What is the required amount of cash a tourist must have when visiting Thailand and can it be in currencies other than Thai Baht?

Thailand tourism Visa requirements Entry requirements Financial proof for tourists Cash vs. credit card in Thailand Thai Baht Travel tips for Thailand

Mar 13, 2024

8 months ago

Don *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

What is the amount of finance a tourist must have when visiting Thailand? and does the amount have to be in thai baht cash or can it be another cutrency or on a credit / visa card. Many thanks for your assistance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Tourists visiting Thailand are officially required to show proof of having 20,000 baht or its equivalent in another major currency, expressed in cash. Although it is a requirement, travelers often suggest that it's not commonly asked unless there is suspicion for denying entry. While cash is preferred, credit cards can be used for payments, especially for hotels. Many visitors choose to convert their currency to Thai Baht upon arrival, but it is advisable to avoid airport conversion due to less favorable rates.

Don *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you everyone I have the information I need.

8 months ago

Jorge ****

See point 2 of bottom notice...

8 months ago

Paul ********

@Jorge ***

Yeah, I tend to agree. I spent my working life traveling worldwide, and while I have certainly seen some unfair discrimination passing immigration in many different countries, more often than not the traveler does something to trigger the officers.

It's amazing how few problems I experienced personally over the years.

8 months ago

Jorge ****

@Paul *******

years ago I missed the only domestic flight out of a small airport in rural India, where they close it after dark (no lights on the grassy runway) luckily I had enough cash to get on another flight heading in the opposite direction. These places do not have ATM, or take AMEX. From then on, I always travel with several hundred. Small change for a traveler out of his/her country. Oh, and yes, don't be funny, attract attention, and dress the part. Been doing that since the 80s, in my traveling job. Never been asked for return tickets, proof of funds, or been inspected by customs (though some objected at my carrying a toolbox)

8 months ago

Paul ********

@Jorge ***

Everybody thinks they're a comedian.

Some truth to it though.

8 months ago

Reply to

Paul ********

Robert *****

Never been asked. But cash is king. Credit cards with no transaction fee is how I pay for hotels. Last resort is a debit ATM. Most people convert their currency to baht after arriving. (Not at the airport because the rate is a bit higher). Convert enough for a couple days worth. You’ll find conversion places all over. Get some 100 baht bills for taxi cabs.

8 months ago

Robert *****

@Nongnuch *******

good point but you could always hit a cash machine ATM at the airport if needed.

8 months ago

Nongnuch ********

@Robert ****

IF Immigration thinks by your looks, that you should not enter their beautiful country, they will ask you for proof of 20,000 THB or equivalent in another currency, in cash. They will NOT accept your credit cards!

8 months ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

Brandon ************

Officially a tourist can be asked to show proof of 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency, in cash only.

Realistically they will only ask if they are looking for a reason to deny you entry to Thailand.

8 months ago

Jan ******************

How do you interpret this

@Brandon ***********

“adequate cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht”?

Edit; I see you already have answering it, and I guess this means cash by the law and it’s 572 usd in cash. I’ve entered more than 20 times, never been asked and always keep my money for Thailand in a thai bank which my app can prove.

8 months ago

Christopher ********

@Brandon ***********

I’ve never been asked but I’ve only entered twice in my life and with a visa.

8 months ago

Brandon ************

@Christopher *******

no. The law says cash only. If they're trying to deny you entry then they're only going to accept what the law says.

8 months ago

Christopher ********

@Brandon ***********

can’t you just show them your account ?