PLANNING ADVICE
Money in Thailand: cash, cards, exchange and ATM withdrawals
Compare fees, billing currency and backup payment options rather than only the displayed exchange rate.
Cash or card?
Prepare both. Cash helps with small purchases and places that do not accept your card; cards can simplify hotels and larger expenses where accepted. A displayed QR code does not mean every overseas app or account can pay. Check international use, limits and PIN before departure, and keep a backup separately. Do not carry your entire budget in one wallet.
Should you exchange euros in Thailand?
For travellers from Italy, bringing part of the budget in euros is an option to compare with ATM withdrawals. Use authorised providers and compare the baht actually received after fees for the same amount. Keep the receipt. You need not exchange everything immediately: plan around expected expenses and access to further exchange points. Rates move, so do not treat today’s rate as a future holiday guarantee.
What does an ATM withdrawal cost?
Costs may include ATM fees, issuer fees and currency conversion. Read the screen before confirming and compare with your card terms. Frequent small withdrawals can multiply fixed fees, while large withdrawals increase cash to safeguard. Balance daily spending with account limits. There is no single fee applicable to every card and ATM; actual cost depends on the screen and your contract.
Pay in baht or your home currency?
If a terminal or ATM offers billing in your home currency, it is offering its own conversion, often called DCC. You can decline it and choose local currency, baht, leaving conversion to your card network or issuer under its terms. Check rates and markups; seeing a familiar currency does not guarantee value. Visa requires a choice and disclosure of rates and costs. Do not accept a conversion you cannot evaluate.
How to include currency costs in your budget
Separate baht expenses from confirmed euro costs in your estimate. Update rates when comparing bookings and allow for fees and contingencies. As a calculation example, not a current rate, at €1 = THB40, THB4,000 equals €100 before fees. Replace this assumption with your transaction’s rate. For a blocked or stolen card, use your bank’s official channels promptly.