Cash or card in Thailand: Which is the best way to pay?

If Thailand is on your travel list, you’re probably starting to map out your budget. Regardless of how much you plan to spend, understanding how locals handle payments can make your trip smoother.

When it comes to cash or card in Thailand, cash remains the most commonly used option, especially among locals. That said, cards are generally accepted in tourist hotspots like hotels, shopping malls and larger restaurants. Still, relying solely on your card isn’t always practical, even in these areas.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to decide what’s more convenient, cash or card in Thailand. This will help you consider your options and get ready for your trip.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in Thailand from the money services provider Wise. For any international purchases, online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card.

How cash-centric is Thailand?

Cash is widely used in Thailand and it’s still the number one method of paying. According to a survey from the Bank of Thailand, cash payments make up around 66% of all transactions.¹

Large businesses, hotels and restaurants all accept credit and debit cards. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash anyway, since cards can’t completely replace it. If you travel to smaller towns, you’ll notice that it might be hard to find places that support card payments.

Cash etiquette in Thailand

Although tipping isn’t mandatory in Thailand, it is greatly appreciated and has become increasingly common, especially in restaurants and spas. Even a small gesture, such as rounding up the bill, is considered thoughtful and polite. Having cash on hand makes it easy to leave a tip whenever you feel it’s deserved.²

It’s also recommended to carry smaller denominations and coins, which can be very handy not just for tipping, but also for haggling or paying small bills. Ensuring you have enough cash is important, as in many places it may be the only payment option available.¹

Your behavior with Thai money is equally important, as improper handling can lead to awkward situations. Thai baht bills feature images of the royal family and locals treat them with great respect. Writing on bills, stepping on them or showing any disregard is considered highly inappropriate, so always pick up money carefully with your hand.³

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live Thai baht exchange rate currency converter.

Cash or card in Thailand - the comparison

We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in Thailand. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Using your card in Thailand at an ATM

You won’t have problems with ATMs in Thailand, as there are over 60,000 of them available. They’re usually open 24/7 and the standard daily withdrawal limit is between 20,000 and 30,000 baht.⁶

There are plenty of international and local banks in Thailand. The ones most popular with tourists are Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), United Overseas Bank and Kasikornbank. Make sure you always use official bank ATMs when withdrawing money.

If you have a Wise card you can even withdraw cash for low fees* and great mid-market exchange rates.

With Wise, you have free withdrawals each month up to a total of 250 GBP. If you withdraw more than this, a fee of 2.69% applies only to the amount in excess of that 250 GBP allowance.

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

💡Top tip: Always withdraw cash from ATMs in the local currency to avoid merchants adding on higher conversion fees. And remember that when using your card abroad, your bank or card provider may have limits on how much you can withdraw daily, so it’s best to check in advance!

Will my UK debit card work in Thailand?

You can use foreign cards in Thailand, including your UK-issued debit card.⁶ Again, keep in mind that smaller businesses likely won’t accept any type of card payment.

Can I use my UK credit card in Thailand?

If you’re using an ATM or going to a place that accepts cards, you’ll be able to use your UK credit card in Thailand.⁶

Reasons to use cash in Thailand

Cash is the most widely used payment method in Thailand and is sometimes the only option available. You’ll need it in a range of situations, such as paying for most taxis and tuk-tuks, buying from small businesses or travelling outside the major cities.

Since tipping is appreciated in Thailand, carrying cash is also practical for this purpose. You’ll inevitably interact with service workers and hotel staff, so having a little extra to show your appreciation can make a big difference.

If you decide to go cashless, you could miss out on many authentic experiences in Thailand. Sampling local street food and shopping at markets is much easier with bills and coins on hand. Simply carrying Thai baht can be an experience in itself, as locals treat the banknotes with great respect because they feature images of the royal family.

Finally, even in today’s digital age, technology isn’t always reliable. Card machines can sometimes stop working, so having cash on hand helps you avoid uncomfortable situations.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Thailand

The main reason to use cards in Thailand is security. Carrying and spending large amounts of cash can be risky and make you a target for pickpockets.

Cards can also be convenient if you’re staying mostly in large, popular cities or at resorts. Using them allows you to avoid carrying and managing physical cash and it reduces the risk of losing money while shopping.

However, it’s important not to rely entirely on cards. Even in Bangkok and other major cities, card terminals can occasionally fail. Smaller shops, street vendors and local taxis often accept cash only, so having at least some extra bills ensures you won’t be caught off guard.

Are contactless card payments common in Thailand?

Contactless payments have grown in popularity in Thailand over the past few years. While more businesses are installing tap-to-pay terminals, it’s still a good idea to check whether a store or restaurant accepts this type of payment before you try to use it.⁷

The limit for contactless transactions in Thailand is 1,500 THB.⁸

Your Wise card is a good payment option for contactless transactions in Thailand. But, if you prefer leaving your cards at home, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Other payment methods in Thailand

Besides traditional credit and debit cards, other payment methods are also available in Thailand.

Mobile and e-wallet payment

Thailand has many local mobile payment apps, but most are only available to residents. These apps typically work by linking a credit or debit card or by scanning a QR code at a point of sale. Some of the most popular e-wallets in Thailand include TrueMoney, Rabbit LINE Pay, GrabPay and Paotang.⁹

QR code payments through Thailand’s national PromptPay system are a widely used method for transactions. While PromptPay is only available to Thai bank account holders, tourists can access it using TAGTHAi Easy Pay. To do this, you first need to obtain a PAY&TOUR prepaid card upon arrival in Thailand, which can then be linked to TAGTHAi to make payments via the PromptPay system.¹⁰

Popular international mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are accepted at some modern terminals in Thailand. Be sure to update your payment apps before you travel to avoid any issues.¹¹

What is the best way to pay in Thailand: cash or card?

If you only have to pick one, cash is definitely the better choice. You most likely won’t find many cashless or fully digital places in Thailand, so having a card is not essential at all. If you plan on trying street food, visiting local markets or little stores, it’s important that you have cash on you.

Spend like a local in Thailand with Wise

Want to spend like a local in 150+ countries, including Thailand, without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, might be just the thing you’re looking for.

The Wise card can be used for international payments, including accommodation costs and daily expenses. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

You can also use it to easily withdraw baht from the ATMs in Thailand.

Learn more about Wise card 💳

Cash or card in Thailand - FAQs

To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Thailand.

Should I buy Thai baht in the UK?

You don’t need to get Thai baht in the UK, you can exchange pounds in Thailand. You can also use your Wise card at a Thai ATM and have it automatically convert the currency for you.

Which ATM is best for foreigners to use in Thailand?

All Thai ATMs charge fees for international cards, but tourists often use ATMs from Siam Commercial Bank, Krungsri or Kasikornbank.⁶

How much are ATM fees in Thailand?

Most Thai ATMs charge 250 THB for withdrawals with an international card, which is around £6.⁶

Should I use cash or card in Phuket?

You can use both. Cards will likely be accepted anywhere, but having some cash is always a good idea.

Is Thailand mostly cashless?

Quite the opposite. Even though cards are widely accepted, cash is still the primary payment method.

Can you use GBP in Thailand?

You usually won’t be able to use any other currency except for the Thai baht in Thailand.

Is 1000 Baht a day enough for Thailand?

An average budget for Thailand is around £200 per week, which is roughly 1,200 THB per day. With careful planning, 1,000 THB a day can often be sufficient.¹²

Is it mandatory to carry 10,000 baht to Thailand?

You must show proof of funds when entering Thailand. The required amount is 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family.¹³

Sources used in this article:

1. Bank of Thailand - payment survey
2. Condé Nast Traveller - unwritten rules for travelling in Thailand
3. Centara Hotels & Resorts - Thai taboos
4. Grab - taxi booking services
5. MuvMi - Tuk tuk info
6. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in Thailand
7. Stripe - tap-to-pay in Thailand
8. Merchant Machine - contactless limits
9. Stripe - mobile payment apps in Thailand
10. TAGTHAi - Easy Pay
11. Shuttle Global - payment options for tourists in Thailand
12. Holiday Hypermarket - Thailand holiday budget
13. Royal Thai Embassy in London - tourist visa

Sources last checked on date: 09-Jul-2026