Money, Payments and Bargaining in Thailand: Cash or Card?

Thailand's currency is the Thai baht, and much of everyday life still runs on cash: cards are hardly ever accepted for street food, at markets, in tuk-tuks or in small restaurants. In hotels, shopping centres and large restaurants, however, you can pay by card without difficulty. Bargaining is normal in markets but not in fixed-price shops; tipping is not compulsory and is left as a small gesture when you are happy with the service.

Cash or card?

In Thailand, two worlds live side by side. Large shopping centres, chain supermarkets, hotels and tourist restaurants accept cards. On the other hand:

• Street stalls and night markets,
• Tuk-tuks and some taxis,
• Small family restaurants and cafés,
• Temple entrances and some museums,
• Small businesses on the islands

mostly accept cash only. So you need to carry a reasonable amount of cash every day. QR-code mobile payment is very common among Thais, but since these systems usually require a local bank account, they are not always practical for tourists.

How to exchange money and withdraw cash

Exchange offices. Exchange offices are common in cities and tourist areas. Those at the airport are usually less favourable than the ones in town; a common approach is to change only what you need for the first day there. Get into the habit of counting the money you exchange at the counter.

ATMs. ATMs are everywhere. However, in Thailand it is common for the ATM operator to charge an extra fee for cash withdrawals with foreign cards; remember that your own bank may also charge a separate fee. So it may make sense to withdraw less often rather than taking out small amounts frequently. Find out your bank's conditions and fees for use abroad before you go.

Currency conversion warning. When paying by card or withdrawing money from an ATM, the machine may ask whether you want to pay "in your own currency or in the local currency". In this case, choosing the local currency, baht, usually lets you avoid the automatic currency conversion that tends to work against you.

Coins and small notes

Large notes can cause problems at street stalls and in tuk-tuks, as sellers may not have change. Break large notes at supermarkets or shopping centres and always carry small notes and coins.

As banknotes carry the king's portrait, it is important to treat money with respect. Stopping a fallen banknote with your foot is considered disrespectful; for details, see our article on Thai etiquette.

Bargaining: where and how?

Where to bargain: Open-air markets, night markets, souvenir stalls, beach vendors and some tuk-tuk rides.

Where not to bargain: Shopping centres, supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants and shops with price tags.

A few tips for bargaining well:

1. Smile. In Thai culture, raising your voice and getting angry backfires. Bargaining is done with good humour, like a game.
2. Look around first. Seeing the price of the same item at several stalls gives you an idea of a reasonable price.
3. Make your offer and meet in the middle. The seller's first price usually includes room for bargaining.
4. If you are buying more than one item, ask for a price for the lot.
5. If you cannot agree, say thank you and walk away. The seller will often call you back.
6. Do not back out once you have agreed. Buying once you have agreed on a price is a matter of mutual respect.

Remember: haggling at length over small amounts may mean a lot of income to the seller. Agreeing at a reasonable point is enjoyable for both sides.

Paying for transport

• Taxis: In metered taxis, ask for the meter to be switched on. If you are offered a fixed price, think before accepting.
• Tuk-tuks: There is no meter; agree the price before you get in. Stay away from drivers who offer a very low price and try to take you to jewellery or tailor's shops first.
• Apps: Ride-hailing apps are common in Bangkok and the big cities, and they show the price in advance.
• Metro and Skytrain: In Bangkok, ticket machines or rechargeable cards are used for the BTS and MRT.

Common traps

In Bangkok there are frequent warnings about people who steer tourists to shops by saying "The palace is closed today, let me take you to another temple". If this happens to you, go straight to the official entrance and check. Also be wary of "special offer, today only" lines when buying jewellery or precious stones.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Thailand. Still, in tourist areas, leaving a small tip when you are happy with the service is a common and welcome gesture. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill; check your bill. A small tip is also appreciated at massage parlours and by guides and hotel staff.

Tax refunds

Some shops in Thailand offer tax refunds for tourists. As the conditions and procedures may change, ask the shop when buying and the relevant desk at the airport.

For the number of days and routes, take a look at our article on how many days you need in Thailand. We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What currency should I take to Thailand?

The local currency is the Thai baht. You can take a widely used foreign currency and exchange it there, or withdraw baht from ATMs. Check the costs of both methods in advance.

Are credit cards accepted in Thailand?

They are accepted in hotels, shopping centres and large restaurants. You need cash for street food, markets and tuk-tuks.

Is tipping compulsory in Thailand?

No. However, in tourist areas, leaving a small tip when you are happy is a common and welcome gesture.

Can you bargain everywhere in Thailand?

No. You bargain at markets, stalls and with tuk-tuks; not in shopping centres, supermarkets or shops with price tags.