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Answered8 years ago

Can I partially bring cash in a different currency when entering Thailand on a Tourist Visa?

Lewis *********
asked Nov 6, 2018
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Hey guys, flying into Thailand on a TV this week and I'm making sure I have my 3 proof-ofs.

Regarding the 20k baht cash: I currently have 10k in Thai Baht and the remainder in Indonesian Rupiah. I don't want to lose money on an exchange when I plan to return to Bali soon.

I just want to be absolutely sure they can't turn me away based on having half of it in baht, and half in another currency.

Will I be ok, or should I just eat the exchange fee and play it safe?

Note: I searched for this question and found some relevant answers, but nothing concrete about having the 20k *partially* in another currency, nor whether rupiah is accepted.
Answer summary
The user seeks clarification on Thailand's cash requirement for tourists, specifically if having 20,000 Baht partially in Indonesian Rupiah will be accepted upon entry. Various commenters share their experiences, noting that while typically questioned travelers with a history of frequent entries might be asked for proof of funds, it is often not a strict enforcement. Some recommend converting Rupiah to USD before travel for better assurance, as USD is widely accepted and recognized. The consensus suggests that while Rupiah is accepted in some exchange places in Thailand, converting to more universally accepted currencies like USD or Euro might reduce complications.
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Tod *********
Tod *********
and we're done.
Bob **********
Bob **********
I doubt If the’ll even ask but from what I read it’s 20k or the equivalent in another currency
Tod *********
Tod *********
unless you have an EXTENSIVE history of living here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries you are highly unlikely to be asked for proof of funds.

I'd say bring what you have and hope for the best.
Lewis *********
Lewis *********
OP
Thanks guys. The problem is, exchanging Rupiah to USD, then back to Baht or Rupiah is going to take a big bite out of me isn't it? I'd rather avoid going through that if it's likely they'll accept partial rupiah. :/
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
Probably not, the rates for USD are so good it is basically free. ~0.1% spread at Superrich, so $1 in every $1,000.

You generally want to avoid two changes, but the rates for USD at a good exchanger can be so low that it is often cheaper to go into it between two minor currencies, rather than directly.

The rates for IDR are good at Superrich, but still 15 times worse than USD- so even paying twice can work out better, presuming it is similar for USD vs THB the Indonesian end.
Claud *****
Claud *****
I was just there.. The only thing I got from them is a smile. Been to Thailand at least 6 times this year but some are just connecting flights.

I visit yearly, but stay at least one month in different countries on different continents.

Can someone clarify when are the instances that you get asked for proof other than the obvious that you only do visa runs every few months?
Liam *****
Liam *****
You can theoretically be asked for "3 proofs" (cash, onward travel, accommodation) any time. In practice it seems that people who have a history of back to back stays on TVs or visa exempts are the ones who tend to get asked
Jeremy ******
Jeremy ******
I wasn’t even aware there was a requirement to show funds for a TV....Have come in dozens of times over past 10 years and never been asked.
Zayid *******
Zayid *******
there's been dozens of horror stories on this fact just recently in this forum...a recurring issue
Liam *****
Liam *****
AFAIK the wording is 'major convertible currency'. Considering that the SCB counters immediately behind immigration DO change Indonesian Rupiah, one would assume that it counts. However, this is Thailand...
Liam *****
Liam *****
@Jeremy *****
Yeah, I meant to comply with the 'Must show 20k baht or equivalent rule'. I know that you can easily get rid of your INR in Bangkok. It was more 'if you want to be sure that immigration will accept the currency you show them, get some US$ or Euro when in Indonesa'
Jeremy ******
Jeremy ******
@Liam ****
I beg to differ! I fly between Bali and Bangkok frequently and found exchanging Rupiah at superrich pratunam was best way to go. Better exchange rate up there than anywhere else.
Liam *****
Liam *****
If you want to be 100% sure, then change your INR to US$ or Euro in Indonesia. This will be better value than getting baht there or getting rid of INR here...
Barry ******
Barry ******
USD
Phil ******
Phil ******
Convert to USD and you'll be fine. I wouldn't have converted Bhat in Indo... youve ALREADY lost in the spread. Bring USD over and convert locally.

Make sure you have evidence of OUTBOUND ticket and you'll be ok
Ron *******
Ron *******
Indonesian rupiah is a closed currency and isn't exchangeable
Jeremy ******
Jeremy ******
Indonesian Rupiah totally exchangeable, and good rates available at SuperRich Pratunam!
Liam *****
Liam *****
Sorry, but that's not true. I changed a fairly large amount of INR at Don Mueang a couple of months ago

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