ATMs and Money on Koh Lanta

ATM machine
ATM at a beachside location in Thailand

Cash is king on Koh Lanta. Local restaurants, markets, songthaews, small guesthouses, and most shops operate cash-only. Come prepared.

Where to Find ATMs

ATMs are most concentrated in the north and centre of the island: - Saladan: the best-served area, with machines from several major banks clustered near the pier and along the main road. Hit one here immediately on arrival.

  • Long Beach (Phra Ae): several ATMs available along the beach strip.
  • Klong Nin: ATMs available, but fewer options than the north.
  • Old Town and the south: limited coverage. Do not rely on finding a working ATM in Kantiang Bay or further south. Banks with ATMs on the island include Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank (KBank), Krung Thai Bank, and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank).

Fees

All Thai ATMs charge a flat fee for foreign cards: the standard rate is 220 THB per transaction, regardless of how much you withdraw. Your home bank may also charge additional international transaction or conversion fees on top. - Aeon Bank ATMs charge only 150 THB, lower than most. Worth finding one if you are staying for longer.

  • Strategy: withdraw large amounts less often to minimise per-transaction fees. A single 10,000-15,000 THB withdrawal beats five small ones.

Withdrawal Limits

Limits vary by bank:

  • SCB: around 10,000 THB per transaction
  • Krung Sri (Bank of Ayudhya): up to 30,000 THB per transaction

Card Acceptance

Cards are accepted at:

  • Mid-range and upscale resorts
  • Dive shops
  • Some tourist-facing restaurants

Cards are generally not accepted at:

  • Local restaurants and food stalls
  • Markets
  • Songthaews and tuk-tuks
  • Small shops and pharmacies

Recommended Approach

  • Keep 1,000-3,000 THB cash on you at all times.
  • Use the ATM at Saladan Pier on arrival.
  • If heading south for the day, withdraw before you leave Saladan or Long Beach.
  • Some hotels will exchange currency, though rates are typically worse than ATM rates.

Currency

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). Notes come in 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 THB denominations. Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 THB.