Are you looking to purchase Thai Baht (THB) banknotes to bring along on your trip to Thailand?
Scroll down for everything you need to know about using a credit card to buy Thai baht from Australia or while in Thailand.
Inside this guide
Before travelling
Buying Thai baht with a credit card in Australia
There are several options for buying Thai baht in Australia, each with their own considerations.
What cards you can use
- American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. You can purchase Thai baht with an Australian credit card, but such transactions are typically classified as a cash equivalent and incur interest at the rate for cash advances as well as a one-off cash advance fee.
Where you can buy Thai baht with a credit card
- Your bank's local branch. Using your bank might be the most convenient way to get Thai baht quickly, but the exchange rate may not be the most favourable at your local branch. It’s also possible that they don’t hold baht, requiring it to be ordered in.
- Currency exchangers. Exchangers are widely available where you can buy Thai baht and many other currencies with a good exchange rate.
- Money transfer services. If you need to pay someone or a business in Thailand, you can use an international money transfer service to buy Thai baht at very competitive rates and transfer it to their account.
While overseas
Buying Thai baht with a credit card while in Thailand
Here’s how to get cash from your credit card if you're already in Thailand.
- At a bureau de change. Finding a bureau de change in Thailand is not difficult since they are common in most resorts. However, credit card transactions made at a bureau de change are considered cash equivalents and typically incur interest at the cash advance rate. A cash advance fee and overseas ATM fee are applicable plus a foreign currency transaction fee (depending on the card used).
- Withdrawing from an ATM. Getting cash from an ATM is convenient, but the trade-off is that it's extremely expensive. You’ll be charged interest at the cash advance rate, a cash advance fee, an overseas ATM withdrawal fee, and a possible foreign currency transaction fee.
What it might cost
Fees
| Type of fee | Incurred in Australia? | Incurred overseas? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash advance interest | Yes | Yes | Around 20% (daily, no interest-free period) |
| Cash advance fee | Yes | Yes | 2 - 3% (one-off) |
| Foreign currency fee | Yes | Yes | 2 - 3% (one-off) |
| Overseas ATM withdrawal fee | No | Yes | 2 - 3% (one-off) |
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Want more help?
FAQs
Do you accrue credit card rewards when buying Thai baht?
No. Purchases of foreign currency like Thai baht, UAE dirham, Sri Lankan rupees — or any other currency — will be treated as a cash equivalent and will not earn rewards points.
Are you able to get cashback when you purchase Thai baht?
No. The transaction will be treated as an equivalent to cash, which means it is not eligible for cashback.
