Want to withdraw cash from a bank while you’re in Thailand with a foreign ATM card? This article will guide you through the process.
What ATM cards work in Thailand
Thailand banks accept foreign ATM debit/credit cards from major suppliers such as VISA, Mastercard, American Express (AMEX), and UnionPay.
Supported card types:
- VISA
- Mastercard
- American Express
- UnionPay
If your card type is not listed above, check the supported card types on the ATM by looking at the supported logos.
How much are Thailand ATM fees
Unfortunately, the fee has increased over the past ten years.
The ATM fee per transaction at the majority of banks using a VISA or Mastercard currently stands at 220 Baht except for AEON, which charges the lowest rate of 150 Baht. UnionPay and American Express have lower rates of between 50-150 Baht per ATM transaction.
The ATM fee is displayed on-screen before you accept or reject a transaction.
Your bank may also apply a foreign transaction fee for using a card abroad.
Additional fees will be applied if you select currency conversion.
➡️ Wise is one of the cheapest ways to transfer money into Thailand. Find you more.
Thailand Bank ATM fees
| Bank | ATM fee (Visa / Mastercard) |
|---|---|
| Bangkok Bank | THB 220 |
| SCB | THB 220 |
| Kasikornbank | THB 220 |
| Krungsri | THB 220 |
| AEON | THB 150 |
| UOB | THB 220 |
| Thanachart Bank | THB 220 |
| Krungthai | THB 220 |
Fees are subject to change – check the specific bank for the latest.
Thailand Bank ATM fees (AMEX & CUP)
| Bank | American Express (AMEX) | China UnionPay (CUP) |
| Bangkok Bank | THB 50 | THB 150 |
| SCB | THB 50 | THB 150 |
| Kasikornbank | THB 50 | THB 150 |
| Krungsri | THB 50 | THB 150 |
| AEON | THB 150 | THB 150 |
| UOB | THB 50 | THB 150 |
| Thanachart Bank | THB 50 | THB 150 |
| Krungthai | THB 50 | THB 150 |
Fees are subject to change – check the specific bank for the latest.
Are ATMs safe in Thailand?
ATMs can be found all over Thailand at malls, minimarts, entertainment venues, gas stations, and bank branches.
ATMs are safe to use in Thailand, but be aware of possible scams, especially in tourist areas. Always cover your pin and never reveal it to anyone. The safest place to use an ATM is within a bricks and motor banking branch.
Always keep your ATM card with you at all times. If this is not possible, then use the safe in your hotel room to store the card securely.
When using an ATM in Thailand, always check the fees before accepting a transaction because exchange rates and foreign card ATM charges can vary between banks.
Prepare for the worst-case scenario by bringing a backup ATM card and emergency cash. Securely store your backup method separately from your primary ATM card.
If your ATM cards are lost, stolen, or you believe your pin has been compromised, call your bank immediately to cancel the card.
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How much money can you take out of an ATM in Thailand?
The maximum withdrawal amount with a foreign ATM card is 20,000 Baht at most banks in Thailand, but this can vary depending on the bank and your own bank’s withdrawal limits.
Use the counter withdrawal/cash advance service within a banking branch to withdraw more than the maximum ATM amount. This service can withdraw up to your maximum card limit.
| Bank | Maximum withdrawal (per transaction) |
| Bangkok Bank | THB 25,000 |
| SCB | THB 20,000 |
| Kasikornbank | THB 20,000 |
| Krungsri | THB 30,000 |
| AEON | THB 20,000 |
| UOB | THB 20,000 |
| Thanachart Bank | THB 20,000 |
| Krungthai | THB 25,000 (max 50,000 p/day) |
The maximum withdrawal is subject to change – check the specific bank for the latest.
ATM exchange rate in Thailand
Your card type (VISA, Mastercard, and UnionPay) determines the ATM exchange rate applied to a transaction. The local Thai bank may also apply an additional exchange rate on top of the ATM fee alongside your bank’s foreign transaction fee.
Exchange rate calculators:
With or without conversion
When using an ATM with a foreign card in Thailand, you may be presented with an option of conversion using your home currency or without conversion in local currency.
Always choose without currency conversion in local currency so your card issuer handles the exchange rate at a competitive market rate.
Choosing home currency conversion, also known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), will allow the local bank or merchant to handle the conversion on your behalf with a non-competitive exchange rate plus additional charges.
Best ATM to use in Thailand
If you’re short of cash and want to withdraw money from an ATM, use AEON bank because they have a lower usage fee of 150 Baht per transaction, which works out to 70 Baht ($2.2) cheaper than other banks.
AEON ATMs are less common than other Thai banks such as SCB or KBank. The most convenient AEON bank is located on the 4th floor of Central World accessible by BTS within walking distance from Chidlom station.
If you need to withdraw more than 20,000 Baht per day, the best ATM to use is Krungsri, which offers a daily maximum withdrawal limit of 30,000 Baht and a usage fee of 220 Baht.
Steps to withdraw cash through a Thai bank ATM
- Insert your card, select English as your preferred language
- Enter your pin
- Select the withdrawal option
- Select either savings (debit) or credit based on your card type
- Enter the withdrawal amount
- The ATM will present the fee required for the transaction. Either accept or reject the fee. (rejecting will cancel the withdrawal returning your card)
- If the ATM asks to use home currency conversion (DCC), reject this and select without conversion. Be warned banks sometimes use tricky wording to get you to use conversion!
- If the transaction is successful, your money will dispense with the receipt
- Card returned
How to avoid Thailand ATM fees
Let’s be honest, paying 150-220 Baht ($5-$7) to withdraw your cash while abroad is a rip-off. An alternative solution is withdrawing money directly at a bank branch counter to avoid the ATM fee.
A counter withdrawal or cash advance service is available at most major bank branches throughout the country with an international debit or credit card. However, be aware that some banks will only allow this service with credit cards.
Currently, Bangkok Bank offers the service without a charge, but some banks charge up to 200 Baht per withdrawal, so before proceeding with the transaction, ask about fees and the maximum withdrawal limit. Remember that your card may have a foreign transaction fee/cash advance fee and a maximum withdrawal limit of less than what the bank offers.
To avoid bad exchange rates, ensure the bank is actioning without conversion and not your home currency, aka Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), as this always works more expensive. The bank teller might not be aware of DCC, so look out for any mention of your home currency on the transaction request before approval.
Required documents for counter withdrawal/cash advance
- Valid Credit / Debit card in your name with signature
- Passport with the name matching your card
Steps to withdraw money using cash advance service at a Thai bank
- Ask the bank representative for the cash advance service
- Inform the bank teller of your requirements (withdraw amount and local currency)
- Ask about the fees before processing
- Hand over your passport and card
- Documents will be photocopied and you’ll need to sign them
- The teller will action your transaction through a card terminal
- Enter card pin or require a signature
Thai bank cash advance withdrawal fee
| Bank | Fee |
| Bangkok Bank | Free |
| Kasikornbank | THB 200 |
| UOB | THB 200 |
The maximum withdrawal is subject to change – check the specific bank for the latest.
Other ways to take money into Thailand
Most international banks charge foreign transaction fees while using an ATM card abroad. To avoid additional costs when traveling, get a bank with low international transaction fees or sign-up for a free multi-currency multi-currency account with Wise (Formerly TransferWise).
Benefits of using Wise over conventional bank offerings
- Mastercard debit card
- Spend, send and receive money worldwide
- Personal bank account for supported currencies
- Low currency conversion fees
- Low ATM withdrawals fees (free for 2 or less withdrawals)
- Compentive conversion rates
- Easy-to-use app to keep track of spending
I use Wise to transfer money to and from my Thai account to avoid hidden SWIFT banking fees and currency exchange at a competitive market rate. I would recommend getting an account before you travel to use it as a backup account.
Other notable app-based banks with zero transaction fees include N26 and Revolut.
Open a local bank account
It might be worth opening a local Thai bank account if you travel to Thailand often. Fees from using a foreign card can mount up over time.
ATM withdrawals from a local bank are free, and you can use a service like Wise to deposit into a Thai account from abroad.
Most local banks require a work permit on signup but some will only ask for a passport and proof of local residence.
Summary
It’s easy to be fooled by the hidden costs of withdrawing your money while in Thailand.
If you want the convenience of withdrawing money through an ATM, be aware of the fee and pick a bank with cheaper rates such as AEON.
Or avoid ATM fees altogether using a cash counter withdrawal/cash advance service within large banking branches.
Plan for an emergency by bringing backup cash, or another card, and consider a zero transaction fee card such as Wise.