Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). Cash is still useful for street food, local markets, small shops and taxis, while credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls and larger restaurants. Foreign cards at major Thai bank ATMs can incur withdrawal fees of 250 baht for Visa and 350 baht for Mastercard at banks such as SCB and Krungsri. Carry some small notes, check exchange rates before changing money, and remember that tipping is appreciated but not compulsory.
Thailand is a relatively easy country to navigate when it comes to payments. Cash remains important for street food, markets and smaller businesses, while cards and international payment apps are accepted in many larger establishments. This guide explains how to use money in Thailand, where to withdraw cash, how to exchange currency and what to budget for daily expenses.
Currency and cash
Thailand's official currency is the Thai baht (THB). Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. Coins include 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht, as well as smaller satang coins.
It is useful to carry smaller notes, especially 20, 50 and 100 baht, for street food, local markets, public transport and small purchases. Some small vendors may not have enough change for a 1,000-baht note.
Keep a little cash with you even if you mainly use cards.
ATMs and fees
Foreign bank cards can be used at many Thai bank ATMs, but withdrawals usually come with a local ATM fee in addition to any charges from your home bank.
As of November 2026, the published fees at SCB and Krungsri include:
- Visa: 250 THB per withdrawal
- Mastercard: 350 THB per withdrawal
The fee is charged each time you withdraw, not as a percentage of the amount. To reduce costs, withdraw larger amounts less frequently, within your card's withdrawal limit.
If the ATM asks whether you want to be charged in Thai baht or your home currency, choose Thai baht. This avoids the ATM's own currency conversion, known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Your card issuer may still apply its own exchange rate and fees.
Cards and QR payments
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, chain restaurants and many larger businesses. However, smaller shops, street food vendors and local markets may prefer cash.
Thailand also uses PromptPay, a popular QR payment system. Most Thai QR codes are designed for Thai banking apps, but international visitors from certain countries can also pay using participating foreign banking or payment apps.
Supported cross-border QR payment services include:
- Malaysia: DuitNow
- Singapore: participating NETS services
- Indonesia: QRIS
- Cambodia: KHQR
- Vietnam: VietQR / VNPAY
- Laos: LaoQR
- Hong Kong: FPS
- China: Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay
- South Korea: Paybooc
Availability depends on your payment provider, bank and participating merchant. Check whether your app supports Thai QR payments before relying on it.
If you cannot use a supported payment app, carrying Thai baht is the easiest backup.
Official list: Bank of Thailand: cross-border payment linkages
Exchange rates and where to change money
If you bring foreign cash to Thailand, you can exchange it at banks, licensed currency exchange shops and airport exchange counters.
In Bangkok, popular exchange providers such as SuperRich are worth comparing, as their rates can be more competitive than those at some airport counters and hotels.
Before exchanging money:
- Compare the displayed rates at several exchange shops.
- Check the rate for your specific currency and banknote denomination.
- Bring your passport, as identification may be required.
- Use clean, undamaged banknotes, as some exchange shops may reject damaged or marked notes.
You can also check the Bank of Thailand's reference exchange rates to get an idea of the current market rate.
Bank of Thailand: daily reference exchange rates
Typical daily costs
How much money do you need per day in Thailand? Your budget depends on your accommodation, food choices, transport and activities.
Here are some estimated daily budgets per person in Bangkok:
- Budget: 1,000–1,500 THB – Hostel dorms, street food, public transport and inexpensive activities.
- Mid-range: 3,300–5,000 THB – Comfortable 3-star hotels, a mix of local food and restaurants, and occasional taxis.
- Comfort: 5,000 THB and above – 4- or 5-star hotels, nicer restaurants, private transport and paid activities.
These are general planning estimates, not fixed prices. Phuket, Koh Samui and popular island destinations can be more expensive, while smaller towns may offer cheaper accommodation and food.
Flights, major shopping and expensive tours are not included.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Thailand, but it is appreciated when you receive good service.
Here are some common tipping practices:
- Restaurants: Check your bill first. Some restaurants already include a 10% service charge.
- Service charge and VAT: A menu showing prices as "++" usually means a 10% service charge and 7% VAT will be added.
- Street food: Tipping is not expected.
- Massage: A small tip for your therapist is appreciated, especially after a good experience.
- Taxis: You can round up the fare if you wish, but it is not required.
Always check the receipt to avoid accidentally tipping twice.
Money scams to avoid
Keep these simple tips in mind when handling money in Thailand:
- ATM currency conversion: If an ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose Thai baht instead.
- Tuk-tuk scams: Be cautious if a stranger tells you a temple or attraction is closed and offers a very cheap ride. Some scams involve stopping at jewellery or tailor shops.
- Check your change: Count your money before leaving a shop, market or currency exchange counter.
- Use licensed exchange shops: Avoid exchanging money with strangers on the street.
- Protect your PIN: Cover the keypad when withdrawing cash and keep your card in sight when paying.
VAT refund for visitors
International visitors may be eligible for a VAT refund when shopping in Thailand.
To qualify:
- Shop at stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
- Spend at least 2,000 THB (including VAT) at the same store on the same day.
- Show your passport and request a VAT Refund Application for Tourists (P.P.10) form when purchasing.
- Keep your original tax invoices.
- Take the purchased goods out of Thailand within 60 days of the purchase date.
On your departure day, submit your VAT refund documents at the international airport. Some purchases require customs inspection before check-in, so allow extra time.
Remember that the refund is not automatically equal to 7% of your purchase total. The actual refund depends on the official refund calculation.
Official information: Revenue Department: VAT Refund for Tourists
Information checked: November 2026.