When we think of Thailand, we think of white beaches, delicious Pad Thai and breathtaking sights. It is great to start the ‘pre-fun’ at home so that you are well prepared for your trip. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is financial preparation, a shame as this can save you dozens of euros! In this blog, you'll read all the information about pinning in Thailand, including costs, tips and alternatives to get the most out of your travel budget. Ideal for budget travellers but also to get a better understanding of your options!
General information on Thailand
Are you working on a travel plan for Thailand? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and transport to and in Thailand. You can find all the information you need about Thailand here.
Money and Payments in Thailand
White beaches with palm trees, busy cities with all kinds of things to do and vast rice fields. Thailand is a beautiful country with plenty to do. For example, hire a scooter or motorbike, take a tuktuk ride or hop on a bike. Whatever you choose, you will have to pay for it somehow. It is therefore useful to prepare for your trip financially as well.
What is the currency of Thailand?
Let's start at the beginning. The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). The value of Thai Baht fluctuates, which affects the exchange rate. It is therefore handy to install an app that allows you to convert euros back to Thai Bath and vice versa. This allows you to know exactly what you are spending!
Read also: All about Thai SIM cards, calling and internet when travelling
Read also: Thailand | How long is it to fly to Thailand?
PIN payments in Thailand, what should you consider?
During your stay in Thailand, you will find that you pay the most with cash, especially at smaller shops, markets and restaurants. At excursions, too, they prefer cash to credit card payment. Of course, you can pay by credit card at large organisations or at some larger hotels, but having cash is definitely not a luxury!
1. Important to arrange before departure
First, it is important to select the ‘PIN payments outside Europe‘ for your debit card. You can easily arrange this via your bank app on your phone or via online banking. Don't do this? Then your debit card will not work outside Europe. Also check right away whether your bank has set a limit for foreign cash withdrawals.
1. Can you use a Dutch debit card to withdraw cash in Thailand?
Yes, you can just use debit cards in many places in Thailand with a Dutch bank card (if equipped with Maestro or V PAY), but for this you must first turn on world payments via your banking app before you leave. However, we recommend you always bring a credit card too!
3. What does PIN payments in Thailand cost at Dutch banks?
But what should you consider and how do you know what you will pay? Because the rates for withdrawing money in Thailand can differ from one bank to another. Below you will find an overview of the costs of PIN payments in Thailand at the three largest banks in the Netherlands.
| Service | Rabobank* | ING Bank* | ABN AMRO Bank* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin card: Paying in foreign currency | €0 + 1.4% exchange rate surcharge | €0 + 1.4% exchange rate surcharge | €0.15 + 1.2% exchange rate surcharge, per time |
| Pin card: Withdrawing money at an ATM | €0 - €3.50 (depending on payment package) + 1.4% exchange rate surcharge | €3.50 + 1.4% exchange rate surcharge | € 2.25 + 1.2% exchange rate surcharge |
| Credit card: Paying in foreign currency | €0 + 2% exchange rate surcharge | €0 + 2% exchange rate surcharge | €0 + 2% exchange rate surcharge |
| Credit card: Withdraw cash dispenser | €4.50 + 2% exchange rate surcharge | 4% of amount withdrawn, minimum €4.50 + 2% exchange rate surcharge | 4%, minimum of €4.50 per transaction + 2% exchange rate surcharge |
* Data shown is from July 2025. Click on the bank name in the table for more information.
Besides exchange rates and bank transfer fees, there is another point to watch out for. This is because while withdrawing money, you always get 2 options: ‘withdrawal with conversion’ or ‘withdrawal without conversion’. Always opt for the latter and avoid unnecessary charges. With ‘with conversion’, the local bank where you withdraw money can determine the exchange rate. And they like to get a piece of the pie, making the exchange rates more unfavourable.
4. Always PIN larger amounts (instead of often small amounts)
Withdrawing money in Thailand can be very expensive if you withdraw small amounts every time. This is because you have to take into account exchange rates (which are not the same at every bank) and bank transfer fees. So withdrawing money will soon cost you around €6 per debit card. That seems little, but on a trip of several weeks it can add up considerably because at most banks you can pay a maximum of THB 20,000 can record (about € 525). We therefore always have 1 rule namely: withdraw as much cash as possible in one go.
Tip: Especially in tourist locations, you will find several ATMs but outside tourist locations and on islands, this does not apply. Keep this in mind and make sure you always have some cash with you!
That seems little, but on a multi-week trip, it can add up quite a bit because with most banks, your maximum THB 20,000 can record (about € 525). We therefore always have 1 rule namely: withdraw as much cash as possible in one go.
Tip: Do not be alarmed if your bank card does not come out of the ATM immediately. In Thailand, money comes out of the ATM first, only then your bank card.
5. Which bank should I choose in Thailand?
We ourselves have had good experiences with the Mandiri sofa but in doubt? Then opt for a big Thai bank, such as Kasikorn Bank, Siam Commercial Bank or Bangkok Bank. Then, should anything go wrong, you can always walk into the bank.
6. Exchanging money in Thailand
Another option, is to bring cash. You then only have to deal with the exchange rate surcharge. You bring euros (paper money) from the Netherlands and have it exchanged at an exchange office at the airport in Bangkok.
Tips:
1. With larger euro notes (€50 or higher), you get a better exchange rate.
2. At the airport in Bankok, don't immediately choose the first exchange office you see. Go to the ‘basement’ of the airport, at the bottom of the escalator - and so not in the arrivals or baggage hall.
3. Check what you are really paying at parties like GWK Travelex. You pay no commission with this company, but they do not work with the ‘online’ exchange rates. As a result, you may see a different (often higher) amount online or via a currency app. As a result, this option is not our preference.
There are three bureaux de change we recommend in Thailand:
- Super Reich 1965 (orange office);
- Superrich Thailand (green office);
- Value Plus Currency Exchange (red office).
Tips & tricks for your money matters in Thailand
We have already given some tips but we cannot repeat them often enough. Besides, we assume that everyone will be using ATMs a few times in Thailand anyway so these facts will come in handy!
- Activate your debit card via your banking app on your phone or via online banking for ‘’PIN payments outside Europe'. Are you not doing this? Then your debit card will not work outside Europe. This feature is disabled by default in most banks.
- Check if your bank has a limit set has for foreign cash withdrawals.
- Pin as much as possible! This will at least save you that few euros in fixed costs per withdrawal.
- Always opt for Withdrawal without conversion. While withdrawing, you will be given 2 options: “ Withdrawal with conversion’ or ‘Withdrawal without conversion’. Always opt for the latter and avoid unnecessary charges.
- It is best to withdraw at a Thai bank. There are often security cameras here and should anything go wrong, you can always step in and ask for help during office hours.
- Download a currency app (for iPhone and for Android) to compare the exchange rates of Thai banks.
- Keep your card and cash separate. Make sure you disperse your cash but also don't put your card with your cash.
- Make sure you have good travel insurance. We have been with the Royal Dutch Touring Club and know that we get help in unpleasant situations. Still handy, especially when it comes to money matters.
- For extra security, you can get a wallet choose with RFID protection. This protection prevents your debit or credit card from being read and your personal data from being misused. You will find them, for example, on Bol.com.
We try to keep our blogs as up-to-date as possible but this cannot be done without your help. If anything has changed, please let us know via [email protected].
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these affiliate links, you support Thousandtravelmiles. This allows us to roam the world, fund the website and offer you free information for planning your trip. This means that a ‘real’ person will do a little joy dance if you make a purchase through this link! You're a legend!