Break your 1,000s at 7-Eleven

Thai ATMs love to hand out 1,000-baht notes, but small sellers don't love receiving them. A noodle stall, motorbike taxi or taxi driver often won't have change for a 1,000, or even a 500, especially early in the day. The easy habit: break big notes where change is plentiful, such as 7-Eleven, supermarkets and mall counters, and keep 20s and 100s for everyday spending. If a big note is all you have, warn people first with มีแต่แบงค์พัน (I only have a 1,000) or ask มีทอนไหม (do you have change?) before you order. Rounding a taxi fare up and saying ไม่ต้องทอน (keep the change) is a small, appreciated kindness.