Can you pay with a plastic card on Koh Larn and do UnionPay cards from Russian banks work?
Answers 2
Answered by Admin
Yes, on Koh Larn you can partially pay with a plastic card, but only in certain places. We checked personally and confirm: UnionPay cards from Russian banks work on the island. However, you won't be able to completely avoid cash – if you're going to Koh Larn, be sure to bring cash.
Cards are not accepted everywhere. Mostly, cashless payment is available:
- in 7-Eleven chain stores (though only for purchases from 200 baht);
- in large hotels when paying for accommodation;
- in some restaurants and cafes on popular beaches – but they often add a 3–5% acquiring fee.
But in ordinary local shops, for motorbike rental, sun loungers, beach activities, and in street cafes, payment is accepted only in cash, occasionally via local Thai QR codes, which don't work with a foreign card anyway. So you simply can't do without cash on Koh Larn.
Important: there is no currency exchange office on the island at all, and ATMs are only in the fishing village of Na Baan near the main pier. Withdrawing cash there is extremely unprofitable – the fee reaches about 220 baht per transaction. It's better to withdraw money in advance in Pattaya or exchange currency before your trip to the island.
If you arrived in Bangkok and are heading straight to Koh Larn without stopping in Pattaya, exchange money right at Suvarnabhumi Airport: on the lower floor near the ARL airport rail link station, the rate is usually better than in the city.
We have described in detail the money, prices, and infrastructure of the island in our reliable and honest guide: Koh Larn Island in Pattaya – a complete guide for independent travelers. We recommend reading it before your trip so you don't miss anything.
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Comments 1
💥 Thanks, useful link 😊!