Money & Exchange in Thailand
Last updated: January 2025
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB or ฿). Here's everything you need to know about getting the best rates, avoiding ATM fees, and budgeting for your Pattaya trip.
Quick Reference
| Currency | Approx. Exchange Rate (Feb 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | ~31.5 THB |
| 1 EUR | ~37.2 THB |
| 1 GBP | ~42.9 THB |
| 1 AUD | ~22.1 THB |
Rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates at XE.com or Google Finance.
Cash vs. Cards in Thailand
Cash is Still King
Thailand is more cash-dependent than many Western countries. You'll need cash for:
- Street food and local restaurants
- Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and motorbike taxis
- Markets and small shops
- Most beach activities and small tour operators
- Tips and small purchases
Where Cards Work
Credit and debit cards are accepted at:
- Shopping malls and large stores
- Mid-range to high-end restaurants
- Hotels
- 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Big C, Lotus's
- Grab (ride-hailing app)
- Some tour companies
Always carry some cash, even if you prefer cards. Many businesses add a 2-3% surcharge for card payments.
Getting Thai Baht: Your Options
Option 1: Exchange Cash (Best Rates)
Bringing cash from home and exchanging it in Thailand gives you the best exchange rates.
| Exchange | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SuperRich (Orange) | Central Festival, 2nd Floor | Best known brand, competitive rates |
| Troll & Underhill | Near Walking Street | Excellent rates, friendly service |
| Vasu Exchange | Jomtien | Convenient for Jomtien visitors |
| Purple exchange booth | Outside The Avenue, 2nd Road | Good rates |
| Exchange near Lek Hotel | 2nd Road, opposite The Avenue | Consistently good rates |
- Larger bills get better rates ($100 USD vs $20 USD)
- Compare 2-3 exchanges before committing
- Avoid airport exchanges — rates are 3-5% worse
- Rates change throughout the day
- Bring clean, undamaged bills (torn or marked notes may be rejected)
Option 2: ATM Withdrawal
ATMs are everywhere in Thailand but come with fees. All Thai ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee:
| Bank | Fee | Max Withdrawal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEON | 150 THB | 20,000 THB | Lowest fee — found in Big C, Lotus's, malls |
| Krungsri (Yellow) | 220 THB | 30,000 THB | Higher limit |
| Bangkok Bank (Blue) | 220 THB | 25,000 THB | Widespread |
| Kasikorn (Green) | 220 THB | 25,000 THB | Widespread |
| SCB (Purple) | 220 THB | 25,000 THB | Best exchange rates |
ALWAYS decline "conversion" — When the ATM asks if you want to be charged in your home currency, select NO/THB. This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which adds 3-5% markup.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often — The fee is flat, so withdrawing 20,000 THB once beats 5,000 THB four times
- Use AEON ATMs — Found in Big C, Lotus's, Makro, and most malls. 150 THB fee vs 220 THB elsewhere
- Check your home bank's fees — Some banks charge additional foreign transaction fees on top of Thai ATM fees
Your total ATM cost: Thai fee (150-220 THB) + Your bank's fee + Exchange rate markup
Option 3: Wise (TransferWise) Card
The Wise debit card offers near-interbank exchange rates with low fees.
- No monthly fees
- Mid-market exchange rate
- Still pay Thai ATM fee (150-220 THB)
- Withdraw up to 2 free ATM withdrawals per month (then 1.75% fee)
- Good for paying at shops that accept cards
Best strategy: Use Wise for card purchases, use cash exchanges for Thai Baht.
Option 4: Credit Cards
Use credit cards for larger purchases at hotels, malls, and restaurants.
- Cards with no foreign transaction fees (Capital One, Chase Sapphire, etc.)
- Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere cards work
- Amex has limited acceptance
Warning: Many merchants add 2-3% surcharge for credit card payments. Ask before paying.
Proof of Funds for Immigration
Immigration may ask you to prove you have money for your stay:
| Entry Type | Per Person | Per Family |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption / Tourist Visa | 20,000 THB | 40,000 THB |
| Visa on Arrival | 10,000 THB | 20,000 THB |
Important: Carry cash to show at immigration. Bank apps and statements may not be accepted. See our Visa & Entry guide for details.
Daily Budgets for Pattaya
Budget Traveler (฿800-1,500/day | $23-43 USD)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | ฿300-500 |
| Street food (3 meals) | ฿200-300 |
| Songthaew transport | ฿50-100 |
| One activity | ฿200-500 |
| Drinks/snacks | ฿100-200 |
Lifestyle: Hostels, street food, local transport, free beaches, budget activities.
Mid-Range Traveler (฿2,000-3,500/day | $57-100 USD)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3-star hotel | ฿800-1,500 |
| Mix of restaurants | ฿500-800 |
| Grab/motorbike taxi | ฿200-400 |
| Activities | ฿500-1,000 |
| Drinks/entertainment | ฿300-500 |
Lifestyle: Comfortable hotel, good restaurants, occasional taxis, multiple activities, some nightlife.
Luxury Traveler (฿5,000-10,000+/day | $143-285+ USD)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4-5 star hotel | ฿3,000-8,000+ |
| Fine dining | ฿1,500-3,000 |
| Private transport | ฿500-1,000 |
| Premium activities | ฿2,000-5,000 |
| Premium nightlife | ฿2,000+ |
Lifestyle: Luxury hotels, international restaurants, private tours, premium experiences.
Typical Prices in Pattaya (2025)
Food & Drink
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Street food meal (pad thai, rice dishes) | ฿50-80 |
| Local restaurant meal | ฿100-200 |
| Western restaurant meal | ฿250-500 |
| Fine dining | ฿800-2,000+ |
| Beer (7-Eleven) | ฿45-60 |
| Beer (bar) | ฿80-150 |
| Cocktail (bar) | ฿150-300 |
| Water bottle (7-Eleven) | ฿10-15 |
| Coffee (cafe) | ฿60-120 |
Transport
| Transport | Price |
|---|---|
| Songthaew (fixed route) | ฿10-20 |
| Songthaew (charter) | ฿100-200 |
| Motorbike taxi (short ride) | ฿30-50 |
| Motorbike taxi (longer ride) | ฿50-100 |
| Grab car (Beach Road to Jomtien) | ฿80-150 |
| Motorbike rental (day) | ฿200-350 |
| Car rental (day) | ฿800-1,500 |
Activities
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Koh Larn ferry (round trip) | ฿60 |
| Koh Larn speedboat | ฿150-300 |
| Thai massage (1 hour) | ฿200-400 |
| Sanctuary of Truth entry | ฿500 |
| Nong Nooch Garden entry | ฿500-800 |
| Coral Island snorkeling tour | ฿800-1,500 |
Money Tips & Warnings
Do's
- Carry small bills — Street vendors often can't break 1,000 THB notes
- Count your change — Mistakes happen, sometimes not accidentally
- Keep exchange receipts — Useful for large amounts or disputes
- Use bank transfers for large amounts — Safer than carrying lots of cash
- Notify your bank before traveling — Avoid card blocks
Don'ts
- Don't exchange at the airport — Rates are significantly worse
- Don't accept Dynamic Currency Conversion — Always pay in THB
- Don't flash large amounts of cash — Be discreet
- Don't carry all your money — Use hotel safe, split cash between locations
- Don't use unofficial money changers — Stick to licensed exchanges
Tipping in Thailand
Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated:
| Situation | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Hotel porter | ฿20-50 per bag |
| Housekeeping | ฿20-50/day |
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% or round up |
| Restaurant (with service charge) | Optional small tip |
| Massage | ฿50-100 |
| Tour guide (full day) | ฿100-300 |
| Taxi/Grab (excellent service) | Round up |
Note: Many restaurants already include a 10% service charge. Check your bill.
FAQs
Should I bring USD or exchange before I arrive?
Bring your home currency in cash. USD, EUR, and GBP get good rates. Exchange in Thailand, not at home — Thai rates are much better.
Are there ATMs everywhere?
Yes. 7-Elevens, malls, banks, and tourist areas all have ATMs. You'll never be far from one.
Can I use Apple Pay / Google Pay?
Limited. Some 7-Elevens and malls accept them, but don't rely on mobile payments.
What if my card is declined?
Try another ATM (different bank), call your bank to check for blocks, or use a backup card. Always travel with two cards from different providers.
Is haggling expected?
Yes, at markets and with some tour operators. Not at restaurants, shops with fixed prices, or 7-Eleven.
Last updated: February 2026
