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Is it better to carry cash or use cards for travel in Thailand?
Thailand travelcash vs cardATM feesvisa and international transactionslocal payment methodsforex and exchange ratesexpat travel tips
Apr 1, 2022
4 years ago
Anisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi All,
Is carrying cash for Thailand travel a convenient option or cards are accepted as well everywhere in small stores /malls/hotels for international travellers ??
Kindly confirm.
Is carrying cash for Thailand travel a convenient option or cards are accepted as well everywhere in small stores /malls/hotels for international travellers ??
Kindly confirm.
TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling in Thailand, it is advisable to carry cash as many local shops and restaurants do not accept cards. While larger establishments like hotels and shopping malls may accept credit or debit cards, they often impose minimum spending limits and high fees for international transactions. ATMs typically charge a withdrawal fee and present unfavorable exchange rates. Therefore, tourists are encouraged to withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees or use cash for day-to-day expenses, particularly in rural areas where card acceptance is limited.
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David ***********
Cash only small amount, you use đ§ but remember you will be charged by your bank and the bank here
Peter ***********
@David **********
seems when using ATM you want to w draw the maximum. It works out to being a more efficient cost % than w draw of small amounts.David ***********
Reply to
David ***********
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Kool *******
Also be very aware that very few places accept American Express cards.
Peter ***********
@Kool ******
, AMEX charges merchants the highests fees. Can't blame anyone who doesn't honor that card.Reply to
Peter ***********
Reply
Mitchell *******
Yeah, you will definitely want Baht in your pocket, no matter how you get it. Most tourists exchange their Dollar/pounds/euro etc as soon as they can after arriving. Save the credit cards for larger purchases, or emergency withdrawals.
David *******
I even used travellers cheques until I opened accounts here, I never ever use my UK or HK cards as its wayyy too expensive. 200Baht fee in atm, then barclays add two further costs.
Peter ***********
I use credit cards wherever accepted. As long as your card has no foreign transaction fees. ATM charges are high out of your country so bring a bunch of cash to exchange & use , like street vendors & outdoor markets.
Todd *********
@Peter **********
if your card has no foreign transaction fees, it has a poor exchange rate. You lose either way.Peter ***********
@Todd ********
, you think the money changes don't shave profit from exchanges? + much safer w a credit card where accepted. ImhoPeter ***********
+ it pay $100 towards Global Entry.
Peter ***********
@Todd ********
chase Saphire reserve has a pricy annual fee BUT they exchange rate is excellent, ot credits certain amounts on you 1st purchase of air fares each year. It gives you a "Priototy Pass" allowing you + a friend access to business lounges (oncluning Bangkok ... awesome. Double points, you can redeem on Chase webdite which is run by expedia, use points for hotel rooms. Emergence toadise assistance ( locked keys in my rental car. Collision damage waiver when you rent a car. It's the very best card I've found. Of course not all cars offer the same. Have to do your homework. I did.Peter ***********
@Todd ********
. Not true. I use a Chase card. My exchang rates are excrllent.Todd *********
@Peter **********
yes. Peter itâs true. You will be amazed to learn the banks donât offer this as a free to Pete. And as a long time shareholder I fully support them taking advantage of lack of financial literacy out there. There are many cards that can be advantageous to the user depending on lifestyle, spending patterns, travel etc. And itâs an extremely competitive arena to the factors are ever changing. Find the one that works for you. But very few people truly understand the dynamics and real cost of currency exchangePeter ***********
@Todd ********
, true datReply to
Peter ***********
Reply
Nick *******
@Todd ********
Good point. I didn't know that. Is that true on all cards? As i do have one uk credit card with no fees abroad.Todd *********
@Nick ******
generally speaking, yes, itâs true for all cards. Itâs quite easy from a marketing perspective to claim âno feesâ. Great for clients. But the way they recover it from their unsuspecting clients is to charge 2.5% in the exchange rate. So if you but $1000 worth of stuff their exchange rate is 2.5%, it actually costs you $25. And you never see it.David *******
@Todd ********
barclays does same with a no fees international transfer, it works out more cost effective to use wise with a transfer fee as the rate is so much better.Todd *********
@David ******
agree. Wise/XE or similar is ideal as long as you have a bank account in the next countryReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Tom *******
Almost everyone says âcash is king,â yet few seem to know & nobody has mentioned that, in the future, we are heading for a digital universe where there will be no cash. We will have cryptocurrencies & central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) so enjoy your cash while you can :-)
Tom *******
Iâll just leave this here.
**************************************************************************
Bonnie *******
@Tom ******
How in the heck will that work in Thailand where iy is all small businesses. Where I live very few places can take a cardTom *******
@Bonnie ******
look around you. Things are changing very fast and even many small vendors in Thailand are taking QR code payments nowadays. Eventually, when so much cash is removed from circulation (as it was in India a few years ago), people have no choice but to use cryptocurrencies, QR codes and other ways of transferring digital money. There in November 2016, Modi outlawed 86% of cash in circulation supposedly to target undeclared âblack moneyâ and fight corruption, but it was really to fast-track the digitization of the Indian currency, the rupee.Bonnie *******
@Tom ******
I am in a village...no credit cardsTom *******
@Bonnie ******
read it again. Nobody mentioned credit cards.Bonnie *******
@Tom ******
Ok, whatever, I don't see all the farmers with smart phones.Tom *******
@Bonnie ******
well if you think farmers are going to avoid digitization and carry on using legacy banking as they supposedly do now, this might tell you what the future is of retail banking. I hate to break this to you, but governments around the world donât give a toss about farmers, old people or indeed anybody whoâs not conversant with modern digital processes. It will be Darwinism on steroids. Theyâll either have to get with the (digital) program or not. Governments donât care either way. **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*****
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-bank-branches-in-southeast-asia-to-shut-over-next-decade?fbclid=IwAR0OIQqRDYuZ_xctO4qL5MMtwE9XYMoWP8TbNmmct-Ciz25BmitewwHac64Bonnie *******
@Tom ******
I am not going to freak out about his, and I am hoarding cash.Tom *******
@Bonnie ******
good luck with that. At least now you know, when you later look back and reflect, that you wonât be able to say you werenât warned.Bonnie *******
@Tom ******
Wth do you want me to do about it. You warn, but with what advice???Tom *******
@Bonnie ******
get yourself through KYC on a Thai cryptocurrency exchange like BitKub.com. Then invest in cryptocurrencies and hedge your bets like any sensible person would. Other than that, the only advice I can give you is to DYOR. Good luck either way.Reply to
Tom *******
Reply
David *******
@Tom ******
you will be long gone by the time that happens here, if ever.Maxim ***********
@Tom ******
ZzZzZ.... Boooooring! Nobody care about your fragile ego, carry on. "Not in our lifetime" is right. Ive paid with Bitcoin at restaurant before, does this mean that fiat is disappearing? No, not anytime soon. You can love crypto as I do and still have some common sense left. World changes to that extend take a very long time to occur and its baby step after baby step. "1-2 years", braaaaaah! LOL!Maxim ***********
Booooooooooooooring! Anarchist-granola.
John ***********
@Maxim **********
says the Canadian who's prime Minister made himself a dictator and confiscated an old ladys bank account because she donated 50 dollars to the freedom truckers who were branded domestic terrorists.Reply to
John ***********
Reply
John ***********
@Tom ******
programmable digital currency will be the end of freedom and complete control of the people by the banking system. God help the world if that ever happens.
William *******
@John **********
Agree. Ones digital cash can be easily turned off.John ***********
@William ******
if you haven't noticed yet, the electronic programmable US dollar is not block chain either. That way central banks can skim and cheat like they do now with total and complete impunity. This is the end game to the world globalists agenda. Complete control of all the people by business and government in the world thru this electronic media.
Tom *******
@John **********
well said and itâs surprising how ignorant so many are of this and who resort to ad hominem attacks when itâs pointed out to them. I believe DLT will at least mitigate many of the risks of governments stealing your wealth and any others that are frictionless and trustless which can disintermediate any and all third parties intent on skimming off the top. My moneyâs on XRP & XLM.John ***********
@Tom ******
I'm trying to figure out to keep my independence while fighting off these radical power hungry, devil worshipping plutarchistsTom *******
@John **********
yes, you need a plan to do that. I have a breakdown of my assets in the following wayâ30% in 4 propertiesâ40% precious metals comprising physical gold and silverâand the rest is in cryptos (incl. relatively small amounts of cash).John ***********
@Tom ******
đGordon *******
@William ******
, Thereby giving the state complete control over youJohn ***********
@Gordon ******
don't forget businesses too, as they will have you sign your rights away in their Terms of service agreementsGordon *******
Agree, The Globalists have used the covid virus as an. excuse to push forward this cashless society onto us more quicker. Purely about control and United Nations Agenda 2030
John ***********
@Gordon ******
biden signed an executive order while everyone is busy watching Ukraine to try to fast track it during his illegitimate presidencyGordon *******
@John **********
-Typical Democrats. Unbelievable news and the Media still lying and not telling the truthJohn ***********
@Gordon ******
nothing ever changesReply to
John ***********
Reply
Luciano ***********
@Tom ******
Many Many decades awayTom *******
@Luciano **********
look to Thailandâs northern border. China, the most populous nation, is already using its own CBDC and has been for a while. 70 other countries are either developing digital currencies or already using them as payment systems. The future is already here.Reply to
Tom *******
Reply
Todd *********
@Tom ******
not in our lifetimesTom *******
@Todd ********
already here.David *******
@Tom ******
come to my local market and shops and try it lolTodd *********
@Tom ******
lol, not even close. It's a big world.Tom *******
@Todd ********
you can stick your head in the sand and pretend youâre an ostrich, but Thailand is already developing its own CBDC along with many other countries. Iâll give it one to two years max before they bring it in and where all government employees will be paid using that very CBDC. Eventually, they will remove all banknotes and outlaw cash in the country. Google it. This is a plan thatâs been in the works for many decades.Mitchell *******
@Tom ******
đ¤¨Long way away for Thailand.Todd *********
@Tom ******
lol, you can keep your head where all you can see is ascending colon. Wake up dreamer boy. Quit watching youtube and get a lifeTom *******
@Todd ********
yeah Iâm a dreamer boy that just crashed into a wall of reality. Maybe you should do the same. **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*****
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-bank-branches-in-southeast-asia-to-shut-over-next-decade?fbclid=IwAR0OIQqRDYuZ_xctO4qL5MMtwE9XYMoWP8TbNmmct-Ciz25BmitewwHac64Reply to
Tom *******
Reply
Edna *******
I always order Baht from my bank in America. The service is swift and the bills always new and crisp. One can order assorted denominations. I always take cash as I go to the village areas in Isaan areas. Of course cards for emergencies. ATMâS everywhere. Check rates first, not every bank is the same.
David *******
@Edna ******
thats expensive way to do it, the rates are bad. You can always go to level 1 in \swampy airport to exchange.Reply to
David *******
Reply
Michael ******
Cash is king
Brian ********
Apply for the Wise debit card and use it in every shop, restaurant, shopping mall, you like you will always get the best exchange rate and you can top it up whenever you like especially if you have a budget
Luciano ***********
@Brian *******
what are the transaction fees please?Brian ********
@Luciano **********
hope this helps *****************************************************************
*****
51/how-much-are-spending-feesLuciano ***********
@Brian *******
it helps a little but does not say what the fee from the bank who owns the ATM machine is. Wise explains what fees Wise will charge but not the ATM fee from the Thai bank is unless i am understanding incorrectlyBrian ********
@Luciano **********
i have a Wise debit card but I never use it for ATM withdrawals only paying for goods and services and I can top up whenever I need too I have heard that if you go into a bank and ask them you want to withdraw money on the card there is no fee from Thai bank but you have to show passportLuciano ***********
@Brian *******
OK thank you.Reply to
Luciano ***********
Reply
Russell ********
Get the wise app better exchange rate
Gordon *******
Cash is always king in Thailand.
Have cards for Emergency or to pay large costs... Hotels etc.
Otherwise always cash
Have cards for Emergency or to pay large costs... Hotels etc.
Otherwise always cash
John-Paul ******
Cards are all accepted except most local small shops and markets. I say most
.. but it depends. But make sure the cards are free from international transaction fees. Forget Amex... really only MC or Visa. Amex at only very high end places and hotels.
.. but it depends. But make sure the cards are free from international transaction fees. Forget Amex... really only MC or Visa. Amex at only very high end places and hotels.
Miguel **********
In most places its convenient to have a thai bankaccount and pay through an app from that bank, using a qr code. Cash is always a good backup to have
Garry ********
Cash is king , no marked notes , I always take ÂŁ50 đđťđđť
Anisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks all for your inputs .
Anisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTERJack ******
If you change to HSBC bank itâs exactly like having a Thai bank account. You donât get fees.
David *******
@Jack *****
are you sure? My wife had HSBC in UK but was charged for using card here, I have one in HK same thing, I also looked to transfer from HK to K+ but it was better to transfer from HK to K+ using wise.David *******
@Jack *****
exchange rates for the withdrawals?Jack ******
@David ******
for everything you pay for including withdrawalsDavid *******
@Jack *****
interested to see the exchange rates for transactions and withdrawals, I will try a transfer again next month and see what rate is and compare overall with wise, last time was better with wise, I did not try withdrawal with card here as I use k+ I would be surprised if rate was good otherwise people would just use arms to get money here and not transfers lol they only do things to make money, in reality nothing is free with a bank, they make money from it some howReply to
David *******
Reply
Jack ******
@David ******
this is the account I gotReply to
Jack ******
Reply
Dave *********
@Jack *****
Has that changed recently I thought the exchange rate and a fee appeared on your statement with a UK HSBC card (maybe Aus HSBC is different)?Jack ******
@Dave ********
donât think so for me đReply to
Jack ******
Reply
Tomasz ****************
Get revolut or similar card, then you pay only 220 Bath for transaction and get the best possible exchange rate. 7eleven, big supermarkets and restaurant chain accept cards.
Richard ***********
@Tomasz ***************
Revolut also charges 1% exchange fee into Thai Baht because it's says it's a "rare" currency. Even for Metal cardholders. I use my Revolut Metal card to extract my limit of ÂŁ800 a month in Thai Baht costing 2 x Baht220 ATM fees and there's always Revolut's additional 1% rare currency exchange fee. It makes it a bit more expensive than Wise.Brett **********
Small places cash. Supermarkets and convenience stores card is fine , just pay in baht and don't do the exchange in the store if offered
Brett **********
@Tomasz ***************
apart from Wise and Revolut has a maximum cash withdrawals before they charge extra fees, which I think is just ÂŁ250 a month for the basic cardTomasz ****************
@Brett *********
maybe, there are so many cards like this all of them free of charge if you need more than 250punds you can get another card but I guess for summer holidays in Thailand 250 pounds is more than enough for most of peopleReply to
Tomasz ****************
Reply
Todd *********
Cash. Cash. Or cash if you donât have a Thai bank account. Then itâs all about scan or transfer for all transactions
Duncan *******
Cash is by far the easiest. Cards are accepted in bigger hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets and other large retailers but in general everyday transactions, cards won't be accepted. QR Code payments have become huge here in the last 3-4 years - even local market-stall holders accept QR Code payments but you need a Thai bank account to use the system.
David *******
use cash, you will get a crap exchange rate with a card and they will charge you a 1-3% fee. And don't use a credit card in a atm machine you will get hit for 5.5% foreign exchange fee.
Robert **********
Many places have a ฿300 minimum for cards, attract a poor exchange rate and service fee to accept foreign cards, the 3rd party verification service rejects your card, or âthe machine is broken.â Pay for hotels on Expedia or similar, bring cash and exchange for baht.
Stuart *********
Almost all ATM transactions will cost you 220 baht regardless of the amount you withdraw. To mitigate the cost take out the maximum each time. Usually 20 or 30k.
Kool *******
@Stuart ********
also be aware that ATMs charge a conversion fee of bt1.2 on every dollar. If you go to a bank and exchange dollars at the bank, then do the same thing at their ATM machines, your withdrawal will be bt1.2 less per dollar. This is a fee most aren't aware of. So not only do you pay the bt220 you wouldn't pay exchanging cash, but you also get a lower exchange rate by bt1.2 per dollar. ATM withdrawals are the most expensive way to get cash. Then lots of foreign banks also charge an extra 3% for foreign withdrawals of cash.Brett **********
@Kool ******
never take the conversion option at the ATMKool *******
@Brett *********
well, in all but maybe three ATM machines in all of the country you do not have a choice. You get Thai baht exchanged from whatever your home currency is, and it is bt1.2 less than changing cash at the same bank.Brett **********
And I've not come across a single machine that forces you to take the exchange so not sure which ones youve been using
Brett **********
@Kool ******
it's at whatever visa or MasterCard rate is at when you take in local currency. If you accept the machines offer to convert then you get the worst rateReply to
Brett **********
Reply
Luciano ***********
Huge fees using cards. I normally use a travel card then withdraw in
*****
vsht lots to Lenten the ATM charges for foreign cardsTodd *********
@Luciano **********
ATM charged 220 baht per transaction. Take out 30k each timeDavid *******
@Todd ********
you can add the foreign use fees onto that alsoTodd *********
@David ******
generally very true. My bank 'plan' allows 5 free international transactions per month. Most banks have some sort of similar plan availableReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Luciano ***********
@Todd ********
or that amount but you get my idea. This year I am just transferring money into my wife's account. Better exchange rate and very low ATM feesTodd *********
@Luciano **********
yes no ATM charges for Thai bankingReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Paulus *********
Cash
Garrett ***********
Cash is king in Southeast Asia. Most local restaurants don't accept cards, most malls do but charge a fee and have a minimum purchase amount.
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
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