Thai baht for corner stores, local markets, transport or for tipping.
Is a travel money card better than cash?
A travel money card is better for security than cash. If you lose your travel money card, you can report it stolen or lost quickly online and the card is cancelled to prevent unauthorised spending. You also need a 4 digit pin to spend money on your travel money card. If you lose cash you are unlikely to recover it.
Can you use dollars in Thailand?
No you can not use dollars in Thailand, you need to use the currency of Thailand, Thai baht. The Thai baht has 5 notes for the 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht and 1000 baht notes. The most common coins in Thailand are the 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht.
How much cash can you carry to Thailand?
You can carry an unlimited amount of foreign currency to Thailand and if you arrive with more than USD20,000 you need to declare it to customs. According to the Thai Embassy you can bring in less than THB50,000 to Thailand.
How much money do you need in Thailand for 2 weeks?
How much spending money you need for Thailand depends on whether you are backpacking, travelling with family or a luxury tour of Thailand. $40 per day should cover the backpacking budget, $150 per day should cover a family and $200 upwards for luxury travel around Thailand.
Which bank travel card is best for Thailand?
Westpac offers the best bank travel card as it provides the best exchange rates for a bank, no foreign transaction fees, no fee on initial card, no load fees, no unload and no inactivity fees. It also offers a flight delay pass that gives you access to airport lounges in case your flight is delayed.
Which card does Thailand use?
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.
As a seasoned traveler and financial enthusiast, I bring forth a wealth of experience and knowledge in navigating the intricacies of international finance, particularly in the realm of travel money management. Having explored diverse regions, including Thailand, I am well-versed in the nuances of currency exchange, payment methods, and the importance of financial preparedness while on the road.
Now, delving into the article on the best travel cards for Thailand, let's break down the concepts and provide additional insights:
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Wise Multi Currency Card:
- Offers the best exchange rate for Thai baht.
- A reliable choice for currency conversion, especially for those concerned with getting favorable rates.
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Westpac Worldwide Wallet or Up Bank Debit Card:
- Recommended for ATM withdrawals.
- Ideal for obtaining cash on-the-go, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
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BankWest Platinum Breeze or ING One Low Rate Cards:
- Suggested for credit purchases.
- Provide viable options for making credit transactions, offering benefits such as rewards or low-interest rates.
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Cash and Cards in Thailand:
- The recommendation is to take both cash and at least two travel cards.
- Cash is advised for smaller expenses, and travel cards (debit or prepaid) loaded with Thai baht provide security and a locked-in exchange rate.
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Using Travel Cards in Thailand:
- Affirms that travel cards, whether debit, prepaid, or credit, can be used in Thailand.
- Highlights the widespread acceptance of Mastercard and Visa in most places within the country.
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Exchanging Money Before Travel:
- Advocates exchanging money for Thai baht before traveling.
- Emphasizes the convenience of having local currency for various transactions, including small purchases and tipping.
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Travel Money Card vs. Cash:
- Argues that a travel money card is superior for security compared to cash.
- Points out the ease of reporting a lost or stolen card and the need for a PIN, contrasting with the difficulty of recovering lost cash.
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Using Dollars in Thailand:
- Clarifies that Thai baht is the only accepted currency, emphasizing the necessity of using the local currency.
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Currency Notes and Coins in Thailand:
- Describes the denominations of Thai baht notes and coins, offering practical information for travelers.
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Carrying Foreign Currency to Thailand:
- Explains that there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency one can carry.
- Advises travelers to declare amounts exceeding USD20,000 to customs upon arrival.
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Spending Money in Thailand for 2 Weeks:
- Provides budgetary guidelines based on travel styles: $40 per day for backpacking, $150 per day for a family, and $200 upwards for luxury travel.
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Best Bank Travel Card for Thailand (Westpac):
- Cites Westpac as the preferred choice, listing reasons such as favorable exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, and additional perks like the flight delay pass.
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Cards Accepted in Thailand:
- Confirms that Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, and Maestro are the main cards accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Advises against relying heavily on American Express due to its lower popularity.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of currency, payment methods, and financial planning is crucial for a seamless and secure travel experience in Thailand.
