Budget and money

Money in Thailand: how to avoid bank fees and pick the right card

In Thailand you pay two sets of fees on almost every withdrawal: the Thai ATM's fixed charge and whatever your own bank adds. With the right card and a few habits, you can cut those costs to a minimum without carrying a fortune in cash.

By Kylian DevUpdated September 25, 2026

Cut ATM fees by planning withdrawals
Always pay in Thai baht
Choose cards that suit Thailand

Short answer

Thai ATMs typically charge foreign cards 220 to 250 THB per withdrawal (sometimes more depending on the bank and card; always check the fee on screen), on top of your own bank's foreign fees. To pay less, bring a low-fee card or multi-currency account, withdraw larger amounts less often, and always refuse dynamic currency conversion so you are charged in Thai baht. Cash remains essential for street food, markets, local transport and islands, while cards work in hotels, malls and chains. Keep a backup card stored separately.

Cash or card in Thailand: what do you really need?

The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, chain restaurants, supermarkets and increasingly in 7-Eleven stores, but the everyday economy still runs on cash.

Street food, markets and small family restaurants: cash only in most cases.
Songthaews, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and local boats: cash.
Small islands and rural areas: fewer ATMs, and some can run out of cash on busy days.
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab: card accepted in the app.
Hotels, malls, larger restaurants, dive centres: card usually accepted, sometimes with a surcharge of around 3%.

ATM fees in Thailand: the 220 to 250 baht charge and your bank's fees

Most Thai banks charge foreign cards a fixed fee per withdrawal, usually 220 THB, with some machines now showing 250 THB and up to about 350 THB for certain foreign Mastercards at some banks (2026). The fee is displayed on screen before you confirm, so always check it. It applies whatever card you use; even so-called free cards cannot remove it, although a few cards reimburse it.

Your own bank may then add a foreign transaction fee (a percentage of the amount), a fixed fee per withdrawal abroad, or both. Combined, small withdrawals become very expensive in relative terms.

The maximum per withdrawal varies by bank and machine, for example 20,000 THB at Kasikornbank, and your own card's daily limit also applies. Figures are indicative and change.

Always refuse dynamic currency conversion (DCC)

At ATMs and card terminals, you will often be offered to be charged in your home currency, with a guaranteed rate. This is dynamic currency conversion, and the rate is usually much worse than the one your card network would apply.

At the ATM, choose to continue without conversion, or to be charged in THB.
At a terminal, ask to pay in baht and check the screen before entering your PIN.
In shops or hotels, if the receipt shows euros or another currency, ask for the transaction to be cancelled and redone in baht.
Online bookings of Thai services: pay in THB when the option exists.

Which is the best bank card for Thailand?

There is no single best card, but some categories are clearly better suited to Thailand than a standard high-street debit card. Fees and plans change often, so check the current terms before you leave.

Multi-currency cards

Revolut, Wise type

Apps such as Revolut or Wise convert at or near the interbank rate and offer some free withdrawals per month depending on the plan. The Thai ATM fee (220 to 250 THB, sometimes more) still applies, and weekend or over-limit fees may apply.

Low-fee online banks

No foreign fees

Some online and neobank cards charge no foreign transaction fee on payments, and sometimes on withdrawals. Check both payment and withdrawal conditions separately.

Standard bank card

Often costly

Traditional banks often add a percentage plus a fixed fee per withdrawal abroad. Some offer travel packages that remove these fees for a monthly cost.

Credit card

Backup and deposits

Useful for hotel and rental deposits, and sometimes for travel insurance. Cash withdrawals on credit can incur interest from day one, so check before using it at ATMs.

Cash exchange, ATM, low-fee card or credit card: the comparison

Option	Advantages	Drawbacks	Best use
Exchanging cash (euro, dollar)	Good rates at city exchange booths, no ATM fee	Carrying cash from home, damaged notes refused, poor airport rates	Initial budget and a cash reserve
ATM with standard bank card	Available everywhere	220 to 250 THB fee (sometimes more) plus foreign fees from your bank	Occasional use, if no better card
Low-fee or multi-currency card	Near-interbank rate, low or no bank fees	Thai ATM fee still applies, plan limits, app dependency	Main card for payments and withdrawals
Credit card	Deposits, purchase protection, sometimes insurance	Interest or fees on cash withdrawals, foreign fees on some cards	Hotels, rentals, large purchases, backup

Where to exchange money in Thailand

City exchange booths, such as SuperRich-type exchange offices in Bangkok, generally offer some of the best rates for cash.
Airport booths usually give worse rates: change only what you need for the first taxi and meal.
Bring clean, undamaged euro or dollar notes; torn, marked or very old notes can be refused or get a lower rate.
Large denominations of euro or dollar notes often get a slightly better rate than small ones.
Carry your passport: it is required to exchange money.

To estimate amounts before you go, use our currency converter and compare the booth rate with the mid-market rate.

Example: how much do bank fees cost on a 3-week trip?

An illustrative calculation, not a quote. Your bank's fees and the exchange rate will differ.

Assume you need 60,000 THB in cash over three weeks and that your standard bank charges a hypothetical 2% foreign fee plus a fixed fee on each withdrawal abroad.

Scenario	Withdrawals	Thai ATM fees	Your bank's fees
Small withdrawals, standard card	15 × 4,000 THB	15 × 220 = 3,300 THB	2% of the total plus 15 fixed fees
Large withdrawals, standard card	3 × 20,000 THB	3 × 220 = 660 THB	2% of the total plus 3 fixed fees
Large withdrawals, low-fee card	3 × 20,000 THB	3 × 220 = 660 THB	Little or nothing, within plan limits

Before you leave and on the ground: practical tips

1Enable payments and withdrawals abroad in your banking app and check your limits.
2Keep a backup card separately from your main wallet, for example in the hotel safe.
3Save your bank's emergency number to block a card from abroad.
4Use ATMs attached to bank branches or inside malls, preferably in daytime.
5Check your balance in the app after each withdrawal or large payment.

PromptPay QR payments are everywhere in Thailand, but they are designed for Thai bank accounts. Some foreign wallets and apps have started to support Thai QR codes; check whether yours does and at what cost before relying on it.

Tipping is not compulsory. Leaving small change or rounding up in restaurants is appreciated, 20 to 50 THB for good service is common, and upmarket restaurants may already add a service charge.

Card scams and pitfalls to avoid in Thailand

Skimming devices on isolated ATMs: check the card slot and cover the keypad.
Accepting conversion into your home currency at ATMs or terminals.
Letting your card leave your sight in bars or shops.
Forgetting your card in the ATM: Thai machines often dispense cash first and return the card after.
Exchange touts in the street offering better-than-market rates.

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FAQ

Your questions

How much is the ATM fee in Thailand?

Most Thai banks charge foreign cards 220 THB per withdrawal, some machines now 250 THB, and up to about 350 THB for certain foreign Mastercards at some banks. The fee is shown on screen before you confirm, so always check it. Your own bank may add a percentage or fixed fee on top.

What is the best card to use in Thailand?

A card with no or low foreign transaction fees and a good exchange rate, such as a multi-currency account or a fee-free online bank card, plus a backup on another network. Check current plan conditions, as they change.

Can I avoid the 220 to 250 baht ATM fee?

Not really at Thai ATMs, since the local bank charges it. You can reduce its impact by withdrawing larger amounts less often, exchanging cash at city booths, or using a card that reimburses ATM fees if yours offers it.

Should I pay in euros or baht in Thailand?

Always in baht. Paying in your home currency triggers dynamic currency conversion, with a rate that is usually worse than your card network's.

Do Revolut and Wise work in Thailand?

Yes, both cards work at Thai ATMs and card terminals. The Thai ATM fee still applies, and free withdrawal allowances and weekend conditions depend on your plan.

Is it better to exchange cash or withdraw in Thailand?

Exchanging clean euro or dollar notes at city booths often gives an excellent rate, while ATMs are convenient but cost 220 to 250 THB each time (sometimes more). Many travellers combine both.

Can I pay by card at 7-Eleven in Thailand?

Increasingly yes, often with a minimum amount, but not in every store. Carry cash for small purchases anyway.

How much cash should I carry in Thailand?

Enough for a few days of food, transport and small expenses, with the rest on cards and a reserve in the hotel safe. Take more before heading to small islands with few ATMs.