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Thailand Currency Exchange, Travel Cards, and ATM Fee Comparison
Thailand’s currency is the baht (THB). Cards are generally accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls, but markets and taxis often prefer cash, so bring both a travel card and cash. ATM fees vary by bank and card network. UOB charges 250 baht for foreign-issued Visa cards, 350 baht for Mastercard, and 220 baht for UnionPay.
At a glance
- Thailand’s official currency is the baht (THB).
- SuperRich 1965 says it charges no separate fee or commission for cash exchange.
- UOB’s fee for cards issued outside Thailand is 250 baht for Visa, 350 baht for Mastercard, and 220 baht for UnionPay.
- Supported currency balances in Travelog can be used for purchases at overseas merchants, and cash can be withdrawn from overseas ATMs.
- Carry cash for markets, taxis, and tuk-tuks. When prompted to choose a currency for payment or withdrawal, select baht, the local currency.
How should I split card and cash use in Thailand?
Cards are generally accepted at hotels, large restaurants, shopping malls, and businesses serving tourists in major cities. Small businesses, local markets, taxis, tuk-tuks, and rural areas often prefer cash, so carry baht as well.
- Paying by card
At businesses that accept cards, check that your travel card has a balance in a supported currency before using it.
- Paying with cash
Keep exchanged baht on hand for places that prefer cash, such as markets and taxis.
How can I exchange cash in Thailand?
Use a money changer licensed by the Ministry of Finance or a bank. Money changers must display their exchange license and buying and selling rates for foreign banknotes, and provide proof of the transaction.
- Choose an exchange counter
Check for a license and posted rates before choosing where to exchange money.
- Bring identification
If exchanging money at SuperRich 1965, bring a physical passport or national ID that has not expired.
- Check the day’s rate
SuperRich 1965 rates may vary slightly by branch, so check the rate for the branch you plan to visit.
- Keep your receipt
Keep proof of the transaction showing the date, amount, exchange rate, and baht paid out.
How much are ATM withdrawal fees in Thailand?
ATM fees vary by the withdrawal bank and card type. The UOB amounts below are the bank’s stated fees for cards issued by financial institutions outside Thailand; they do not necessarily apply at other banks.
| ATM and card type | Local Thai bank fee | Effective date |
|---|---|---|
| UOB · foreign-issued Visa | 250 baht per transaction | Fee schedule effective May 1, 2026 |
| UOB · foreign-issued Mastercard | 350 baht per transaction | Effective from June 5, 2026 |
| UOB · foreign-issued UnionPay | 220 baht per transaction | Fee schedule effective May 1, 2026 |
| Krungsri · international cards | Check the rate for each card network | Fee schedule effective March 11, 2026 |
Which currency should I choose at an ATM or when paying by card?
If a payment terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, the exchange rate may include extra costs. If the terms are unclear or you don’t want the conversion, decline the home-currency conversion and select the local currency.
- Check the currency selection screen
When prompted to choose a currency for a payment or withdrawal in Thailand, select baht.
- Check the fee details
Review the exchange rate and costs shown on screen. Decline a home-currency conversion if you don’t want it or the terms aren’t clear.
What to do in these situations
- At a market or in a taxi
Carry exchanged baht for places that prefer cash.
- When planning to withdraw a large amount at once
Check the withdrawal bank’s fee and the fee for your card network first, then decide how much cash you need.
- When exchanging money at SuperRich 1965
Bring a physical passport or national ID and check the day’s rate at the branch you plan to visit.
- When a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency
Review the exchange rate and extra costs. If you don’t want the conversion or the terms are unclear, decline and select baht.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check Thailand’s baht (THB) and where cards and cash are accepted.
- Compare the cost of exchanging cash in your home currency for US dollars with the day’s local buying rates in Thailand.
- Bring a physical ID that has not expired when visiting an exchange counter.
- Check the bank’s fee for the ATM you plan to use and the fee for your card network.
- Check your travel card’s payment settings and Thai baht balance.
- On payment and withdrawal screens, check that baht is selected and review any fees shown.
FAQ
What is Thailand’s official currency?
Thailand’s official currency is the Thai baht (THB).
How much are ATM withdrawal fees in Thailand?
Fees vary by bank and card type. UOB lists a fee of 250 baht per transaction for foreign-issued Visa cards, 350 baht for Mastercard, and 220 baht for UnionPay.
Is it better to exchange my home currency or US dollars in Thailand?
Compare the cost of exchanging your home currency for US dollars before departure with the local buying rates for your home currency and US dollars on the day. Rates change with market conditions.
What should I bring to exchange money at SuperRich 1965?
Bring a physical passport or national ID that has not expired.
What are Travelog’s ATM withdrawal fees?
Hana Card says withdrawals from overseas ATMs using the debit payment setting incur an overseas service fee of US$3 plus an international network fee: 1.1% for Visa and 1.0% for Mastercard.
Should I choose my home currency or baht at an ATM?
A home-currency conversion may include extra costs in the exchange rate. If the terms are unclear or you don’t want the conversion, decline it and select baht.
Official sources & check dates
- Thailand Travel Advisory · 2026-10-28
- SuperRich Currency Exchange (1965) FAQ · 2026-10-28
- UOB Thailand Table 3.1: Service Charges — effective 1 May 2026 · 2026-10-28
- 하나카드 트래블로그 · 2026-10-28
- Dynamic Currency Conversion Explained — Visa · 2026-10-28
- Rules and Practices regarding the Undertaking of Authorized Money Changers — Bank of Thailand · 2026-10-28
- Fee for Withdrawal via ATM for International Card — Bank of Ayudhya · 2026-10-28
- Using Thai currency and exchanging other currencies — THAILAND.GO.TH · 2026-10-28
- 하나카드 트래블로그 스위치 추가 안내 · 2026-10-28
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Site updated: 2026-10-28