Checklist 09
Cash and Cards
Every ATM takes a bite. Thai ATMs charge foreign cards around 220 baht a go, some more. Your own bank may bite too.
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The fee
About 220 baht per withdrawal.
Some machines 250–350. AEON ATMs are often cheaper, around 150. The fee on screen is the one that counts.
Read the screen before you press ok
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The conversion trick
Always choose baht.
"Convert to your home currency?" No. That adds roughly 3–8%. Choose baht, without conversion.
The friendly button is the expensive one
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Your bank
Your bank charges too.
Your card issuer can add withdrawal and foreign transaction fees on top. Check before you fly.
Check your card's terms before the trip
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The plan
Fewer, bigger withdrawals.
Every withdrawal pays the fee again. Take out more at once, then leave most of it in the hotel safe.
The back pocket is a donation box
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Small notes
Nobody wants your 1,000.
Stalls, tuk-tuks and small bars love small notes. Break big ones at 7-Eleven, not at 2 a.m. at a stall.
Small notes make friends
Save the carousel
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. Rules and venue policies change; check current requirements before you travel. General information, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
