Thailand is an extremely modern country in many respects. Among other things, it has one of the fastest internet connections in the world; fiber optic internet has been widespread in the kingdom for almost a decade.

Bangkok can feel positively futuristic as the BTS SkyTrain glides overhead, taking you past giant shopping malls, sky bars suspended high above the rooftops, and some of the world's most opulent (yet affordable) luxury hotels.

Unfortunately, despite all these advantages, using credit cards in Thailand is often more complicated than necessary. Read on to find out what to expect!

Thailand's obsession with cash has always frustrated me.

As annoying as the question "Cash or card?" still is in Thailand in the mid-2020s, I promise you: it was much worse in 2010. Back then, on my first trip to Thailand, it was practically a cash-only country, especially for someone like me – I was traveling on a very tight budget. Even in hotels (at least in the ones I stayed in), the card readers either didn't work at all or charged exorbitant fees if they did.

It often felt like roulette, and not the entertaining kind you play at legalcasino.uk, quite apart from the fact that there were no odds of winning. Well, except for the fact that I became cautious and prepared after once trying to make an important purchase with very little cash – and then finding that the ATM I wanted to use afterwards was out of order. I now almost always carry at least 10,000 baht in my pocket, however absurd that may seem just a few weeks before 2025.

5 things you should know about using credit cards in Thailand

Credit card acceptance is increasing.

I've complained quite a bit in this post, but it's worth mentioning something positive. Most hotels in Thailand, all shopping malls, and many restaurants now accept card payments. You can even use Visa or Mastercard to enter the MRT in Bangkok without having to buy a ticket! To be honest, though, American Express is becoming increasingly accepted in most other areas of Thailand.

(But not because of the locals)

The increasing acceptance of credit cards in Thailand is more attributable to tourists than locals. Tourists have largely replaced cash with QR codes, which allow for the direct transfer of small amounts between individuals that are too small for credit card payments. Of course, locals still use credit cards for some purchases. However, most I know would have preferred Thailand's traditional cash culture to continue indefinitely.

It is not unusual for a fee to be charged.

Although credit cards are increasingly accepted, they are not yet a completely seamless payment method. Despite technically violating merchant agreements with major card issuers, many businesses in Thailand charge a fee for card payments. This fee can range from a flat rate of 100 THB to a percentage such as 3%, clearly designed to encourage customers to pay in cash.

Or the need to make a minimum purchase.

Another difficulty with using cash or credit cards in Thailand? Even if a merchant doesn't charge a fee, they can refuse card payments if the amount is below a certain limit. Generally, this limit is quite moderate, around 200–300 baht. Surprisingly, however, I've also encountered merchants who require a minimum of 500 or even 1,000 baht for credit card payments!

Digital wallets are not universally accepted.

One would think that contactless payment (as is common with credit card payments these days) would also be possible with a smartphone. Unfortunately, I discovered that credit card terminals in Thailand are often not equipped with the NFC technology required for mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. The lesson learned? Take your physical cards with you!

Why exchanging money is (usually) cheaper than using an ATM.

Unless you're like me and have a checking account that reimburses ATM fees (Schwab Investor Checking, if you're interested – and no, I'm not being paid to mention it), Thai ATM fees will drain your wallet. Last time I checked (and I don't usually do that anymore since I get reimbursed), they were a whopping 220 THB, which is about 6-7 USD, depending on the exchange rate. And that's on top of your bank's fees. Ouch!

It's somewhat logical that the best way to avoid being unable to use your credit card in Thailand is through analog methods. Specifically, this means exchanging money instead of using ATMs. Most major exchange bureaus in Thailand don't charge fees and offer market-based or near-market rates. Branches in the city generally have better rates than those at the airport, with Superrich (which has branches in most shopping malls) usually being the best choice.

Other frequently asked questions about using credit cards in Thailand

Is it better to pay with cash or credit card in Thailand?

Although credit card acceptance in Thailand has increased over the years, it's always advisable to carry cash. Unless you have a local bank account and can use QR code payments, cash is the only way to pay for common purchases like street food and souvenirs from local vendors (not from shopping malls).

Can you pay with a credit card in Thailand?

In Thailand, especially in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you can usually pay by credit card in hotels and shopping malls. It's a bit more complicated in restaurants – generally speaking, the more expensive the restaurant, the more likely it is that you can pay by credit card. However, local street vendors and souvenir sellers almost always only accept cash.

Should I pay in cash or by card in Thailand?

Although credit card acceptance in Thailand has increased in recent years, I still recommend carrying sufficient cash. As a solo traveler, I personally like to have at least 10,000 baht readily available, as you don't always know when you'll find the next ATM off the beaten track.

Conclusion

While using credit cards in Thailand has become easier over the years, it's still not as straightforward as it should be. This is partly because many Thai merchants, at least in the local market, have skipped credit cards altogether and instead favored QR code payments, similar to the Chinese system. Unfortunately, tourists can't yet use these, which means that cash is often the only payment option for many businesses outside of hotels and shopping malls. The good news is that with a little planning and foresight, the traditional Thai approach of splitting payments between cash and credit cards can be managed quite well. Speaking of planning, I would be delighted if you would entrust me with organizing your trip to Thailand.