Thailand Guides - Currency

The Thai unit of currency is the baht, which is worth a little less than 4 US cents. One US dollar = approximately 38 baht.

The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. "Silver" coins are in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 baht. A 10 baht coin is composed of both "silver" and "copper". Banknotes are valued at 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (purple) and 1,000 baht (white and grey).

Money and Credit Cards

There are alternatives to carrying cash. Thai banks honor all internationally recognized travelers' checks such as American Express and Thomas Cook. Credit cards and debit cards are a safe and convenient way to manage your funds, and provide you with certain consumer rights. Established names are best – Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa will all get you cash from ATMs all over Thailand. Cards can be cancelled if stolen, and the wholesale exchange rates are better than those of checks and cash. Western Union Money Transfer has offices in many major department stores in Bangkok, including the Silom and Chidlom branches of Central Department Store. You can also transfer money to all major banks. All department stores and most restaurants and shops in Bangkok accept credit cards.

Avoid fraud. Never lose sight of your card when making a purchase, and keep it with you at all times.

• American Express Tel: 0 2273 5555
• Diners Club Tel: 0 2238 3660
• Master Card Tel: 001 800 441 3485
• Visa Tel: 001 800 441 3485