MONEY MATTERS

Currency: Thai Baht

Notes: One thing of note, you always want to carry smaller bills on you. Go to one of the many 7 Elevens or pharmacies and get a bottle of water and get some change. Or, ask the money changer to give you 500 baht notes or lesser denominations.

Money, Cash Machines, ATMs: Money machines are your best bet for the best currency conversion rates. ATMs in Bangkok come in abundance, like the 7 Elevens and pharmacies, especially in tourist areas. Some of the main banks, ATMs and currency exchanges are K ATM (Green), Krung Thai Bank Exchange (Blue) and Siam Commerical Bank (Purple).

Siam Commercial Bank is reportedly the best financial institution in Thailand as far as transactions go. But, K ATM seems to offer slightly better currency exchange rates than both Siam Commercial Bank and Krung Thai Bank. There are few accessible K ATMs - branch and ATM machines - on Surawong Road near Patpong, on Khao San Road and Sukhumvit Road east and west near Siam Square Shopping. Krung Thai Bank Exchanges are prevelant around these areas as well.

You will receive large bills from Thai ATMs so buy a bottle of water at a convenience store for about 7 Baht to break up the large denominations.

Tipping: You can get away with throwing down a 5 or 10 baht coin. You don’t have to tip for a coffee or one drink somewhere. Tips are of course appreciated.

CONVENIENCE STORES

There are many 7 Elevens and local convenience stores (Family Marts) and local pharmacies around, especially in the touristy areas such as Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom/Sathorn, Chinatown and Koa San Road. A lot of accessible ones with ground level entrance and no steps.