How to get money
Money is easy to access in Thailand and the system is very traveller friendly, but a few small details can save you a lot of time, stress and unnecessary fees. Whether you are exploring Bangkok, hopping between islands or travelling up north, knowing how to get cash safely and efficiently will make your trip much smoother.
ATMs in Thailand: everywhere and easy to use
ATMs are one of the most convenient ways to get money in Thailand. You will find them literally everywhere: at the airport the moment you walk out, in shopping malls, at BTS and MRT stations, inside supermarkets, in front of 7 Eleven and FamilyMart stores and even on small side streets. Thailand is one of the most ATM dense countries in Asia, so you will never need to walk far to find one.
Almost all ATMs accept international cards. Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus usually work without issues. The machine gives you instructions in English and the process takes less than a minute. You can choose to take your receipt or skip it and you can select your preferred language before entering your PIN.
The ATM fee every traveller should know
There is one important detail most visitors discover too late. Thai banks charge a fixed withdrawal fee of around 220 THB per transaction when you use a foreign card. This fee is charged by the Thai bank, not your home bank, so you cannot avoid it completely.
To save money, withdraw larger amounts less frequently. Taking out 10,000 THB once is cheaper than withdrawing 2,000 THB five times. Some people withdraw the maximum allowed amount to reduce the number of transactions during their trip.
Also check if your home bank charges additional foreign withdrawal fees as they can add up quickly. One big Veloura-Tip: Do not accept the exchange rate the ATM shows you.
Which bank ATMs to choose
Most travellers prefer ATMs from:
Bangkok Bank
Kasikorn Bank (KBank)
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya)
These are the major Thai banks with the most machines in the country. Their ATMs are usually reliable, well maintained and located in safe areas.
If one ATM does not accept your card, do not panic. Simply try another machine nearby. It is very common for one machine to fail and the next one to work perfectly.
Currency exchange: sometimes a better deal
If you are carrying cash in EUR, USD or other major currencies you might get a better rate by exchanging money at licensed money changers instead of withdrawing from an ATM.
Some of the best exchange places are located in malls or busy areas. Superrich (green or orange) is famously good and offers excellent rates. Exchange booths in airports often give lower rates, so if possible wait until you are in the city.
Always check the displayed rate before exchanging and use only official exchange shops.
Bank branches and opening hours
The major Thai banks have branches across the entire country. In Bangkok you will find branches in almost every neighbourhood. Typical opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30. However, branches inside malls often stay open longer and many also open on weekends.
Staff at mall branches usually speak basic English which makes communication easy if you need help with larger withdrawals, credit card issues or currency exchanges.
Is cash still needed in Thailand
Yes. While Thailand is modern and many stores accept cards and QR payments, cash is still essential for:
street food
small markets
taxis
motorbike taxis
local ferries
small restaurants
temple donations
Most travellers use a mix of cash for daily small expenses and card or QR payments for bigger purchases.
Safety tips
Thailand is generally safe but always follow good habits:
use ATMs in well lit places
shield your PIN
avoid ATMs that look damaged
keep some money in separate pockets
do not exchange cash at unofficial spots
It is always better to use ATMs attached to bank branches or inside malls than random machines on empty streets at night.
Final tip
Plan ahead. Take out a larger amount to reduce fees, keep some small notes for taxis and markets and use card or QR payments whenever possible. With a little preparation you will save money and feel much more relaxed while traveling.
