Phuket Baht Exchange Guide 2026: ATM Fees & Cash Tips

If you're getting ready for a trip to Thailand, you'll definitely need some Thai Baht cash.

However, unlike other international destinations, ATM fees aren't usually waived.

If you're curious about the best ways to exchange currency and if there are any secret tips to avoid those pesky Thai ATM fees, then keep reading!

Just this past April, when I traveled, I was able to withdraw Baht from SCB ATMs without any fees by using Woori Bank's 'Currency Pocket' service, and it worked wonderfully. But alas, that service ended in August!

First things first, for cards like Travelog, which many of us use for trips to Japan, Europe, or other Southeast Asian countries, the fees can be as high as around ~$7!

In other words, these cards are definitely a disadvantage in Thailand, and not knowing this could cost you a lot!

To cut straight to the chase, you can consider three main methods: EXK card, GLN, or local currency exchange. Surprisingly, if you're heading to Phuket, Khao Lak, or Krabi, you'll find yourself needing cash more often than you might expect.

✍️ LaidBack Travel Writer Nanna

What's the Thai Baht Exchange Rate Like These Days?

As my Phuket trip approaches, I find myself checking the Thai Baht exchange rate daily.

Over the past year, the exchange rate for 1 Baht against the Korean Won soared to the ₩47 range, so it's a relief to see it recently drop to the low ₩40s.

It peaked at ₩47.66 on January 20th, then dropped to ₩40.55 on September 14th. Currently, it's rebounded slightly to the ₩41 range!

If you consider exchanging 1,000 Baht:

When it was ₩47, that was around ~$35,

but at ₩40.5, it's around ~$30, which is quite a difference.

While we can't predict the Baht's movement until our travel date, I'm certainly hoping it drops even further!

Why You Absolutely Still Need Cash in Phuket

QR payments are incredibly popular in Thailand, meaning you might find yourself using less cash than before. Many restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls readily accept card or QR payments.

(If QR payment is an option, using Naver Pay is highly recommended for its benefits like points and promotional discounts!)

However, that doesn't mean you can skip bringing cash entirely. When exploring local eateries, markets, certain shops, or tours in Phuket, Khao Lak, and Krabi, you'll encounter places that only accept cash. Plus, not all local Thai QR payment systems are accessible to foreign travelers.

Even if card payments are available, some establishments might charge different prices for card versus cash due to processing fees. So, it's always more reassuring to have a certain amount of Baht cash ready for your trip.

Why Travelog Cards Aren't Recommended for Thailand

When heading overseas, many of us reach for our Travelog cards first.

That's because you can pre-exchange currency, use them like a debit card abroad, and even withdraw cash from ATMs when needed.

However, if you're traveling to Thailand, relying solely on your Travelog card could lead to a big headache!

In most countries like Japan, other parts of Southeast Asia, and Europe, travel cards such as Travelog usually waive international ATM withdrawal fees.

But Thai ATMs are the exception! It's definitely not free!

While Travelog waives foreign ATM withdrawal fees and international brand fees, the local ATM operating fee charged by Thai ATM providers is a separate charge.

This typically amounts to 250 Baht, which is around ~$7.

There are no waiver conditions, so if you exchanged, say, ~$37 and end up paying over ~$7 in fees, that's a total loss! I'm speaking from experience — I once assumed it would be free and ended up losing money.

So, if you're planning a trip to Thailand, whether it's Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, it's crucial to understand the most advantageous ways to withdraw cash.

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I recommend one of the following three methods:

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① For the Most Economical Option:

Woori Bank's Card Selection EXK Card

Anyone who's traveled to Thailand a bit will know about this one: the Woori Card's Card Selection 2 ExK Check Card!

👉 Card information and application site: Click here

First off, it's a check card, so there are no annual fees!

When you withdraw cash with the EXK card, the local ATM fee is only around ~$0 per transaction, which is incredibly cheap.

A huge plus is that you can withdraw just the amount you need, whenever you need it. (Compared to Travelog's 250 Baht and GLN's 85 Baht fees).

I love that you don't have to pull out a large sum all at once and then re-exchange leftover Baht. (While GLN offers an 85 Baht fee waiver, it typically requires a minimum withdrawal of 6,000 Baht or more).

However, for EXK cards, physical card issuance is essential for withdrawal services, so you'll need to apply and receive it in advance.

If your departure date is fast approaching, you might want to check if any Woori Bank branches offer instant issuance!

Since EXK cards are only usable at specific ATMs in Thailand, it's a good idea to check the locations of Kasikornbank or SCB ATMs before you depart, making things much smoother once you're there.

For related information, visit the EXK website 👉 Click here

Here's how to withdraw cash in Thailand with an EXK card:

1) Insert your card into a Kasikorn Bank ATM

2) On the ATM screen, select English → Enter your PIN → Choose Cash Withdrawal → Enter the withdrawal amount → Select Savings Account → Confirm the total amount including fees on the screen → Retrieve your card and cash

② If Getting a New Card is a Hassle: Consider GLN

If the thought of getting yet another physical card sounds like too much trouble,

then using GLN is your go-to option.

GLN doesn't involve inserting a physical card into an ATM.

Instead, it's a method for withdrawing cash from Thai ATMs using a QR code.

In Thailand, you can use it at SCB ATMs and withdraw cash through apps that support the GLN service.

Here's something important to know:

The basic withdrawal fee is 85 Baht.

It's about ~$3, which is a bit pricier than exk, but cheaper compared to Travelog.

Also, currently, if you withdraw over 6,000 baht, you get 85 baht cashback. (which means it's waived!)

However,

6,000 baht is over ~$185, which can be quite a hefty sum to withdraw all at once for travelers who don't need a lot of cash.

Still, if you only need to pay the 85 baht fee, it's much more advantageous than Travelog.

Promotion conditions can change at any time, so please check in the app to see if the event is applicable before you withdraw. It's currently running until October.

How to Withdraw Cash from an ATM with Toss Bank's GLN

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1) Find an SCB ATM in Thailand

2) Select Cardless ATM → Service Provider → GLN

3) A QR code will appear on the ATM screen, then

4) In the Toss app, select GLN → Thailand → ATM Withdrawal and scan the QR code displayed on the ATM.

5) Enter the amount to withdraw, and the ATM will dispense cash and a receipt.

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To use this service smoothly,

an internet connection is essential!

So, it's a good idea to prepare an eSIM that works well in Thailand.

Having visited Thailand over 10 times, I recommend USIMSA!

You can even get a 20% discount right now.

Get the Thailand eSIM/USIM I bought right now!

🔻

➡️ Click here for the 20% discount purchase link

Do I need to download a separate app for GLN?

No, you don't.

GLN is already integrated into Toss Bank or KakaoBank, so it's convenient to use it through them.

If you search for GLN in the Toss app, it's easiest to agree to the terms and conditions and complete authentication while you're still in Korea, as shown below.

The user interface is the same whether you're using GLN, Toss, or Kakaobank.

(Payment and withdrawal options are separated at the bottom)

However, unlike Travelog, you don't convert currency in advance; you just top up with KRW, and the exchange rate at the time of withdrawal is applied.

(So, if you want to convert a large amount of baht in advance when the rate is favorable, you'd need to use services like Hana Money or Travelog. Of course, you'll still pay a fee for withdrawal.)

③ Bringing Cash from Korea and Exchanging it in Thailand

If ATM withdrawals feel like too much hassle, you can always stick to the traditional method. That's preparing US dollars or 50,000 KRW bills in Korea and exchanging them for baht at a local money changer!

However, exchange rates vary from one money changer to another, so instead of just exchanging anywhere (especially not recommended at the airport!), it's best to research and find a money changer with good rates that fits your itinerary.

My Chosen Method for Thai Baht Exchange!

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First, I made sure to bring any leftover baht from my previous trip,

and I applied for a Woori Bank EXK card.

I also set up Toss Bank's GLN.

Phuket Trip Cash Prep: A Quick Summary

For most large payments, I'll probably be using the Naver Pay Money Card,

For places that require cash, I'll rely on my Woori Bank EXK card or Toss Bank GLN (if you're leaving soon, you might not receive the card in time).

And for places where QR payments are accepted, I'll likely use Naver Pay's GLN payment option.

I plan to update with more details after my trip,

but feel free to leave any questions in the comments before then~

Phuket taxi fares can be notoriously expensive, right~

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The cheapest airport to hotel pickup service

is summarized in the post below.

Phuket Airport to Khao Lak Hotel Transfer: Grab Taxi vs. Pickup Service | How to Book with Discounts for Expensive Faresblog.naver.com

For information on **how to fill out the Phuket TDAC**, please refer to the post below.

Thailand Phuket Immigration TDAC Arrival Card Application 3 Days in Advance | How to Enter Occupation, Flight Number, and Travel Companionsblog.naver.com