The Thai unit of currency is the Baht. Just like the rest of the world their money fluctuates. As of this date, September, 2004, as I sit here in India typing this, the current exchange rate is approximately 41.00 Baht for 1 US$. When I first came to Thailand it was 25 baht to the dollar. Through-out the years, especially during the Asian crisis back in '97, the baht dropped as low as 55 to one US dollar.

At the moment it is gaining ground. Or, you could say, the dollar is losing ground, not just to the baht, but to currencies around the world. Their are legitimate places to exchange your money, and they are everywhere now, not like when I first began coming to Thailand. You'll have virtually few concerns, as the city has become quite sophisticated.

Unlike some of the other Asian countries, traveler's checks are a good idea here. They are safer, and the exchange for them is slightly better than the rate for cash. (You have to show you passport, and give your address in Thailand if you want to cash a check.)

Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard) are generally accepted in hotels, and the big shops. A debit card is a wonderful thing, at home, or here, and it is the best way to go.

View photos in Yoga Bound's Thailand Photo Galleries.

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