Thai Baht

The Kingdom of Thailand’s currency is Thai Baht. The Bank of Thailand is responsible for the issue of currency. The 10 baht coins and 100 baht notes are the most used currency in Thailand. In Thai culture, if you drop a note on the floor it is disrespectful to stand on it. The Queen of England in 1857 gifted Thailand its first minting machine. In 1858 at The Grand Palace Bangkok the first minted coin was produced for public circulation.

ATM Machines and Banks

On every street in Koh Samui, ATM machines are evident. 7/11 stores have machines outside the shop. ATM machines only dispense Thai Baht. The main banks are located in the tourist areas and Nathon the financial centre of Samui. Keep the receipts from the ATMs. Collect the added receipt and exchange it in the 7/11 for a free bottle of water.

Exchange Booths Thai Baht

Currency Exchange booths located on main streets predominately in the tourist areas. Changing money at exchange booths is a slow process. The assistants check every foreign note for authenticity. The tellers refuse creased or soiled notes. Some assistants have to show the currency note by note on live video to their boss, this slows things down. It varies from exchange to exchange if they require your passport to change money.

Baht Denominations

• Coins – 1 2 5 10
  Paper – 20 50 100 500 1000

Coins Thai Baht

The 1, 2 and 5 coin denominations have little value in Thailand. Small coinage is convenient for donations at temples or tipping your hotel cleaners. Vending and washing machines accept small coinage. Bottled water prices start at 7 Baht. Short hops on Songthaews the local buses are great to use small coinage.

Tipping Thai Baht

Tipping for services is not compulsory in Koh Samui. Tip buckets are in the bars and at the discretion of the customer if they choose to tip. The staff share the tips at the end of the day.  Check for service charges. Staff do not wait or put their hands out for tips. Salaries are low in Koh Samui so the staff are grateful for any amount to boost their meagre wages. You can gift an individual any amount of baht for services provided. It is advisable to give gifts in private to save any embarrassment Thai people are naturally shy. The amount tipped for services is at the customer’s discretion.