Are Credit Cards Accepted in Thailand?

Major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in Thailand, particularly at hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses. However, Thailand remains primarily a cash-based society.

Are Credit Cards Accepted in Thailand? Image

Luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, department stores, and major retailers accept credit cards without issue. Many add a 2-3% surcharge for credit card transactions, though this is becoming less common at premium establishments.

Small shops, local restaurants, and market vendors typically accept only cash. Even in Bangkok, you'll encounter situations where cards aren't accepted. ATMs are widespread and dispense Thai baht from international accounts, though most charge a fee of 220-250 THB per withdrawal.

Before traveling, notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud alerts from blocking your cards. Consider carrying cards from multiple banks as backup, and always have some cash for smaller transactions and emergencies.

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