Koh Samui FAQ: Money

Should I bring cash or use cards in Koh Samui?

Bring both. Cards work at hotels, malls, supermarkets, bigger restaurants and in ride-hailing apps. Cash is needed for street food, markets, small shops, songthaews, taxis, temple donations and beach vendors. A practical split is roughly 70% card and 30% cash. Thailand's QR payment system needs a Thai bank account, so tourists cannot use it. Small notes (20, 50, 100 THB) are useful because small vendors often cannot change a 1,000 THB note.

How much do ATMs charge in Koh Samui?

250 THB (Visa/UnionPay/JCB) to 350 THB (Mastercard) per withdrawal at most Thai bank ATMs, plus your home bank fee. Decline DCC. A Visa counter withdrawal at Krungsri costs 200 THB. The fee is the same whether you withdraw 1,000 or 20,000 THB, so withdraw larger amounts less often. Single withdrawals are usually capped at 20,000-30,000 THB. If the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline - always choose to be charged in Thai baht for the better rate.

What currency does Koh Samui use?

The Thai Baht (THB, symbol ฿). Pay in baht; foreign currencies are not officially accepted. As an indicative rate (Nov 2026), 100 THB is about 3.0 USD or 2.7 EUR - check a live converter before travel because the rate moves. Koh Samui uses Indochina Time (UTC+7, same as Bangkok) and the provincial phone code is 077. Carry coins and small notes (20, 50, 100 THB): small vendors often cannot change a 1,000 THB note.

Do you tip in Koh Samui?

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Street food and market vendors: no tip expected. Local restaurants: round up or leave small change. Mid-range and upscale restaurants: 5-10% if there is no service charge on the bill (check first). Massage and spa: about 50-100 THB per hour. Taxis: round up by 10-20 THB. Hotel porters and housekeeping: 20-50 THB. Guides on private day tours: around 300-550 THB per day.

Can I bargain in Koh Samui markets?

Yes - bargaining is expected at market stalls for souvenirs and clothes, and when hiring taxis without meters. Do not bargain in malls, supermarkets, convenience stores or restaurants with printed menus. A friendly counter-offer 10-30% below the first quoted price is a reasonable start. Smile and keep it good-humoured - 'saving face' matters in Thai culture - and be ready to walk away politely. Do not haggle over very small amounts for food.

How much does street food cost in Koh Samui?

Street food is the cheapest way to eat: about 60-150 THB per dish or meal in 2026. Examples: pad thai 60-100 THB, som tam (papaya salad) 50-80 THB, fried rice 70-120 THB, mango sticky rice 60-100 THB, fresh juice 40-60 THB. Night markets - Fisherman's Village on Friday, Lamai on Sunday, Maenam on Thursday, Nathon food market daily - are the cheapest places to eat. Cash only.

How much is a tourist SIM card in Koh Samui?

As of September 2026, Thailand's tourist SIMs (AIS, True/dtac) cost roughly: 8 days 299-499 THB, 10 days about 349 THB, 15 days 599-699 THB, 30 days 1,199 THB, with unlimited or large data allowances. Buy at the airport or official operator shops; passport registration is required. eSIM versions of the same plans exist. Coverage is good in the beach towns and along the ring road.