In Thailand, cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment, and it’s recommended to always carry some cash with you. Here are some reasons why cash is better to use in Thailand:
- Widespread use: Cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment in Thailand, and many small businesses, street vendors, and local markets may not accept credit or debit cards.
- Convenience: Many places in Thailand, especially in rural areas, may not have the infrastructure or technology to process card payments. Carrying cash eliminates the need to worry about finding a place that accepts card payments.
- Lower costs: Some places that do accept card payments may charge an additional fee for using a card, so paying with cash can save you money.
- Better exchange rates: When using cash to make a purchase, you’ll likely get a better exchange rate than if you were to use a card. This is because cash transactions are less expensive for merchants to process.
- Avoiding fraud: Carrying cash eliminates the risk of card fraud or having your card being skimmed.
- No need for internet access: Using cash does not require internet access, which can be limited in some areas of Thailand.
It’s important to keep in mind that while cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment in Thailand, credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to have a mix of cash and card with you to have more options when making payments. Also, it’s always good to check with the merchant if they accept card payments and if they charge any additional fees.