Currency

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Baht. 1 Baht = 100 Satangs.

Paper currency comes in 1,000 , 500 , 100 , 50 , 20 , and 10 Baht denominations. Bank notes are scaled as well as coloured according to value. The larger the denomination, the larger the size of the note. Coins come in 10 Baht, 5 Baht, 1 Baht, 50-Satang and 25-Satang denominations.

It’s recommended to keep a good amount of smaller notes handy, as making change for 1,000 Baht or even 500 Baht notes can occasionally be difficult.

Exchange Rate

1 AUD = 29.72 THB
1 USD = 30.06 THB

Money Exchange

Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be easily exchanged at branches of the major banks in Phuket Town and Patong, or at the numerous kiosks operated by the banks throughout Patong, Karon, Kata and Phuket City. Money can also be exchanged at hotels, although bank rates are usually a lot better.

Most currency exchange kiosks are open from 08:00 or 09:30 and close around 20:00, seven days a week.

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards, followed by American Express and Japan Card Bureau (JCB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, tour agencies, as well as certain restaurants and shops. However, you will need cash for markets, streets stalls and when paying for transport.

ATM/Cash Withdrawal

One of the most convenient ways to obtain local currency is to draw it from an ATM. Most ATMs throughout Thailand can be used to draw money from your bank account at home. Look for stickers displaying the Maestro, Cirrus or Plus logos.

ATMs are plentiful, especially in Phuket City and resort areas. If you can't find a bank, nearly all 7-Elevens have an ATM out front. All ATMs in Phuket have an option to display English language.

Visa and MasterCard holders can obtain cash advances from the Thai Farmers' Bank, Siam Commercial Bank and Bangkok Bank branches, as well as currency exchange kiosks run by the same banks.

Banks are open from 08:30 to 15:30 from Monday - Friday. Some small branches located in shopping malls are open 08:30 to 19:00, seven days a week. Most major banks have branches in Phuket City and Patong, as well as a few sub-branches dotted around the island.