What is the Currency in Thailand?

What is the Currency in Thailand?

If you're planning a trip to Thailand—whether to explore the temples of Bangkok, relax on the beaches of Phuket, or trek through the jungles of Chiang Mai—it’s important to know what currency is used and how best to manage your money while abroad. This guide is written for UK travellers and explains Thailand’s official currency, payment methods, and essential money tips.

What currency does Thailand use?

Thailand uses the Thai Baht, abbreviated as THB and symbolised by ฿. All transactions across the country—whether in restaurants, markets, hotels, or transport—are carried out in baht.

You’ll typically see prices written as "฿100" or "100 THB."

How is the Thai baht structured?

The baht is divided into 100 satang, though satang coins are rarely used in daily life.

Common denominations include:

• Banknotes: ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, and ฿1,000

• Coins: ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10

At the time of writing, £1 is worth around 44–46 baht, although exchange rates can vary depending on provider and market conditions.

Can you use British pounds or other currencies in Thailand?

No. While prices at some tourist-heavy venues may be quoted in US dollars or euros, all payments must be made in Thai baht. British pounds are not accepted in shops or restaurants.

You’ll need to convert GBP to baht either before travelling or once you arrive in Thailand.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Thailand?

Thailand has a mixed payment culture. In cities and tourist areas, credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted at hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. Contactless payments and QR-based mobile payment systems (like PromptPay) are also increasingly common.

However, cash is still essential—especially for:

• Street food

• Local markets

• Small shops

• Taxis or tuk-tuks

• Rural areas

It’s best to carry a combination of cash and a fee-free travel card like Starling, Monzo or Revolut to maximise flexibility and minimise charges.

Where to get Thai baht

You can get baht in the UK before your trip, but rates are often better in Thailand. Once you arrive, you can exchange money at:

• Banks

• Currency exchange booths (widely available in tourist zones)

• ATMs (note: many charge a withdrawal fee of ฿220 per transaction)

Always use official exchange counters or bank-linked ATMs for safety. Decline any offer to be charged in GBP when withdrawing or paying with a card—always choose to pay in THB for a better rate.

Tips for managing money in Thailand

• Carry small denominations for everyday purchases and tips

• Use ATMs attached to banks or inside malls for better security

• Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated in restaurants and for drivers

• Keep some backup cash for areas with poor card access or in case of ATM issues

• Save ATM receipts and count your notes immediately after withdrawal

Common mistakes to avoid

Many travellers assume Thailand is fully card-friendly—it’s not. Cash is still the dominant form of payment, especially in local settings. Another common mistake is accepting “dynamic currency conversion” at card terminals, which often results in worse exchange rates—always choose baht.

Also, avoid exchanging money at airports, where rates are often poorer than in town.

In summary

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB) as its official currency. While cards are accepted in many tourist areas, cash is essential for local travel and purchases. UK visitors should carry a mix of cash and a fee-free card, exchange money wisely, and always pay in baht to get the best value.