What Currency Is Used in Thailand? Can I Use USD for Thailand Travel?

Get ready for your Thailand tour with everything you need to know about payment and currency. Thailand is a top tourist destination worldwide, and paying for goods and services there is easy and convenient.

Businesses in Thailand prefer to use local currency, but credit cards are becoming more widely accepted. There are a few local customs that might be different than what you're used to, but this guide will fill you in on all the details.

What Currency Is Used in Thailand? How Much Is 100 US in Thailand?

Thailand's official currency is the Thai Baht. Like most countries, they use a mix of banknotes for larger denominations and coins for smaller amounts. 100 Baht banknotes are the most commonly used. Larger denominations of 500 and 1000 Baht and smaller notes of 20 and 50 Baht are available. Coins range from 1 to 10 Baht, and you'll usually receive these as change.

There is a lot of fluctuation in the exchange rate. Currently, 100 USD equals 3,635 Thai Baht. Currency exchange services are widely available all over Thailand. It's best to exchange as little as possible at the airport, where rates are not favorable. After arriving at your destination, check the rate at local banks and currency exchange counters for the best rate.

Thai Baht

Can I Use USD when Traveling to Thailand? How Much USD Should I Take when Visiting?

US dollars are not widely accepted in Thailand. Some large hotels and retail establishments will accept cash payments in USD or euros, but the exchange rate is not likely to be favorable. Most restaurants, local services, and small shops will not accept foreign currency.

How much cash you bring depends on how long you plan to stay. If you plan on using a mix of credit cards and cash, 100 USD per day in cash is enough. At many ATMs, you can use your bank card to withdraw local currency, so you don't have to carry cash for your whole trip when you arrive. Check with your bank in advance about ATM fees.

Thailand ATM

Is It Convenient to Pay with a Visa Card in Thailand? How Is Mobile Payment in Thailand?

Credit cards are becoming more widely used in Thailand. There should be no problem using major cards such as Visa or MasterCard at hotels, malls, larger restaurants, and international chains. Smaller establishments, street vendors, and markets still commonly only accept cash. Plan on using a mix of payment methods during your trip.

Mobile payment options are expanding in urban areas in Thailand, but options for tourists remain limited. The most common mobile payment platform is Promptpay, but it requires a Thai bank account to use.

Apply Pay and Google Pay are accepted at some businesses that also accept credit card payments. TrueMoney is another popular local payment app. It offers the option to use prepaid virtual credit cards, which can be purchased at kiosks and stores such as 7-Elevent and Family Mart.

Using mobile payment in Thailand

Is Thailand Cheap or Expensive for Traveling? What Can You Buy with 100 THB (Thai Baht) in Thailand?

Overall, Thailand is not an expensive place for traveling. 100 THB is enough for a street food meal, a cup of coffee at a comfortable café, or even some small souvenirs. A one-day metro pass in Bangkok, good for riding all over the city, is 120 Baht.

Accommodations are the most significant cost for most travelers. Hotel prices vary by season. On average, staying at a 3-5 star hotel costs between 50 and 300 USD a night. In the low tourist season, comfortable 3-star rooms can be found for as low as 30 USD a night.

Food can be very inexpensive in Thailand. Street food, which is delicious and a must-try, usually costs between 1-3 USD per person, and small local eateries are only 2-4 USD. The occasional more formal meal will cost 10-15 USD. For 15-25 USD a day, you can great local food.

Tickets for major tourist attractions in Thailand are mostly inexpensive. One of the most expensive is the Grand Palace in Bangkok, which costs 500 Baht (14 USD). Most museums and historical parks cost around 100-150 Baht. The famous Wat Arun in Bangkok is only 50 Baht (1.5 USD).

7 Days Classic Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket

Do I Need to Tip when Traveling around Thailand?

Tipping is always appreciated but usually not necessary in Thailand. The local custom is not to tip, so service staff won't complain if they don't receive anything extra.

At street food stalls, no tip is expected. More expensive restaurants often have a service fee included, if not, a 5-10% tip is appropriate. When eating at small local eateries, consider leaving 20-50 Baht as a sign of appreciation.

The rule of thumb for taxis and tuk-tuks is to round to the nearest denomination. It's a nice gesture that saves time and spares you from collecting a pile of coins during your trip.

Tipping a tour guide or for a massage is a good idea. 50-100 Baht is an appropriate amount. Hotel service staff can be given a tip of 20-50 Baht for porters and 50 Baht per day for the maid at luxury hotels.

12 Days Highlights of Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park - Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket - Koh Phi Phi - Phuket

More Tips for Payment in Thailand

1. Contact your bank beforehand and let them know you are traveling to avoid transactions being flagged as suspicious.
2. Carry small bills for local transportation and souvenir shopping in markets.
3. To avoid overpaying for taxis, use taxis with meters or negotiate the price in advance. Reliable apps such as Grab allow for online payment.
4. When changing money, don't use the first place you see. Checking around at a few locations will help you get the best rate.
5. If the price of something seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam. Use common sense when making purchases.

Conclusion

Thailand is a convenient place for shopping and payment. Tourism is an important part of the local economy, and tourists have an easy time shopping there. For cash, local currency is best, but credit cards are widely accepted.

Plan on using a mix of payment methods to cover all the bases. Prices are usually reasonable, and you can get a lot of value for what you buy during your tour of Thailand. Find out more about our Thailand tours, or contact us anytime for more information.