CURRENCY & MONEY EXCHANGE

Thai Baht (THB) – The Official Currency

• The Thai Baht (฿ or THB) is available in:
  • Banknotes: ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, and ฿1,000
  • Coins: ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10, and satang coins (rarely used)
• Exchange Rate: Varies daily – check online or at exchange booths for the latest rates.
• Currency Symbol: ฿ (Thai Baht)

💡 Tip: Carry small denominations (฿20, ฿50, and ฿100 notes) for taxis, street food, and small vendors, as they may not have change for large bills.

Where to Exchange Money in Koh Samui?

There are several ways to exchange foreign currency into Thai Baht on the island. The best exchange rates are often found at local exchange booths rather than banks or airports.

1. Currency Exchange Booths

• Located in Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam.
• Offer better rates than banks and airport kiosks.
• Operated by major exchange companies such as SuperRich, Siam Exchange, and TT Currency Exchange.

💡 Best for: Exchanging large amounts with the best rates and lowest fees.

2. Banks & Bank Currency Exchange Counters

• Found in major shopping centers and tourist areas.
• Offer secure transactions, but exchange rates may not be as favorable.
• Banking hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (some branches open weekends).

💡 Best for: Reliable and safe exchanges, but with slightly higher fees.

3. Airport Money Exchange Kiosks

• Available at Samui International Airport, but rates are lower than city exchange booths.
• Convenient for small cash exchanges upon arrival.

💡 Best for: Exchanging small amounts upon arrival for immediate expenses.

4. Hotels & Resorts

• Some hotels offer currency exchange services, but rates are often less favorable.
• May charge extra fees or have lower exchange values.

💡 Best for: Emergency exchanges, but not ideal for large amounts.

Using ATMs in Koh Samui

ATMs are widely available across all major beaches, shopping areas, and hotels. However, withdrawing money from a foreign card can come with extra fees.

ATM Withdrawal Fees

• Thai Bank Fee: ฿220 per transaction for foreign cards.
• Your Home Bank Fee: Additional charges may apply depending on your bank.
• Maximum Withdrawal: Usually ฿20,000 per transaction, but limits vary by bank.

💡 Money-Saving Tips:

• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize ATM fees.
• Use ATMs at major banks (Bangkok Bank, SCB, Krungsri) for reliability.
• Some international banks (e.g., Revolut, Wise, Charles Schwab) offer fee-free withdrawals – check with your provider.
  
  

Credit & Debit Card Payments

Most hotels, high-end restaurants, malls, and major attractions accept credit and debit cards, but cash is still king in small businesses.

Card Acceptance in Koh Samui

✅ Accepted: Hotels, supermarkets, shopping malls, fine dining restaurants.
❌ Less Accepted: Street food vendors, local markets, small shops, budget restaurants.

💡 Avoid Extra Fees:

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Always choose to be charged in Thai Baht (THB) instead of your home currency to get better exchange rates.
• Contactless Payments: Visa, Mastercard, and some digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted at large retailers.
  
  

Traveler’s Cheques & Digital Banking

Traveler’s Cheques:

• No longer widely accepted in Thailand.
• Can be exchanged at banks, but fees are high and the process is slow.

Mobile Banking & Apps:

• Apps like Wise, Revolut, and YouTrip offer better exchange rates and low-fee ATM withdrawals.
• Digital payments like QR code transactions are growing in Thailand but are not yet widely used by tourists.
  
  

Tipping Culture in Koh Samui

Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but appreciated in the tourism industry. Here’s a quick guide:

• Restaurants: 5-10% if service charge is not included.
• Taxis & Songthaews: Not expected, but rounding up the fare is common.
• Hotel Staff: ฿20-50 for luggage handling or housekeeping.
• Massage & Spas: ฿50-100 if service was good.

💡 Tip: Thai people appreciate small gestures rather than large tips, so no pressure to over-tip.

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

Suggested Daily Budget:

• Budget Travelers: ฿800-1,500/day (street food, guesthouses, local transport).
• Mid-Range Travelers: ฿2,000-5,000/day (restaurants, hotels, activities).
• Luxury Travelers: ฿6,000+/day (fine dining, resorts, private tours).

💡 Carry a mix of cash and cards, as some remote areas may not have card facilities.

Final Tips for Handling Money in Koh Samui

✔️ Exchange money at local currency exchange booths for the best rates.
✔️ Use ATMs from major banks to avoid excessive fees.
✔️ Always carry small denominations for street vendors and taxis.
✔️ Avoid using airport exchange counters except for small amounts.
✔️ When using credit cards, always pay in Thai Baht (THB) to get the best conversion rates.

With the right mix of cash, cards, and smart money-handling practices, managing your expenses in Koh Samui will be easy and hassle-free.

Find more travel tips and essential info on Samui Map Info, and enjoy your trip without money worries!v