Is it beneficial to use a UnionPay card from Rosselkhozbank in Phuket, or is it better to bring US dollars and exchange them locally?

Using Russian cards in Phuket can be tricky. However, many travelers use a UnionPay card from Rosselkhozbank to make purchases and withdraw cash. That said, card payments are not accepted everywhere, so you’ll sometimes need to withdraw cash. The bank charges a 220 baht fee for using a foreign card.

We recommend bringing US dollars, as you can exchange them at favorable rates and pay in cash. Exchanging dollars is generally more profitable than withdrawing cash with fees. You can still use your card for convenience. For tips on where to exchange money, see the Currency Exchange section. To avoid scams, read our guide on Scams in Phuket.