One of the most common questions asked on the Koh Samui and Thailand forums, is what to do about money, and how to get hold of the local currency? The options on Koh Samui are basically the same as any other popular area of Thailand. ATM machines & Foreign Exchange booths (useful for cash and/or travellers cheques).

There is no shortage of ATM machines or Foreign Exchange booths right around Samui. These ATM's and Forex Booths are linked to the major Thai banks and are legitimate.

For real time updated exchange rates, for all major Thai banks, this link is very reliable - bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net

While there are some other places that will offer cash exchange services, (like shops and hotels) the rate they offer will be significantly less than the recognised Foreign Exchange booths.

Often recommended is to use a combination of ATM card and your home currency to exchange, once you reach Thailand. It's also worth having an extra ATM card stashed away for contingent purposes.

  • Don't buy baht before you arrive in Thailand, you can't spend it, and you'll pay too much for it.
  • Bring your home currency. Major world currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD are widely accepted for exchange purposes.
  • Make yourself aware of any fees imposed by your bank.
  • Also be aware of the 150฿ (US$5) fee imposed by most Thai ATM's over and above your home banks fees.
  • The ATM rate of exchange is comparable with the providing banks cash rate.
  • ATM's only dispense Thai Baht.  
  • Inform your bank of your intended travel movements so they don't block the card when they see foreign transactions.
  • To minimise ATM fees, withdrawal the maximum allowed each transaction, usually 20 banknotes or 20 000฿.
  • Your personal daily withdrawal limit will be enforced if less than the equivalent of 20 000฿.

Travellers Cheques

  • offer you extra security over cash
  • Travellers Cheques get a fractionally better rate of exchange, although you generally lose any small gains by way of the 33฿ (per cheque cashed) fee. 
  • Remember with Travellers Cheques you must produce your passport as ID to cash them
  • If you intend to bring Travellers Cheques (as with cash) bring them in your home currency.
Further explanation and information of all currency matters linked here

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