Daily Life

Money and Tipping in Thailand

Thai Currency

The Thai Baht (บาท, bàat) is the currency. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 baht. Notes: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht.

Tipping Culture

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated
• Restaurants: Round up or leave 20-50 baht change
• Hotels: 20-50 baht per bag for porters
• Taxis: Round up to nearest 10 baht
• Massage: 50-100 baht tip
• Street food: No tip expected

Handling Money

• Thai banknotes feature the King — treat them with respect
• Never step on money (the King's image is on it)
• Don't crumple or throw banknotes

Key Vocabulary

• เงิน (ngern) — money
• บาท (bàat) — baht
• แพง (paeng) — expensive
• ถูก (tùuk) — cheap
• ทอน (tɔɔn) — change
• เท่าไหร่ (tâo-rài) — how much?