Southeast Asia
Thailand
Thailand stretches your money differently depending on where you point yourself - Bangkok, the southern islands, and the north can feel like three different budgets. Cash still rules for street food, markets, and small vendors, even as cards and mobile payment take over in malls and city centres. The detail that catches travelers out most is at the border: entry and visa-exemption rules have been revised repeatedly in the past couple of years, so the current allowance for your nationality is the one thing to confirm against an official source before you fly.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
฿
Thai Baht
THB
Cash Tip
Bills (฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, ฿1,000) and coins (฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10) are in circulation.
Cash is essential for street food, markets, local transport, and smaller shops.
ATMs are widely available but charge a standard fee of ฿220 per withdrawal for foreign cards.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
6 / 10.0
Domestic digital transactions utilize the PromptPay QR code network, which requires a local bank account. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shopping malls, and large restaurants. Physical cash is required for street food, traditional markets, local transport, and small shops.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
฿350–฿700
Street food and market meals (฿40–฿80 per dish). BTS/MRT rides (฿16–฿59 per trip) and songthaews.
≈ $10–$20
Meals & Transit
฿350–฿700
≈ $10–$20
Street food and market meals (฿40–฿80 per dish). BTS/MRT rides (฿16–฿59 per trip) and songthaews.
Accommodation
฿280–฿530
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $8–$15
Accommodation
฿280–฿530
≈ $8–$15
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
฿875–฿1,750
Casual restaurants (฿150–฿400 per meal). Mix of BTS/MRT and Grab rides.
≈ $25–$50
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type A220V50Hz
Type B220V50Hz
Type C220V50Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
฿299–฿599
≈ $8–$17 USD
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- GrabForeigner-friendly
Ride-hailing application. Works for cars, bikes, and food delivery. Accepts international cards.
- BoltForeigner-friendly
Ride-hailing alternative to Grab, often slightly cheaper. Growing presence in Bangkok and major cities.
- ViaBusForeigner-friendly
Real-time Bangkok bus tracking app. Shows bus routes and arrival times.
Navigation
- Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Reliable for Thailand. Good for finding restaurants, temples, and transit routes. Works offline.
Food
- RobinhoodLocals mainly
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- Lèse-majesté laws are strictly enforced. Criticizing, defaming, or insulting the Thai monarchy (King, Queen, or royal family) is a criminal offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison per count.
- Drug legislation is strictly enforced. Possession of Class I substances (heroin, methamphetamine) can carry the death penalty. Marijuana has been re-regulated - recreational use is restricted.
- Vaping and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand. Importing, selling, or using e-cigarettes can result in fines up to ฿30,000 or imprisonment up to 10 years.
- It is illegal to step on Thai currency (banknotes or coins) as they bear the image of the King.
Cultural
- Removal of shoes is customary prior to entering temples and homes. Dress modestly at temples - cover shoulders and knees.
- The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Never touch someone's head, even a child's.
- Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Do not point your feet at people, Buddha images, or temples.
Health
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Drink bottled water. Ice in reputable restaurants and hotels is generally made from purified water.
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