Getting Thai Baht for Your Trip

Thailand is a fantastic destination for travellers, and managing your money there is straightforward once you know the system. The Thai Baht (฿ or THB) is the local currency, and while Thailand has become more card-friendly in recent years, cash remains king for most everyday transactions.

The good news is that Thailand offers some of the best exchange rates in Asia. Unlike many countries where you should exchange before you travel, Thailand's competitive exchange market means you'll often get better rates after arrival — particularly at specialist bureaux like SuperRich.

Key insight for 2026: Thai ATM fees remain at 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign cards. The workaround is using AEON ATMs (no fees) or maximising each withdrawal to reduce the per-Baht fee impact. Multi-currency cards like Wise and Revolut remain the most cost-effective option for most travellers.

Best Ways to Get Thai Baht

Here are your options ranked from best to worst value:

1. SuperRich exchange bureaux (in Thailand) — Famous for near-perfect rates. Orange and green SuperRich branches in Bangkok and major cities offer rates within 0.5% of mid-market. Worth seeking out for larger amounts.
2. Multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) — Use at AEON ATMs to avoid the 220 THB fee entirely. Excellent rates and useful for card payments at hotels and restaurants.
3. Thai ATMs with fee-free cards — If using a card that reimburses ATM fees (some premium accounts), any Thai ATM becomes viable.
4. Online currency order before travel — Ordering Baht from Wise or a bureau before you leave gives decent rates if you want cash in hand on arrival.
5. Airport exchange (Thailand) — Surprisingly not terrible at Suvarnabhumi. SuperRich has an airside branch with reasonable rates. Avoid landside exchanges.
6. UK bureaux de change — Rates for Thai Baht in the UK are typically 5-8% worse than you'll get in Thailand. Only use for emergency arrival cash.
7. Airport exchange (UK) — Worst option. Rates can be 10-15% off mid-market.

ATMs in Thailand: What You Need to Know

Thailand's ATM network is excellent with machines everywhere, but there's a catch for foreign cardholders.

The 220 THB ATM Fee

Almost all Thai ATMs charge foreign cards a flat 220 THB (~£5) fee per withdrawal. This is charged by the Thai bank and is in addition to any fees your own bank charges. The fee appears as a surcharge before you confirm the transaction.

AEON ATMs: The Fee-Free Exception

AEON ATMs do not charge the 220 THB fee. These are found in AEON malls (Big C, MaxValu) and increasingly in 7-Eleven stores. If you're using a Wise or Revolut card at an AEON ATM, you pay zero fees — just the exchange rate.

ATM Tips

• Maximum withdrawal: Most ATMs allow 20,000-30,000 THB per transaction. Some allow up to 40,000 THB.
• Decline DCC: When asked to convert to your home currency, ALWAYS decline and choose Thai Baht. DCC rates are terrible.
• Withdraw larger amounts: If paying the 220 THB fee, withdraw the maximum to minimise the per-Baht cost.
• ATMs are everywhere: You'll find ATMs in every 7-Eleven, shopping mall, and most streets. No need to carry excessive cash.
• Notify your bank: Inform your bank you're travelling to Thailand to prevent card blocks.

Using Cards in Thailand

Card acceptance has improved significantly, but varies by location and establishment type.

Where Cards Work

• Hotels: All hotels accept cards, often with no surcharge
• Shopping malls: Department stores, chain shops all accept cards
• Supermarkets: Big C, Tesco Lotus, Tops, 7-Eleven all take cards (min spend may apply)
• Tourist restaurants: Most mid-range and upscale restaurants accept cards
• Booking tours: Most tour operators accept cards, sometimes with 2-3% fee

Where You Need Cash

• Street food: Virtually all street vendors are cash-only
• Markets: Chatuchak, night markets, floating markets — cash only
• Taxis and tuk-tuks: Always cash (though Grab accepts cards)
• Small local restaurants: Most mom-and-pop places are cash-only
• Temples: Entrance fees and donations are cash
• Beach vendors: Umbrella rentals, drinks, massages — cash only

Contactless & Mobile Payments

Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in Thailand. Thai QR payment (PromptPay) is everywhere but requires a Thai bank account, so tourists can't use it directly.

Exchanging Money in Thailand

SuperRich: The Best Exchange Rates

SuperRich is Thailand's most famous exchange chain, offering rates that consistently beat banks and other bureaux. There are two separate companies — SuperRich (green) and SuperRich 1965 (orange) — both offer excellent rates. Check their websites for current rates before visiting.

SuperRich locations: Multiple branches in Bangkok (Pratunam, Siam, Asok), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya. The Suvarnabhumi Airport branch (airside, near gate D) offers reasonable rates for an airport.

Other Good Exchange Options

• Vasu Exchange: Good rates, multiple Bangkok locations
• X-One Currency: Competitive rates in tourist areas
• Bank exchange counters: Decent rates at Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank

Where to Avoid Exchanging

• Hotel reception: Convenient but rates are typically 5-10% worse
• Airport landside: Poor rates compared to airside or city
• Tourist trap booths: Some Khao San Road booths have bad rates — compare first

How Much Cash to Bring to Thailand

Your daily budget in Thailand depends heavily on your travel style:

• Budget traveller: 1,000-1,500 THB/day (£23-35) — hostels, street food, local transport
• Mid-range: 2,000-4,000 THB/day (£45-90) — decent hotels, restaurants, some activities
• Comfortable: 5,000-10,000 THB/day (£115-230) — good hotels, nice restaurants, tours
• Luxury: 10,000+ THB/day — high-end resorts, fine dining, private tours

Recommended starting cash: Bring at least 10,000 THB (£230) equivalent for your first few days, then top up from ATMs or exchange bureaux as needed.

Thailand's Cash Requirement

Thailand officially requires tourists to show 20,000 THB (or equivalent ~£460) in cash on arrival. This is rarely checked but can be enforced, particularly for one-way tickets or suspected overstayers. Having access to funds via card statements is usually acceptable if questioned.