Backpacking Thailand: A Practical Guide to Your Baht

Thailand remains the classic first stop on a backpacking route, and cash management is a skill worth learning early. Start by buying Thai baht before you leave; a commission-free provider such as Travel FX lets you order online so you land with money that is ready to spend.

Hostels, buses and border towns

Dorm beds, overnight buses, visa-run minivans and market meals are overwhelmingly cash-based. Card machines get rarer the further you go from tourist centres.

Protect your stash

Split notes between your daypack, main bag and a money belt, and never keep everything in one place. Drawing cash abroad adds a fee each time, so a decent starting float saves money over a long trip.

Sorted before the flight

Travel FX is a UK online currency exchange with over 18 years of trading and more than 60 currencies in stock.