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The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht, which is also known as THB. You can exchange your money for Thai Baht at airports, banks, and currency exchange booths.
You can also use credit cards and debit cards at many businesses in Thailand, but be aware that some places may not accept foreign cards.
Thai Baht is available in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 THB notes.
Some businesses in tourist areas may accept US dollars, but the exchange rate may not be favorable, and you may end up losing money.
Currency Options in Thailand
Thai baht is the most convenient currency to use in Thailand, as it's widely accepted throughout the country.
You can exchange your money for Thai baht at exchange offices, which typically offer more competitive rates than ATMs. These offices are generally available in tourist areas, major cities, and even at airports.
Thai baht comes in both notes and coins, with denominations ranging from 1 satang to 1,000 baht. The most common banknotes feature portraits of revered Thai monarchs, including King Rama IX and King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Here are the most common Thai baht banknote denominations:
- 20 baht (green)
- 50 baht (blue)
- 100 baht (red)
- 500 baht (purple)
- 1,000 baht (brown)
Additionally, you can use debit cards and credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, for most transactions, although some small restaurants and stalls may only accept cash.
Denominations of Thai Currency
Thai currency comes in both notes and coins, with banknotes featuring portraits of revered Thai monarchs.
The 20 baht note, with its green color, is a great option for minor purchases like street food or local transport.
A common denomination is the 50 baht note, which is green and features King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).
You can use the 100 baht note, which is red and depicts King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), for dining out or entry fees to tourist attractions.
The 500 baht note, with its purple color, is a good choice for shopping or covering more substantial costs.
The 1,000 baht note, which is light brown and showcases King Rama IX, is ideal for major transactions like hotel accommodations or luxury purchases.
Here are the Thai baht currency denominations:
- 20 baht (green)
- 50 baht (blue)
- 100 baht (red)
- 500 baht (purple)
- 1,000 baht (brown)
And if you need to break down your larger bills, you can use the following coin denominations:
- 1 satang
- 5 satang
- 10 satang
- 25 satang
- 50 satang
- 1 baht
- 2 baht
- 5 baht
- 10 baht
Exchanging Money in the UK
You can order Thai baht online in the UK and have it delivered to your home or a local store, making it a convenient option.
It's a good idea to have a way to buy baht in Thailand if you need to top up your funds, which could mean taking some UK currency to exchange or a bank card to withdraw baht from an ATM or bureau de change.
You can order currency online in the UK, but it's also a good idea to make sure you have a way of buying baht in Thailand if you need to top up your funds.
Best to Use
Using Thai Baht is the most convenient currency in Thailand, as it's widely accepted throughout the country. You can easily exchange your money for Thai Baht at local exchange offices, which often offer more competitive rates than ATMs.
US Dollars can be used in some tourist areas, larger hotels, and airports, but you might not get the best exchange rate. It's generally recommended to use Thai Baht instead.
You can pay with plastic in Thailand, but a 1% commission will be charged. Most tourist attractions, large hotels, and some chain shops accept debit cards and credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard being the most common accepted credit cards.
Local exchange offices are a great option for exchanging currency, as they're often available in tourist areas, major cities, and even at airports.
Exchanging Money
In Thailand, you can exchange your money at exchange offices virtually everywhere.
Exchange offices in tourist areas, major cities like Bangkok and Phuket, and even at airports offer competitive rates compared to ATMs.
Locating a reliable money exchange office can lead to better savings and a smoother travel experience.
The best exchange offices are found on the basement level of Bangkok's international airport, near the orange Superrich Exchange office.
You'll be charged a transaction fee, but the rate is a lot better at exchange offices than at ATMs.
ATMs often use less favorable exchange rates and may not update their exchange rates daily.
Payment Methods
Paying in Thailand can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas and larger hotels and stores, but you'll still need to carry some cash for smaller shops and local markets.
You should inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected card blocking, so check with them before you go.
Thai Baht is the most convenient currency to use in Thailand, and it's widely accepted throughout the country.
Using US Dollars in Thailand is not recommended, as you might not get the best exchange rate.
Most tourist attractions, large hotels, and some chain shops can accept debit cards and credit cards, with a 1% commission charged.
You'll often find that smaller stores and cafes don't take cards, so it's a good idea to carry some cash on you at all times.
Choose to be charged in the local currency of Thailand, Thai Baht, to save some money and avoid poor exchange rates.
If your bank charges foreign transaction fees, consider using the Wise card, which has no such fees and converts currency at the mid-market rate.
The Wise card is also a great option if you're thinking about opening an account in Thailand, as it's convenient and money-saving.
ATM and Exchange Services
ATMs are widely available throughout Thailand, especially in major cities, tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. You can find ATMs belonging to Thai banks and international banks like Citibank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered.
Most Thai ATMs have an English language option, making it easier for tourists to use them. However, be aware that there are usually charges to use ATMs in Thailand, including fees from your home bank and the local Thai bank.
For the savvy traveler, choosing where to exchange currency in Thailand is key. Local exchange offices often offer more competitive rates than ATMs, which may not update their exchange rates daily and often charge transaction fees.
Here are some online locators to help you find the most convenient ATMs close to where you're staying in Thailand:
- Mastercard ATM locator
- American Express ATM locator
- Visa ATM locator
Transaction fees for withdrawing cash from ATMs in Thailand can range from 200 to 300 THB per transaction, depending on the bank and the type of card used.
Exchanging Money Online
Exchanging money online is a convenient option for travelers, especially when visiting a foreign country like Thailand. You can buy your Thai baht online with Travelex today.
To get the best deal, it's essential to find competitive exchange rates. Travelex offers no commission on their online exchange rates.
If you're planning a trip to Thailand, you can order your Thai baht online with Travelex and have it delivered at home. Alternatively, you can collect it from your nearest store.
A Travelex Money Card can also be a safe and secure backup option for your money.
ATM and Exchange Services
ATMs are widely available in Thailand, especially in major cities, tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. You'll find ATMs belonging to Thai banks as well as international ones like Citibank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered.
Most Thai ATMs have an English language option, making it easier for tourists to use them. However, be aware that there are usually charges to use ATMs in Thailand, including fees from your home bank and the local Thai bank.
There are some advantages to using ATMs in Thailand, including convenience, currency exchange, and security. Withdrawing cash from an ATM saves you from having to find currency exchange services, and you don't need to carry large sums of money while traveling.
However, there are also some disadvantages, such as fees, unexpected issues, and availability in remote areas. Be prepared for fees from your own bank and the local provider, and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues.
If you're planning to withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand, be aware that there's a flat fee of 200 THB (except for AEON Bank, which charges 150 THB). You'll also need to check your bank's withdrawal limit and be prepared for potential issues with international cards.
To find the most convenient ATMs near your location, check out online locators like Mastercard ATM locator, American Express ATM locator, or Visa ATM locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are US dollars accepted in Thailand?
US dollars may be accepted in some tourist areas and larger hotels, but it's not the recommended currency to use in Thailand. You may not get the best exchange rate when using US dollars.
Sources
- https://www.travelex.co.uk/travelex-hub/travel-guides/thailand/what-currency-in-thailand
- https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/au/a-guide-to-currency-in-thailand-the-baht/
- https://gotothailand.com/money-thailand/
- https://www.odynovotours.com/thailand/currency-thai-baht.html
- https://wise.com/gb/blog/money-and-banks-in-thailand
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