
What currency to take to Phuket: rubles, dollars or euros?
Choosing the right currency for a trip to Phuket is a matter that requires careful analysis. Changes in the banking sector have complicated the use of cards issued by Russian banks and have also affected the choice of the optimal currency for exchange. Now it is important to consider not only general advice, but also current conditions, because the optimal option depends on many factors: the place and exchange rate, possible commissions and the specifics of using cards. Saving even a few percent can significantly affect the overall travel budget.
In this article, we will look at key aspects that will help you make an informed decision based on specific data and facts and avoid unnecessary financial losses. You will learn why it is now preferable to take cash dollars, what is happening with Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia, and how things are with UnionPay in Phuket.
Choice of currency: Ruble, Dollar or Euro?
At first glance, there are still few options: rubles, dollars or euros. However, the global situation has made its own adjustments: now Russian bank cards "Visa" and "Mastercard" cannot be used in Thailand, and finding an exchange office that accepts rubles at a favorable rate is almost impossible. As a result, the most reasonable solution is to bet on cash dollars.
- US Dollars — have a stable rate and high liquidity. It is better to take large bills (50 and 100 dollars), issued no earlier than 2006 and in good condition — such banknotes are exchanged at a more favorable rate.
- Euro — given the almost equal exchange rates with the dollar, there is little point in taking euros; in Thailand they are valued somewhat less than dollars.
- Rubles — are often not accepted at local exchange offices or are accepted at an extremely unfavorable rate.
Even if you plan to mostly pay with a credit card, it doesn't hurt to have a few hundred dollars in cash on hand.
Currency exchange rates
The exchange rate varies from place to place, so it is recommended to compare offers. At the airport, the rate is usually lower by 5-7%, and in the city you can find more favorable options. In Phuket, popular exchange offices are SuperRich and TT Exchange, where the rate is often closer to the official one. Check several exchange offices and use online calculators for an objective assessment of the rate.
Exchange fees
Pay attention not only to the rate, but also to the commissions that banks or exchange offices may charge. Sometimes a fixed fee is set for the transaction, and somewhere there is a hidden surcharge to the rate. Also keep in mind that some banks charge an additional fee for cash withdrawals abroad and conversion at the domestic rate. It is better to find out these nuances in advance in order to choose the best way to get Thai baht.
Withdrawing cash from a card
Withdrawing cash from ATMs in Phuket is a convenient way, but you need to understand the specifics of the current situation:
- Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks, are currently not working in Thailand due to sanctions, so you shouldn't count on them.
- Visa and Mastercard cards issued abroad (for example, in the CIS), are accepted without any problems, and when withdrawing cash, only Thai baht is issued.
- UnionPay — the only international payment system whose cards issued by Russian banks can be used in Thailand. However, contactless payments or virtual versions of Russian UnionPay are not yet possible — only plastic cards. A fixed fee (around 220 baht) is charged when withdrawing cash, and the limit at most ATMs is 20,000–30,000 baht.
If you do not have a suitable card, there is an option to open an account in one of the Thai banks, but this will require a certificate from the immigration service, and the procedure itself can cost from 600 to 7,000 baht.
- Before your trip, check the exchange rates at different banks and exchange offices in your city.
- Compare exchange rates and fees at several exchange offices in Phuket (SuperRich, TT Exchange, etc.).
- Check the conditions for withdrawing cash from your bank card abroad (especially if the card was not issued in Russia).
- Always have cash dollars on you in case the card doesn't work or you need to make an urgent payment.
Plastic cards: convenience and savings
In recent years, Phuket has become more "friendly" to bank cards. Most large stores, restaurants and hotels accept Visa and Mastercard. However, this is only true for cards issued abroad (not in Russia). If your card is not subject to sanctions, you can pay almost anywhere.
At the same time, holders of Russian UnionPay cards can still successfully use their cards in Thailand: withdraw cash and pay for purchases at terminals. This is especially relevant for travelers who do not want to carry a lot of cash with them.
Contactless payment
Many establishments in Phuket are equipped with contactless payment terminals (PayWave, PayPass, etc.), but if you have a UnionPay card from a Russian bank, contactless payment may not be available. In other cases, Visa and Mastercard payments from non-Russian banks are processed without problems.
Online payments
Online payments are convenient and time-saving for booking hotels, airline tickets and other services. It is important to note that Russian Visa and Mastercard do not work when paying on most Thai websites. But sometimes there are exceptions - some services still accept such cards.
Benefits of Using US Dollars
The US dollar has traditionally been the most popular currency for travel to Thailand, especially given the current restrictions. It is widely accepted in Phuket, at major hotels, travel agencies and shops. Exchanging dollars for Thai baht is straightforward.
Widespread
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, which simplifies the payment process and reduces the risk of your currency being rejected. However, even if you plan to pay with a UnionPay card, it is still better to have a reserve of cash dollars.
Exchange rate stability
Despite the fluctuations, the dollar exchange rate is relatively stable and predictable. This makes it easier to plan your travel budget. In addition, large bills (100 USD) can be exchanged on more favorable terms than small ones.
- Check the dollar exchange rate at your bank and compare it with the rate at exchange offices in Phuket (especially at SuperRich or TT Exchange).
- Check the possibility of paying in dollars in the selected hotels, restaurants and shops. In most cases there will be no problems, but it is better to be on the safe side.
- Consider paying partly in dollars and partly with credit cards for the best combination of convenience and savings.
- Take only high-quality banknotes (without damage, issued after 2006) to avoid a decrease in the rate due to the “wear” of the banknotes.
Also, don't forget about money transfer options, for example, via "Zolotaya Korona" ("KoronaPay"). Although the rate there is not the most favorable, it can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. However, having a reserve of cash dollars remains the most reliable solution.
In conclusion, it is impossible to say for sure which currency is more profitable for a trip to Phuket - a lot depends on your individual circumstances. If you have foreign cards "Visa" or "Mastercard" issued outside of Russia, you will be able to pay with them without problems. If your card is issued by a Russian bank, then the only payment system left is "UnionPay". But in any case, it is better to bring cash dollars with you (preferably in large bills) to save on conversion and not depend on the restrictions of payment systems. Carefully monitor exchange rates and commissions to avoid unnecessary expenses and manage your vacation budget as efficiently as possible.
Well, of course, I live only for this evening - to choose currency!
Oh, well, of course! Currency choice is the quintessence of great decisions, the fundamental axis of adult life, nothing less!