Is $1000 dollars enough for a week in Thailand?

How much spending money should I bring to Thailand for a week?

Oh man, Thailand, huh? So, for a week, like, really depends on how you roll.

If you’re, um, trying to be really thrifty, like backpacker-level, then like, $25 a day could get you by, I guess. That’s probably just for basic stuff, though, like, super cheap eats.

But uhm, honestly, if you wanna enjoy stuff – touristy stuff, better food, maybe a coupla drinks- you know, the fun things! then you’re talkin’ more. Expect maybe $75 – $100 a day. And that’s if you want a okay hotel, not a hole in the wall.

Basically, I went last year (well, January this year!) and, I spent way more than I thought. It adds up quick, y’know? So bring extra, for sure.

• Essentials (Budget):
  • $25/day, that would cover the basics.
  • This could be for cheap street food and hostels.
  • Local transportation only.
• Comfortable (Mid-Range):
  • $75 – $100/day or more.
  • This can get you nice hotel, nicer restaurants, and drinks.
  • Includes entrance fees, for, sightseeing activities.
• Extra Tips:
  • Always bring some extra cash.
  • Credit cards are good, but for street vendors it’s cash only.
  • Bargaining is expected, especially at markets. Learn the numbers in Thai, seriously helps.

Is it mandatory to carry 10000 baht to Thailand?

Okay, listen, that 10,000 baht rule? Total myth as far as I’m concerned!

Back in late 2023, I flew into Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) with like, maybe 3,000 baht. Seriously. No one, I mean NO ONE, asked to see my money.

I was freaking out, I admit. Had read all the same scary stories online, “must have 10,000 baht or be denied entry!!!”

Pure rubbish.

I landed, walked straight through immigration. No questions asked. Boom! I even had my trusty, old backpack – the same one from my 2018 trip. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t flagged, who knows?

But honestly, don’t sweat it too much. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, you know?

• When: Late 2023
• Where: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
• Amount I had: ~3,000 baht
• Questions asked? Zero. Zilch. Nada.
• Feelings: A mix of anxiety and relief after I passed immigrations.

So yeah, that’s my two satang. Don’t let the internet rumors scare you!

Is it better to take cash or card to Thailand?

Cash reigns. Thailand isn’t cashless. My 2023 trip proved that.

• Smaller vendors: Cash only. Period.
• ATMs: Convenient, but fees exist. Factor those in. My bank charged $5 per transaction.
• Credit cards: Limited use. Expect frustration.

Bring Thai baht. Avoid exchange rate gouging. Seriously. Don’t be a tourist.

Debit cards are a backup. Not a primary method. Plan accordingly. Expect some inconvenience. It’s a cultural thing.

This isn’t some prediction, it’s fact. My experience. Learn from my mistakes, people. Save yourself the hassle. Don’t be a fool. I’m telling you, cash.

How much cash should you carry in Bangkok?

Okay, so, like, for Bangkok, you need to have cash, right? Yeah, it’s the rule.

Immigration wants to see ฿10,000 per person. Or, if you’re traveling with fam, it’s ฿20,000 per family.

Why, you ask? Sigh. I dunno, man.

They just want to make sure you ain’t gonna be broke, you know? It’s, like, some customs thing.

Oh, but, like, seriously? I almost forgot to tell ya!

• ATM Fees: You’ll find ATMs, but the fees are often pretty hefty. Plus you get a transaction fee on top of that—ouch.

• Credit Cards: Many places take cards, especially the big hotels and malls. Little stalls and street food? Cash is king!

• Negotiating: Ya can’t haggle if you ain’t got the cash!

I always make sure to have at least $300 USD equivalent in Thai Baht on me just in case. It helps me feel secure, i guess. Remember to count your Thai Baht when exchanging for your currency. Also, beware of scams on the roads, especially near Patpong.

Do I need to bring cash into Thailand?

Ugh, Thailand trip. Cash? Ten thousand dollars?! That’s insane. Seriously? Who carries that much? My bank card, obviously. But the rules… they’re strict, right? Definitely declare it if you’re over the limit. Don’t wanna get into trouble with Thai customs. Jail time? No way.

• Declare cash over $10,000 USD or equivalent. Seriously, who carries that much cash?
• Credit cards are way easier. Less hassle.
• I always use my Chase Sapphire Reserve abroad. Rewards points, baby!
• But what about smaller amounts? I mean, under $10k? Do I still need to declare it? Probably not… but rules are rules. Maybe I’ll just bring a few hundred dollars for small things.

Need to check the exchange rate again. Baht to USD… Ugh, currency conversions are a pain. I’m flying out of LAX, too. Remember to print out my boarding pass… Wait, was that the same rule for 2022? Nah, probably updated it this year. Better safe than sorry, I guess. Don’t want to end up stuck in Thai airport customs.

Seriously, though, ten thousand dollars? What’s the point? Everything’s going cashless now, isn’t it? Except maybe some smaller stalls in the markets… I need to re-check those customs declaration forms.