Currency hacks: Thailand
The quirk: 200 THB foreign ATM fee + cash culture
What's going on
Thai ATMs charge 200-220 THB ($6-8) flat fee per foreign withdrawal — brutal for small amounts.
The smart-traveler strategy
- Withdraw maximum each time (usually 20,000-30,000 THB) to amortize the fee.
- Schwab card refunds the ATM fee — clear winner if US-based.
- Cash everywhere except hotels + chain restaurants.
- Don't change money at the airport — terrible rates. Use ATM in Arrivals instead.