Coins & Bank Notes
The common coins have the following values: 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. In addition, there are two Satang coins (value 25 or Satang - 100 Satang correspond to 1 Baht). The Satang coins are only slightly in circulation, as a tourist you will hardly have anything to do with it, usually you get the smallest coins of 1 Baht, for example, at the ticket machine when get the change money. The following bank notes are in circulation: 20 Baht, 50 Baht, 100 Baht, 500 Baht and 1,000 Baht
Money Exchange
Basically, there are different ways to exchange your own money into Baht. If you think about exchanging your money before traveling to the local bank, you should be aware that you are giving away money. The fees you pay here you should rather save and change the money on the spot. Which options are available?
Cash, credit card, debit card or traveler's check. Let's start with the checks. A relatively safe means of payment, but is barely used. Since you have to buy traveler's checks in advance, cash in on the spot in a bank, must confirm with a second signature, it is a relatively safe means of payment, but also impractical, if it should be quick & easy.
Credit card and debit card. This is certainly a convenient way to get the money at an ATM machine. You only ever get the amount you need right now. However, the joy of various fees is clouded. If you use a Maestro debit card, some banks usually charge a rather hefty fee for it. It is best to check BEFORE the trip whether or which fees your bank charges per payment abroad. To the fees of the house bank then usually service fees of the Thai bank are added. Many banks charge no fees worldwide for withdrawing cash from credit cards abroad, but payments may be charged by credit card. Again, it is with the house bank before the trip to inform.
Last but not least, the exchange of cash. There are many licensed money changers in Bangkok, starting at the airport and continuing throughout Bangkok. You can find the Money Exchange stores at almost every BTS station, in banks, on markets, on the streets, basically (almost) everywhere. Of course, it will be well thought-out to carry all your cash around safely, that's more of a risky option. It makes most sense to leave most of the cash in the hotel room (if you have a safe) and take the bare essentials with you. If you exchange money, the passport is required for identification.
Give some Tip
Tipping, yes or no, since many different opinions seem to have established, from absolutely not necessary up to if one does not offend the Thai with a tip refusal. Everyone is happy about a tip, why not in Thailand? If you are traveling by way of example with a taxi, and the taximeter is running, shows at the destination 85 Baht, it does not hurt anyone to round up 100 Baht, the taxi driver will be happy. If, however, a flat fixed price for a tour before the trip has been agreed, a tip is not necessary. The same applies to a ride on a tuk tuk, where the fare is negotiated beforehand.
When you eat in Bangkok, there are also different situations. In one of the many food stalls or simple pubs prices are usually low, the sellers have their patrons every day, none of whom will pay a tip, it is basically not expected by tourists. In larger restaurants, the bill usually includes a service charge of approximately 10%, which is paid to the employees. An additional tip is then not necessary. Again, you can consider to round up a certain amount, when you have been particularly satisfied with the service.
Stay in Bangkok. When you live in a hotel and the suitcases are carried to the hotel room, you can push the luggage carrier 10 Baht per suitcase into your hand. Even the cleaning staff can express their gratitude with a little tip. Since the staff does not always meet you personally, you can put every few days 50 to 100 Baht on the pillow. At almost every hotel, every condo you will also find security guards. It ensures that everything runs smoothly and is always helpful when, for example, you need to get a taxi quickly, or have one or two tips for a company where you can eat well and much more. They are also happy about a small tip, which you at the right opportunity or at the end of the holiday when you check out presents.
There are many other conceivable situations, for example if you are traveling with a tour guide and let Bangkok show you. One has often booked a tour at a company where the paid guides are paid. There are also independent guides who earn their living or something along the way. A small tip is a confirmation for a nice tour and a pleasure for the tour guide. Or if you treat yourself to a Thai massage, the employees sometimes wait a long time for the next customer and still get not much money, the lion's share gets the owner. A tip of 50 to 100 Baht does not hurt you, helping the masseuse earn a living.
Travel Planning
An unmanageable point is how much money you should budget for a Bangkok trip. It starts with whether you are traveling as a back packer and looking for the cheapest accommodation options, or whether you do not want to miss a certain luxury. This starts with the habits of starting the day with a (luscious) breakfast, then of course you look for a hotel with breakfast included. Whole apartments be rented through Airbnb.com can have the advantage that you can self-cater for yourself, can cook for yourself, laundry can wash itself. Individual living can potentially save a lot of money.
Basically, the vacation planning starts one step earlier, at what time of the year do you want to fly and with which airline? If you are not fortunate enough to live near an international airport from which non-stop flights to Bangkok can be made, a stopover is usually required. Have a look on a flight rout with a connection flight if you dont like to fly to many hours in one flight. Many people doesnt like a long flight and prefer two seperated flights. The season can play a role insofar as airlines often require higher ticket prices during the holiday season.
You can eat in Bangkok and also very cheap. But you can spend as much money as you can at home. Many holidaymakers are deterred by a food stall in the streets and wonder if the hygiene is respected. In general, this should not be a problem at all, the Thai work as clean and thorough as we wish. If a meal looks good and smells good, it should be good too. If you are looking for a guarantee for 100% perfectly prepared food, you even will not find this guarantee in a large restaurant. The food stalls may even have the advantage that you can see what ingredients are used and how they are prepared.