Paying in Thailand without the hidden markup
Thai bank ATMs charge foreign cards a flat operator fee (commonly 220 THB) and layer a DCC offer on top; tourist retail and tailors offer conversion routinely.
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Say this at the counter
คิดเป็นเงินบาทครับ/ค่ะ
Say it: Khit pen ngern baht khrap/kha
It means: “charge me in THB, please, without conversion.”
More languages on the refusal card.
The ~220 THB fee applies at nearly all Thai bank ATMs regardless of network, so minimise it with fewer, larger withdrawals. Decline the conversion screen separately; the fee and DCC are two different charges.
Street food, markets, taxis and islands run on cash. Withdraw meaningful amounts.
At the ATM you’ll face TWO yes/no moments: the fixed fee (unavoidable) and the conversion offer (always decline).
What would a DCC “yes” cost you here?
Open the calculator preset to THB and see the overcharge on your exact amount, at today’s ECB reference rate.
Reviewed 7 August 2026 · Neighbours in the guide: Türkiye · Indonesia · all 30 destinations