Can I pay with a credit card in Thailand?

Yes, in Thailand it is generally possible to pay with a credit card. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, stores and tourist facilities. The most common credit cards in Thailand include Visa and MasterCard.

Do you really need cash in Thailand?

Yes, it is advisable to always have some cash with you in Thailand. Especially for remote areas, smaller stores, markets or for food in food stalls, cash is usually required. In addition, many cabs and the popular tuk-tuks often only accept cash.

How do you get Thai cash for a trip?

Money exchange in Germany, money exchange in Thailand or ATM in Thailand. Banks and bureaux de change charge hefty fees for changing euros into baht. Withdrawing money from an ATM in Thailand can also be quite expensive.

What should I bear in mind when withdrawing money in Thailand?

Thai ATMs charge a flat withdrawal fee of 220 THB (approx. 6 EUR) per transaction. We therefore recommend withdrawing as large a sum as possible. Note: this does not refer to the foreign currency fee, which is also charged by some credit cards. Once the withdrawal amount has been entered, always select the "Continue without conversion" option to reject the local currency exchange (ATMs in popular tourist destinations usually have very high exchange rates). At the end, check whether the ATM has spit out your credit card again (!) Unlike in Germany, in Thailand the money is dispensed first and then the card.

What should I bear in mind when changing money in Thailand?

The safest way to exchange your cash is to go to an official exchange office as soon as you arrive at the airport in Bangkok or Phuket. However, the exchange rates there are usually the most expensive! You are most likely to get a fair exchange rate in urban areas.

Can I withdraw cash free of charge in Thailand?

The cheapest option is to withdraw money locally from an ATM using a credit card. But be careful! Use a card that does not charge any additional fees. We recommend the awa7 Visa as this credit card is free of charge and you can pay and withdraw money worldwide free of charge. There are also no foreign currency fees.

Withdrawing money in Thailand costs 220 THB (approx. 6 EUR)!

If you have the awa7 Visa only the fees from the ATM itself apply. We have tried many ATMs from different banks throughout Thailand and they all charge a fee of 220 THB. In plain language, this means that withdrawing money in Thailand costs around EUR 6. It doesn't matter how much money you withdraw. Ideally, you should withdraw a large sum at the beginning of your trip.

Always reject the currency conversion option (DCC)!

Some ATMs offer you a currency conversion (DCC). You should refuse this! This is because the amount is debited from the credit card in euros instead of the local currency. The disadvantage is that an exchange rate surcharge is charged. As the awa7 Visa does not charge foreign currency fees, there are no costs if it is debited in Thai currency.

Three important tips for paying in Thailand!

Tip 1: Make sure that your credit card does not charge any foreign currency fees. Tip 2: When withdrawing money from an ATM, you must decline the currency conversion (DCC). Tip 3: To avoid interest, you need to pay off your credit card quickly. With these three tips you can avoid all currency costs on your trip to Thailand (only the ATM fee remains).

What is the difference between a credit card, debit card and prepaid card?

Credit card (Credit Card) Payments are collected and debited monthly. Bank grants credit, therefore mostly credit check. Suitable for hotels, rental cars and larger online purchases. Often with insurance or bonus programs. Debit card (Debit Card) Amount is debited immediately from the current account. Can only be used with a credit balance, therefore no debt. Less suitable for deposits (e.g. rental cars). International acceptance depending on the provider. Prepaid card (Prepaid Card) Top up in advance, can only be used with credit. No credit check, as there is no credit limit. Ideal for young people or people without credit history. Not applicable everywhere (e.g. for security deposits).

Toll-free credit cards Thailand 💳 Online travel guide for Thailand

free-of-charge credit cards for Thailand

awa7 VISA

Hanseatic GenialCard

TF Mastercard Gold

DKB current account

Credit cards in comparison

Thai ATMs charge a flat withdrawal fee of 220 THB (approx. 6 EUR) per transaction. We therefore recommend withdrawing as large a sum as possible. Note: this does not refer to the foreign currency fee, which is also charged by some credit cards.
Once the withdrawal amount has been entered, always select the "Continue without conversion" option to reject the local currency exchange (ATMs in popular tourist destinations usually have very high exchange rates).
At the end, check whether the ATM has spit out your credit card again (!) Unlike in Germany, in Thailand the money is dispensed first and then the card.

Credit card (Credit Card)

Payments are collected and debited monthly.
Bank grants credit, therefore mostly credit check.
Suitable for hotels, rental cars and larger online purchases.
Often with insurance or bonus programs.

Debit card (Debit Card)

Amount is debited immediately from the current account.
Can only be used with a credit balance, therefore no debt.
Less suitable for deposits (e.g. rental cars).
International acceptance depending on the provider.

Prepaid card (Prepaid Card)

Top up in advance, can only be used with credit.
No credit check, as there is no credit limit.
Ideal for young people or people without credit history.
Not applicable everywhere (e.g. for security deposits).

These credit cards are free of charge in Thailand

Credit card

awa7 VISA

For payments in Thailand, we recommend the awa7 VISA credit card, as payments with your awa7® are free of charge worldwide. This also applies abroad and for payments in foreign currencies. It is also a very flexible credit card with fair and transparent conditions. There is no monthly or annual fee for this VISA credit card. And there are also no fees for paying in stores or when shopping online. No matter how often...

Apply hereª

Credit card

Hanseatic GenialCard

The Hanseatic Bank GenialCard is a real all-rounder for making payments in Thailand. With this credit card, you can enjoy full flexibility and save money at the same time. Pay worldwide - including in Thailand - free of charge and without foreign currency fees. Whether you're shopping in Bangkok or filling up your tank on a Thai island, there are no hidden fees with the GenialCard. There is no annual fee and you can make repayments flexibly in small installments. So you are well equipped...

Apply hereª

Credit card

TF Mastercard Gold

The TF Mastercard for €0 annual fee is a fee-free credit card for every occasion that we have tested for you - with impressive results! Whether in everyday life or when traveling, you benefit from many advantages: no annual fee, worldwide fee-free payments and cash withdrawals, as well as flexible installment payments. There are no foreign currency fees in Thailand with this credit card. The card also offers free travel insurance and attractive cashback offers. With the TF Mastercard Gold you are well equipped and...

Apply hereª

Credit card

DKB current account

With the DKB current account and the free VISA debit card, you are well prepared for your trip to Thailand. There are no account maintenance fees if you have a monthly deposit of EUR 700 or if you are under 28 years of age. The card allows you to make payments and withdraw cash worldwide free of charge - even in foreign currencies. You can only spend as much as is available in your account, so there is no interest trap. DKB also offers an easy-to-use banking app that you can use to manage your...

Apply hereª

All credit cards for Thailand in comparison

Important tips for no-fee credit cards in Thailand

Providers of no-fee credit cards earn money with interest. In other words, if you pay with the card and do not "repay the debt promptly". If you only use the following credit cards as a means of payment, you don't have to pay any interest and can pay everything free of charge except for the ATM fee. The easiest way is to set up your online banking so that all payments are debited directly from your current account, then everything remains free of charge.
Keyword: 100% Settlement by direct debit.

Tip 1

Uses a credit card without annual fee - This will save you money in the long term, even long after your trip to Thailand.

Tip 2

Select a card without fees for cash withdrawalsas you will often need cash at ATMs in Thailand.

Tip 3

Avoids foreign currency fees - they are charged additionally for every payment or withdrawal in Thailand.

Tip 4

Always at the ATM Reject the currency conversion (DCC)to avoid unnecessary additional costs.

Tip 5

Pay off your credit card promptlyso that you are not charged high debit interest.

Tip 6

Good cards for Thailand are for example awa7ª, Hanseaticª, TF Mastercard Goldª or the DKB Visa Cardª.