Money

	Currency			Currency Exchange
	Banks			Wire Transfers
	Thai Bank Head Offices			Credit and Debit Cards
	Foreign Bank in Thailand			Money Exchange Services (After Bank Office Hours)

Cash and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged for Thai currency at banks, legal money exchangers, hotels, mobile exchange kiosks in tourist areas, and in department stores and shopping centers. The best rates can usually be found in the banks. US dollars and pounds sterling are the most widely accepted currencies, while travelers’ cheques getter better rates than cash. Banks charge a fixed fee per cheque, so using high denomination travelers’ cheques is more economical. Remember to bring along your passport when cashing travelers’ cheques.

The banks are open from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday (except national holidays) but some exchange counters may stay open later. See list of after-hours money exchange services.

There is no limit to the amount of Thai or foreign currency you can bring into Thailand. However, the maximum amount of Thai currency that can be exported is 50,000 baht per person. No restrictions are placed on export of foreign currencies. Dollar accounts may be opened at banks in Thailand so long as the funds are sourced overseas.

Wire transfers can be made to Thai banks if you have a bank account in Thailand or if your home bank has a branch in Thailand. See list of foreign bank head offices. Wire transfers can take up to a week to arrive and the fee is quite steep.

Western Union offers worldwide wire transfers within 15 minutes. Offices are available at branches of Bank of Asia, Bangkok Metropolitan Bank and at Central Department Stores. Western Union is the fastest way to get money transferred but is also quite expensive.

Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants throughout the country. They can also be used for cash advances at banks, exchange counters and as debit cards from ATM machines. The most widely accepted cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB (Japanese Card Bureau) and Diners Club.

Credit-card fraud is a problem in Thailand. Don’t leave your card in a hotel room or unattended at any time. When using it in a shop, try to keep your eye on the shop assistant—they have been known to run off more than one receipt at a single transaction. Always check the amount in the receipt carefully before you sign it. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to one of the following offices:

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