Paying in Thailand as a European Traveller
Everything you need to know about converting EUR to THB, avoiding hidden fees, and paying like a local with QR codes across Thailand.
THB (Baht)
Currency
220 THB (~€5.50)
ATM fee
Low outside cities
Card acceptance
70M+ users
QR adoption
The problem with paying in Thailand as a European
Thailand's economy runs on two things: cash and PromptPay. European bank cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and some restaurants — but the vast majority of daily commerce happens outside those places. Street food, tuk-tuks, local markets, temples, laundry services — almost none of these accept foreign cards.
That leaves you with ATMs (220 THB fee per withdrawal, plus your bank's markup) or currency exchange booths (3–8% worse than the real rate). Over a two-week trip, a typical European traveller loses €50–150 just in payment friction.
How payment methods compare in Thailand
| Method | Fee | Rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| European debit card | 1.5–3% | Bank markup | Instant (where accepted) |
| ATM withdrawal | €5.50+ per withdrawal | Interbank + markup | 5–10 min (find ATM) |
| Cash exchange | 3–8% spread | Varies wildly | 15–30 min |
| Lumi | 2% flat fee | Near interbank | Instant (scan QR) |
How Lumi works in Thailand
Top up
Add euros from your European bank account to your Lumi wallet.
Scan
Scan any PromptPay QR code at Thai merchants — from street food to supermarkets.
Pay
Payment goes through instantly in Thai baht at near-interbank rates. Done.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my European bank card in Thailand?
Yes, but expect 1.5–3% foreign transaction fees plus unfavorable exchange rates. Card acceptance is limited outside hotels and tourist areas. Most local vendors, street food stalls, and transport use QR payments or cash.
What is PromptPay?
PromptPay is Thailand's national QR payment system, used by over 70 million people. It enables instant transfers between bank accounts and is accepted at millions of merchants — from 7-Eleven to street vendors. Lumi lets European travelers access PromptPay directly.
How much do ATM withdrawals cost in Thailand?
Thai ATMs charge a flat fee of 220 THB (~€5.50) per withdrawal, plus your European bank typically adds 1.5–3% on top. With withdrawal limits of 20,000–30,000 THB, costs add up quickly over a multi-week trip.
Is it better to exchange euros to baht in France or Thailand?
Neither is ideal. Airport exchanges in both countries offer poor rates. Bangkok exchanges like SuperRich are better but inconvenient. Lumi gives you near-interbank rates directly through your phone — no physical exchange needed.
How does Lumi work in Thailand?
Download the app, verify your identity, and top up your wallet from your European bank account. Then scan any PromptPay QR code at Thai merchants to pay instantly in baht — at rates significantly better than cards or cash exchanges.
Ready to pay like a local in Thailand?
Join the Lumi beta and be among the first to travel fee-free.
Join the betaLast updated: July 2026