Money & Payments in Koh Tao (2026)

Always decline 'dynamic currency conversion' at ATMs—choose to be charged in Thai Baht to avoid paying 5–8% in extra fees and poor exchange rates.
Maximize the value of each ATM withdrawal by taking out the maximum amount (usually 20,000–30,000 THB) to minimize the number of transactions and total fees paid.
Smaller establishments and local businesses almost always operate cash-only; plan to carry sufficient baht when leaving tourist areas.
Many shops and restaurants in Koh Tao do not accept credit cards; always ask before ordering or using services.
Bangkok Bank in Mae Haad is open seven days a week and is the most reliable option if you encounter card issues.

Thai ATM Fee: THB 200
Note: Thai ATM operators charge a fixed fee per withdrawal, typically 200 THB, regardless of withdrawal amount. This is in addition to any fees your home bank may charge. Some sources cite 150 THB for Krungsri and AEON ATMs. Always choose to be charged in Thai Baht (not dynamic currency conversion) to avoid additional fees and poor exchange rates.

Hotel Staff: Tipping is optional. 20–50 THB for housekeeping or porters if service is exceptional.
General Practice: Tipping culture is not as deeply rooted in Thailand as in Western countries. Appreciation is expressed primarily through friendly service and word of mouth rather than monetary tips.
Massage And Personal Services: Small tips (20–50 THB / 0.60–1.50 USD) are appreciated but not mandatory.
Restaurants And Casual Dining: Tipping is not obligatory in Thailand. Small change can be left as appreciated gratuity, or rounding up the bill. 5–10% for good service at higher-end establishments is appreciated but not expected.
Dive Centers And Tour Operators: Tips are appreciated for guides and instructors, typically 50–100 THB (1.50–3 USD) per person for group activities, or 10% for instructors on longer courses.

Overview: Multiple money exchange shops available, primarily in Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao villages. Banks also offer exchange services during business hours (typically 9am–4pm weekdays).

Overview: Card acceptance is inconsistent across Koh Tao. Tourist-oriented businesses widely accept cards, but many traditional local establishments do not.
Where Accepted: Resorts, dive centers, higher-end restaurants, and supermarkets generally accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted; American Express may not be processed by some vendors.
Processing Fees: Most businesses that accept cards charge approximately 3–4% as a merchant fee, which is often passed to the customer.
Where Cash Required: Smaller shops, traditional restaurants, massage spas, and local vendors typically require cash only.

Availability: Abundant. Approximately 100 ATMs across the island, including 24-hour machines at every 7-Eleven. Major banks with branches in Mae Haad village are Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, and Krung Thai Bank.
Card Acceptance: ATMs accept Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus cards.

Credit Cards: Smaller shops and traditional Thai outlets lack credit card facilities; larger businesses like diving schools and high-end restaurants charge typically 3-4% processing fee
ATM Locations: ATMs available around Mae Haad, Sairee and Chalok villages
Bank Branches: Main Thai banks have branches in Mae Haad offering exchange services and ATMs on site
Account Opening: No specific information found on opening Thai bank accounts on Koh Tao; general Thailand practice shows variable requirements between banks and branches
ATM Availability: Around 100 ATMs across Koh Tao; every 7-Eleven offers 24-hour ATM
Currency Exchange: Independent currency exchange facilities dotted around Mae Haad and Sairee, plus Western Union services for international transfers
International ATM Fees: Withdrawal fee applied in addition to fee imposed by home bank for withdrawing money while overseas

Bangkok Bank
Hours
Open seven days a week
Location
Mae Haad
Krungsri Bank
Hours
09:00-16:30, exchange counter until 18:00
Location
Mae Haad near Post Office
Krung Thai Bank
Location
Mae Haad opposite 7-Eleven
Description
Mini branch offering limited services for account holders but full foreign exchange

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Koh Tao

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.