Managing your finances, and especially understanding how money works in Thailand, requires proper preparation. The local currency market has its own rules, and ignorance of the rules governing currency exchange in Thailand and commissions can cost you a lot. Here is a complete guide on what money to have in Thailand, which will protect your wallet and allow you to fully enjoy your holiday.

What is the currency in Thailand and what does money in Thailand look like?

Thailand has a stable monetary system, and its currency is strongly linked to respect for the monarchy. Knowing what Thai money looks like and being familiar with the denominations is essential for safe transactions and a successful holiday.

What is the official currency in Thailand?

The official currency is the Thai baht (THB). One baht is divided into 100 satang. It is the only accepted means of payment, which answers the question of whether you can pay with dollars in Thailand – usually not. It is the basic currency in Thailand, which you need to use on a daily basis.

What do Thai banknotes look like and what are the denominations of money in Thailand?

Thai banknotes are characterised by a variety of colours and feature the image of the King on the front. The table below shows the available denominations:

Denomination (THB)	Dominant colour	Most common use
20	Green	Tips, water, small snacks
50	Blue	Public transport, drinks
100	Red	Primary means of payment for meals
500	Purple	Larger purchases, tickets, restaurants
1,000	Brown/Grey	Hotels, large purchases

What are satangs and are they commonly used in circulation?

Satang is the equivalent of Polish groszy (there are 25 and 50 satang coins in circulation). From a tourist’s perspective, they are not very useful, as prices in Thailand 2024 are rounded up in many places. You will mainly encounter them in large supermarkets and 7-Eleven shops. They also often end up in donation boxes in temples.

How much money do you need for a trip to Thailand? How to plan your budget for a holiday in Thailand precisely?

The planned costs depend on your travel style – the islands tend to be more expensive than the north of the country or Bangkok. When analysing how much money you will need for a trip to Thailand, you should start by checking the current exchange rate.

What is the current THB to GBP exchange rate and where is the best place to exchange money?

The current THB to GBP exchange rate is variable, but historically it has fluctuated between 1 Polish zloty (PLN) and 8-9 baht. For convenience, you can divide local prices by 10, adding a small margin. Exchanging currency in Thailand is more cost-effective than buying baht in Poland. It is best to take US dollars (USD) or euros with you.

What is the daily budget needed for food and transport in Thailand?

The estimated daily budget, which is a key element in planning how much money to take on a trip to Thailand, depends on the expected standard:

• Budget: 800 – 1200 THB. Hostels, street food, public transport.
• Medium: 1,500–3,000 THB. Private room, restaurants, taxis.
• Luxury: above 4,000 THB. Good hotels, higher transport prices (tuk-tuk), more expensive restaurants and organised trips.

What are the prices in Thailand in 2024 for a typical meal at a street food stall?

Street food is very cheap. Pad Thai costs 40-80 THB, a serving of soup 40-60 THB, and a Som Tum salad about 50 THB. Fresh fruit and shakes cost around 30-60 THB. These are the approximate prices in Thailand in 2024.

What are the prices of attractions and admission tickets to the most important temples?

Prices for attractions are higher for foreigners. Examples:

• Grand Royal Palace: 500 THB.
• Wat Pho: 300 THB.
• Wat Arun: 200 THB.
• Ayutthaya: 50 THB/temple or 220 THB pass.

Why does the lèse-majesté law prohibit the destruction of money in Thailand?

The lèse-majesté law protects the image of the King, which is found on all banknotes. Deliberately destroying or trampling on money is considered a serious offence, punishable by imprisonment.

How to exchange money in Thailand? A step-by-step guide to payments and currency exchange

The right strategy, i.e. knowing how to exchange money in Thailand, can lead to significant savings. Both currency exchange in Thailand and the method of payment are key here.

Where is the best place to exchange money in Thailand after arrival?

Wondering where to exchange money in Thailand? Definitely at currency exchange networks, avoiding banks and hotels, which offer poor exchange rates. A reputable exchange office is SuperRich Thailand (available in green and orange versions).

Where can you find the best exchange office in Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, avoid the exchange points in the arrivals hall. Instead, go down to level B (Basement), near the Airport Rail Link station. There you will find SuperRich Thailand outlets offering much better exchange rates.

What currency should you take with you to Thailand? Is it better to take dollars, euros or try to exchange zlotys?

It is best to take US dollars (USD) or euros. Exchanging currency in Thailand directly from Polish zlotys is highly unprofitable due to the poor exchange rate. Remember that it is very important that the banknotes are in perfect condition – dollars should be new (issued after 2013), undamaged and without any notes, which will ensure the best exchange rate.

Does Revolut work in Thailand and is card payment in Thailand cost-effective?

The Revolut card works flawlessly in Thailand. By using Revolut in Thailand, you gain access to favourable interbank exchange rates, which is much cheaper than with traditional bank cards. However, keep in mind the possible weekend commission and free withdrawal limits. Importantly, Revolut in Thailand does not exempt you from the local fixed fee, which is the ATM Thailand fee.

What are the benefits of using a Wise card when paying in Thailand?

The Wise card is an excellent alternative to Revolut, offering high limits and low currency conversion fees. The card automatically converts funds at the real market rate when you make a payment, making it one of the best tools for managing your money in Thailand.

Can tourists use QR code payments in Thai shops?

The QR Payment System (PromptPay) is ubiquitous, but unfortunately requires a Thai bank account. Tourists from Poland usually cannot use it unless they have special applications (e.g. Alipay) linked to their accounts.

How to link a payment card to the Grab app to pay for rides?

The Grab application is the equivalent of Uber, which eliminates the problem of not having change or haggling. To link your card:

1. Go to the „Payment” tab.
2. Select „Add Payment Method”.
3. Enter your card details (Revolut/Wise).
4. Confirm the transaction.

The fare is charged automatically.

How to obtain a VAT refund for purchases made in Thailand?

A VAT refund (7%) is available for single purchases of at least 2,000 THB in shops marked ‘VAT Refund for Tourists’. To receive it, you must fill in form P.P.10 in the shop and then have it stamped by customs at the airport before checking in your luggage (the total value of purchases must exceed 5,000 THB). The cash refund is collected in the duty-free zone.

ATMs in Thailand commission and risk in exchange offices: how to manage your cash safely?

Using the local financial infrastructure involves additional costs that many tourists planning their holiday budget in Thailand forget about.

Is it easy to find an ATM in Thailand that accepts cards from Poland?

You will find an ATM on almost every corner: at 7-Eleven stores, in supermarkets and on main streets. All of them accept Visa and Mastercard. However, when planning a trip to smaller islands, it is worth taking some spare cash with you.

How much is the fixed ATM Thailand fee, i.e. the commission charged by ATMs in Thailand?

Every cash withdrawal in Thailand from an ATM is subject to a fixed commission (called a surcharge), which is an ATM fee (220 THB). If you are wondering where to withdraw money in Thailand to avoid this fee, the answer is: it is unavoidable. Therefore, it is best to withdraw less frequently and in larger amounts, e.g. the single ATM limit (usually 20,000-30,000 THB).

Why should you select the ‘Without Conversion’ (DCC) option when withdrawing from an ATM?

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is a trap that involves converting the transaction at a very unfavourable exchange rate imposed by the ATM operator. The loss can be as high as 10-15%. Always select ‘Without Conversion’ or ‘Decline Conversion’, allowing your bank (e.g. Revolut in Thailand) to perform the currency conversion.

Why is SuperRich Thailand the best currency exchange in Bangkok?

SuperRich Thailand is widely considered the best currency exchange in Bangkok due to its minimal margins and very fair exchange rates. They offer much better terms than banks or small, private exchange points. Current rates can be checked on their website or mobile app.

What should you watch out for when using ATMs to avoid skimming?

To minimise the risk of card data theft, or skimming, follow these rules:

• Use ATMs in bank branches or shopping centres.
• Avoid dark alleys.
• Cover your PIN and check the card slot.

Do currency exchange offices in Thailand accept damaged or marked foreign currency banknotes?

Currency exchange offices in Thailand are extremely strict when it comes to the condition of banknotes. Only banknotes in perfect condition are accepted – any tears, creases, stains or inscriptions will result in the banknote being rejected. Only exchange new and crisp dollars or euros.

Money in Thailand – etiquette, customs and practical advice

Knowing what money is in circulation in Thailand, as well as the rules regarding tipping and haggling, will have a positive impact on your interactions with the local community.

Why is cash still crucial in Thailand?

Thailand is still largely a cash-based country. Cash is essential for paying for street food, tuk-tuk rides and shopping at local markets. Although card payments are becoming increasingly popular in Thailand, not having one can limit your experience in many places.

How much cash can you bring into Thailand without declaring it to customs?

There is a limit on the amount of cash you can bring into the country. You can bring the equivalent of USD 20,000 in any currency into Thailand without declaring it. The limit for exporting and importing Thai currency is THB 50,000 per person.

Where in Thailand are Visa and Mastercard accepted?

You can pay with cards at:

• 7-Eleven (above a certain amount).
• Supermarkets (Big C, Tesco).
• Shopping centres and hotels.
• Better restaurants.

What is the card payment limit in Thailand at 7-Eleven stores?

At 7-Eleven, card payments are usually possible from 200 THB. Below this amount, cash is required.

How much money should you leave as a tip in a Thai restaurant?

Tips are not mandatory, but always welcome. In the case of street food, it is enough to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change. In restaurants, the standard is 20-50 THB. In more expensive establishments, it is worth checking the bill – often a 10% ‘Service Charge’ is already added.

At which markets in Thailand is it acceptable to negotiate prices?

Bargaining is acceptable at bazaars and in private transport. Do not negotiate food prices, at 7-Eleven or in government offices.

How not to overpay for a tuk-tuk ride in tourist areas?

Always agree on the price for a tuk-tuk ride in advance, before getting into the vehicle. It is good practice to check the approximate cost of the same route in the Grab app, which gives you a solid reference point for negotiation. Avoid suspiciously cheap tuk-tuk rides – they often end with a forced visit to a souvenir shop.

Do hotels in Thailand charge a deposit in cash or on a credit card?

A hotel deposit of 1,000-3,000 THB is standard procedure. It can be paid in cash (it is refunded immediately upon check-out) or by blocking funds on your credit card (it may take several days for the block to be released).

Is it possible to exchange Polish zloty (PLN) directly for baht in Bangkok?

A few exchange offices, such as SuperRich, offer Polish zloty (PLN) exchange, but it is very unprofitable due to the huge spread. When asked what currency is worth having with you in Thailand, there is only one answer: definitely US dollars or euros.

How to keep your money safe while travelling in Thailand?

Always take care of your wallet and documents. It is best to keep most of your cash and passport in the hotel safe. For daily sightseeing, take only the necessary amount with you and keep it in a safe place, e.g. in a bum bag or special belt.