Which is the best payment method to prepare for a trip to Thailand?

When travelling to Thailand, it is recommended to prepareCombination of multiple payment methodsto cope with different scenarios (e.g. shopping malls, night markets, stalls, etc.), the following are specific suggestions:

1. Cash (Thai baht)

• Essential level: ★★★★★
  • Many places in Thailand (especially night markets, street stalls, taxis, temple tickets, etc.) only accept cash.
  • Redemption Suggestion:
    • Domestic change in advance: Bank of China/ ICBC etc. can make an appointment to exchange at a better exchange rate (better value than local Thailand).
    • Thai Local Exchange: Exchange points such as SuperRich (green or orange signs) and VASU have better exchange rates, avoid the low exchange rate counters at airports/hotels.
    • ATM Cash Withdrawal: Supports UnionPay cards, but charges 220 Baht for a single transaction + issuer's fee.

2. Credit/debit cards

• Recommended Type: VISA/Mastercard > UnionPay
  • Applicable Scenarios: Large shopping malls, chain shops, high-end restaurants or hotels.
  • caveat::
    • Visa/Mastercard is most widely accepted; some merchants may refuse to accept UnionPay.
    • Prefer cards with no currency conversion fees (e.g., some all-currency credit cards).
    • Beware of swiping! Try to use it in regular places and use cash for small purchases.

3. QR code payment (PromptPay)

• Suitable for long term travellers with a Thai bank account
  PromptPay (tied to mobile phone number/ID card) is commonly used by locals, but difficult for foreign tourists to set up in the short term. Some merchants support Alipay/WeChat payment (limited coverage).

4. Alipay/WeChat Pay

• Limited coverage
  Mainly available at 7-11 convenience stores, Royal Duty Free shops or Chinese shopping districts, please check in advance for support.

✨ Wrap-up programme:

⚠️ other reminders:

1. have change : Large bills over 500 baht may be refused.
2. guard against theft : Separate cash and bank cards.
3. electronic wallet (e.g. for money) : The Grab App can be tied up for taxi ordering.

Just exchange your money before you leave on a budget for your trip - 1,000 to 2,000 baht per capita per day for basic spending is a safe bet.

Right! Here are the payment methods for ThailandAdditional details and practical tips, helping you to further optimise your funding arrangements:

5. Advanced techniques in the use of cash

• Zero money management:
  • Thai people often refuse large notes (e.g. 1,000 baht for 20 baht of water) because they "don't have change", so it is advisable to break them in advance at a 7-11 or supermarket.
  • Coins are versatile: It is required for donating merit at temples, bus boats, vending machines, etc. Keep small-denomination coins for backup.
• An example of a petty cash scenario:
  • Raiders/two-bar vans (basically no credit cards accepted)
  • Massage parlours (especially street shops)
  • Night market food (mango sticky rice, kebabs, etc.)

6. Hidden pitfalls of ATM cash withdrawals

• Handling fee double whammy::
  1. Bank of Thailand: Fixed 220 Baht (approx. 45 RMB) per transaction, independent of the amount withdrawn.
  2. Domestic Issuing Banks: Additional 1%~3% cross-border handling fee may be charged.
• response strategy::
  • ✔️ Try to withdraw the required amount in a single transaction (e.g. 10,000 baht at a time rather than multiple times).
    ❌ Avoid cash advances on credit cards (high interest rates + fees stacked on top).

7. Visa/Mastercard "contactless payments"

• (💳Proximity payments are labelled "Contactless")
  Bangkok's chain shops (e.g. Big C Supermarkets, Boots) support tap card payments below 1,500 baht password-free, which are fast and anti-theft swipe.

8. Hidden Benefits of Alipay/WeChat Payments

Although not widely covered, the following are used in preference:
✅ King Power Duty Free (Alipay exclusive discounts often available)
✅ Restaurants/attractions with lots of Chinese tourists (e.g. some businesses in Patong Beach, Phuket)
✅Real-time exchange rate settlement (more transparent than credit card currency conversion fees)

🚨 Lightning Reminder

❌ Poor exchange rates at airport exchange points! Please also choose SuperRich counters instead of random windows for emergency exchange.
❌ Private roadside exchange points may have counterfeit notes or exchange rate fraud.

📱Recommended Apps::
1️⃣ SuperRich TH : Check the real-time best exchange rates and the location of exchange points.
2️⃣ Wise (formerly TransferWise): Low-cost international transfers for long-term travellers.

If the trip includes remote islands or mountainous areas (e.g. Libe Island, Bay County), be sure to bring extra cash - ATMs are scarce and may malfunction in these places!