Do I need to bring cash with me when I go to Thailand? What is the minimum amount I need to bring?

First of all, before going to Thailand, you should understand Thailand’s entry policy.

According to the regulations of the Thai Immigration Bureau, foreigners entering Thailand must carry cash of no less than 20,000 baht (or equivalent foreign currency, equivalent to 4,000 RMB). Bank credit cards are not valid. Thai immigration officers conduct random checks and those with insufficient cash will be refused entry. This regulation applies to people entering the country with various visas, including visa on arrival.

Although the inspection method is random, it is recommended to be prepared. It doesn’t matter if you save it after entering the country. But it doesn’t matter even if you don’t have it with you during a spot check. There are usually ATM machines nearby, so you can go directly. It just takes a little time and trouble, and gives the prosecutor a little tip, and it's basically nothing. Random inspections are conducted, but not many are actually inspected. There will be more inspections for visa on arrival. If you are caught, you can go to the currency exchange counter next door to exchange, the exchange rate is relatively low. I went there several times and couldn't find it. Cash may also be checked when applying for a visa on arrival, requiring at least 10,000 baht in cash per person.

In addition, when exchanging Thai baht, if you change it at the local Bank of China and take it with you, the exchange rate will be higher! But the big shopping malls there generally accept UnionPay cards, and the exchange rate is calculated based on the exchange rate of the day! So it’s more cost-effective to swipe a card! If you are afraid of being unsafe after bringing too much cash across the border, it is best to save it.

Then there is the issue of visas. If you want to go to Thailand for a visa, it is best to apply for it beforehand. Although it is said that you can get a visa on arrival, the queue is very long (because there are so many Chinese people going to Thailand). The climate is hot and makes you feel irritable, which affects your travel mood. It is better to sign directly in China. It is convenient and cheap. Basically, it costs about 250 yuan. A visa on arrival is almost 50 yuan more expensive.

The exchange rate of Bank of China is relatively low compared to the local exchange rate in Thailand. The current local average price in Thailand is 1 yuan, which is approximately 5.2 baht. However, the exchange rate at Bank of China will be 1:4.9 or 1:5.0. This is my experience from my second trip to Phuket. I only need to exchange a small amount of Thai baht at home, and the rest can be exchanged locally in Thailand. In addition, Bank of China only needs an ID card to redeem Thai strains, and an appointment in advance is required before the exchange can be carried out. (1) Exchange Thai Baht at ATM. The most convenient way to exchange currency is to take your UnionPay card directly to a Thai ATM to withdraw money. Look for the ones that support UnionPay. The exchange rate is OK. There are ATMs at the airport that accept UnionPay. It is recommended to withdraw more at one time to save handling fees. It should be noted that a 20B handling fee will also be charged for inquiries. The exchange rate is only related to UnionPay and has nothing to do with ATMs. Bring your UnionPay card to a purple ATM to withdraw Thai baht. There will be a 1% handling fee. If you withdraw 5,000 baht, 50 baht will be deducted, which is like 10 yuan. Purple ATMs have the best exchange rates. There are several purple ATMs in Jiangxi Leng underground, and there are also ones at the airport. ATM machines at the airport are very popular and you need to queue up to withdraw money, so it is recommended to exchange some Thai currency and then exchange it on the streets of Phuket. Note: For currency exchange, both the bank and the card-issuing bank of Thai ATM machines will charge fees. When choosing an ATM machine, it mainly depends on whether there is a handling fee discount (some Thai bank ATM machines will waive the handling fee for the first withdrawal). (2) Exchange point. You can see an exchange point every few steps in the streets and alleys of Phuket. There will be exchange signs on it. You must read more and compare before making a move, so as not to lose money. Some exchange points will have an exchange rate of 1:4.9. Some will be 1:5.2, and some will be 1:5.0, so compare with several before making the exchange. (3) It is not recommended to exchange RMB for US dollars and then for Thai baht, as you will suffer losses. Exchange euros, U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars domestically, and then convert them into Thai baht when you arrive in Thailand. Two exchanges will result in a certain exchange rate loss. (4) Please do not exchange Thai Baht with private individuals.

According to my experience, when exchanging RMB for Thai Baht, I suggest you exchange it locally in Thailand.

First, because exchanging Thai baht domestically requires a phone reservation, Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China both handle this business. If you don’t have money to exchange in China, you can go directly to Thailand and use your UnionPay card to withdraw Thai baht cash from an ATM. You don’t have to worry at all, it’s very convenient.

Second, at the airport’s ATM machine (with the “UnionPay” mark), you can directly use your UnionPay card to withdraw Thai baht cash, and the exchange rate is the bank’s price on the day. In theory, the exchange rate is the best.

Each withdrawal will incur a handling fee of 50 baht (charged by the Bank of Thailand) + an overseas withdrawal handling fee charged by the domestic card issuing bank (ranging from 0-20 yuan). Personally, I feel that the handling fee is completely acceptable. It is much more convenient to find banks to exchange money anywhere in the country.

Third, it is not recommended that you exchange foreign currency at currency exchange points at domestic airports (usually found in international departure areas). Theoretically, the exchange rate is the worst. It is also not recommended to exchange RMB for foreign currency at the currency exchange points in the arrival area of ??overseas airports. Generally, the exchange rate will be very bad. If you are really worried, bring some RMB or US dollars with you before leaving the country. When you are at the airport, only exchange for about 100 US dollars or 1,000 RMB in foreign currency, which can be used to take a taxi or other means of transportation after leaving the airport. Wait until you get to the city and then find the currency. Go to an ATM for local currency, or find an exchange shop with a better exchange rate to exchange more cash.