Currency:
Baht (B) = consisting of 100 satangs
Notes are in denominations of B1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10.
Coins are in denominations of B10, 5, 1 and 50 and 25 satang.
Currency Exchange:
Banks have the best rates when exchanging foreign currencies. While hotels charge high commissions. There are bureau de charges in larger towns which are normally open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Currency Restrictions:
There is no restriction on both bringing in and carrying out foreign currency.
There is no limit on the amount of Thai currency which can be brought into Thailand, but only 50,000 baht or 100,000 per family with one passport may be taken out without obtaining a permit.
Carrying out an amount of Thai currency which exceeds the above stated limit requires a permit from an authorized bank. The original permit (Thor-Tor. 5) must be shown to the Customs officer while passing through the outbound passenger channel.
When carrying Thai currency to neighboring countries, e.g., Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam, up to 500,000 baht, may be taken out without obtaining a permit.
Credit & Debit cards and ATMs:
Visa Card, Master card and American Express are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops. Diners Club on the other hand, has more limited acceptance.
ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.
Traveler’s cheques:
All banks, major hotels and some authorized money changers accept traveler’s cheques. It is advisable to take travelers cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds to avoid extra exchange rate charges.
Business:
Banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday, except public and bank holidays between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. Bank currency exchange centers operate from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, seven days a week including holidays.
Most people in senior management positions speak English, but in very small companies and companies situated outside Bangkok, English is less well known.
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Government office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
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