Before heading off to Thailand, it's best to set aside a stash of baht: between markets, street food and tuk-tuks, the country runs largely on cash and a bank card isn't always enough. Planning your currency exchange ahead of time avoids plenty of nasty surprises on arrival.
The Thai baht (THB) in brief
The official currency is the baht, abbreviated THB and represented by the symbol ฿. It is divided into 100 satang, but these small coins have virtually disappeared from circulation. In practice, you'll be handling coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht, and notes of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. Each note bears the image of the royal family: out of respect, you should avoid crumpling them, stepping on them or handling money carelessly, a gesture that is frowned upon in Thailand.
The baht is a relatively stable currency in the region, but its rate against the euro changes every day. Taking part of your budget in cash from the outset spares you from depending on an ATM on arrival, which is often less favourable, and lets you know in advance the rate you were given.
A destination where cash is still king
Thailand has modernised and mobile payment is very widespread among locals, but for a foreign traveller, cash remains essential. Bank cards work without a hitch in hotels, the large shopping centres of Bangkok and tourist restaurants. However, they remain useless in much of daily life:
- the markets: Chatuchak market in Bangkok, the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa, night markets;
- street food and small eateries, often better than many restaurants;
- local transport: tuk-tuks, songthaews, taxis, scooter rentals;
- the entrance fees of certain temples (wats) and the guesthouses of the islands and rural areas.
On islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao or certain parts of Koh Samui, ATMs are scarce, sometimes out of order, and many businesses accept cash only. Arriving with baht in your pocket shields you from these unexpected situations, especially on the day you arrive.
ATMs and withdrawals on the spot: watch out for fees
ATMs are plentiful in the cities, but Thai banks generally apply fixed fees per withdrawal with a foreign card, on top of any fees from your French bank and an unfavourable conversion rate. Making lots of small withdrawals therefore quickly becomes expensive. If you plan to withdraw cash on the spot, space out your withdrawals and favour larger amounts, ideally choosing ATMs attached to a real bank rather than the standalone machines in tourist areas. Preparing an advance in baht before departure helps smooth out these costs.
How much baht to take and how to manage your budget
The cost of living remains very affordable: a street food dish, a short trip or a cold drink can be paid for with a few dozen baht. Plan instead for small denominations (20, 50, 100 baht) for everyday spending: street vendors and drivers have trouble giving change for a 1,000-baht note. A good approach is to exchange in France enough to cover your first few days and your "cash" expenses (transport, meals, markets), then to top up on the spot as needed.
As for tipping, nothing is mandatory in Thailand. The custom is to round up the bill or leave the small change at the restaurant, and to thank guides, masseuses or porters with a modest tip. Keep a few coins and small notes within reach for this.
Where to exchange your euros for baht in Paris
Rather than exchanging at the airport, where margins are high, plan your currency purchase ahead at a licensed bureau de change. Paris Change, located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005), is a bureau de change licensed by the ACPR (Banque de France), a mark of reliability and security. The firm exchanges commission-free, offers more than 53 currencies including the Thai baht, and stays open 7 days a week (Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7:30pm) — handy for preparing a last-minute departure, weekends included. You can also book online and come pick up your baht in store, a stone's throw from the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) and the RER B and C lines (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station).
Finally, keep customs regulations in mind: above €10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) in cash carried into or out of the European Union, a customs declaration is mandatory. For a typical tourist stay, you'll remain well below this threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to exchange your euros in France or in Thailand?
The best option is to exchange part of it before leaving, at a commission-free bureau de change like Paris Change, so you arrive with cash and a known rate, then adjust on the spot if needed. Exchanging everything at the airport, whether on arrival or departure, is generally the least advantageous solution.
Is a bank card enough in Thailand?
No. It comes in handy in hotels and large chains, but markets, street food, local transport and many islands run on cash only. Baht in cash remains essential for daily life.
Can you book your baht in advance at Paris Change?
Yes. You can book your currency online and come pick it up at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 7 days a week, which secures the availability of baht even during periods of high demand.
Ready to set off for Thailand with peace of mind? Book your baht online and pick it up in store at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, or come see us directly, open 7 days a week at Saint-Michel.
