💳 How Much Spending Money Should I Bring?
Most of your big expenses like lodging, meals, transportation, activities, excursions, guides, & entertainment are already covered — That said, you’ll want to bring some extra cash for your own spending:
- A few meals on your own (especially on free nights)
- Shopping at markets or queer-owned businesses
- Optional experiences (like tattoos, extra thai massages, or souvenirs)
- Extra drinks, snacks, or spontaneous adventures
Here’s a rough guide for how much money to bring, depending on your spending style:
- Budget Babe: $100–$200If you plan to stick to local Thai restaurants and street food, buy a souvenir or two to take home, and still indulge in a bit of nightlife drinking local beers and liquors.
- Mid-Tier Queer: $250–$400If you prefer a mix of sit-down meals and street food, drinking cocktails, a decent amount of souvenir shopping, and maybe an extra massage or pedicure.
- Big Spender Energy: $500+If you’re a sucker for a fancy dining experience, custom tailored outfits, tattoo appointments, spa treatments and shopping, or if you’re known for having a hefty drink tab.
Thailand is generally very affordable, so your money will go far — and we’ll give you our favorite recommendations so you spend it wisely.
🏧 Money Tips in Thailand
Cash is Queen 👑
Thailand is still a cash-heavy country, especially at street markets, local restaurants, and smaller shops. Always carry some Thai baht in cash — even in the city, many places don’t accept cards.
ATMs vs. Currency Exchange
The easiest and most convenient way to get Thai baht is from an ATM using your debit card. ATMs are everywhere (including at the airport), and usually offer better rates than currency exchange booths. Just make sure your bank allows international withdrawals and doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees.
Make sure to let your Bank know about your travel plans so you can avoid having your card frozen mid trip.
Pro Tip: Always Reject the Conversion
When withdrawing cash or paying by card, you might be asked if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of Thai baht.
👉 Always choose Thai baht and “Reject Conversion.”
Why? Because accepting the conversion often means a much worse exchange rate and extra hidden fees.
Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit
Most Thai ATMs limit withdrawals to around 20,000 baht (~$550 USD) per transaction and charge a small fee (~220 THB), so it’s smart to take out larger amounts less frequently.
💁🏽♀️ Thai Tipping Culture:
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated — especially in tourist-facing jobs. Here’s a quick tipping guide:
- Massage or spa: 50–100 THB
- Restaurant: At a casual local restaurant leave small change, or at a nicer sit down restaurant, leave 10%
- Drivers or guides: 100–200 THB for the day (less if in a large group that is all contributing tips)
Hotel staff: 20–50 THB per bag or service
