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Thailand ATM & Money Guide

Understanding how money works in Thailand will save you significant amounts on fees and exchange rates. This guide covers everything you need to know about ATMs, currency exchange, credit cards, mobile payments, and how to get the best exchange rates. The Thai currency is the Baht (THB), and knowing how to manage your money smartly can save you hundreds of euros over a typical trip.

ATM Usage in Thailand

ATM Fees

All Thai ATMs charge a flat fee of 220 THB (~$6.50 USD) per withdrawal for foreign cards. This is in addition to any fees your home bank charges. The maximum withdrawal per transaction is typically 20,000-30,000 THB depending on the bank and ATM.

How to avoid: Minimize ATM visits by withdrawing the maximum amount each time. Use a travel-friendly bank card that reimburses foreign ATM fees (like Wise, Revolut, or N26). The Aeon ATM machines inside AEON and some 7-Elevens do not charge the 220 THB fee for some foreign cards.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Trap

When using an ATM, the machine will ask if you want to be charged in your home currency (EUR, USD, etc.) or in Thai Baht. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion. If you choose your home currency, the ATM applies a terrible exchange rate with a markup of 3-5%, costing you significantly more.

How to avoid: ALWAYS choose 'Thai Baht' or 'without conversion' when the ATM asks about currency. This lets your own bank handle the conversion at a much better rate. This applies to ATMs and credit card terminals in shops and restaurants too.

Best ATM Banks

ATMs are everywhere in Thailand - in shopping malls, 7-Elevens, airports, and on main streets. Major Thai banks include Bangkok Bank (blue), Kasikorn Bank (green), SCB (purple), Krungthai (light blue), and Krungsri (yellow). All charge the same 220 THB foreign card fee.

How to avoid: Look for Aeon ATMs (often in AEON stores and some malls) which may waive the 220 THB fee. Alternatively, Citibank ATMs (found in Bangkok) also do not charge the local ATM fee, though they are less common.

Currency Exchange

Best Exchange Rates

Exchange rates vary enormously between providers. Airport exchange booths offer the worst rates (5-10% below market rate). Banks offer moderate rates. The best rates are at licensed exchange offices in city centers, particularly SuperRich (green or orange), Vasu Exchange, and K79.

How to avoid: Exchange only a small amount at the airport for immediate needs (taxi, SIM card). Exchange the bulk of your money at SuperRich or similar city exchange offices. Check rates at superrichthailand.com before visiting.

Exchanging Euros

Euros are widely accepted at exchange offices throughout Thailand. As a major currency, EUR gets competitive rates. Bring clean, undamaged bills in large denominations (50 or 100 EUR notes) for the best rates - small or damaged bills may be refused or get lower rates.

How to avoid: Bring a mix of cash euros and a travel card like Wise. Euro notes should be crisp and unmarked for the best exchange rates at Thai exchange offices.

Digital Payments & Cards

Credit & Debit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, malls, large restaurants, and supermarkets. Many smaller shops, markets, and street food stalls are cash-only. Some merchants add a 2-3% surcharge for credit card payments. Contactless payments are becoming more common.

How to avoid: Always carry some cash (especially in smaller denominations) alongside your cards. Notify your bank before traveling to prevent card blocks. Use cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees (Wise, Revolut, N26, or bunq for Dutch travelers).

Wise Card (Recommended)

The Wise (formerly TransferWise) debit card is one of the best options for Thailand. It offers the real mid-market exchange rate with a small transparent fee, works at Thai ATMs, and reimburses or reduces ATM fees depending on your plan. You can hold Thai Baht in your account and convert at favorable rates.

How to avoid: Order your Wise card at least 2 weeks before your trip. Load it with euros and convert to THB when the rate is favorable. Set up in the app before departure.

QR Payments & Thai Banking Apps

Thailand has a highly developed QR payment system called PromptPay, used by almost all Thai vendors. However, this requires a Thai bank account. Some international apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at some tourist-oriented shops. Cash and international cards remain the best options for tourists.

How to avoid: If staying long-term, consider opening a Thai bank account (Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn are foreigner-friendly) to access PromptPay for seamless payments.

Tipping & Bargaining

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand but is appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill. If not, rounding up or leaving 20-50 THB is customary. For massages, a tip of 50-100 THB is standard. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but rounding up the fare is polite.

How to avoid: Check if service charge is already included in your restaurant bill before tipping extra. Keep small bills for tips.

Bargaining Tips

Bargaining is expected at markets, street stalls, and tuk-tuk/taxi rides without meters. It is not appropriate in shopping malls, restaurants, convenience stores, or places with fixed prices. Start at 40-60% of the asking price and work toward a fair middle ground.

How to avoid: Be friendly and smile while bargaining - it is a social interaction, not a confrontation. Walk away if the price is too high - the vendor will often call you back with a lower offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring cash euros or use a travel card?

Ideally both. Bring 200-300 EUR in cash (large denominations, clean bills) for exchange at SuperRich or similar offices at excellent rates. Use a Wise or Revolut card for ATM withdrawals and card payments as backup. This combination gives you the best rates and maximum flexibility.

How much money should I budget per day in Thailand?

Budget travelers can spend 800-1,500 THB/day ($25-45) using hostels, street food, and public transport. Mid-range travelers typically spend 2,000-4,000 THB/day ($60-115) with 3-star hotels, restaurants, and some activities. Luxury travelers can spend 6,000-15,000+ THB/day ($175-430+) at premium resorts with private tours and fine dining.

Can I use my Dutch debit card (Maestro) in Thailand?

Maestro cards work at most Thai ATMs for cash withdrawals, but are rarely accepted for point-of-sale payments. Visa and Mastercard debit cards are more widely accepted. Many Dutch travelers use a Wise or Revolut card alongside their regular bank card. Check with your bank about foreign usage fees before traveling.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Thailand?

Yes, ATMs in Thailand are generally safe. Use ATMs attached to bank branches or inside shopping malls for extra security. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Avoid standalone ATMs in dimly lit areas. Card skimming is rare but not unknown - check the card slot for anything unusual before inserting your card.

What denominations do Thai Baht come in?

Thai Baht banknotes come in 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple), and 1,000 (brown/grey) THB. Coins are 1, 2, 5, and 10 THB. Tip: Breaking 1,000 THB notes can be difficult at small shops and street stalls. Try to keep a supply of smaller bills for daily purchases.

Quick Tips

💡Always choose 'Thai Baht' when an ATM or card terminal asks about currency conversion - this saves you 3-5% every time.
💡Get a Wise or Revolut card before your trip - they offer the best exchange rates and lowest fees for Thailand.
💡Exchange your euros at SuperRich (green or orange branch) for the best rates in Bangkok and other major cities.
💡Keep 1,000-2,000 THB in small bills (20s, 50s, 100s) in a separate pocket for daily expenses like food and transport.