Should I use cash or card in Phuket?

Credit cards: Major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Phuket, especially in tourist areas. However, it's still a good idea to carry some cash with you, as not all places may accept credit cards.



In Phuket in 2026, the best strategy is a hybrid approach, though "Cash is King" remains the rule for local experiences. You should use your credit card (ideally one with no foreign transaction fees) for "established" businesses like hotels, high-end restaurants, department stores (e.g., Jungceylon), and pre-booked tours. However, you will absolutely need Thai Baht (THB) for almost everything else: night markets, street food stalls, small "mom-and-pop" shops, and local transport like Tuk-Tuks or songthaews. Digital payments like PromptPay QR codes are gaining traction among locals, but visitors usually find physical cash more reliable. A key tip for Phuket: always carry smaller bills (20, 50, or 100 Baht) for tips and small purchases, and use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit shopping centers to avoid card skimming. Be prepared for a standard 220 Baht fee at most Thai ATMs for foreign cards.

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Will you need cash or credit card in Thailand? You need both. For markets, street stalls, tuk tuks and songtaews, you will certainly need cash. For convenience stores, shopping malls , hotels, larger restaurants and more, you can use your credit card.

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Thai baht is your best bet. Purchase when you arrive into Thailand for a better rate. The baht is the only currency you an use here. Don not change you GBP into any other currency, just change them into baht when you arrive.

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A budget of $1000 is enough for a person to live in Thailand for 4-8 weeks. This will include accommodation ($7), 3 meals ($6), 3L of water ($2),transport ($2) per day. This comes to a total of $510 per month.

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Tipping in Thailand, it is not mandatory but 10% tip is always appreciated. Travel with some cash, as it means you can easily a tip for your tuk tuk driver, porter or waiter. Tipping in Thailand, it is not mandatory but 10% tip is always appreciated.

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You should be aware that most local banks will charge a fee per withdrawal, usually around 150 Thai Baht on top of what your own bank may charge. However, interest rates are usually quite good. ATMs are plentiful, especially in Phuket City and resort areas.

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Tipping in hotels is not expected, but again is always appreciated, for instance 20 - 50 baht for the porter that carried your bags up to your room, or 20 baht left under your pillow for the cleaner. In all restaurants it is customary to leave behind any loose change in coins as a tip.

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A passport and a boarding pass are required when you declare on the form. If you enter Thailand via land/sea, you will need to have cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.

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If your on holiday and want to experience some things then I'd look for 5000 baht per day. I've spent 2500 baht on a single meal at a high end place. This does depend where you go for sure. 2000 is too tight.

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Yes, depends on your lifestyle. 2-3 taxi rides and 2-3 meals per day could totally cost you up towards 1000 baht. That would be 10 days of strictly taxi and food. All is Pretty!

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Is 5000 Baht enough for 2 days? A budget of 2,500 to 5,000 baht per day is enough to stay in a three or four star hotel, eat at most of Bangkok's mid range and high-end restaurants and easily get around the city by taxi instead of depending on the BTS, khlong boats and bus system.

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