How Much Cash Should You Take to Thailand?
Thailand is affordable by UK standards, but how much cash you need depends on how you travel. Whatever your style, it is cheaper to buy Thai baht before departure; a commission-free provider such as Travel FX lets you order online at a clear rate.
A rough guide by travel style
- Backpacking: street food, hostels and buses keep daily cash needs low
- Mid-range: add tours, taxis and restaurant meals paid partly by card
- Resort: cards cover the hotel, cash covers everything beyond the gate
Why not just use ATMs?
Thai cash machines charge foreign cards a fixed fee per withdrawal on top of whatever your bank adds, so frequent small withdrawals are an expensive habit.
Order ahead
Travel FX is a UK online currency exchange with over 18 years of trading and a 5-star Trustpilot rating.

