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 The Thai monetary unit is the
bath, which is subdivided into 100 satang. Notes are issued in
denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50
(blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht
coin, and 50 and 25 satang. Most foreign currencies and traveler
cheques are easily changed at banks, hotels or moneychangers.
Major international credit cards, such as American Express,
Diners, Carte Blanche, Master Card and VISA are accepted by
major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.
US dollar traveler cheques can be conveniently cashed at all
provincial banks and authorized moneychangers. Traveler cheques
in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better
rates prevail. Generally, hotel exchange rates are lower than
those offered by banks and authorized moneychangers.
Most banks in Thailand open from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to
Friday (except national holidays). The main Thai commercial
banks (Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank, Siam Commercial Bank,
Krung Thai Bank) have branches throughout the country. Foreign
banks also offer commercial banking services. See list of bank
head offices.
Most banks in Thailand have a nationwide network of ATM machines
that dispense Thai baht only. The ATMs usually have Thai and
English language displays and will accept the cards of other
Thai banks, and foreign cards that use internationally
recognized electronic banking systems. Many teller machines will
also accept VISA or MasterCard (the logos will be prominently
displayed). |
