How Can I Avoid ATM Fees In Thailand?

When traveling to other countries, people do not want to be carrying too much cash. This clearly reduces the risk of a thief or losing your wallet where all the cash is. This is only common sense. If you are traveling to Thailand, you need to decide how to get the best exchange rates in Thailand and a few more questions need to be answered such as.

How much should money should I bring to Thailand?
Should I withdraw money from ATMs in Thailand?
Do I get better exchange rates in Thailand?

The answer to these questions depends on your willingness to carry a lot of money or be prepared to pay the ATM charges, particularly the 220 baht ATM fee. This is a fee on all foreign cards it has slowly increased from 120 baht in 2015 to 220 baht in 2021.

In this short guide, you will provide the information you need to make the best decision that suits you.

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The 220 Baht ATM Fee

Unfortunately, the Thailand banks know that a high percentage of visitors to Thailand will bring a small amount of cash and will have to use an ATM at some stage during their visit. And they, unfortunately, take full advantage of this.

Thailand banks have their own additional ATM fees on foreign cards. It is called the 220 Baht ATM fee. What is more annoying about this is that the fee does not appear on your bank statement.

This ATM fee has increased regularly. When I was in Thailand back in 2015 the fee was 120 baht ($3.90). In 2016 it increased to 150 baht ($4.9) and then to 180 baht ($5.80). It was increased to 200 baht ($6.60). Now today is it now 220 baht ($7.10).

So for example you decide to withdraw 10,000 baht from a Thai ATM. The ATM machines will automatically add a 220 baht charge to the transaction.

When you check your bank statement or print an ATM receipt it will show as a 10,220 withdrawal. And on top of this, you also have your own bank fees for foreign ATM withdrawals that your bank is going to charge you.

If you make a few withdrawals from a Thai ATM over a month, the fees add up. For tourists, this can be a big addition to the cost of a holiday.

Can I Withdraw Money From An ATM In Thailand?

Yes, you can withdraw money while in Thailand. Thai ATMs accept main cards such as.

Visa.
MasterCard.
Maestro.
JCB.
And others.

Remember, that Thailand has one of the highest money withdrawal fees in the world. To save money, it is advised to bring your home currency to Thailand and change it there.

Do All ATMs In Thailand Charge?

All Thai banks now charge a 220 baht fee on withdrawals with a foreign card. There are some exceptions but they are nearly impossible to find.

Can I Avoid The 220 Baht ATM Fee In Thailand?

Yes, it is possible. You can do counter withdrawals at a Thai Bank or currency exchange and avoid Thai ATMs completely. As technically it is not an ATM withdrawal.

Thai banks do not charge you the ATM fee for withdrawals or cash advances using your card at the Thai bank’s counter.

This way you will not incur the 220 baht ATM fee and you can also withdraw much more than the ATM limits. To withdraw cash from the bank you will need the following.

Your bank card.
Bring your passport.
Your address or phone number.

Reduce The Impact Of The 220 Baht ATM Fee

Like everywhere else in the world, there are limits on the amount you can withdraw at once. In Thailand, at present, it is 20,000 Baht. Some ATMs have lower limits.

To reduce the impact of the 220 Baht fee, find an ATM with higher limits, and withdraw the max at once. Instead of multiple smaller transactions.

Remember, to increase the daily withdrawal limit of your card.

Is It Better To Convert Money In Thailand?

Yes, you should bring some cash in your home currency with you. Changing euros or dollars in a currency exchange in Thailand as they offer better rates.

The currency exchanges can be found on any touristy street in Thailand.

Is It Cheaper To Exchange Money In Thailand?

Yes, is the simple answer. Cause there are NO fees or charges to bring your home currency and NO fees or charges to change it into baht in Thailand.

It is the easiest to use and in most cases the cheapest as well, but there’s obviously some risk of loss or theft.

Should You Exchange Money Before Going To Thailand?

You can change your currency to Thai baht 24 hours a day in Thailand and the services are also available 24 hours a day at the airport. Ready, there is NO reason to bring any Thai baht with you to Thailand.

Stores and hotels usually have a lower exchange rate than currency exchanges. And here it comes to it the money exchanges are about 2 to 3.5% cheaper depending on the amount of money.

How Much Cash Should I Carry In Thailand?

Yes. I normally bring 20,000 baht ($650) and about $600 in my home currency. Remember Thai Law requires tourists to arrive with a minimum of 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.

What About Using Credit Cards In Thailand?

Yes, you can use your credit card in Thailand. If you use it to withdraw cash from an ATM, you will not only have to pay the 220 Baht ATM fee but also the credit card companies generally also charge a fee of 2 to 5% on cash withdrawals.

You can also use it to pay for hotels and in shops. Unfortunately, the hotels and shops will add a 2% to 5% fee to the total amount.

Remember, that it is expensive to withdraw money using your credit card.

USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES

Book Accommodation

Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.

Booking Flight

Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.

Booking Transportation & Things To Do

Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.

Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.

Wrapping Up

Finally, Thailand is an amazing country to visit but unfortunately, it has properly the highest ATM fees in the world. This can make a trip to Thailand very expensive. The best way to avoid the fee is to bring about 20,000 baht and some of your home currency.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on how can I avoid ATM tees in Thailand has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.