Exchanging money on Koh Samui is easy, but there are several things worth knowing before you go to make sure you get the best exchange rate for your money
Thailand Money Exchange Tips
Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht. It’s available as 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Baht notes, plus 1, 2, 5 and 10 Baht coins.
There is no shortage of ATMs on Koh Samui that will accept international bank cards. However, be aware that all Thai ATMs impose a 220 Thai Baht fee (around $7 USD) for each international withdrawal for the machine, regardless of the amount. Therefore you should try to take out the maximum 20,000 Baht each time you use an ATM to get full “value” for the fee. Keep the extra cash safe in a safety deposit box or a travel wallet hidden on your person.
For today’s exchange rates, see the Thailand Currency Converter page.
Don’t bother purchasing Thai Baht before you leave your home country – you will always get much better rates exchanging foreign currency within Thailand itself. The exchange rate you get at a Thai ATM is competitive, but obviously the $7 fee doesn’t help.
It is a good idea to bring cash in a major currency (USD, Euros, Pounds Sterling, etc) as a backup to exchange if for any reason your ATM card is declined or lost.
It’s also a good idea to get a multi-currency debit card like Transferwise or Revolut. You top-up the card from your home bank account and then exchange currencies through an app on your phone at a much better rate than you can get from ATMs or money exchange booths. That way you can have a Thai Baht balance on your card and use it in restaurants etc without having to pay foreign transaction fees.
Credit Card Security
It’s more likely you will lose your credit cards than actually have them stolen while travelling, but it pays to be prepared. Be sure to take photos with your cameraphone of the front and back of all your credit cards and store the photos in your email account. That way if you lose them you have the complete details of the cards available. Make a note of the number to call to cancel each card. 5 minutes doing this once can save you endless grief later.
Travel Insurance
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Koh Samui Hotels – Check Availability
Koh Samui is a big island with several main beaches. There’s plenty of accommodation options available – check availability and pricing using the search box.
Koh Samui Airport Transfers
Once you’ve chosen your hotel, make life easy by booking a taxi transfer from Samui airport to your hotel so you can start enjoying your hospital as soon as possible.
Start Planning Your Samui Trip Today!
:: Book a direct flight from Bangkok to Samui with 12Go - their easy search will quickly check scores of airlines for the best prices and times.
:: Find the best deals on Samui hotels on Booking.com - you can usually reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.
:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
:: Book tickets for buses, trains and ferries to and from Koh Samui to all over Thailand with 12Go – their website is easy to use and lets you check timetables and buy tickets online.
:: Book an airport transfer – to take you hassle-free, direct from the airport to your hotel. The driver will be waiting to meet you in Arrivals when you land.
:: Flying into Bangkok? Buy a Thai SIM card online and pick it up at the airport on arrival in Thailand – or a Pocket Wifi router connects up to six devices for immediate internet access on your phone.
:: Make sure you've not forgotten any essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand.
:: Check out our Things To Do In Samui guide for inspiration of where to go and what to do.
