Home / Preparation & Essentials / Story

Do Thai ATMs charge fees for foreign cards

Preparation & Essentials

3 min read

Do Thai ATMs charge fees for foreign cards? Can we avoid the transaction charges of ATMs

Answer: The answer is “Yes.”

Debit cards are accepted and can be used in all tourist areas and major cities of Thailand. However, some smaller shops or roadside stalls accept cash only. It’s better to carry some cash while traveling, especially in villages.

Most ATMs (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Krungsri) have a standard fee for every foreign-issued bank card transaction. This fee is in addition to your own bank’s foreign exchange charges.

Charges of Thai Banks

A standard flat fee is applied to all transactions—220 THB (around $7). All major banks apply this ATM fee per transaction.
There have been some recent reports from travelers that the fee has increased to 250 THB at ATMs in large shopping centers.
An exception is AEON Bank, which charges 150 THB per transaction.

Additional Charges

Your own bank may charge a fee of 1% to 3% as foreign transaction charges (for international withdrawals or currency exchange). It’s best to confirm this with your bank.

What to Do?

Since the bank fee is flat for both small and large transactions, it’s better to withdraw the maximum amount (e.g., 20,000 THB). Some banks (Krungsri – Yellow ATMs) allow up to 30,000 THB per withdrawal. This is more cost-effective than making multiple small withdrawals.
You can avoid ATM charges by withdrawing cash inside a bank branch by providing your passport and debit card.
Some banks (like Charles Schwab in the US) or premium accounts offer reimbursement of international ATM fees at the end of the month.
Use DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) wisely. Always choose to be charged in local currency (THB) and decline conversion to your home currency. Your own bank usually offers a better exchange rate than the ATM.
Alternatively, use travel cards with no foreign fees, such as N26, Wise, or YouTrip. You can pay merchants directly and avoid extra charges.
Choosing a bank like Charles Schwab can provide free access to ATMs worldwide, as they reimburse foreign ATM fees for their customers.

Tip

You can carry up to $20,000 USD (or equivalent currency) into Thailand. In Thai currency, the limit is 500,000 THB.

FAQs

1. Do all Thai ATMs charge foreign card fees?
Yes, most Thai ATMs charge a standard fee (usually 220 THB) for foreign cards.

2. Can I avoid ATM fees in Thailand?
You may avoid ATM fees by withdrawing cash at a bank counter or using accounts that reimburse ATM fees.

3. Which ATM has the lowest fee in Thailand?
AEON Bank typically charges a lower fee (around 150 THB), but availability may be limited.

4. Should I withdraw cash multiple times or once?
It’s better to withdraw a larger amount once to minimize the flat ATM fee per transaction.

5. What is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)?
It’s when the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency. Always decline it and choose THB for better rates.

6. Can I use my debit card everywhere in Thailand?
You can use it in most tourist areas and cities, but smaller shops and local markets often accept cash only.

7. Are foreign transaction fees charged by my bank?
Yes, most banks charge around 1% to 3% for international transactions.