Baht (THB) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of THB1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of THB10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satang. In addition, there are a vast number of commemorative coins which are also legal tender.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than THB500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Foreign visitors may bring in an unlimited amount of Thai currency. For travellers leaving Thailand, both Thais and foreigners, the maximum amount permitted to take out without prior authorisation is THB50,000 per person or, if visiting a neighbouring country, THB500,000 per person. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited.

Date	Jul 06
£1.00=	THB69.54
$1.00=	THB38.21

Mon-Fri 0830-1530.

The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty by any person, irrespective of age:
200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars; 1l of alcoholic liquor; one still camera with five rolls of film or one movie camera with three rolls of 8mm or 16mm film.

There are restrictions on the import of non-prescribed drugs and all firearms and ammunition, and the export of items of archaeological interest or historical value, without a certificate of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. The export of images of the Buddha and other religious artefacts is also subject to this ruling. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant Government agency. Cameras, video cameras and portable computers must be declared to the Customs Officer. Jewellery and ornaments are required to go through the Customs formalities at the Outbound section.

Gold bullion must be declared on arrival and can be left at the airport of entry to be retrieved on departure. The import of meat from any country affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) ('mad cow disease') and foot and mouth diseases is prohibited; the measure covers meat from all 15 EU countries and any other infected country. Pornographic material and protected wild animals or products are also prohibited.

Any drug-related offences are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.