Quick answer: Budget travelers should plan about $30–50/day, mid-range $80–130/day. Bring a card for ATMs and carry some cash — Thailand is largely cash-based for street food and markets.
Thailand is affordable and mostly cash-based day to day. Here’s how much to budget and how to handle money.
Daily budget
Budget: $30–50/day; mid-range: $80–130/day; luxury: $250+. A week (excluding flights) runs roughly $250–900.
Cash vs card
Cards work at hotels, malls and bigger restaurants, but street food, markets, tuk-tuks and small towns are cash. ATMs are everywhere but charge a ~220 baht foreign fee per withdrawal — take out larger amounts less often.
How much cash to bring
Bring a little cash to exchange on arrival, then rely on ATMs. Carry enough baht for a day or two at a time.
Tips
Notify your bank, carry a backup card, and use a card with low foreign fees. See our cost of a trip to Thailand guide.
How much money to bring to Thailand
Budget roughly $30-50/day mid-range (more for islands). Thailand is cheap and easy — a 2-week trip runs about $450-750 per person excluding flights.
Cash vs card
Carry cash (baht) for street food, markets, tuk-tuks and small shops; cards work in malls, hotels and bigger restaurants. ATMs are everywhere but charge a ~220 THB foreign fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts. Bring some USD to exchange (good rates at SuperRich-type changers).
Tipping
Not obligatory — round up, or leave small change; tip a little for massages and guides.
How Much Money To Bring Thaila FAQ
Is Thailand cash-based?
Largely — carry baht for street food, markets and transport; cards for malls/hotels.
Do Thai ATMs charge foreign cards?
Yes, ~220 THB per withdrawal — take out larger amounts to minimize fees.