Why Your Travel Card Choice Matters in Thailand

Thailand is one of those countries where the wrong card can quietly bleed your budget dry. Between the unavoidable 220 THB ATM fee that every Thai bank charges on foreign withdrawals, potential foreign transaction fees from your own bank, and the Dynamic Currency Conversion trap that catches thousands of tourists every day — it adds up fast.

Let me put some real numbers on this. Say you’re in Thailand for a month and you withdraw cash from ATMs eight times (roughly twice a week). That’s 1,760 THB (~$74 AUD) just in Thai ATM fees. If your bank also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and you’re spending $2,000 AUD total, that’s another $60 gone. And if you accidentally accept DCC even once on a big withdrawal, you could lose another $15–25 in a single transaction.

Over a month, the difference between the best and worst travel card setup can easily be $150–200 AUD. That’s a few nights’ accommodation in Chiang Mai, or about 50 plates of pad thai. Not nothing.

I’ve been travelling through Southeast Asia on and off for years now, and I’ve tested most of the popular options in Thailand specifically. Here’s what I’ve found actually works.

My Top Pick for Thailand: Wise

Wise isn’t perfect (nothing is), but it ticks the most boxes for Thailand travel. The exchange rate is genuinely the mid-market rate — the same one you see on Google or XE.com — with a small, transparent conversion fee on top (typically 0.4–0.6% for AUD to THB). Compare that to the 2–5% markup most banks hide in their “exchange rate” and you can see why it’s popular with long-term travellers.

The card works at every Thai ATM I’ve tried — Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, SCB, Krungsri, the lot. It also works for contactless payments at 7-Elevens, Big C, Tops, and most restaurants and shops in tourist areas.

One of the genuinely useful features for Thailand is the ability to hold Thai baht in your Wise account. You can convert AUD to THB when the rate is good, then spend from your baht balance without any further conversion fees. If you’re the type who watches exchange rates (and let’s be honest, we all should be), this is a nice advantage.

Full Comparison: Best Travel Cards for Thailand 2026

I’ve compared the four most relevant options for travellers heading to Thailand. This table reflects real-world costs as of early 2026.

Wise — Detailed Review for Thailand

What I like

Wise gives you the real mid-market exchange rate, which is the biggest selling point. When I convert AUD to THB through Wise, I can see the exact rate and the exact fee before I confirm. No hidden markups, no surprises. The conversion fee for AUD to THB typically sits around 0.45–0.55%, which is very competitive.

The multi-currency wallet is genuinely useful in Thailand. Before I arrive, I’ll usually convert a chunk of AUD to THB when I see a decent rate. Then every ATM withdrawal and card payment in Thailand comes directly from my baht balance — no further conversion fees at all. It’s a small thing, but it gives you more control over your costs.

You get two free ATM withdrawals per month up to a combined total of around $350 AUD equivalent. After that, it’s $1.50 per withdrawal. Given that you’re already paying 220 THB to the Thai ATM, this matters — you don’t want to be stacking fees on top of fees.

The app is also excellent. Instant notifications for every transaction, easy currency conversion, and you can freeze your card instantly if something goes wrong. When you’re on the road and dealing with dodgy ATMs, that peace of mind is worth a lot.

What I don’t like

Wise isn’t a full bank account, at least not in the traditional sense. You can’t receive a salary into it in Australia (though this is changing in some markets), and it doesn’t have features like savings accounts or buy-now-pay-later. It’s a travel money tool, and a brilliant one, but you’ll still need a regular bank account back home.

The free ATM withdrawal limit of ~$350 AUD per month is a bit stingy for Thailand. If you’re spending a month in Thailand and relying on cash for street food and transport, you’ll easily exceed that. After the free limit, the $1.50 fee per withdrawal isn’t terrible, but it stacks on top of the 220 THB Thai fee.

Also, the one-off card fee of $7 AUD is negligible but worth mentioning. You’ll make that back in savings within your first day of spending in Thailand compared to a big bank card.

Real cost example

Withdrawing 10,000 THB (~$420 AUD) from a Bangkok Bank ATM using Wise:

• Thai ATM fee: 220 THB (~$9.30 AUD)
• Wise conversion fee (if converting from AUD): ~$2.10 AUD (0.5%)
• Wise ATM fee: $0 (within free limit) or $1.50
• Total cost: ~$11.40–12.90 AUD

Up Bank — Detailed Review for Thailand

What I like

Up Bank is the pick for Australians who want a single card that works as both their everyday bank and their travel card. Zero foreign transaction fees, no ATM withdrawal fees on their end, and the Mastercard exchange rate (which is very close to mid-market — typically within 0.1–0.3%).

The fact that it’s a proper Australian bank with an ADI licence means your money is protected up to $250,000 under the government guarantee. For long-term travellers who keep their savings in the account, that’s reassuring.

Up’s app is genuinely one of the best banking apps I’ve used. Instant transaction notifications, smart categorisation of spending, round-ups, savings goals — it’s well designed and actually pleasant to use. The spending insights are particularly handy when you’re trying to track a Thailand budget.

There’s no limit on free ATM withdrawals from their side. You’ll still pay the 220 THB Thai ATM fee, but Up doesn’t add anything on top. For a month-long trip where you might hit ATMs eight or ten times, this saves you compared to Wise’s capped free withdrawals.

What I don’t like

You can’t hold Thai baht. Every transaction in Thailand gets converted from AUD to THB at the point of sale or withdrawal, using the Mastercard rate at that moment. You have no control over timing the exchange rate — whatever the rate is when you tap or withdraw, that’s what you get.

Up is Australia-only. If you’re not Australian, this isn’t an option for you. And if you’re a long-term traveller who might eventually want to bank in another country, Up doesn’t help with that.

One thing that occasionally catches people out: Up uses the Mastercard network, and while acceptance is excellent in Thailand, there are rare cases where a terminal only accepts Visa. I’ve personally never had this issue in Thailand, but it’s worth knowing.

Real cost example

Withdrawing 10,000 THB (~$420 AUD) from a Bangkok Bank ATM using Up Bank:

• Thai ATM fee: 220 THB (~$9.30 AUD)
• Up conversion fee: $0
• Mastercard rate markup vs mid-market: ~$0.80–1.20 AUD (roughly 0.2%)
• Up ATM fee: $0
• Total cost: ~$10.10–10.50 AUD

YouTrip — Detailed Review for Thailand

What I like

YouTrip launched in Australia relatively recently and it’s a solid contender for Thailand travel. Zero foreign transaction fees, wholesale Mastercard/Visa exchange rates, and free ATM withdrawals up to $1,000 AUD per month — that’s more generous than Wise’s free limit.

Like Wise, YouTrip lets you hold multiple currencies, including Thai baht. You can convert in advance and spend from your baht balance. The exchange rates are competitive, sitting very close to the mid-market rate.

The higher free ATM withdrawal limit is a genuine advantage for Thailand. If you’re withdrawing 10,000 THB twice a week for a month, you’ll stay within YouTrip’s free limit for most of that, whereas Wise’s free tier would run out quickly.

What I don’t like

YouTrip is a prepaid card, not a bank account. You need to top it up from another bank account before you can spend. This means you’re managing two accounts — your main bank for receiving money and YouTrip for spending abroad. It’s an extra step that some people find annoying.

The app and overall experience is good but not quite as polished as Wise or Up. It’s newer to the Australian market and still building out features. Customer support can be slower than the more established options.

There’s also a top-up limit and a maximum balance you can hold, which might be an issue for long-term travellers carrying larger amounts. Check the current limits before you rely on it as your primary card for an extended trip.

Real cost example

Withdrawing 10,000 THB (~$420 AUD) from a Bangkok Bank ATM using YouTrip:

• Thai ATM fee: 220 THB (~$9.30 AUD)
• YouTrip conversion fee: ~$0 (wholesale rate)
• YouTrip ATM fee: $0 (within free limit)
• Total cost: ~$9.30 AUD

On paper, YouTrip is the cheapest per withdrawal. The catch is the prepaid hassle and the fact that it’s a less mature product overall. But if you don’t mind topping up, the numbers speak for themselves.

What About Using a Big Bank Card in Thailand?

If you’re still using a Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, or NAB debit card for overseas spending… you’re throwing money away. I don’t say that to be dramatic — the numbers are genuinely bad.

Most big four bank cards charge a 2–3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase and every ATM withdrawal. On top of that, they use a Visa or Mastercard exchange rate that’s already slightly marked up from the mid-market rate. And many charge an additional flat fee of $5 AUD or more per international ATM withdrawal.

Let’s do the same 10,000 THB withdrawal example:

• Thai ATM fee: 220 THB (~$9.30 AUD)
• Bank foreign transaction fee (3%): ~$12.60 AUD
• Bank ATM fee: ~$5 AUD
• Exchange rate markup: ~$1.50–2.00 AUD
• Total cost: ~$28.40–28.90 AUD

That’s nearly three times what you’d pay with Wise and almost triple YouTrip. Over a month in Thailand, you’re looking at $200+ AUD in unnecessary fees. There’s genuinely no reason to use a big bank card as your primary spending card overseas in 2026.

That said, I do carry a big bank card as an emergency backup. If your Wise card gets skimmed, lost, or frozen, having a second card from a completely different provider can save your trip. Just don’t use it as your daily card.

Thailand ATM Tips (Read This Before You Withdraw)

Thai ATMs have a few quirks and traps that catch travellers out. I’ve learned most of these the hard way, so here’s the cheat sheet.

1. Always choose “without conversion” (decline DCC)

This is the single most important tip. When you withdraw cash, the ATM will often ask if you want to be charged in your home currency (AUD, GBP, USD, EUR, etc.) or in Thai baht. Always choose Thai baht.

If you choose your home currency, the ATM applies its own exchange rate — Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — which is typically 3–5% worse than what your card provider would give you. On a 10,000 THB withdrawal, that’s an extra $12–20 AUD in hidden markup. The screen often makes the DCC option look like the “recommended” or “guaranteed rate” choice. Ignore that. Choose THB every single time.

2. Withdraw maximum amounts to reduce fee frequency

Since the 220 THB fee is flat per transaction, withdrawing 10,000 THB once is much better value than withdrawing 5,000 THB twice. Most Thai ATMs have a per-transaction limit of 20,000–30,000 THB depending on the bank. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn ATMs typically allow 20,000–25,000 THB per withdrawal. Aeon ATMs (found in malls) sometimes allow 30,000 THB and — this is the big one — Aeon ATMs don’t charge the 220 THB fee.

3. Check your daily withdrawal limit

Your card provider may have a daily ATM withdrawal limit that’s lower than what the Thai ATM allows. Wise, for example, has configurable limits in the app. Make sure your limit is set high enough before you arrive so you’re not stuck at an ATM in Koh Samui wondering why your card is declining.

4. Use ATMs attached to bank branches

Standalone ATMs (the ones on random street corners or inside convenience stores) are more likely to have skimming devices. ATMs physically attached to a bank branch are generally safer. During banking hours, you also have the option of going inside if something goes wrong with the machine.

5. Cover the keypad

Basic but important. Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN, even if nobody’s around. Pinhole cameras are a real thing at tourist-area ATMs.

6. Don’t use ATMs that look dodgy

If the card slot looks loose, if there’s an unusual attachment over the card reader, or if the machine just feels off — walk away and find another one. Thailand has ATMs everywhere, especially in tourist areas. There’s no need to risk it.

7. Keep your receipts (temporarily)

Snap a photo of your ATM receipt or keep it until you’ve confirmed the correct amount was debited from your account. If there’s a discrepancy, you’ll need this for a dispute. I keep mine until I’ve checked my app, then bin them.

Cash vs Card in Thailand in 2026

Thailand’s payment landscape has shifted a lot in the last few years, but it’s still very much a cash-heavy country in many situations. Here’s a realistic breakdown of where you’ll need cash and where you can tap.

Where cards work well

• 7-Elevens and convenience stores — contactless works at virtually all of them
• Shopping malls — CentralWorld, MBK, Terminal 21, etc. all accept cards
• Chain restaurants and cafés — Starbucks, After You, S&P, etc.
• Mid-range to upscale restaurants — most accept cards, especially in tourist areas
• Grab — you can link your card for rides and food delivery
• Hotels and guesthouses — most accept cards, though some budget guesthouses are cash-only
• Supermarkets — Tops, Big C, Makro, Lotus’s all accept cards

Where you’ll need cash

• Street food stalls — almost always cash only (and this is where the best food is)
• Local markets — Chatuchak accepts some cards at permanent shops, but most vendors are cash
• Songthaews and tuk-tuks — cash only
• Small local restaurants — the ones without English menus are usually cash
• Temples — entry fees are typically cash
• Laundry services — almost always cash
• Island ferries and local transport — often cash at the pier
• Massage shops — many are still cash-only

My rough estimate: if you’re a backpacker eating street food, using local transport, and staying in budget accommodation, about 60–70% of your spending will be cash. If you’re staying in mid-range hotels, eating at restaurants, and using Grab, maybe 40–50% cash. Either way, you need a reliable way to get baht out of ATMs.

On my last trip through Thailand, I tried going as card-only for a week in Bangkok. It lasted about two days before I caved and hit an ATM. The pad kra pao lady near my hostel doesn’t take Visa, and honestly, her food was the best thing I ate all month. Cash is king for street food — don’t fight it.

My Exact Card Setup for Thailand

After years of testing and tweaking, here’s what I actually carry when I’m in Thailand:

Keeping Your Money Safe Online in Thailand

This is the part most travel money guides skip, but it matters — especially in Thailand where you’ll be connecting to wifi networks at hostels, cafés, co-working spaces, and airports constantly.

Every time you open your banking app or log into Wise on a public wifi network, your data is potentially exposed. I’m not trying to scare you — the risk on any single connection is low — but over weeks or months of daily use on random networks, the odds add up.

I use NordVPN whenever I’m on public wifi, which in Thailand is basically always. It encrypts your connection so even if the network is compromised, your banking data stays private. It takes about three seconds to connect and runs in the background — there’s really no excuse not to use one.

Beyond the security angle, a VPN is also useful in Thailand for accessing content that might be geo-restricted, and for getting better prices on flights and bookings (some sites show different prices based on your location). I’ve been using NordVPN for years across dozens of countries and it’s been consistently reliable.

Bonus: Travel Insurance & Your Money

One thing worth mentioning while we’re talking about protecting your finances in Thailand: if your card gets stolen or you’re the victim of ATM fraud, travel insurance can cover you. More importantly, if you have a medical emergency in Thailand (and they happen — motorbike accidents are incredibly common), the last thing you want is to be worrying about whether your travel card has enough on it to cover a hospital bill.

I use SafetyWing for travel insurance. It’s designed for long-term travellers and digital nomads, works on a monthly subscription (so you’re not locked into fixed dates), and covers Thailand well including medical, theft, and trip interruption. It’s about $45 USD per month, which is very reasonable for the peace of mind.

Having proper travel insurance means your emergency fund stays intact for actual travel, not hospital bills. It’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s part of a solid money setup for Thailand.

Getting Around Thailand on a Budget

Since we’re talking about where your money goes in Thailand, transport is a big chunk of the budget — especially if you’re island hopping or moving between cities. I book most of my Thai transport through 12Go, which lets you compare buses, trains, ferries, and minivans on a single platform. It’s particularly useful for routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai (overnight train is the way to go — about 800–1,200 THB for a sleeper berth), or getting from the mainland to islands like Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.

Most transport bookings on 12Go can be paid by card, which means you can use your Wise or Up card and avoid carrying large amounts of cash for tickets. Just another small way the right travel card setup saves you hassle.

Quick Summary: Which Card Should You Get?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best travel card for Thailand in 2026?

For most travellers, Wise is the best overall travel card for Thailand. It offers mid-market exchange rates with a small transparent fee (usually 0.4–0.6%), works at all Thai ATMs, and lets you hold Thai baht directly. Australians should also consider Up Bank for its zero foreign transaction fees and domestic banking features.

How much do Thai ATMs charge per withdrawal?

Almost all Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 THB (roughly $9–10 AUD) fee per withdrawal for foreign cards. This fee is charged by the Thai bank operating the ATM and is unavoidable regardless of which travel card you use. The one exception is Aeon ATMs (found in Aeon and Big C shopping centres), which don’t charge this fee. The best strategy is to withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise how many times you pay it.

Should I choose THB or AUD at Thai ATMs?

Always choose THB (Thai baht). Selecting your home currency triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which uses a terrible exchange rate set by the ATM operator — typically 3–5% worse than the mid-market rate. The ATM screen often makes the DCC option look like the smart choice. It’s not. Always decline conversion and let your own card handle the exchange.

Can I use contactless payments in Thailand?

Yes, contactless payments are widely accepted in Thailand in 2026, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other tourist areas. 7-Elevens, shopping malls, chain restaurants, and most mid-range establishments accept tap-and-go. However, street food stalls, local markets, smaller guesthouses, and songthaews still run on cash, so you’ll always need some baht on hand.

Is it better to exchange cash or use a card in Thailand?

Using a good travel card with low or zero foreign transaction fees will almost always beat exchanging physical cash — unless you’re exchanging at a top-tier Bangkok exchange booth like SuperRich or Vasu. Airport exchange counters and hotel desks offer terrible rates. For most travellers, a combination of card payments where accepted and ATM withdrawals for cash is the most cost-effective approach.

Does Wise work well in Thailand?

Wise works excellently in Thailand. The card is accepted at all Thai ATMs and most card terminals. You can hold and convert to Thai baht in advance at the mid-market rate, which is useful for budgeting. The two free ATM withdrawals per month (up to ~$350 AUD equivalent) help offset the unavoidable 220 THB Thai ATM fee. I’ve used it across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the islands without any issues.

How much cash should I carry in Thailand?

I’d recommend having at least 2,000–5,000 THB ($85–210 AUD) in cash on you at any time, depending on where you are. In Bangkok and tourist areas with lots of card acceptance, you can lean more on your card. In rural areas, islands, or if you’re eating mostly street food, you’ll burn through cash faster. Always have a backup stash of emergency cash (USD or AUD) stored separately from your main wallet.