Diving in Thailand: Baht for Koh Tao and Beyond

Thailand is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive, with Koh Tao its unofficial capital. Courses are often priced with cash discounts, so it makes sense to buy Thai baht before you travel; a commission-free provider such as Travel FX lets you order online from the UK.

Why dive schools like cash

Many schools shave the price for cash payment because card fees eat into tight margins. Over a multi-day course, the saving covers a fair few beachfront dinners.

Island practicalities

Koh Tao has ATMs but foreign cards pay a fixed fee per withdrawal, and queues form in high season. Arriving with your course money in baht avoids both.

Plan the trip properly

Travel FX is a UK online currency exchange with more than 18 years of trading and over 60 currencies in stock.