The Thai baht (THB, ฿) is the only currency used for everyday payments in Thailand. Cards and mobile pay are common in cities, but — as we locals know — markets, street food stalls, songthaews, and many small shops still expect cash.

Arrive with some baht or a plan to withdraw soon after landing. Also be ready to show proof of funds at immigration if asked (see below).

Thai baht basics

• Coins: ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10 (and smaller satang coins rarely used).
• Notes: ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, ฿1,000.
• Prices are usually rounded; haggling is normal at markets, not in malls.
• Keep smaller notes for taxis, temples, and street vendors who may not have change for ฿1,000.

ATMs

ATMs are everywhere — airports, 7-Eleven, banks, and malls. They accept international Visa, Mastercard, and some UnionPay cards.

• Foreign card fee: Most Thai bank ATMs charge a 220 THB (approx.) fee per withdrawal for overseas cards, in addition to any fee your home bank charges.
• Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce the per-transaction fee (daily limits vary; often ฿20,000–30,000 per withdrawal).
• Choose “Without conversion” / pay in THB when the machine offers dynamic currency conversion (DCC) — your bank’s rate is usually better.
• Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocked cards.

Currency exchange

Licensed money changers (SuperRich, banks, airport counters) give better rates than hotels. Compare buy/sell boards — the spread matters.

• Airport rates are convenient but slightly less competitive; exchange a small amount for immediate needs, then find a city branch if you carry cash.
• US dollars, euros, pounds, and yen are widely accepted; crisp notes in good condition get the best rate.
• Keep exchange receipts if you plan to convert baht back before departure.

Bringing more than USD 20,000 (or equivalent) in cash? You must declare it to customs — see our customs guide.

Credit and debit cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, chain restaurants, and many mid-range eateries. JCB, UnionPay, and American Express work at some merchants — ask first.

• Street food, markets, tuk-tuks, and small guesthouses often take cash only.
• Some shops add a 3% card surcharge; check before paying.
• Contactless (tap) pay is growing at supermarkets and cafés.

PromptPay and mobile wallets — limits for tourists

PromptPay is Thailand’s national QR payment system linked to Thai bank accounts and phone numbers. We use it daily for everything from coffee to taxi fares.

As a short-term visitor, you typically cannot register a full PromptPay profile without a Thai bank account. Workarounds:

• Alipay / WeChat Pay — accepted at many merchants via cross-border QR (mainly Chinese tourists; availability varies).
• TrueMoney wallet — tourists can top up at 7-Eleven with cash and pay at participating shops (not full PromptPay coverage).
• GrabPay — works inside the Grab app for rides and GrabFood when linked to a card.

Do not assume you can scan every Thai QR code with a foreign banking app — carry cash as backup.

Why cash still matters

• Street food, night markets, and rural transport
• Temple donations and small entrance fees
• Tuk-tuks, some taxis, and parking
• Islands and villages with weak card infrastructure
• Tips and small purchases — see tipping notes in our Thailand overview

Proof of funds for immigration

Immigration officers may ask to see you have enough money for your stay. Amounts published for tourist entry (see our visa guide and checklist):

• Visa exemption: about 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family (cash, bank statement, or equivalent).
• Visa on arrival: about 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family.

We recommend carrying a recent bank statement or showing an ATM balance — not flashing large cash stacks in the queue.