Currency and Exchange Service

The Thai unit of currency, the Baht, is not fixed to any other currency, but rather fluctuates with world market rates.

The Baht is divided into 100 satang. Cooper-coloured coins are valued at 25 a d 50 satang. Silver-coloured coins are available in 1 and 5 Baht denominations. Silver and cooper colour coins represent 10 Baht denomination. Banknotes are valued at 20 Baht, 50 Baht, 100 Baht, 500 Baht, and 1,000 Baht.

Traveller's Cheques / Cheques / Credit Cards / Banks

US-dollar traveller's cheques can be cashed at provincial banks and authorised moneychangers. Travellers' cheques are best redeemed in Bangkok where the rates are the best. Generally, hotel rates are lower than those offered by banks and authorised moneychangers.

Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master Card and VISA)

As well as traveller's cheques in principle currencies, are generally accepted in leading hotels, restaurants, department stores and several large stores. Travellers' cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies may be exchanged at any commercial banks, most hotels and foreign exchange counters.

Thai and foreign banks provide a standard service nationwi-de. Office hours are 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on bank and public holidays.

Major banks such as Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, Kasi-korn Bank, Krung Thai Bank and Siam Commercial Bank have ATM open 24 hrs. These bank's ATM accept all major credit cards. Many first-class hotels provide 24-hour money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American, British, German and Swiss. Traveller's cheques are generally accepted at all hotels.

Exchange Controls

1. Foreign tourists mar freely bring to the Kingdom of Thai-land foreign bank notes or other types of foreign exchange. Upon leaving Thailand, the tourist may freely take with them the foreign currencies they brought in, with the exception that foreign notes or coins do not exceed the equivalent of US$10,000, or the amount declared in writing to customs upon arrival. Taking a foreign currency that exceeds US$10,000 into or out of Thailand must be declared at the Customs Office upon arrival or departure. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and/or prosecution.

2. Travellers can take a maximum of 50,000 Baht per person out of the country without authorisation. Thai currency up to 500,000 Baht can be taken to neighbouring countries authorisation. These countries are : Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

3. Foreign visitors may bring personal effects and other goods that are not prohibited by current customs regulati-ons. Other than personal effects, visitors are also allowed to take out merchandise bought from duty free shops, including precious stones, gold and platinum ornaments.

4. Non-residents are allowed to open foreign currency acco-unts with any commercial bank in Thailand. As a special gesture to non-residents, no restrictions are imposed on the maintenance of and withdrawal from the account, as long as the funds originate from abroad.

5. Foreign visitors may convert Thai Baht into foreign curre-ncy for the purposes of outbound travel so long as they present evidence such as a currency exchange receipt, a valid airline ticket and their passport to any major bank.

Note : The following links are the Major Banks in Thailand; You can check the currency exchange from these websites.

• Kasikorn Bank
• Bangkok Bank
• Bank of Ayudhya
• Siam Commercial Bank
• Krung Thai Bank

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