Thai Baht
Pronunciation: \bat\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural baht also bahts

monetary unit of Thailand. Each baht is subdivided into 100 satang. The Bank of Thailand has the exclusive authority to issue currency in Thailand; banknotes are issued in amounts ranging from 10 to 1,000 baht. The obverse side of each note is adorned with a picture of the reigning king of Thailand, accompanied by other symbols, such as the royal seal.

On the reverse side are varying images associated with Thailand's history; for example, the 500-baht note shows a temple and a statue of Rama III, who reigned from 1824-51, and the 50-baht note depicts a statue of Chulalongkorn (Rama V), king of Siam from 1873 to 1910. Coins are issued in denominations ranging from 25 satang to 10 baht; coins feature King Rama I (reigned 1737 to 1809) on the obverse.

Currency
1 Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000 (grey), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue) and 20 (green). Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satangs

Exchanging Money
You can convert major currencies to Baht at all banks and exchange booths. The rates are fairly similar island-wide at both types of locations. Always make sure you count the change you receive.

Travellers' Cheques & Credit Cards
Travellers' cheques are the safest way to carry your money. Better rates are offered for cheques than for cash, there is normally a charge of 13 baht commission and duty per cheque. Travellers' cheques can be changed at most locations. Your passport will be required for identification.

Many exchange booths accept credit cards. These cards will be displayed in their windows. Note that businesses accepting credit cards for goods and services, often take VISA and Mastercard only. Expect a surcharge of up to 5 percent on every transaction.

In the case of lost or stolen credit cards telephone:
American Express - (02) 273 0020
Mastercard / Visa - (02) 299 1990

ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines)
ATM's or cash machines as they are otherwise known can be found in Nathon, Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. There is normally a handling fee of 1.5 percent for every withdrawal.
Note that some ATM machines do not accept credit cards. Look for the VISA and MASTERCARD signs. Try not to depend totally on these machines, as they sometimes run out of cash or go out of order.

Banks & Wiring Money
For transactions requiring a teller, there are banks in Nathon and Chaweng (only). Banking hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.

It is possible to have money wired directly from a bank in your home country to a bank in Koh Samui. It normally takes two - five working days to arrive, and costs around US $40 per transaction.
Western Union - has an agent located at the Bangkok Metropolitan Bank in Nathon, but can also be found in Maenam, Chaweng and Lamai as well as the local post offices.

This is the fastest but most expensive way to send money. Money wired through them should be ready for collection within twenty minutes of being sent. Note that sending larger amounts of cash this way is better value as they charge on a sliding scale.