Vacation, long-awaited vacation in far Thailand ... Inin the process of preparing for such a desirable trip, I do not want to miss anything, so that the rest would not be overshadowed by any defects. The route was planned in advance, tickets were bought, hotels were booked, all issues were resolved, except one — what currency to take with you to Thailand.
In fact, this is quite a significant problem.- because the right choice in this case can help save a decent amount. That is why most of the tourists before the trip necessarily begin to be interested in it. But about what currency to take to Thailand, reviews say different. The reason for this is the fact that all their authors visited Thailand at the most different times, besides, they stopped and exchanged currency in various places.
This article will help travelers not be confused and decide for themselves what kind of currency it will be optimal to take along for the trip.
Baht is the national currency of Thailand
This material would be incomplete if we did not briefly mention the national currency of Thailand - baht.
It represents the national currencyissued in the form of coins and banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 baht (metal coins), as well as 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 baht (we are talking only about paper notes). One baht in turn is divided into 100 satangs, which are small coins.
На всех монетах и купюрах так или иначе изображен The King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is highly revered by the inhabitants of the country and considered to be a semi-divine person. That is why we recommend you to handle Thai money with care.
Thai Baht is the only currencywhich is used in Thailand in the calculations, and therefore, you will need to buy Thai baht on arrival in Thailand. Here is the approximate baht exchange rate for the currencies considered in the article as of April 2015:
- 1 dollar = 32.5 baht;
- 1 euro = 35 baht;
- 1 ruble = 0.7 baht.
Why is it worth taking cash with you to Thailand?
У некоторых людей будет велико искушение взять с a smaller amount of cash, giving your choice to the benefit of money on a plastic card. This path, of course, has the right to exist. First, you can have money on the card in any currency, and when calculating / cashing in Thailand, it will simply be automatically converted into the currency of settlement - baht - at the rate of your bank. No problem on what currency to take to Thailand, is not it? Secondly, in Thailand almost all large shopping centers are ready to accept cards for payment, and there are no problems with ATMs.
But similarly, many points are still notequipped with POS-terminals - and are unlikely to acquire them in the near future. This is especially true of the Thai markets and shops, small massage parlors, small unpretentious cafes - in general, those places where you can truly experience the whole atmosphere and authenticity of this beautiful country.
In this case, the conversion rate of your bank can beabsolutely predatory, and when cash is withdrawn from an ATM, in addition to this, the commission of the bank that owns the ATM will be withheld. And it is as much as 150 baht, regardless of the amount.
That is why at least half is recommended.from the funds brought in the form of cash currency. But, as you know, it can be different. In this regard, the question arises: "What currency to take with you to Thailand?"
Rubles in Thailand
Since the Russians are a significant parttourist flow in Thailand, it is not surprising that here in many local exchange offices - currency exchange in English - will be ready to buy rubles from you and sell baht for them.
That is why many Russians are wondering: "What currency to take to Thailand, rubles or dollars?" After all, in addition to the dollar, the native ruble can also be exchanged for baht right on the spot.
So, practical calculations show thatIt is almost always more profitable to make a double conversion “ruble> dollar / euro> baht” for a trip to Thailand, buying Western currency in your own country, rather than changing ruble to Baht in Thailand. Most likely, the reason for this is the desire of Thai banks and exchangers to be safe - after all, the already low (compared to the dollar and euro) confidence in the ruble now due to the low oil price and current political crises has fallen even lower.
In addition, quite a few currency exchange offices accept rubles - but not all!
So, leave aside the ruble as the least profitable option when traveling to Thailand.
Euro in Thailand
It is quite expected that the euro in Thailand is accepted for exchange wherever the dollar is accepted - since Europeans (a significant part of which are Germans) are found everywhere in this country.
So let's ask ourselves what currency to take to Thailand - euro or dollars.
In fact, everything here is almost equivalent.Euros in Thailand are accepted wherever dollars are accepted. But there is a small factor that is observed in the current period - since 2015, the euro has been “reeling”, and there is a steady tendency to reduce its value in relation to all other currencies.
In addition, payments in euros are not yet so familiar, and the dollar remains the most widespread and common currency. That is why we give the euro second place in our rating.
Dollars in thailand
In a vote on "what currency is better to take inThailand "American dollar is clearly in the lead. It is difficult to be surprised, because the dollar was and will be the most "main" and well-known currency in the world. Dollar fluctuations are rare, it is accepted in any exchangers in the country.
In addition, it is worth remembering exactly howway began the development of Thailand as a tourist country, because it was the Americans who started it. During the Vietnam War, many American soldiers stayed in Thailand to rest, which predetermined the movement vector of many people in the direction of providing services to visitors.
So, the dollar - the most "native" for Thailand currency. Of course, after the baht. And the most authoritative - and all over the world.
Traveler's Checks AmericanExpress
Until 2013 it was possible to borrow dollars inThailand in the form of travel checks American Express. Unfortunately, now this profitable (the exchange rate for them was usually even better than that of cash) is unavailable for many, since there is no longer buy travel checks in Russia. However, if you still have the opportunity to purchase them, you can safely choose such a solution. In addition to benefits, it is also safe, since traveler's checks are personal, and you can only exchange them for “live” money, and only with the provision of a passport.
Currency Exchange Features
In addition to the currency and its exchange rate, it is also importantsuch an aspect as the denomination of the exchangeable bills. So, bills in the 50-100 dollars and the euro change at one rate, more profitable, but the money in denomination below is changing at another rate - lower. The most unfavorable exchange rate is for very small cash with a value of 1-2-5-10 dollars / euro. Keep this in mind when you decide which currency is more profitable to take to Thailand, because it is best to buy large bills.
Also, do not forget to have a copy of your passport with you.or, even better, its original. Without this document, in many currency exchange points you will simply be denied service. This phenomenon is not universal - some currency exchange offices are happy to change money just like that. However, if you want to be absolutely sure that you will exchange your currency, you should take care to carry with you at least a copy of your passport if you are afraid to carry its original with you.
What currency can I pay directly?
In Thailand - only Thai baht.The first and, most likely, the last place in this country, where you will receive dollars or euros, will be a border control point at the airport (in case you are not a Russian citizen and pay for a visa upon arrival). Then you should have bats with you.
It is possible that somewhere will be ready to take from youdollars or euros, but this will be rather the exception. Most Thais even treat the dollar with caution, since many did not even see it in their eyes, and are afraid of being deceived when calculating dollars.
Summary
In any case, unequivocal advice on the issue ofwhat currency to take to Thailand, can not be. Yes, the dollar is in the lead, but this is only for today. Before the trip, pay attention to the exchange rates and their fluctuations, read the latest global financial news, it will not be superfluous to monitor the situation with the exchange rates in Thailand. Only by comparing all the data, you can decide which currency to take to Thailand.
