Thailand travel money tips
Heading to Thailand? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB, ฿).
Tipping
Round up the bill or leave 10% in restaurants. Tip 20–50 THB for hotel porters and 10% for spa staff.
Cards vs cash
Cash for street food, markets, and tuk-tuks; cards work in malls, hotels, and mid-range restaurants.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
All ATMs charge a 220 THB foreign-card fee. Withdraw the maximum (20,000–30,000 THB) to minimize fees.
Heads-up
- Tuk-tuk drivers offering 'cheap city tours' will detour to gem and tailor scams — refuse and use a metered taxi or Grab.
- Always confirm the tuk-tuk price before getting in.
About the Thai Baht (THB)
The Thai Baht (THB, symbol ฿) is the official currency of Thailand. Knowing the live THB rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.