Russian cards do not work in Thailand and an ATM charges 220 baht per withdrawal. Which currency to bring, where to exchange at a good rate and how much to budget per day.
Thailand is a country where you can live for a week on cash and not notice any inconvenience. That is just as well, because a Russian card is useless here and every ATM withdrawal carries a fixed fee. Let’s sort out what to bring, where to exchange and how not to lose money.
What currency is used in Thailand: the baht and what to bring
The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Rubles are exchanged poorly in Thailand and at an unfavorable rate: not every exchange booth accepts them, and the gap against the dollar rate eats up several percent.
The working scheme: exchange rubles for dollars or euros at home, and in Thailand exchange the dollars for baht. The notes must be new and without tears: worn banknotes are accepted at a discount or not at all. Large denominations ($100) get a better rate than small ones.
What about cards
| Card | Does it work? |
|---|---|
| Mir | No |
| Visa / Mastercard from Russian banks | No |
| UnionPay from sanctioned banks (T-Bank, Gazprombank, Alfa, Pochta Bank) | No |
| UnionPay from Rosselkhozbank, ATB | Limited — not as a main method |
| A card from a foreign bank (Kazakhstan, UAE, etc.) | Yes |
About UnionPay, it is worth being honest: cards from non-sanctioned banks are indeed accepted in large shops, hotels and at SCB, Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank ATMs. But the list of places is limited, and building a whole trip on it is risky. Treat UnionPay as a backup option, not the main one.
ATMs and the 220 baht fee
Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 baht for each withdrawal with a foreign card, regardless of the amount. Your bank’s fee and the conversion are added on top.
The practical conclusion is obvious: withdraw rarely and in large amounts. Five withdrawals of 5,000 baht are 1,100 baht in fees thrown to the wind. One withdrawal of 25,000 baht is 220 baht.
One more point: the ATM will offer to convert the amount “into your currency”. Always decline and choose to be charged in baht — otherwise the conversion will go through at the ATM’s unfavorable rate.
Where to exchange at a good rate
- City exchange booths give a better rate than the airport. At the airport exchange the minimum — for a taxi and your first dinner.
- Chain exchange booths with big boards and a queue usually give the best rate. The absence of a queue in a tourist area should make you wary.
- Hotels exchange at the worst rate. It is the price of convenience.
Check the rate before you reach the window: the difference between booths a couple of blocks apart can be noticeable.
How much to budget per day
Thailand allows very different levels of spending. Rough guidelines per person per day, excluding accommodation:
- Budget — street food, local transport, minimal entertainment.
- Comfortable — cafés and restaurants, taxis, excursions, islands.
- Expensive — hotel restaurants, a boat charter, a spa.
The main source of unplanned expenses is domestic flights and ferries between the islands. Budget for them separately and book in advance: the price rises as the date approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay in dollars?
No. Dollars are a currency for exchange, not for payment. You have to pay in baht.
Do I need to tip?
It is not required but customary: round up the bill, leave 20–50 baht in a café, give a driver a little extra. Restaurants sometimes include a service charge — check the bill so you don’t pay twice.
Is it worth exchanging money on the street?
Exchange only at licensed booths with a sign and a receipt. Street “great rates” are a classic scheme involving a short count of the notes.
Do I need a visa?
For a vacation of up to 30 days — no. But the allowed period was cut in 2026, and at the border you now need the QR code of the digital arrival card. Details are in the article on the visa for Thailand.
What if my card doesn’t work and I’ve run out of money?
Transfers through intermediary services and a transfer to an acquaintance with a foreign card do work. The worst scenario is to end up without cash on an island where there is a single ATM and it is out of order. Keep an emergency reserve.
What’s next
The budget is worked out — move on to planning: ready-made routes in Thailand, seasons and rains on the different coasts and practical safety.
Sources
- Which Russian cards work in Thailand
- Rosselkhozbank: the UnionPay card in Thailand
- UnionPay: in which countries it works in 2026
ATM fees and the status of cards change. Check the status of your own card with the issuing bank before you fly.
