Money in Bangkok: What You Actually Need to Know
Thailand runs mostly on cash, but card payments are accepted at malls, hotels, and larger restaurants. For street food, tuk-tuks, markets, and small shops — you need baht.
Exchange Rate
As of 2026, roughly 35 THB = 1 USD. Check the current rate before you go.
How Much Cash Per Day?
Budget traveler: 800-1,200 baht/day (hostel, street food, public transport, one paid attraction)
Mid-range traveler: 1,500-3,000 baht/day (3-star hotel, mix of street food and restaurants, taxis/Grab, 2-3 attractions)
Comfortable traveler: 3,000-6,000+ baht/day (nice hotel, restaurants, private transport, tours)
Where the Money Goes (Sample Day)
- Breakfast (street food): 60-100 baht (pad thai, coffee)
- BTS ride x2: 32-118 baht round trip
- Lunch (restaurant): 150-300 baht
- Temple entry (Grand Palace): 500 baht
- Grab ride x2: 200-400 baht
- Dinner (street food/market): 100-200 baht
- Beer: 80-150 baht (street bar) or 250-500 baht (rooftop bar)
- Total: ~1,100-1,800 baht for a solid mid-range day
Getting Thai Baht
ATMs in Thailand: Widely available. 7-Eleven has them everywhere. Withdrawal fee is 220 baht per transaction (about $6) plus whatever your bank charges. Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize fees.
Super Rich exchange booths: Better rates than the airport. Found at all major malls and tourist areas. The airport exchange has the worst rates — change just enough for your first day.
Credit/debit cards: Accepted at malls (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM), hotels, and most restaurants. NOT accepted at street food stalls, small shops, and markets.
Transport Budgets
- BTS/MRT: 16-59 baht per ride
- Grab/GrabCar: 80-300 baht typical ride
- Meter taxi: 60-400 baht depending on distance
- Tuk-tuk: 100-300 baht (negotiate before riding)
- Airport transfer: 300-600 baht (meter) or 500-600 baht (private/fixed price)
- Day trip private car: 1,800-4,200 baht depending on destination
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 10-20 baht. 20-50 baht for hotel bellboys. 10% at restaurants if service charge isn't included (most places add 10% automatically).
Save Money Where It Counts
Eat street food (60-100 baht per meal vs 300-500 at restaurants). Use the BTS instead of Grab for medium-distance trips. Pre-book private transfers for longer trips — you'll know the exact cost and avoid surge pricing.