Currency Exchange & Credit Cards in Phuket

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Baht. 1 Baht = 100 Satangs.

Paper currency comes in 1,000 , 500 , 100 , 50 , 20 Bank notes are scaled as well as coloured according to value. The larger the denomination, the larger the size of the note. Coins come in 10 Baht, 5 Baht, 1 Baht, 50-Satang and 25-Satang denominations.

It’s recommended to keep a good amount of smaller notes handy, as making change for 1,000 Baht or even 500 Baht notes can occasionally be difficult.

Money Exchange

Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be easily exchanged at branches of the major banks in Phuket Town and Patong, or at the numerous kiosks operated by the banks throughout Patong, Karon, Kata and Phuket City. Money can also be exchanged at hotels, although bank rates are usually a lot better.

Most currency exchange kiosks are open from 08:00 or 09:30 and close around 20:00, seven days a week.

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards, followed by American Express and Japan Card Bureau (JCB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, tour agencies, as well as certain restaurants and shops. However, you will need cash for markets, streets stalls and when paying for transport.