Phuket Currency & Money Guide

The Thai Baht (THB) is the only accepted currency at most local businesses in Phuket. USD is accepted at a handful of tourist-facing shops and markets at unfavourable rates. Bring THB or withdraw from ATMs upon arrival.

ATMs from Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB are found throughout Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town. All charge a fixed foreign-card fee of around 220 THB (approximately USD 6) per transaction — this fee is the same regardless of withdrawal amount, so withdraw in larger batches to minimize cost.

Airport exchange counters at Phuket International Airport are convenient but offer rates 5–10% worse than in town. Exchange a small amount on arrival for taxi or Grab, then use a currency exchange counter in Patong or Phuket Town for larger amounts.

The best exchange rates in Phuket are at licensed currency exchange booths — look for SuperRich Thailand (green logo), Vasu Exchange, or any Thai bank branch in Phuket Town or Patong. These often beat the rate given by ATMs after accounting for the 220 THB ATM fee.

Avoid exchanging currency at hotel front desks or convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) — the rates are typically 8–12% below market. If you're from Japan or South Korea, exchange your yen or won before departure as THB rates for JPY and KRW are slightly better in Thailand.

Some travellers use a Wise, Revolut, or Charles Schwab card that waives foreign transaction fees — combined with the 220 THB ATM fee, these can rival exchange counters for convenience.

Budget travellers staying in guesthouses, eating local food, and taking songthaews can manage on 1,500–2,000 THB (roughly USD 40–55) per day. Street food meals cost 60–120 THB, a Chang beer at a local bar is 80 THB, and a songthaew ride is 30–50 THB.

Mid-range travellers staying in 3-star hotels, dining at tourist restaurants, and taking Grab rides typically spend 3,500–5,500 THB (USD 95–150) per day. A one-hour Thai massage costs 300–500 THB at reputable parlours.

Luxury Phuket — five-star resorts, fine dining, private speed boats, and spa days — easily runs 15,000–40,000+ THB (USD 400–1,100) per day. The island's high-end hospitality is genuinely world-class.

Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand but is widely appreciated in tourist areas. At sit-down restaurants, leaving the small change from your bill or rounding up is common; 10–15% is generous and increasingly expected at upscale establishments.

For massage therapists, 50–100 THB tip per hour is the norm at reputable parlours. Hotel housekeeping, 20–50 THB per day left on the pillow. Taxi or Grab drivers do not expect a tip but appreciate rounding up.

Always tip in cash directly to the person who served you — at large resorts, service charges on the bill do not always reach the staff.