Budget and Money Tips

Whether you’re backpacking through night markets or indulging in boutique resorts, Thailand offers incredible value across every price point. From street food feasts under ฿80 (£1.75, $2.10, €2) to beachfront massages for less than a coffee back home, your money goes further here than in most destinations.

This section breaks down realistic daily budgets, cash vs card advice, hidden ATM fees, street food prices, and tipping etiquette, so you can travel with confidence, spend wisely, and make the most of every baht.

Suggested Daily Budget Ranges

Thailand caters to every kind of traveller, from shoestring explorers to luxury seekers.

Backpackers can comfortably get by on £25–£40 per day (approximately ฿1,200–2,000, $32–$51, €30–€47), covering basic hostel stays, local transport, street food, and occasional budget excursions.

Mid-range travellers should plan for £60–£100 per day (around ฿2,800–4,600, $77–$128, €70–€117). This typically includes stylish but affordable accommodation, private transfers, and guided activities without breaking the bank.

At the higher end, those seeking boutique resorts, fine dining, or private tours should budget upwards of £150 per day (฿7,000+, $192+, €175+).

Prices can fluctuate depending on the region. Tourist hotspots like Phuket or Koh Samui tend to be more expensive, while less-developed towns and inland destinations often offer far better value for money.

Cards vs Cash

Thailand remains a predominantly cash-based society, particularly at local markets, food stalls, and smaller independent shops where card payments are often not accepted. In our experience, cash was king, we relied on it for 99% of our transactions, and it consistently proved to be the smoothest and most cost-effective option.

Most ATMs in Thailand charge a flat withdrawal fee of ฿200 (around £4.30, $5.30, €4.90), regardless of the amount withdrawn. To reduce the number of fees, we always took out the maximum permitted per transaction, ฿30,000 (approximately £645, $800, €745).

We used Revolut, opting for their Ultra plan at £45 per month (around $57, €52). While it’s a premium option, it offered up to £2,000 per month in fee-free international ATM withdrawals (roughly ฿93,000, $2,540, €2,300) and included free airport lounge access, which came in handy during long-haul stopovers. Just be aware: cancelling before the six-month minimum term incurs an early termination charge equal to one additional monthly fee.

Revolut’s exchange rates were consistently competitive, and we encountered no hidden fees when spending abroad. While many hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants accept card payments, a 3% surcharge is common, another reason why carrying cash remains the most budget-friendly and reliable method throughout your Thai adventure.

💡 Quick Tips: Cards & Cash in Thailand

Best ATMs: Stick to machines operated by Bangkok Bank, Krungsri (yellow), or SCB (purple). They’re reliable, secure, and easy to find in most tourist areas.
Withdraw the Max: To minimise ATM fees, always withdraw the maximum allowed per transaction — usually ฿30,000 (approx. £645, $800, €745). Thai banks typically charge a flat ฿200 (around £4.30) per withdrawal.
Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion: If prompted to choose between paying in GBP, EUR, or USD, always decline. Opt to be charged in Thai baht instead, as currency conversion rates offered at the machine are usually poor.
Where Cards Work: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, large supermarkets, and many mid-to-high-end restaurants. Street food vendors, market stalls, and taxis generally operate on a cash-only basis.
Expect Surcharges: Many establishments apply a 2% to 3% surcharge when paying by card. Using cash is almost always the more cost-effective option.
Revolut Tip: The Ultra plan offers great value for frequent travellers. It includes airport lounge access and up to £2,000 per month in fee-free ATM withdrawals. A solid option for digital nomads or long-haul explorers.

Typical Street Food Prices

Thailand’s street food is more than just a tasty snack; it’s a cornerstone of daily life and an essential part of the travel experience. For budget-conscious travellers, it also offers exceptional value.

Classic dishes such as Pad Thai, fried rice, or grilled chicken skewers typically cost between ฿40 and ฿80 (roughly £0.90 to £1.75, $1.10 to $2.10, €1 to €2). Fruit smoothies and Thai iced teas come in at around ฿30 to ฿60 (£0.65 to £1.30, $0.75 to $1.60, €0.70 to €1.50), while a generous serving of mango sticky rice often stays under ฿100 (£2.20, $2.60, €2.40).

For the best results, follow the locals. Stalls with a steady stream of customers are usually the freshest, most flavourful, and the safest choice. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast from a roadside cart or ending your evening with something grilled and spicy, Thailand’s street food scene delivers unforgettable flavour without denting your budget.

How Tipping Works in Thailand

Tipping is not obligatory in Thailand, but it is welcomed, particularly in tourist-friendly areas where service staff often go the extra mile.

At restaurants, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small gratuity of ฿20 to ฿50 (~£0.45 to £1.10, ~$0.55 to $1.35, ~€0.50 to €1.25) for attentive service. Hotel staff and massage therapists especially appreciate tips in the range of ฿50 to ฿100 (~£1.10 to £2.15, ~$1.35 to $2.70, ~€1.25 to €2.50), which can make a meaningful difference in their day.

Taxi drivers generally do not expect a tip, particularly when using ride-hailing apps like Grab, but rounding up to the nearest ten or twenty baht is seen as courteous.

Whenever possible, hand tips directly to the person, accompanied by a smile and a sincere “khop khun ka” (if you’re female) or “khop khun krap” (if you’re male). It’s a simple gesture that’s always appreciated and helps foster the warm, respectful exchanges that define Thai hospitality.