Short answer: Bringing 3,000–6,000 THB in cash is usually enough.
Most places in Thailand now accept credit cards or mobile payments — even many night market stalls — so you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash.

Here’s the practical breakdown:

✔ Recommended Cash to Bring: 3,000–6,000 THB

This cash is mainly for:

• Street food and market stalls

• Small massage shops that don’t accept cards

• Tips (20–50 THB at massage shops / 20 THB for hotel staff)

• Small purchases at night markets or local shops

For a 4–5 day trip, this amount is ideal:

• Enough to cover small cash-only expenses

• Not too bulky

• Easy to supplement with card payments or ATM withdrawals

Should You Bring a Lot of Cash? Not recommended.

Here’s why:

1. Most places in Thailand accept cards

Including:

• Shopping malls

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Big massage chains

• Supermarkets & 7-Eleven

Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay) are widely used.

2. It’s very easy to exchange money in Thailand

You can find money changers everywhere:

• Superrich

• Value Plus

• Various exchange booths in malls & BTS stations

• Airport exchange counters (slightly higher rates)

Bringing TWD or USD to exchange on-site is usually better.
No need to exchange too much before your trip.

3. ATM withdrawals are available everywhere

ATMs are everywhere, but cross-border fees cost 220–250 THB per withdrawal.
Tips:
✔ Withdraw a larger amount at once
✔ Use Wise or Revolut cards to avoid extra fees

How Much Cash Should You Bring? (By Travel Style)

🎒 Budget Travelers: 2,000–4,000 THB

Most spending will be on:

• Street food

• Local markets

• 7-Eleven meals
  Major expenses like transport or accommodation can be paid by card.

✨ Regular Travelers: 3,000–6,000 THB

This is the most common and balanced budget.
Covers street food, massages, small tips, and light shopping.

💎 Luxury Travelers: 6,000–10,000 THB

You’ll mostly use cards for restaurants and spas,
but cash is still useful for tips and small purchases.

Conclusion: 3,000–6,000 THB is the most practical amount to carry.

Use cash for:
✔ Street food
✔ Night market snacks
✔ Tips
✔ Small cash-only shops

Pay everything else with:

• Credit cards

• Mobile payments

• On-site money exchange

• ATM withdrawals

Traveling in Thailand isn’t about carrying a lot of cash — it’s about staying convenient and safe.