Baht, ATMs
and the eSIM default
Withdraw big and rarely. Thai ATMs charge ฿220–250+ (~$7) per withdrawal regardless of amount, and always decline dynamic currency conversion — 'convert to your home currency?' means 'pay extra'. Carry ฿1,000–2,000 a day in cash, because the street runs on PromptPay QR and that does not accept foreign banking apps. Install an eSIM before you land: Grab, maps and your TDAC QR all start at the airport.
Baht, ATMs, and the eSIM default
The baht is on your side in 2026: ~฿33.6 per USD mid-year — the best tourist rates in over a year. Exchange order of preference: SuperRich > Thai banks > airport booths. Thai ATMs charge ฿220–250+ (~$7) per withdrawal regardless of amount — withdraw big, rarely, and always decline dynamic currency conversion ('convert to your home currency?' means 'pay extra').
Cards vs cash: cards are fine in malls, hotels, chains and every train gate — but the street runs on PromptPay QR, which does not accept foreign banking apps. Carry ฿1,000–2,000 (~$30–60) per day in cash and keep small notes; a ฿1,000 bill at a ฿50 noodle stall is a social event.
Connectivity: an eSIM before you land is the default play — from ~$9 for Thailand data, installed at your departure gate, working the moment you clear the jet bridge. That matters, because Grab, maps and your TDAC QR all start at the airport. Prefer physical? Airport counters sell tourist SIMs at ฿299–399 for 8 days; the market is AIS vs True, and both are excellent in Bangkok.
Bangkok money FAQ
How much cash should I carry in Bangkok?
฿1,000–2,000 (~$30–60) per day covers street food, boats, markets and massages; cards handle malls, hotels and every train gate. Street QR codes run on Thai PromptPay, which foreign banking apps cannot use. Withdraw large amounts rarely — ATMs charge ฿220–250+ per pull — or exchange at SuperRich, and always decline dynamic currency conversion.