Managing money in Thailand is straightforward once you understand how things work on the ground. Cash is still widely used, cards are accepted in many places and money exchange services are easy to find. With a little planning, handling money in Thailand becomes simple and stress free.
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💱 Money Exchange in Thailand
Money exchange services are everywhere in Thailand, particularly in cities and tourist areas. You won’t struggle to find one, so there’s no need to exchange large amounts in advance. Rates can vary slightly, so it’s worth shopping around if you’re exchanging a bigger sum.
You’ll need your passport to exchange money, so keep it handy. Airport exchange counters usually offer poorer rates than those in town. We normally exchange a small amount at the airport, just enough to grab food or transport, then exchange more once we reach a city-based exchange with better rates.
💵 Cash Is Still King
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Thailand, especially in hotels, shopping centres and larger restaurants, cash is still king for everyday spending. Street food stalls, fruit vendors, local markets and small businesses usually only accept cash.
This is one of the biggest differences compared to places like China. In Thailand, having cash on hand makes daily travel far easier.
💳 Using Credit & Debit Cards
Cards work well for accommodation, tours and larger purchases. Apps like Grab are widely used and make payments very easy, as your card is preloaded and fares are clearly shown. We rely on Grab often, especially when arriving in a new place, as it removes the need for cash straight away.
Some businesses may add a small card surcharge, so it’s always worth checking before paying.
ATM Machines: There are ATM machines everywhere, but we try to avoid them where possible unless it is connected to a bank that is open for business.
🏦 Let Your Bank Know Before You Travel
This is an important step many travellers forget. We always register our travel dates and destinations with our bank before leaving the country. This helps the fraud department monitor for suspicious activity and reduces the risk of cards being blocked while travelling.
Most banks allow this to be done easily through their online banking app, and it only takes a few minutes. It’s well worth doing before you go.
🧮 Converting Baht to Your Home Currency
There are plenty of currency conversion apps available, but many require an internet connection. We prefer doing a quick mental conversion instead.
For us, converting Thai Baht to New Zealand dollars is simple:
- Divide the price by 20 for a rough estimate
- If your mind goes blank, divide by 10, then divide by 2
Once you get used to it, this becomes second nature and makes it much easier to gauge prices while browsing markets or menus.
🧭 Our Money Tips
- Carry a mix of cash and cards
- Keep small notes and coins, especially for local buses, markets and donations
- Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport
- Always carry your passport for money exchanges
- ATMs are widely available, but often charge a flat withdrawal fee
- Let your bank know your travel dates before you leave
- Use apps like Grab for easy, card-based payments
✨ Final Thoughts
Money matters in Thailand are refreshingly simple. With easy access to exchange services, widespread card acceptance and cash still playing a central role in daily life, it’s easy to find a system that works for you. A little preparation makes travelling smoother and avoids unnecessary stress.
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🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“Travel feels lighter when you understand how money moves where you are.”