Managing Your Travel Budget and Exchanging Money in Thailand
How to Exchange Money and Manage Your Travel Budget in Thailand
For many travelers, the excitement of landing in Thailand quickly turns into confusion the moment they see the currency: colorful banknotes, unfamiliar prices, and a sense of “Wait… how much is that in dollars?”
Don’t worry — managing money in Thailand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be easy, smart, and even fun once you understand the basics. Here’s a simple guide to help you exchange money, avoid hidden fees, and make your travel budget go further.
1. Understand the Currency – The Thai Baht (THB)
- The official currency is the Thai Baht (฿)
- $1 USD ≈ 35–37 baht (check current rates on xe.com or Google)
- Common bills: 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple), 1000 (gray)
- Most vendors prefer cash, especially at markets and small eateries
2. Best Ways to Exchange Money in Thailand
✅ Use Authorized Currency Exchange Booths:
- Brands like SuperRich (orange or green) offer excellent rates, often better than banks or airports
- You’ll find them in malls, BTS stations, and tourist areas
- Bring your passport – it's required for all exchanges
❌ Avoid airport exchange counters for large amounts – their rates are the worst. Only use them for small emergencies (~$20–$50).
3. Should You Exchange Money Before You Travel?
- It’s okay to bring $100–$200 in cash for initial expenses (taxi, SIM card, snacks)
- But avoid exchanging large amounts in your home country – the rates are often poor
- Once in Bangkok, find a SuperRich or reputable exchange booth for better value
4. ATMs in Thailand – Convenient but Costly
- ATMs are everywhere, but each withdrawal may charge 220 THB (~$6–7 USD)
- Your home bank may also charge international fees
- If you must use an ATM, withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees
- Use ATMs attached to major banks (like Bangkok Bank, SCB, or Krungsri) for better reliability
5. Credit & Debit Cards – When to Use Them
- Cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls, upscale restaurants, and chain stores
- Smaller vendors and markets are mostly cash-only
- Always pay in Thai Baht, not your home currency, to avoid bad conversion rates
- Consider using a travel card with no foreign transaction fees (like Wise, Revolut, or Charles Schwab)
6. Daily Travel Budget – What’s Reasonable?
Thailand can fit many budgets. Here's a rough idea:
Style Daily Budget (USD) What You Get
Backpacker $25–$40 Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range $50–$100 Boutique hotels, nice meals, some activities
Comfort $120–$200 4-star hotels, Grab rides, tours, spa, shopping
Pro tip: Budget more for islands, less for small towns.
7. Tips to Stretch Your Baht Further
- Eat like a local: street food is safe, tasty, and cheap
- Use public transport or Grab instead of tuk-tuks for daily rides
- Haggle gently at markets — but know when it’s fair to pay full price
- Avoid currency exchanges at hotels — they offer very poor rates
8. Bonus Tip: Carry Some Small Bills
- Many places won’t have change for large bills (like 1000 baht).
- Always keep a few 20s, 50s, and 100s in your wallet — especially for taxis, buses, or small shops.
Be Money-Smart, Not Money-Stressed
With a little preparation, managing your budget in Thailand can be simple and stress-free.
Plan ahead, avoid tourist traps, and don’t be afraid to enjoy your trip — Thailand is one of the best-value destinations in the world.