When planning a trip to Thailand — whether to view property, spend a month or two by the sea, move the kids to a milder climate, or simply recharge — the currency question comes up surprisingly early. And rightly so: here you can easily lose 3–7% on conversions without even noticing. In this article, we’ll explain everything in detail and in simple terms.

Contents:

  1. How Currency Exchange Works in Thailand Overall
  2. USD: Why This Currency Is the “King of Thailand”
  3. EUR: A Decent but Slightly Less Profitable Option
  4. RUB: You Can Bring It, but Don’t Expect Much
  5. How Not to Lose Money in Thailand in 2025
  6. For Those Living in Thailand or Buying Property
  7. Which Currency Do Thais and Expats Actually Use?
  8. Why Choosing the Right Currency Really Matters

How Currency Exchange Works in Thailand Overall

In Thailand, exchange rates are set not by banks (as in Europe) but by private exchange offices, and the difference between them can be huge.

The best ones are considered:

  • SuperRich (orange)
  • SuperRich 1965 (green)
  • Value Plus
  • Vasu Exchange (in Bangkok)
  • DeeMoney

The gap between the best and an average rate can reach 2–3 baht per 1 USD, which is very noticeable on large amounts.

Rates are always better in the city (Bangkok, Phuket Town), slightly worse in tourist areas (Bang Tao, Rawai), and outright bad at the airport.

USD: Why This Currency Is the “King of Thailand”

Best and most stable rate

  • The margin is minimal. If today USD/THB = 36, exchange offices will give 35.9–36.0 — almost no loss.

New banknotes are the gold standard

Thais love:

  • $100 bills issued after 2009
  • No stamps
  • No creases
  • No damage. Slightly torn or old notes may be accepted at a discount or refused entirely.

Convenient for transactions

  • The easiest currency to bring into Thailand and deposit for property or rent payments.

Ideal for large amounts

  • Investors, relocators, IT specialists, and anyone moving long-term choose dollars.

In short, USD is the most optimal choice.

EUR: A Decent but Slightly Less Profitable Option

Accepted everywhere

  • No problems, and the rate is transparent.

But the margin is higher

  • The buy/sell spread is larger than for USD. When the dollar rate fluctuates, euros often suffer even more.

If you’ve already arrived with euros — exchange them directly in Thailand

  • Never convert euros to dollars back home — you’ll lose on double conversion.

Euros are fine if that’s your main savings currency, but in terms of profitability, they lag slightly behind USD.

RUB: You Can Bring It, but Don’t Expect Much

Accepted only in major and “right” exchange offices

  • Not everywhere, not always, and not in any amount. On Phuket, rubles are usually exchanged at:
    • Value Plus (Bang Tao, Patong, Karon)
    • SuperRich
    • Sometimes chain exchanges in shopping malls

Weak rate

  • Higher margin = more money lost. But if you bring 10–20 thousand rubles for small expenses, it’s not a big deal.

Limited working hours

  • On holidays, weekends, or when tourist flow is low, ruble exchange may be closed.

Rubles are a backup option, not the main payment method.

How Not to Lose Money in Thailand in 2025

No matter which currency you arrive with, what matters is how you pay.

Best option: USD → exchange office → cash THB

The most profitable scenario. With $2,000 brought in, you lose the absolute minimum on conversion.

Second best: EUR → exchange office → THB

You lose a bit more on the rate, but still reasonable.

RUB → exchange office → THB — only for small expenses

Perfect for taxi, breakfast, SIM card, first day of life.

For Those Living in Thailand or Buying Property

Today everyone has switched to three proven schemes — confirmed by the experience of our clients at DDA Real Estate who close deals, arrange installments, or simply live long-term in Thailand.

USD → local Thai account → domestic payments

  • The easiest way if you need to pay:
    • developer deposit
    • installments
    • rent
    • insurance

Crypto transfer (USDT) → exchange to THB → payment

  • Investors love USDT because:
    • transaction takes 2–5 minutes
    • fees are minimal
    • money arrives instantly

Foreign (non-Russian) bank card

  • Best working options:
    • Kazakhstan
    • Europe
    • UAE
    • Singapore

Thai banks (if you have an account)

  • Russian cards only work through intermediaries or with heavy restrictions.

Which Currency Do Thais and Expats Actually Use?

In daily life, Thais don’t care — they live in baht.

Expats almost always keep savings:

  • 60–80% in USD
  • 20–40% in EUR
  • Minimal part in THB (for everyday expenses)

Almost no one holds rubles.

Why Choosing the Right Currency Really Matters

You’ll be surprised, but the right currency choice genuinely affects how you experience the trip.

When everything is organized properly:

  • money doesn’t vanish through commissions
  • you don’t spend mornings hunting for exchange offices
  • you feel in control
  • your first day in Thailand is calm

A smart currency choice is a small but important step toward that state.

If you’re coming to Thailand not just for vacation but also to look at property — leave a request with DDA Real Estate. We’ll help you choose the area, show the best projects, and explain how to properly handle payments and currency exchange.

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