Street Food in Thailand: Why You Need Baht in Hand

Thailand's street food is reason enough to visit, and it is an almost entirely cash economy. If you want to eat the way locals do, buy Thai baht before you travel; a commission-free provider such as Travel FX lets UK travellers order online ahead of the trip.

Small notes, big flavours

A plate of noodles or a bag of mango sticky rice costs very little, and vendors rarely have change for large notes, let alone a card machine. Keeping a stash of small denominations makes every meal easier.

Night markets and food courts

Even in modern food courts you often load a cash card at a counter first. Markets in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands are strictly notes and coins.

Stock up before you fly

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