Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Money
The basic unit of Thai currency is the baht. There are 100 satang in one baht; coins
include 25-satang and 50-satang pieces and baht in 1B, 2B, 5B and 10B coins.
Older coins have Thai numerals only, while newer coins have Thai and Arabic nu-
merals. The 2B coin is similar in size to the 1B coin but it is gold in colour.
Paper currency is issued in the following denominations: 20B (green), 50B (blue),
100B (red), 500B (purple) and 1000B (beige).
ATMS & CREDIT/ DEBIT CARDS
Debit and ATM cards issued by a bank in your own country can be used at ATMs
around Thailand to withdraw cash (in Thai baht only) directly from your account
back home. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and can be relied on for
the bulk of your spending cash.
Thai ATMs now charge a 150B foreign-transaction fee on top of whatever cur-
rency conversion and out-of-network fees your home bank charges.
Credit cards as well as debit cards can be used for purchases at some shops, ho-
tels and restaurants. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard.
American Express is typically only accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants.
To report a lost or stolen credit/debit card, call the following hotlines in Bangkok:
American Express
(
0 2273 5544)
MasterCard
(
001 800 11887 0663)
Visa
(
001 800 441 3485)
CHANGING MONEY
Banks or the rarer private moneychangers offer the best foreign-exchange rates.
When buying baht
,
US dollars are the most accepted currency, followed by British
pounds and euros. Most banks charge a commission and duty for each travellers
cheque cashed.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
As of 2008, visitors must declare if they are arriving or departing with an excess of
US$20,000. There are also certain monetary requirements for foreigners entering
Thailand; demonstration of adequate funds varies per visa type but typically does
