Thai Currency

The Thai unit of currency is the baht which is worth a little less than 4 US cents. One US dollar = approximately 39 baht.

The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. "Silver" coins are in denominations of 1' 2 and 5 baht. A 10 baht coin is composed of both "silver" and "copper". Banknotes are valued at 10 baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (purple) and 1,000 baht (khaki).

Traveler's Cheques / Cheques / Credit Cards

US dollar traveler cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money exchangers. Traveler cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail. Generally, hotel
exchange rates are lower then those offered by banks and authorized money changers.

Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners, Carte Blanche, Master Card and VISA are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Many first-class hotels provide 24-hour money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American dollars, British pounds, German marks and Swiss francs. Traveler cheques are generally accepted only from bona fide hotel guests.

Exchange Control  

1. Foreign tourists may freely bring in foreign banknotes or other types of foreign exchange. Upon leaving Thailand , a foreign tourist may freely take out foreign means of payments which he brought in with him, with the exception that foreign notes or coins are limited to a maximum equivalent of US$ 10,000 or the amount declared in writing to Customs upon arrival. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and/or prosecution.

2. For travelers leaving Thailand , the maximum amount permitted to take out without prior authorization is 50,000 baht per person

3. Foreign visitors may bring in personal effects and other goods which are not prohibited by current customs regulation. Other than personal effects, departing visitors are also allowed to take out merchandise bought from duty free shops, precious stones, gold and platinum ornaments.

4. Foreign visitors are welcome to open a foreign currency account with any commercial bank in Thailand . As a special gesture to nonresidents, no restrictions are imposed on the maintenance of and withdrawal from the account, as long as the funds originate from abroad.
   
     Passenger Service Charge (Airport Tax)
   
   A passenger service charge, to be paid at the airport check-in counter, is required of all international and domestic passengers passing through Bangkok International Airport . International passengers is 500 baht per person   Please note that foreign passengers whose passports have been stamped upon arrival are considered to have entered the Kingdom of Thailand . Therefore, when leaving the country they are required to pay the passenger service charge.
   
     Embassies

  Some 50 countries maintain embassies, consulates or legations in Bangkok . Most are concentrated around the Sulkhumvit, Phloen Chit, Witthayu and Sathon Road areas. A complete list of such missions is featured in the Yellow Pages of the English edition of the Bangkok Telephone Directory.

Tipping

  It is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service. A 10%15% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is waived.