Money and duty free for Thailand
Currency and Money
Currency information
Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of TH฿1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of TH฿10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 satang.
Credit cards
American Express, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.
ATM
ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks. Most banks in Thailand charge a 200 baht fee per withdrawal when using their ATM with a foreign card.
Travellers cheques
Accepted by all banks, large hotels and shops, but are rarely used. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1530.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to THB฿50,000 per person or THB฿100,000 per family. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but amounts over US$20,000 must be declared.
Currency exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and bureaux de changes can be found in larger towns (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than THB฿500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.
Thailand duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or 250g of tobacco or 250g of a mix of tobacco products.
• 1L of alcohol.
• Goods to the value of THB฿20,000.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include obscene and pornographic objects and publications, goods displaying the Thai national flag, narcotics, e-cigarettes and e-liquid, counterfeit currency, fake Royal/official seals, and pirated and counterfeit goods. Any drug-related offences are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Restricted imports include drugs, medicine, food, weapons and ammunition, antiques and artworks, wild fauna, flora, fish and other aquatic fauna and endangered species.
Banned Exports
There are restrictions on the export of illegal drugs and all firearms and ammunition. The export of antiques or artworks requires a certificate of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand.
