🇹🇭 THAILAND · MONEY GUIDE FOR AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS

Best card and money tips for Thailand.

Q: Which Aussie debit card works best in Thailand?

ING Orange Everyday — Refunds the 220 THB ATM fee on every withdrawal if eligibility met — massive saving over a 2-week trip. Wise Debit — Best EFTPOS rate at malls + tourist restaurants. Hold THB balance to dodge real-time FX fluctuation. Up Bank — No FX fees on contactless purchases. Solid backup card.

THE SHORT ANSWER · INDICATIVE AS OF MAY 2026

For Thailand, the best Aussie card is the ING Orange Everyday (refunds the 220 thb atm fee on every withdrawal if eligibility met — massive saving over a 2-week trip.). Bring cash. Cards work at hotels and tourist restaurants, but most everyday spending is cash.

Cash or card?

Thailand runs on cash for street food, taxis, tuk-tuks, markets, and most small spots. Cards work at hotels, shopping malls, and tourist restaurants. Always have THB on you.

Withdraw the maximum your card allows per transaction — every Thai ATM charges 220 THB (~A$10) regardless of amount.
Carry small notes — vendors often can't break a 1000 THB note for a 50 THB purchase.
Most temples and government attractions charge entry in cash only.

Best Aussie cards for Thailand

ING Orange Everyday

Refunds the 220 THB ATM fee on every withdrawal if eligibility met — massive saving over a 2-week trip.

CATCH: Eligibility = $1000/mo deposit + 5 card purchases the prior month.

Wise Debit

Best EFTPOS rate at malls + tourist restaurants. Hold THB balance to dodge real-time FX fluctuation.

CATCH: ATM fees free up to A$350/mo, then 1.75%.

Up Bank

No FX fees on contactless purchases. Solid backup card.

CATCH: Doesn't refund the 220 THB ATM operator fee.

ATM playbook

USE THESE

Bangkok Bank
Krungsri
AEON (lowest fees historically)

AVOID

Stand-alone airport ATMs (high fees + bad rates)
ATMs inside hotels (often 5-10% worse)

Every ATM in Thailand charges a 220 THB foreign card fee — no exceptions. To minimise the pain, withdraw the maximum (usually 20,000-30,000 THB). Use cards like ING that refund these fees.

Local money hacks

SAVE 5-10%

Ask for the cash discount

Many street vendors, smaller restaurants, and family-run shops offer 5-10% off if you pay cash. It's never advertised — you have to ask. Works because they avoid card processing fees.

SAVE 5-8%

Use SuperRich for exchange

SuperRich (orange or green branding) offers near-interbank rates on AUD or USD cash exchange in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya. Vastly better than airport exchange or hotel desks. Bring crisp notes.

SAVE 50%+

Skip the tuk-tuk meter fight

Tuk-tuks rarely use meters and will quote you 3-5x the price. Use Bolt or Grab apps instead — fixed-price rides, no negotiating, often half the tuk-tuk rate.

Watch out for

Tuk-tuk + jeweler scam: a 'friendly local' tells you a temple is closed, suggests a tuk-tuk tour for 50 THB, which ends at a gem shop where they pressure-sell fake jewels. Always politely decline and check temple hours yourself.

Some massage parlours and bars in tourist zones present surprise 'service charges' on the bill. Ask the total price upfront.

Don't change money at the airport unless you need ~1000 THB for transport. Rates are noticeably worse.

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Indicative FX as of May 2026. Card features and eligibility change — verify with the issuer.