Currency
1 Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000 (grey), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue) and 20 (green), 10 (brown). 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 count the change you receive.
Click here for the latest exchange rates

ATMs (automatic teller machines)
ATM or cash machines as they are otherwise none can be found in Nathon and Chaweng only. There is normally a handling fee of 1.5 percent on 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.

Travellers' Cheques & Credit Cards
Travellers' cheques are the saftest 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. Changing travellers' cheques can be done 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

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 will 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. 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.