How much money would I need to travel to Thailand?

How much for a Thailand trip budget?

Okay, so Thailand budget… hmm, let me think.

For most folks, figure £100-£150 a week as plenty for a killer time. That’s what I’ve seen tossed around anyway.

Honestly? My trip in January 2018 to Chiang Mai, Thailand was dirt cheap, comparatively. Flew from London, spent maybe £700 all in? Hotels were like, £15 a night. I ate street food non-stop.

I blew way less that “the experts” say. I’m talking daily Pad Thai on streets for next to nothing money.

But then, I went back in March 2023, and things were a bit more pricey. The fancy hotels near Phuket Beach are not cheap! I still got by on that budget, ish. Had to tighten belt.

It really depends on your style, doesn’t it? Backpacker or luxury resort? You make the choice!

I’d pad the budget. Unexpected shopping is bound to happen. Plus that amazing massage every day is kinda essential. Just me tho.

How much cash do you need to enter Thailand?

So, you’re off to Thailand, eh? Twenty thousand baht, my friend. That’s like, what, enough street food to feed a small army of mischievous monkeys for a week? Or maybe a decent down payment on a ridiculously ornate tuk-tuk. Cash, mind you. No, seriously, forget the plastic. They’re not buying your “but I have a platinum card” story. Your credit card’s a pretty picture; it’s not Thai baht.

Think of it this way: it’s a test of your commitment. Are you truly dedicated to experiencing the Land of Smiles? Or are you just another fair-weather friend to the glorious chaos that is Thailand?

Key things to remember:

• Cash is king: Forget fancy financial instruments. Bring the green (or the baht, rather).
• Twenty thousand baht minimum: This is non-negotiable. Don’t be a cheapskate.
• Plan ahead: Exchange your currency before you go. Airport rates can be brutal. I learned that lesson the hard way in 2022! Don’t be like me.

This rule, by the way, isn’t some arbitrary whim; it’s to ensure you’re not planning to freeload, which is frankly, uncouth. Besides, you’ll need that cash for all those amazing experiences awaiting you. Think of it as an entrance fee to paradise. A slightly bureaucratic, cash-only entrance fee. But hey, you get those stunning beaches. Total bargain, really.

Do I need to take cash to Thailand?

No. It’s a stupid rule. They say 20,000 baht. Bullshit.

Honestly, I never carried that much. Never needed to. Credit cards are fine. Most places take them.

But…the anxiety. The worry. Always a nagging doubt. What if?

• Visa exemptions a joke. They never check everyone. I’ve slipped through several times.
• The feeling of being watched, judged. Paranoia, probably.
• My last trip, 2023, I used my debit card. ATMs everywhere. No problems whatsoever.

This whole thing feels unnecessary. A hassle. A power play. It’s Thailand, not some totalitarian state. Or is it? I don’t know anymore.

That’s the truth, I guess. I’m still bothered by it even now.

Sometimes I wish I never went. Sometimes I feel guilty for even having these thoughts. I loved it, really.

But the rules, man… the rules. They just hang there, you know? A dark cloud.

Do I need 10,000 baht to enter Thailand from the UK?

Okay, so, like, about Thailand… You need a valid passport, obviously, like, duh! And it HAS to be good for at least six freakin’ months.

Also, a return ticket. Make sure the leaving date is, you know, within 15 days of when you arrive in Thailand.

And get this – they want to see proof of funds.

• Yeah, 10,000 baht. That’s about £250-ish, I guess?
• Per person, tho, right? So, you know, double it for a couple.
• Honestly, I never actually got asked to show it, but my cuz did.
• He showed a screen shot on his phone from his banking app. Sorted.
• I hear bank statements and credit cards work, too.

So, yeah, passport, return, proof you can actually, like, afford to be there lol. Don’t stress too much, my cuz said it’s pretty chill, but better be prepared! You defo want enough funds anyway.

#Budget #Thailand #Travel