What Is a Thai Baht: Your Guide to the Thai Currency

The Thai Baht is the official currency of Thailand, and it's widely accepted throughout the country. It's also the most widely used currency in Thailand.

You can exchange your money for Thai Baht at the airport, banks, or currency exchange offices. The exchange rate can vary depending on the location and the type of currency you're exchanging.

The Thai Baht is available in various denominations, including coins and banknotes. The coins come in 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht denominations, while the banknotes come in 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht, and 1,000 baht denominations.

It's a good idea to have some Thai Baht with you when you arrive in Thailand, especially if you plan to travel to rural areas where not many people speak English.

The Thai Baht has a rich history that spans centuries. It was initially pegged to the British Pound at a fixed rate of 8 TBH to 1 GBP until 1880.

Before the Thai Baht, Thailand used shells, baked clay coins, and pot duang as legal tender. The production of Pot Duang became insufficient to meet the demand for money, leading King Mongkut to order the first paper money, called Mai, in 1853.

In 1873, King Chulalongkorn faced a shortage of copper coins, which caused people to trust the pee, a currency exchanged for money at casinos. To avoid its use, King Chulalongkorn decreed using a low-value paper currency called Att Kradat.

The Thai Department of Technology under the Ministry of Finance officially opened in 1902, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Thai Baht. The department was responsible for the issuance and exchange of banknotes, which were put into circulation on 23 September 1902.

The Thai Baht underwent several adjustments in its exchange rate, linking it to the Japanese Yen at par during World War II. After the war, it was pegged at 20.8 Baht per 1 US Dollar, transitioning to 20 Baht per US Dollar in 1978.

The Thai Baht is the national currency of Thailand, officially referred to as the Thai Baht or simply baht.

The Thai Baht was initially pegged to the British Pound at a fixed rate of 8 TBH to 1 GBP until 1880.

You can identify the baht by its three-letter code, THB, on foreign currency exchange markets.

The Thai Baht is divided into 100 satangs, with coins of 1, 2, 5, and 10 bahts in circulation.

Every baht is divided into 100 satangs and there are coins of 50 and 25 satangs.

Banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Thai bahts are also in circulation.

The Thai Baht is managed by the Bank of Thailand and is denoted by the symbol ฿.

As of Summer 2021, 1 THB is worth roughly USD $0.03.

The Thai Baht has undergone several adjustments in its exchange rate system, including a 50% devaluation in 1997.

The Thai Baht eventually stabilised following the economic collapse in 1997.

The Thai Baht is made up of 100 satangs and is denoted by the symbol ฿, which is an uppercase B with a perpendicular line down the center.

Cash is widely preferred in Thailand, making it a good idea to carry some Thai baht with you, especially in remote locations where cash is the only accepted payment.

You can exchange your money for Thai baht at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels, but be aware that exchange rates may vary.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in urban areas and tourist destinations, but extra charges may apply, so it's a good idea to check with your bank before traveling.

You can exchange Thai baht at various locations, making it convenient for tourists and locals alike.

Most banks in Thailand provide currency exchange services, and they're generally open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday.

Currency exchange booths or kiosks can be found in tourist destinations, shopping centers, and transit hubs, offering competitive prices.

Some hotels and resorts offer currency exchange facilities for their customers, but rates might not be as good as other options.

In international airports, you'll usually find currency exchange counters to assist both arriving and departing travelers.

Independent money changers can be found in busy tourist districts, but be sure to check if they're licensed and legitimate to avoid any issues.

Payment in THB is a breeze in Thailand, where cash is king. Most stores, supermarkets, and dining establishments accept baht as payment.

You'll find that credit and debit cards are accepted in urban areas and tourist destinations, but be aware that extra charges may apply. In fact, it's not uncommon to see a 3% surcharge on foreign transactions.

Carrying some cash in Thai baht is advisable, especially in remote locations where cash is the only accepted payment. This is especially true for rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.

Here's a quick rundown of the Thai baht denominations you'll commonly find:

It's worth noting that the Bank of Thailand is responsible for managing the Thai currency.

The Thai Baht has a unique design that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage. The banknotes are brightly colored and feature intricate artwork, patterns, and security features.

The Thai Baht banknotes have different colors and sizes, making them visually appealing. Each denomination has a distinct thickness and feel, making it easier to distinguish them.

The banknotes are made from specially developed cotton fabric with increased durability, while the coins are made from nickel-clad iron. The coins come in denominations of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht, with the front side showcasing the portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The Thai Baht is issued in various denominations, including banknotes of 20 Baht, 50 Baht, 100 Baht, 500 Baht, and 1,000 Baht. Coins are also available in denominations of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht, as well as 25 and 50 satang coins.

Thai Baht banknotes are a visual treat, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. They're brightly colored, making them stand out.

The front of the notes typically features portraits of notable figures, including past monarchs in Thai history. Intricate artwork, patterns, and security features are also incorporated.

The back side of the notes often showcases noteworthy sites, moments in history, symbols essential to national culture, or influential figures in Thai history. This adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the Thai Baht.

Baht banknotes have undergone 17 series over the years, with the recent series featuring King Maha Vajiralongkorn in the uniform of the Royal Thai Air Force.

The Bank of Thailand uses intaglio printing, which gives the notes a tactile feel. This is due to the print being slightly elevated.

Each banknote denomination has a distinct thickness and feel, making it easier to distinguish between them.

Baht coins are made from nickel-clad iron and come in denominations of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht.

The Thai Baht has a wide range of denominations to make everyday transactions a breeze. Banknotes are available in values of 20 Baht, 50 Baht, 100 Baht, 500 Baht, and 1,000 Baht.

You can find coins in denominations of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht. These coins are super convenient for small purchases.

One Baht is equivalent to 100 satang, which is a smaller unit of currency. Satang is often rounded up or down in everyday transactions.

Coins in the denominations of 25 and 50 satang are also available for purchase, but they're not commonly used. You might occasionally find satang as change in smaller stores or supermarkets.