Answered7 months ago
What are the cash requirements for entering Thailand on a tourist visa?
Cash on hand.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the requirement for tourists entering Thailand to show proof of having at least 20,000 THB in cash. Many comments express frustration, citing that this requirement is outdated in an era where digital payments are prevalent. While some users have never been asked for cash upon entry, others note that immigration may enforce this rule selectively, mainly targeting those they perceive as suspicious. It highlights a divide in opinions on the necessity and practicality of carrying that much cash, especially when alternatives like bank statements or digital payment methods are increasingly common and preferred.
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Cary **********
What a concept! 
Tongjun **
Good,
Diana *********
Of course you need £500!
Jessie ******
Always bring cash
Never know what could happen
Could be a shut down / lock down.
Cash 💰 is King
Never know what could happen
Could be a shut down / lock down.
Cash 💰 is King
Alison ********
And they wonder why tourism is down 👎
Matt *******
Applies at the counter selectively.
Matt *******
Seems more of a psychological marker of how much each spend with reverse effect than encouraging tourists' spending. They will be looking for lower level engagements on that onset and becomes more costs conscious although that minimum provides an entry buffer but not for their entire stay of a month or more. A costs benefit approach to this requirement will be useful as perceivable, tourists spend more when these markers were absent and less after these markers were enforced
Karin *********
Martin *******
Why are people from india allowed to sleep on the beach, do they not have to show proof of money & hotel?
Shahaping **********
sorry but is there any reliable source for this ? Yes the regulation exist but i never heard from someone experienced it or know someone had to show cash, I call this BS.
Ci ******
Who in the world carry that much cash with them?
Tialda *********
I completely missed that it needed to be in actual physical cash when I travelled in last November. Guess I was lucky 😅 But also as a woman travelling alone I would be hesitant to walk out of an airport, tired from a long haul flight, carrying £500, with everyone knowing I have that much cash on me. I might just as well wear a sign saying "rob me".
Han ********
Is there a source other than 'trust me bro, I run a Facebook page.' ?
Sam ********
Good
David ********
Are they going to count out
*****
baht from every visitor that will take absolutely ages.
Cliff *********
I have been in an out of Thailand many times, including yesterday.
They never asked to see my money (which I always have).
Stop scaremongering already!
They never asked to see my money (which I always have).
Stop scaremongering already!
Ivan *********
It's changes each day the stupid rules in Thailand don't they want visitors
Just make it 90 days on arrival anyone break the rules no entry for 10 years.
Just make it 90 days on arrival anyone break the rules no entry for 10 years.
Alison ********
Ivan Glossop yes while they complain about no tourism.
Glenn *******
Sent back at your own expense which would often be more than the amount required to enter. Doesn’t make sense 😂
Collywobble **********
no big deal and cash is king but all of these posts drip feed the idea that thailand is no longer friendly
Ray ******
I read it can be the equivalent in a foreign currency. I normaly change my bigger cash up downstairs at Super Rich, which would be over 20,000 baht.
Jason ********
Finally! I'm tired of bringing all that cash, x2, and never being asked to show it!
Chase *******
Take Thailand off the tours list
Andrew *******
Ffs
Larry *********
isn't the financial requirement already on the books. its a non issue. when you travel you bring money and a toothbrush.
William *******
When I’m in my home country I have more than the equivalent of 20,000 baht in my pocket. Why the outrage to have that amount as a visitor to the Kingdom?
Matthew ********
bye bye.loads of other places.
Klaus ***********
The ticket back at their own expense is probably more than 20,000 baht in many cases
Trustworth***********
The rule has been in place for years and I always carry enough cash, but in the years I have come to Thailand repeatedly, I have never been asked. Clearly it’s a rule to give the authorities the backing to stop “low quality visitors” at the border. A quick look at the ex-pat press will confirm that Thailand has a huge problem with unruly “tourists” - mostly angry alcoholics, by the way.
Jacques **********
Just came in with zero cash in my pocket 3 days ago only with my bank cards. No question no problem. In fact I did the same the past 6 years. In most malls a lot of shops actually dont accept cash anymore .....
Liam ***********
Never had to show anything other than my passport in the last 20 years, never asked for anything else and I’ve just passed through immigration in the last few days and not heard of anybody else been asked this question either
Liam ***********
Really
Never had to show anything other than my passport in the last 20 years and I’ve just recently passed through immigration and I’ve never seen anybody else or heard of anybody else having to supply this information
Never had to show anything other than my passport in the last 20 years and I’ve just recently passed through immigration and I’ve never seen anybody else or heard of anybody else having to supply this information
Dek ******
I go every year for 3 months and have never been asked about funds
Robert *****
If you’re a frequent visitor like me they already know all about you when you’re in line to check in. Thailands facial recognition system is top tier. I usually bring 8 grand USD in cash but never have been asked.
Paul *************
Funny really that they want you to have 20k in cash when most Thais don't use cash these days.
Martin *******
Paul Carl Ikens most Thai's dont earn 20,000b a month
Paul ****
Paul Carl Ikens no problem , can use on streetfood .
Amsterdam ***********
In an age of digital payments this is of course crazy. Apart from the fact that it is very disadvantageous to have to purchase Bath's outside Thailand. they are walking backwards instead of forwards with these measures.
Trustworth***********
Amsterdam Amsterdam You don’t have to have bahts, the equivalent in any currency is fine.
Mitchell *******
Easy things to do for entry.
Rick ****
*****
baht is about $600! Just bring it and stop worrying about it.
Simon *******
This will fk up the wobble heads 😆
Ronny *************
I see this every day here in Thailand. This is one of many pages or people who want more likes, and are trying to create hysteria and make people anxious etc. Write something sensible instead🙏
Charles *********
You idiots in the past with all your illegal actions ect, created this and more😡
Jóhann **************
Fake
Tristan *********
Oh I wonder how our Subcontinent cousins will like this....?
Martin *******
Rubbish i never was asked to show proof even though always have cash
Ruud **********
How they will check? make the queues at immigration even longer.
Bruce *******
Ruud Maenhout its bs stop believing this stuff
Phil ********
If you can't carry
*****
baht in cash on you then that's your issue.
Brian *********
Okay, so according to this post (and please don’t beat me up for asking cause I’m just trying to make sure I have the correct information), when I land into Bangkok for my vacation for 12 days, in order to be able to get out of the airport and travel to my hotel, I need to have $700 in my pocket to show the Thai immigration officers?
My concern is either losing all that money or being targeted to being robbed. Please advise. Thanks.
My concern is either losing all that money or being targeted to being robbed. Please advise. Thanks.
Robert *****
Brian Tillman Yes, but only if asked. Getting asked is very rare.
Andy *******
I have been to Thailand minimum 2 trips per year for over twenty years and have never been asked about cash , I have just got back and as of writing this sitting in thaiair lounge waiting for domestic flight and was again not asked about how much cash I had
Fred ********************
everybody doing so difficult. You choose for Thailand so also the rules....just have the money on you, so difficult?
Dharmesh ********
I think Belarus have same requirement because Visa card is not valid there.
Paul ********
Is this just for tourists? If you have a long term visa do you have to have the cash?
Pétur ***********
@Paul *******
you have girlfriend here. You always have to carry minimum 20k batt on you evry day *****
Paul ********
@Pétur **********
mate 20k is walking around money
Bryan *******
Perhaps pleasing their pickpocket chums.
Jason ***********
Pocket change
Andrew ********
Who doesnt carry cash on them anyway??
Colin ********
We only ever fetch Stirling around 10k , which we change at different times because the rate changes .
Tse *******************
Thank you china and india
Ciaran ****
Thailand needs to revert back to the 2019 rules and the list of countries who had visa free vs visa on arrivals.
Tamyra *********
Singh ******
I came on 2nd April visa on arrival with 6 people immigration done no issues or questions
Robert *********
I have never ,in 25 years entered with less than that ,double that better
Would not go anywere with less than that .
Shit happens
Tsunami, coups ,civil unrest ,your bank ,etc
Putting your eating and sleeping 100 percent at technology or other people control.is not for me .
Truth be told 30 million + people entered Thailand with no problem
Why ?
Because they simply followed the rules.
Goodness if 600.euro is huge money to you ,you cant afford to travel.
Would not go anywere with less than that .
Shit happens
Tsunami, coups ,civil unrest ,your bank ,etc
Putting your eating and sleeping 100 percent at technology or other people control.is not for me .
Truth be told 30 million + people entered Thailand with no problem
Why ?
Because they simply followed the rules.
Goodness if 600.euro is huge money to you ,you cant afford to travel.
Sergio *****
FAKE
Tom ***********
Vietnam awaits. Visa & Amex welcome.
Ian **********
This rule does not apply to visa holders! Total BS story!
Ross *******
Bet the Russians don’t have to worry about that, enough brown envelopes getting handed out to keep them safe from immigration
Mike ********
Do the people in charge of immigration want to stop tourism ? Like covid the Iran war could end up doing the same thing without the need to reduce 60 to 30 days and give genuine tourists a hard time entering thailand, this isn’t TATs finest hour.
Cj ******
Mike Davies they are stopping tourists who are not tourists, they are coming to work in Thailand, that's fine by me.
Cj ******
To Keep the illegal immigrants out of Thailand!!
Lynnette *******
Mike Davies having some cash on you doesn't stop tourism. What a silly thing to say.
Gordon *******
Good
Marvin *********
Rather stupidly unprepared not to have cash on hand.
Marcel ********
I can understand this in some ways, but then again, why is Thailand the only country in the world to have such strict entry rules nowadays, and why keep changing them?
Whereas most countries are making it easier to stay and welcoming tourists, even China does not have these strict rules.
30 or 60 days stamp??
Reporting 90 days
Cash-in-hand users who use cash in many places now only take QR codes
Health insurance, I can understand that
Anyway, I wish Thailand all the best of luck ❤️
Whereas most countries are making it easier to stay and welcoming tourists, even China does not have these strict rules.
30 or 60 days stamp??
Reporting 90 days
Cash-in-hand users who use cash in many places now only take QR codes
Health insurance, I can understand that
Anyway, I wish Thailand all the best of luck ❤️
John **********
@Marcel *******
you should try being a Thai wanting to visit EuropeMarcel ********
Maybe you don’t have the right girlfriend/boyfriend
Sorry to say, but I know many Thais who have zero issues getting visas; some of them have even got a five-year visa nowadays 
However, with that said, the above requirements are still not required in Europe 
Sorry to say, but I know many Thais who have zero issues getting visas; some of them have even got a five-year visa nowadays 
However, with that said, the above requirements are still not required in Europe 
Paul ***********
Marcel Sawyer Europe, or you mean EU?
Duncan *******
@John *********
or any western country for that matter.
Tony **********
never been asked,latest entry was
*****
/2026
Ronald *****
*****
is not a lot if you are really on a holiday, if you want to challenge a law set by other country, please don't visit stay at home.
David **********
To be clear: Immigration does not ask for the equivalent of 20K baht in cash on a regular basis.
They ask if the applicant has done too many visa runs, looks suspicious (maybe on drugs), or anything that triggers them.
Even if you have the cash (it can be in any currency), they still may not let you enter.
My suggestion is to travel into Thailand with the 20K, which you can convert into Thai baht for your first few days of spending money.
They ask if the applicant has done too many visa runs, looks suspicious (maybe on drugs), or anything that triggers them.
Even if you have the cash (it can be in any currency), they still may not let you enter.
My suggestion is to travel into Thailand with the 20K, which you can convert into Thai baht for your first few days of spending money.
Alison ********
David Anderman that's a lot for a team of 5
Yo***
Thai immigration should do a basic IQ test and basic common sense test. there are too many dumb and stupid foreigners to enter Thailand. too dumb to travel. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
John *****
If you want to enforce this, it should be 20k thb in any currency. Tourist bring their currency to TH to exchange.
John **********
@John ****
it already is, 20k baht or equivalent in any major currency
Ian *********
I came in on April 6th the immigration official never spoke to me, less than 1 minute I was through
Guy ********
It’s not a hard lift to bring cash when you travel abroad. Why risk the requirement?
Fran *******
Guy Urbina 20k in cash is stupid, if they ask you that they just want to deny you entry for whatever reason and will find another reason to not let u in.
Tom ***********
Guy Urbina the “risk” is carrying cash. This is the 21st century.
Cj ******
Tom Ciccateri it' mostly cash in Thailand, most places I go too they all require cash!
*****
baht is not even enough for one week. I hate to say it but it will keep one demographic from going there.Guy ********
My point is to mitigate the risk of the immigration requirement if it’s asked.
Plus having cash is a necessary backup in an emergency.
As to your point, I would argue that your smart phone (with access to cash) is just as risky as cash as a target for theft. The “risk” is only moving from one node to the other.
Plus having cash is a necessary backup in an emergency.
As to your point, I would argue that your smart phone (with access to cash) is just as risky as cash as a target for theft. The “risk” is only moving from one node to the other.
Rob *********
Fine, I'll always make sure I have some cash, but FFS, I have a wallet full of credit cards I could live until I died in thailand before my money ran out. They should allow you to open a banking app...
Joe **********
filter out and get rid of the cheapo
Galenus ******
Joe At Work out with the riffraff 💗!!!
Flemming ******
Galenus Gold I live in Bangkok. Married Thai. But working in Europe. I now have to get the 20,000 baht from my Bank. It costs 3,000 baht. and this 5 times a year. So 15,000 baht that is lost for Thailand? Should be enough to show I have many more in the 20,000 baht. How many people do you think now need this? To meet these requirements? we are talking millions of people. Money that should have been spent in Thailand now goes to the previously rich Banks..
Flemming ******
@Joe *********
And give the bank 3000 baht for that to. So Bank make a lot of money too. Money that have be use in Thailand.
Alan **********
Facebook user "I LOVE THAILAND" is a "Digital Creator", i.e. an AI creator and a "business" FB account looking for clicks, and, IMO, should not be relied on for anything.
Iirc, they post nothing but NEGATIVE articles about the country they "love".
And you
Iirc, they post nothing but NEGATIVE articles about the country they "love".
And you
@Tony *******
shouldn't repost such hyperbole.
James ******
If you're going to Thailand for two weeks and have less than 20,000 they don't really want you. There is no upside.
Raffa ******
Pensioner Tax are on the list 😱
Dave *******
That should really help the tourism industry, bet the ones they denied entry won’t be in a rush to come back
David **********
This has been a requirement for many years. It's only enforced when Immigration is looking for a reason to bar entry for a suspicious traveler.
This post is a windup.
This post is a windup.
Rick ****
David Anderman It has been like that always. It is just rarely enforced. If they are doing it more often, it is because they believe more are scamming the system.
David **********
Rick Ny Such "crackdowns" last less than a week.
Alan **********
David Anderman Exactly right. About it being a windup. Iirc, everything they post is critical about Thailand, the place he(?) loves. B.S.
Stuart **********
Absolutely ridiculous in this day and age.
Bank statements with debit cards and credit cards should be sufficient.
Carrying cash is a security risk.
Thieves are aware of newly landed tourist are carrying cash.
Bank statements with debit cards and credit cards should be sufficient.
Carrying cash is a security risk.
Thieves are aware of newly landed tourist are carrying cash.
Trustworth***********
Stuart Benjamin Do some math. It is not very much money, unless you are a homeless person.
Rick ****
Stuart Benjamin
*****
baht is about $600! Many are still bringing $5000 cash. “cash is king” mantra. Bank statements just invites people to show off their photoshop skills.Simon *******
Stuart Benjamin 🔔 end
Brian *********
Stuart Benjamin get a grip you can lose your card just as easy and atm charges for withdrawal
Bradley ***********
Nobody’s getting robbed at the airport.
*****
baht is not a lot of money really
Rick *******
Bradley Whiteside Not a lot, but to much to carry around.
Andrew *********
Bradley Whiteside uh people have been robbed for much less, stupid comment
Bradley ***********
In Thailand at the airport?
Tom ***********
Bradley Whiteside irrelevant, abusive policy that deserves scrutiny.
Alan **********
Stuart Benjamin THIS. And pretty much everyone who's commented says they've never been asked.
Jon **********
Stuart Benjamin any theif getting on a flight to Thailand can do the maths and realise how much cash is onboard
David ******
I'm continually reading what the Thailand Government requires from tourists who enter Thailand, they are making entry more difficult....so does this Government want tourists? I recall the current PM and then health minister during covid 19 calling tourists " dirty stinking f*cking farangs" obviously he doest like foreigners.
If Thailand don't want us, be honest tell us and im sure tourists will vote with their feet.
If Thailand don't want us, be honest tell us and im sure tourists will vote with their feet.
Uwe ***********
While the requirement to have sufficient funds is sensible the request to carry this amount in cash is completely outdated.
Ryan *********
Uwe Unverzagt exactly most people in the first world dont carry cash on them as its been outdated. They'll catch up one day
Charles *********
Uwe Unverzagt exactly
Cj ******
Uwe Unverzagt it's one week of expenses in Thailand, they should have it, it's mostly cash in Thailand anyway should be no problem!
Uwe ***********
Cj Baas the biggest single expense will be accommodation and that's usually paid for by card
Cj ******
Uwe Unverzagt I guess it depends on what you do and where you stay, as accommodation varies significantly in Thailand
Charlimo *********
Uwe Unverzagt ni it's not! You trusts bank statements??? That's outdated. Cash is King!
Uwe ***********
Charlimo Sawadee easy to get stolen too.
Paul ******
People need to know its equal to
*****
thb in cash not whats in your bank account
Nigel **********
Paul Lyon Not even a Thai Bank where you are able to show the IO your balance??
Paul ******
Nigel Matthews the answer is for passing immigration they want see
*****
cash not money in your home city bank accounts nothing to do with Thai banks
AsiaCamera ******
Correct! Immigration in any country does racial profiling...if you look like a bum, in a tattered CHANG tank top, hairy armpits and flip flops, they will ask to see cash. If you look like a tourist, no problem. Duh. We don't need those types.
Mike *********
Cash? Who does that ? Travelers checks are no longer issued
AsiaCamera ******
How will the economy survive without those beer bar blokes and mates buying all those Changs? Will "Lek" invest her 10-baht tip in the SET? (she's not really a bar girl...she only worked as a cashier....LOL!!!😆)
Ged ******
Haha yeah so the immigration can take the bribes in cash more like.
William *********
Why would you want to be broke anywhere, least of all traveling?
Andrew *********
William Hubbard Ever heard of credit cards, debit cards, cash apps? Ignorant.
Frode *********
William Hubbard How is not having cash on hand = broke? 99.9% is paid through phone or card these days. Having cash in hand is stone age.
Tongjun **
Frode Hanssen
Tell that to the lady selling pad thai at 30 baht,
I suppose theirs always
Tell that to the lady selling pad thai at 30 baht,
I suppose theirs always
****
for a toastie for some
Derek ***********
William Hubbard you will be surprised 😯
William *********
Derek Casanares That is so stupid. Go home and get a job and make a better plan.
Jz ******
finally!
Jeff ************
Jz Alen what do you care ?
Jz ******
Jeff Mckendrick if that means few “special” persons less i do care 😎
Andrew *******
Get a TR visa and you have already proved you have sufficient available funds
Andrew ********
Andrew Doran any tourist visa is subject
Andrew *******
Sure but given it has already been proven the likelihood of being asked is much less than visa exempt entry.
Farang *********
Andrew Doran nope, they can still ask.
Josh *****
Farang Walking Can means capable, but will，not likely. A visa means you were vetted already.
Rock ******
that ain't hard I'm burning 50k a week
Charles *********
Rock Head shame that money can go quick as it came so don't be so arrogant
Peter **********
Rock Head What a waste!
Tony **********
Rock Head everthing seems more expensive
Wynand *********
Rock Head are you bragging?🤣
John *********
Rock Head keep off the ladyboys then 🙈
Andrew *************
Rock Head AND
Allan *******
Rock Head lady boys are expensive especially when you take to. Just stay away from balconies.
PeacefulSe**********
Why you do that? Didn’t you know it’s illegal to make fires 🔥 now?
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