Thailand Currency Guide for Tourists: Thai Baht to US Dollar

Thailand is known as one of the most popular destinations in the world. Planning for your Thailand tour but have no idea about how to pay in Thailand? The payment services are convenient for travelers. Just check this guide to Thai currency and you will clearly understand how to pay in Thailand.

What Is the Currency in Thailand

Thai Baht (THB, Symbol:฿) is the official currency of Thailand. "Satang" is the smaller change of Thai Baht. 1 THB is equal to 100 satang. The notes of Thai Baht have denominations of ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, and ฿1000. For the coin denominations, there are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 satangs and 1, 2, 5, 10 THB.

Currency Rate of USD to THB

In the past year, the currency rate between the US Dollar and Thai Baht was around 34 to 37. This article was written in July 2024, 1 Us Dollar can be exchanged for 36.5 THB at this time. To make it clearer, you can check the list below.

Best Currency to Use in Thailand

Thai Baht is the most convenient currency to use in Thailand. It is widely accepted throughout the whole of Thailand. However, if you are curious about can other currencies be used in Thailand. US Dollars may be possible to use in certain circumstances, such as in some tourist areas, larger hotels, airports. But using US Dollars in Thailand is not so recommended, as you might not get the best exchange rate.

Thai Baht

How to Get Thai Baht

As an open-traded currency, you can purchase or exchange Thai Baht inside or outside Thailand, which means it is able to be exchanged with your local money in banks, post offices, or other foreign exchange businesses before your Thailand tour. There are many ways for you to get Thai Baht, and you can choose any way convenient for you.

We recommend you bring enough local money only for the cost of your first day before your trip to Thailand. The exchange rate of Thai Baht is always better in Thailand, so you can just change your money after arriving in Thailand.

Bank

Exchange Thai Baht in a bank will be safer and with a comparatively better exchange rate. However, The exchange rate might vary between different banks. You can check the official sites of different banks to ensure you get the best rate.

Most banks can offer a currency exchange service, you can deal with your exchange business during regular business hours from Monday to Sunday. You should provide your passport or other identifications to exchange at a bank.

Hotel

Most large hotels and resorts provide money exchange services for customers' convenience. However, the exchange rate of USD or Euros to THB might not be as competitive as other options.

Airports

You can exchange Thai Baht in most large hotels and international airports. The currency exchange counters can be found in both arrival and departure terminals. It will be convenient but the exchange rate might be lower than the bank.

Independent Money Changer

There are many money changers in the main tourist attractions and city centers. Sure they can offer you a great exchange rate than most other options. But you should double-check if they are licensed and legitimate.

ATM Withdrawl

You can easily find an ATM that is available for withdrawing cash throughout Thailand. Withdrawing Thai Baht from an account that will not charge an international ATM or currency conversion fee is one of the best ways to get Thai Baht. As a reminder, withdrawing cash from an ATM in Thailand will be charged 200 THB as a flat fee for each transaction (Except AEON Bank, which only charges 150 THB).

Can I Use Cards in Thailand

Sure you can pay with plastic in Thailand with a 1% commission be charged. Most tourist attractions, large hotels, and some chain shops can accept debit cards and credit cards. Visa and MasterCard are the most common credit cards that can be accepted in Thailand. However, some small restaurants and stalls can accept cash only.

How Much Money Is Needed for a Thailand Tour

The cost of a Thailand tour varies in different travel styles, optional activities, and so on. You may cost from 500 USD to 2000 USD or even more. It all depends on your preferences and choices. To better understand the price of things in Thailand, we list some of the costs you may need to consider for your information.

Hotel

The prices of hotels in Thailand vary from ฿600 to ฿3000 (approximately 20 to 100 USD) and more. For a 4-star hotel, the price ranges from ฿1500 to ฿3000 (approximately 50 to 100 USD) due to different locations and seasons. For the 5-star hotel and luxury resorts, prices start from ฿3000 (approximately 100 USD) and can go up to several hundred dollars.

Meal & Drink

For a fine dinner of two in a mid-range restaurant, it may cost between 500 to 2000 THB (13.6 to 54.3 USD). In some inexpensive restaurants or street food, the cost may vary from 210 to 450 THB (5.7 to 12.2 USD). A bottle of wine is about 350 to 900 THB (9.5 to 24.4 USD), and domestic beer is about 40 to 80 THB (1.1 to 2.2 USD).

Bangkok Street Food

Transportation

Taking BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok costs from 24 to 42 THB (0.66 to 1.1 USD). Trains can be a good choice for you to transfer from city to city. A ticket for an express train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai may cost from 400 to 1500 THB (11 to 41 USD) due to the different types of class of service you choose.

Tipping Culture in Thailand

Tipping is not a common culture in Thailand, but it is appreciated. You can tip off a few dollars as an appreciation of your drivers, tour guides, or the cleaning staff and porters in the hotel.

Usually, locals don't tip in restaurants. The service charge is already included in your bills. If the service charge is not included in the bill, you can tip 10% of your bill.

Useful Tips

Inform Your Bank in Advance

Remember to inform your bank that you are going to have international transactions in Thailand in case your card is blocked. This situation might happen and it will be inconvenient to solve when you are in foreign countries.

Be Respect to Thai Money

Because the person on Thai Baht cash is the king of Thailand, it is considered offensive to carry money in your back pocket. So remember do not do so. Other actions that might stain the note, such as stepping on, or throwing away notes and coins, are highly offensive.

Choose to Be Charged in THB

Whenever you pay with plastic, choose to be charged in the local currency of Thailand. This will help you to save some money. You may be charged a small transaction fee, but the exchange rate between THB and USD is better than you choose to pay in your home currency.

Start Your Thailand Tour With Odynovo

After reading this complete guide to Thailand currency, still feel confused about how much you may cost in Thailand, when should you exchange USD for THB, and other detailed information you may be concerned about. Contact our travel expert to solve all your confusion! With Odynovo, you can just relax and focus on your wonderful journey.