How I Send and Spend Money in Thailand (My Simple, Low-Fee Setup)
Click the image to go to the Wise website
My simple, low-fee setup for sending and spending money in Thailand.
How I Send and Spend Money in Thailand (My Simple, Low-Fee Setup)
I keep money simple when I’m in Thailand. I use one main app to move money in, a card that doesn’t punish me on exchange rates, and a few habits that keep fees low and life easy. Here’s exactly how I do it—step by step—so you can copy what works.
📌 Save this for your trip
Click the image to go to the Wise website
My Core Setup (Quick Overview)
One transfer app for moving money from the UK to THB with a fair rate.
One multi-currency debit card for spending and ATM withdrawals.
A tiny routine for ATM choices, daily limits, and safety.
Why I Use Wise for Transfers
Click the image to go to the Wise website
Why it works for me
Transparent fees, fair mid-market rates, and transfers that usually land fast. I can hold THB or let it convert on the fly.
How I set it up
Open an account, verify ID, add a UK bank, create a THB balance, and save a Thai recipient if I need to pay a local account.
Use bank transfer or card—bank transfer is usually cheaper.
Double-check the rate and fee before confirming—clear and upfront.
Save common amounts to repeat quickly.
Send larger amounts on weekdays during UK business hours for smoother processing.
My Spending Card Day-to-Day
Click the image to go to the Wise website
How I use it
Tap for cafés, 7-Eleven, BTS/MRT top-ups, Grab rides, and restaurants. If a terminal asks for currency, I always choose THB (local currency) and decline dynamic currency conversion.
What I like
Exchange at close to the mid-market rate.
Instant notifications for every spend—easy to track.
Freeze/unfreeze the card in the app if I misplace it.
If a card machine asks “Pay in GBP or THB?”, choose THB to avoid poor exchange rates.
ATM Withdrawals in Thailand
Click the image to go to the Wise website
My routine
I withdraw cash in bigger, less frequent chunks to reduce local ATM fees. I use well-lit ATMs at banks or malls, and I always say no to the ATM’s currency conversion if asked.
Local ATM fees vary—expect ~200–250 THB per withdrawal.
Choose “Proceed without conversion” if prompted.
Keep the receipt until I see the app notification.
ATMs in malls are a good bet—air-con, CCTV, and space to check cash discreetly.
Fees, Limits, and Quiet Costs
Click the image to go to the Wise website
What I watch
Transfer fee, exchange rate, local ATM charge, and any weekend markups on FX. I group transfers to keep costs predictable.
Check the app “price breakdown” every time—no surprises.
Avoid micro-withdrawals at ATMs—group them.
Keep a small buffer in THB for emergencies.
Safety Habits That Help
Click the image to go to the Wise website
Simple rules I stick to
Use the app’s card freeze if anything feels off.
Cover the keypad at ATMs and check the slot for skimmers.
Enable notifications and two-factor authentication.
Carry a small amount of cash for markets and tips—cards work widely but cash is still handy.
FAQ
Can I just use my UK card in Thailand?
You can, but you’ll likely pay higher FX fees. A multi-currency card with fair rates is simpler and cheaper for daily spending.
How much cash should I carry?
Enough for the day’s small spends—street food, markets, taxis. I top up cash every few days instead of carrying a lot.
Is it better to convert to THB in advance?
For me, letting the app/card convert at near mid-market rates beats airport kiosks and hotel desks.
This system keeps my travel money easy: fair rate for transfers, a card that just works, and a few habits that avoid fees. Set it up once at home and you won’t think about it again—just enjoy the trip.
🏨 NEW: Best Hotels in Thailand Guide Get my personal hotel recommendations with exclusive deals View Hotel Deals → Thailand Maps Guide – City, Tourist & Transport Maps Explained When planning a trip to Thailand, having reliable maps makes life so much easier. Whether you want to see the whole country at a glance, find your way around Bangkok or Phuket, or figure out trains, buses, and airports, the right map can save you time and stress. To help, I’ve put together a handy collection of Thailand country maps, tourist city maps, and transport maps you can use before and during your trip. 🗺️ Thailand Country Maps If you’re starting with the big picture, these maps show the country’s provinces, geography, and political layout. Full Province Map of Thailand (World Atlas) – great for understanding the regions and provinces. Detailed Political & Physical Map of Thailand (Nations Online) – includes r...
Thailand Travel Guide 2025 – Culture, Food, Maps & Smart Travel Tips Thailand, the "Land of Smiles," beckons travellers with its turquoise waters, golden temples, and fiery cuisine. But beyond the postcards, navigating Thai culture and traditions can be a delicate dance. To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, let's delve into the top 10 things to do and not to do as a traveller in Thailand. Top 10 Things to Do: Temple Time: Thailand's Buddhist heritage unfolds in dazzling temples adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering mosaics. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok houses the revered Emerald Buddha, while Wat Arun's towering prang pierces the skyline. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and remember to remove your shoes before entering. Island Hopping Paradise: From the limestone cliffs of Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands' emerald lagoons, Thailand's islands offer a spectrum of adventures. Kayak through emerald mangrove forests, snorkel vi...
Buy or Rent a Condo in Thailand? A question or type of question I get a lot by email on a regular basis, do I buy or rent and if I buy, what do I buy. Then can I own a property in Thailand? Rather than go into a long discussion just have a look at these videos that I made for our YouTube channel. This video has had over 70,000 views and hundreds of comments. Another great video but to my surprise only got 22,000 views. A must-watch if you are serious about buying or building in Thailand. The subject of buying or building in Thailand must be the biggest topic for a foreigner thinking of retiring to Thailand at first and then of course the topic soon turns to Visas but that is another post. Links Email - landofsmilesthailand2@gmail.com Merchandise - Merchandise Shop First Book - Buy Here Second Book - Buy Here Transferwise - CLICK HERE
Comments
Post a Comment