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IN BRIEF
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Leave in Thailand requires knowing the cash local, the bahtand a few practical rules: there are coins and banknotes (20, 50, 100, 500, 1000) and, out of respect for the monarchyDamaging or trampling on banknotes can be frowned upon and lead to problems. Currency exchange offices and ATMs ATM are numerous, but repeated withdrawals and payments by bank card can generate commissions, hence the importance of optimizing one’s cash supply.
For travelers from the Eurozone, it is generally best to bring… euros rather than dollarswith bills in good condition and of high value to obtain better rates. Thailand sees payments by map, contactless payment and payment by QR (an official application, TAGTHai(now facilitates payments for visitors), but a stock of liquid It remains essential for markets, street food, and remote areas. Budget-wise, you can expect to spend around 40–50€ per day for two people backpacking, and around 60–80€ for greater comfort; finally, it’s better to spend or repurpose one’s baht before leaving the country because they do not convert well outside of Thailand.
This article offers practical guidance for preparing your trip to Thailand: what cash takeaway, the usual payment methods available on site, an overview of daily budgets and anticipated expenses, as well as tips for minimizing costs. The information gathered below covers usage in both urban and rural areas, digital alternatives (eSIM, payment apps), and best practices for currency exchange and return.
The local currency: the baht
The official currency is the baht Thai baht (THB). Coins (from 0.25 to 10 baht) and especially banknotes are in circulation: 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 bahtThe banknotes bear the king’s image: in Thailand, the monarchy is highly respected, and damaging or trampling on a banknote can be considered a serious offense. Therefore, keep your banknotes in good condition.
What currencies to take?
If you are travelling from the Eurozone, euros are generally sufficient: they convert easily and avoid an intermediary commission linked to the dollar. Favor the large denominations and ensure your banknotes are in perfect condition, as exchange bureaus may refuse damaged or crumpled bills. Avoid carrying too many dollars if you are leaving from Europe to save on exchange fees.
Payment methods available on site
Thailand is becoming increasingly digitalized in terms of payments: bank cards, contactless payments and apps that scan QR codes are widespread in urban and tourist areas. Distributors ATM There are many, but beware of bank fees: it is best to avoid many small withdrawals.
For QR code payments, the official tourist app TAGTHai allows visitors to link a card and create a virtual wallet. Local transport and payment apps also exist in several cities. To prepare for connectivity and data plans, research eSIM options and budget plans before departure; practical guides like Airalo’s or specialist articles offer step-by-step solutions (Airalo guide, eSIM solutions).
Indicative budget and price ranges
Thailand is generally a affordable destinationAs a guide, we can expect the following orders of magnitude:
– Backpacker budget : approximately €40–50 per day (based on two people), favouring budget accommodation and street food.
– Reasonable comfort : €60–80 per day for two people, which allows for more flexibility and some paid tourist services.
Examples of typical rates: double room in a guesthouse 10–15 €, double room in a tourist hotel 30–40 €street food 2–3 € (markets, street food), tourist meals 15–20 €Car rentals starting from approximately €20–25 per day, scooter 8–10 €/day, bike <€5/day. Long-distance buses: a few euros per hour depending on the category; trains follow similar price ranges. Urban transport generally costs less than one euro the journey.
More details and comparisons can be found in specialist guides and user reviews (World Tourer, TravelThai, Thailand Tour, Hanoi Travel).
What is expensive and what is economical
Items that can impact the budget: the archipelagos and the touristy South are generally more expensive than the North (the North can be about a third cheaperThe practice of dual pricing (local vs. foreign prices) is particularly common in national parks and tourist sites and can quickly inflate the bill. Taxis in highly touristic areas and alcoholic beverages (which are heavily taxed) are other costly items. Making multiple small withdrawals or card payments results in repeated fees.
Budgetary items: staying in a guesthouse, eating in the street food, travel using local transport. Booking domestic flights in advance often allows you to get very good fares and save money on travel.
Bargaining and tipping
THE bargaining It’s very common practice at markets and for souvenirs to systematically negotiate and aim for a compromise, often well below the initial asking price. Also, inquire about the “local” price to avoid consistently paying the “visitor” price.
THE tip It’s not culturally obligatory, but it’s often expected in tourist areas. Some guidelines: approximately 10% if the service is not included at the restaurant, €1 for hotel staff accustomed to visitors, 1–2 € For a standard massage, round up the taxi fare, and 5–6 € for a private guide or driver depending on the duration and quality of service.
Upon returning: what to do with the remaining baht?
Outside of Thailand, the baht exchanges poorlyIt is therefore recommended to spend Use your remaining baht or exchange it before leaving. If you plan to continue your trip in Laos, the baht can sometimes be used for certain purchases, but it’s not guaranteed everywhere.
Practical tips to limit costs
– Make larger and less frequent withdrawals to limit ATM fees.
– Prefer large bills in good condition for currency exchange and avoid damaged bills.
– Use electronic payments where possible in tourist areas and ask about the TAGTHAi app to simplify your QR code payments.
– Consider the eSIM option or a local SIM card to retain access to payment and transport applications; articles explain the affordable plans and how to purchase them (Southeast Asia – eSIM, Airalo).
Preparing your budget in advance: resources and stories
To refine your estimate and find budget-friendly itineraries, affordable all-inclusive packages, or customer reviews, consult dedicated articles detailing low-budget trips or local tips (book a stay for less than €800, essential preparations, practical returns). To stay up-to-date on local news and events that may affect travel or prices, also see the local news briefs (Southeast Asia – Thai Express).
Concrete examples for planning
A typical trip might combine local transport, mixed accommodation (guesthouses and a few nights in tourist hotels), street food, and one or two paid excursions: by sticking to a tight budget and avoiding overly expensive tourist extras, you can maintain an average cost within the indicated ranges. For solidarity trips or youth programs, you will also find specific formats and testimonials about local projects (solidarity commitments).
Other practical resources
For additional practical guides and detailed cost comparisons, see: Southeast Asia – budget stay, World Tourer, TravelThai, Thailand Tourand a useful step-by-step summary guide on budgeting (Airalo).
Currency and payment methods
- Cash : THE baht (coins 0.25–10, banknotes 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000).
- Respect of tickets: the banknotes bear the king’s image; damaging or trampling on them can be very frowned upon (legal risk).
- What motto to take: For Europe, prioritize the euros rather than the dollar.
- Cuts: Prefer large denominations and banknotes in good condition (better rate, safer acceptance).
- Withdrawals: ATMs are plentiful; avoid repeated small withdrawals because of the bank charges.
- Maps & QR codes: Cards accepted in the city; popular QR code apps — official app TAGTHai for visitors.
- Cash essential: markets, street food and remote areas — always keep a small supply of liquid.
- At the start: The baht does not convert well outside of Thailand: spend or exchange the remainder before leaving.
Budget and practical costs
- Daily budget (for two people) : backpacker €40–50; comfort €60–80.
- Indicative prices: double guesthouse 10–15 €; double tourist hotel 30–40 €.
- Meal : street food €2–3; cheap eatery €6–7; tourist restaurant €15–20.
- Transportation: Scooter €8–10/day; car €20–25/day; long-distance bus €2–10/hour depending on comfort; urban transport
- Potential savings: Sleeping and eating local food, domestic flights booked in advance, negotiating transport and services.
- Items that are weighing down the budget: Islands and South (more expensive), double pricing for parks, tourist taxis, heavily taxed alcohol.
- Hidden fees: Card/ATM fees to control: limit withdrawals and group card expenses when possible.
- Bargaining and tipping: Bargaining is common in markets; tipping is not mandatory but frequent in tourist areas (round up, 1–2 € for small services, ~10% in restaurants if not included).
FAQ — Traveling in Thailand: budget and currency
Q: What is the currency in Thailand and what specific details should I be aware of?
A: The local currency is the baht (symbol THB). Small denomination coins and banknotes are available. 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 bahtAll of them bear the king’s image. In Thailand, respect for the monarchy is taken very seriously: damaging or trampling on a banknote can be considered a reprehensible act. It is therefore advisable to handle your banknotes with care and avoid heavily worn bills.
Q: Which currency is better to take: euros or dollars?
A: If you are from the Eurozone, prioritize the eurosThey are easy to change and avoid an additional conversion step that would be involved. US dollars. It is preferable to carry fairly large denominations in good condition: large denominations sometimes get a better rate and damaged bills may be refused.
Q: Where can I exchange money and can I use ATMs?
A: Currency exchange offices and banks are plentiful, especially in cities and tourist areas, and ATM are widely available. Be mindful of fees: avoid making many small withdrawals in quick succession to minimize bank charges. Also, compare rates between several exchange bureaus before exchanging large sums of money.
Q: Are bank cards and mobile payments accepted?
A: In major cities and tourist areas, the bank cards Contactless payment is common. Thailand is also developing QR code payments; an official app for visitors, TAGTHaiThis allows you to link a card and pay via a virtual wallet. However, always keep some of liquid for the markets, the street food and rural areas.
Q: How much should I budget per day for a stay in Thailand?
A: For two people, a backpacking trip can be considered around 40 to 50 euros per dayFor more comfort, consider €60 to €80 per day for two. These guidelines vary depending on the destination (islands and south more expensive, north generally more economical).
Q: What are the most expensive spending categories?
A: Places that increase the budget include: the islands and the South (more expensive accommodation and transport), the dual pricing (local versus foreign prices in certain parks and sites), bank fees related to card withdrawals and payments, and taxis in highly touristic areas. Alcoholic beverages may also be heavily taxed.
Q: Which expenses are inexpensive?
A: Sleeping in guesthouses, eating in the street stalls Using local transportation remains very affordable. Domestic flights can be inexpensive if booked in advance. Overall, the cost of living in Thailand offers excellent value for money for Western travelers.
Q: Can you give some examples of current prices?
A: Indicative examples: double room in a guesthouse 10–15 €, standard hotel for two 30–40 €street food 2–3 €tourist meals 15–20 €compact car rental 20–25 €/day, scooter 8–10 €/day, long-distance bus depending on comfort 2–3 € per hour for basic urban transport often <1 € per ticket.
Q: Should you haggle and how should you handle tips?
A: THE bargaining This is common in markets and tourist shops; often a compromise is reached at around half the initially displayed price. tip It is not culturally obligatory but is expected in tourist areas: approximately 10% At the restaurant if service is not included, €1 for hotel staff, €1–2 for a massage, rounding up the taxi fare, and approximately 5–6 € for a private guide or driver depending on the service.
Q: What should I do with the remaining baht upon my return?
A: THE baht It is difficult to exchange baht outside of Southeast Asia. It is therefore advisable to spend your remaining baht locally or exchange it before leaving. Note: in some neighboring countries such as Laos, the baht may sometimes be accepted for small transactions.
Q: Practical tips for saving and managing money while there?
A: Limit frequent small withdrawals to reduce fees, use clean, denomination banknotes for currency exchange, use your card whenever possible in tourist areas, and always keep a cash reserve. liquid for everyday purchases and remote areas. Also, check the prices for locals vs. foreigners before buying tickets for sites or parks.
Q: Is the north really cheaper than the south?
A: Yes, generally speaking north Thailand is more economical: expect to pay about a third less than in coastal areas and islands. Accommodation, meals, and local transport are often cheaper there.