Page 43 - Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
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MONEY MATTERS
Top Three Tips
• Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as U.S. dollars, local currency, an ATM
card, and a credit card. Traveler’s checks are not accepted in the countries you will
be visiting.
• Bring a cash reserve for the extension to Burma. Burma is still much more reliant on
cash and ATMs may not be available. We recommend that you bring a cash reserve to
cover your basic expenses in Burma.
• U.S. dollars should be in excellent condition (especially in Burma) and dated 2006 or
later. Torn, worn, dirty, or taped U.S. bills may not be accepted. In Burma, bills should
be pristine (not folded); uncirculated bills are best.
Local Currency
For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/
currencyconverter dZ`] MLYV Z] _SP ʭYLYNTLW ^PN_TZY ZQ dZ`] YPb^[L[P]
Thailand
The basic unit of currency in Thailand is the baht (THB), easily distinguished by color and
marked with both Thai and Arabic numerals. The baht is divided into 100 satang. Banknote
and coin denominations are as follows:
• Banknotes: 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), and 500 baht (purple), 1000
baht (reddish brown)
• Coins: 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht
-LS_ L]P RPYP]LWWd []PQP]]PO BSPY NSLYRTYR @ > OZWWL]^ _Z MLS_ dZ` bTWW ʭYO _SL_ dZ` RP_ L
slightly better exchange rate on larger bills.
Laos
The basic unit of currency in Laos is the kip (LAK). Banknote denominations are as follows:
• Banknotes: 1,000 kips, 2,000 kips, 5,000 kips, 10,000 kips, 20,000 kips, 50,000 kips, and
100,000 kips
• Coins: Not commonly in use.
Many businesses will accept U.S. dollars, but some will use Laotian kips. When using or
exchanging U.S. dollars know that crisp bills in very good condition are preferred—bills that
are worn, torn, or even folded might be rejected. The bills can be the newer “large portrait”
style or the older, less colorful style; the condition is more important than the age.
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