Wondering How to Pay in Thailand? Read this!

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How to Pay for Stuff in Thailand Without Going Broke (or Crazy)

So, you've landed in the Land of Smiles, where the food is spicy, the beaches are Instagram-worthy, and the payment methods are sometimes complicated. Fear not, fellow traveler, because I'm here to break down the many ways you can hand over your hard-earned cash (or plastic, or digital bytes) in Thailand.

1. Cash is King (Because Apparently, We're Still in 1995)

Forget Apple Pay, forget Venmo S most of Thailand, and especially tourist Thailand, runs on cold, hard cash like it's still the '90s. Street food vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, and even some smaller shops will look at you like you've grown a second head if you whip out a card.

Pro Tip: Carry small bills (20s, 50s, 100s) because nobody wants to break your 1000฿ note for a 50฿ mango sticky rice. Also, expect the classic "No have change!" from taxi drivers. It's basically a national sport. Head to a 7-Eleven and buy something small if really needed.

Where to Exchange Cash Without Getting Scammed?

You could exchange money at the bank in your home country if you enjoy lighting cash on fire. Instead, do it in Thailand. Here's where to go for the best rates:

- SuperRich (The Green One, slightly better than the Orange One) - The holy grail of currency exchange. SuperRich (green logo) consistently has the best rates in Bangkok. Their main branch near CentralWorld is legendary. They now also have an booth at Suvarnabhumi Airport, well hidden in the basement.

- Banks (Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, etc.) - Decent rates, especially if you're exchanging a lot. Less sketchy than random street booths.

- Airport Booths - Only in emergencies. The rates are potentially meh, except at SuperRich, hidden somewhere in the vastness of Suvarnabhumi Airport (last seen at the very bottom base level of the airport, far flung and deep inside, according to one traveler).

Golden Rule: Always check the rates online first (SuperRich posts theirs dailyc check Useful Links on the left) and avoid exchanging at hotels as they'll rob you blind with a smile.

2. ATMs: The Great Thai Fee Heist

Ah, ATMs. The necessary evil of every traveler's existence. In Thailand, they don't just dispense cash. They also dispense emotional damage in the form of fees.

- 220฿ per withdrawal? Yep, that's the standard foreign card fee. Doesn't matter if you're taking out 1000฿ or 20,000฿ - they're charging you like it's a luxury service.

- Your bank back home might also charge you for the privilege of using an ATM abroad. Double whammy!

- "But can't I just withdraw more to avoid fees?" Good idea, but then you're walking around with a wad of cash like a drug lord, praying you don't lose it.

The ATM Conversion Scam:

When withdrawing money, the machine will ask if you want to accept their conversion rate. ALWAYS CHOOSE NO. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and gives you terrible exchange rates. Your home bank's rate will always be better.

Golden Rule: Never withdraw small amounts as you'll end up paying more fees than your weekly food budget. Withdraw larger amounts and consider the fees an insurance fee against losing cash that you bring from overseas.

3. Credit Cards: Only for Fancy People (or Malls)

Credit cards are technically accepted but only in places that have electricity and don't consider "hole in the wall" a business model.

- Big chains, hotels, and upscale restaurants? Sure, they'll take your Visa/MasterCard.

- 7-Eleven? Maybe. But sometimes the machine "doesn't work" (read: they just don't feel like it). Beware that there's also a minimum 200฿ purchase when using cards (both debit and credit).

- Street vendors, markets, or small shops? LOL. No.

Watch Out For: Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) - where they offer to charge you in your home currency at a terrible exchange rate. Always choose THB!

UnionPay: The Chinese Connection

Ah, UnionPay, China's answer to Visa/MasterCard. In Thailand, it's hit or miss:

- Big stores, luxury shops, and Chinese tourist traps? They'll take it with open arms (and maybe even offer discounts).

- Small local shops or street vendors? Not a chance.

- ATMs? Most accept it, but you'll still get hit with that 220฿ fee (because why not?).

Pro Tip: If you're carrying a UnionPay card, stick to major retailers or Chinese-friendly spots (like Chinatown or high-end malls). Otherwise, you're better off with cash.

4. QR Code Payments (AKA "You Need a Thai Bank Account, Sucker")

Thailand has fully embraced QR payments but can only be used if you're a local or one of those rare foreigners with a Thai bank account (spoiler: opening a bank account as a foreigner in Thailand is so hard that it's a possible plot for the next Mission Impossible instalment). Bank apps all support QR payments (and apps PromptPay, TrueMoney Wallet, and Rabbit LINE Pay as well). They are used everywhere but guess what? You need a Thai bank account to use them.

Foreigner-Friendly workarounds? Almost none. You might get lucky with Alipay/WeChat Pay in touristy Chinese-friendly spots, but otherwise, you're stuck watching Thais pay with a quick scan while you fumble with cash like a peasant.

5. Rabbit Card & TagThai Easy Pay (For the BTS and Sometimes 7-Eleven?)

The Rabbit Card is a reloadable card for Bangkok's BTS (Skytrain) and MRT. It can also be used in some stores (mostly 7-Eleven and a few cafes), but it's not as universal as, say, Hong Kong's Octopus card. Is it worth it? If you're in Bangkok for a while and hate digging for change, sure. Otherwise, meh. 

Lately TAGTHAI Easy Pay has gained some traction. It's a preloaded card cum e-Wallet that can do QR payments, sort of. Checkout the link for more information but don't expect too much as setting it up and reloading it is still a bit of a hassle.

6. Cryptocurrency (Just Kidding, This is Thailand)

Unless you're paying for a very niche service, crypto is about as useful as Monopoly money here. Stick to cash.

Final Verdict: How to Survive Financially in Thailand

- Cash = Your best friend (and worst enemy when you run out).

- Best Exchange? SuperRich or reputable bank booths - avoid airports & hotels.

- ATMs = Necessary evil (withdraw large amounts to minimize fees). Always DECLINE the ATM's conversion offer!

- Credit Cards = Only for fancy places (and even then, pray the machine works).

- UnionPay = Works in big stores, useless elsewhere.

- QR Codes = Cool if you're Thai (otherwise, just watch in envy).

- Rabbit Card = Handy for transport, otherwise forget it.

- TAGTHAI Easy Pay - Potentially (QR) useful if you're willing to go through the rigmarole of setting it up

Now go forth, spend wisely, and may the exchange rate be ever in your favor.

P.S. If a tuk-tuk driver tells you, "Special price for you, my friend!" - run. Just run.

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