Understanding Currency Differences: Baht Vs Australian Dollars

what is the difference between baht & australia dollars

The baht and the Australian dollar are the official currencies of Thailand and Australia, respectively. The baht, which has been the Thai currency since 1897, is made up of 100 satang and is also a unit of weight for gold used by jewellers and goldsmiths in the country. On the other hand, the Australian dollar is currently the fifth-most-traded currency in world foreign exchange markets. As of April 2025, 1 Australian dollar is equivalent to approximately 21.4 Thai baht, while 1 Thai baht is equivalent to approximately 0.0466 Australian dollars.

Characteristics Values
1 Australian Dollar to Thai Baht 21.479816 Thai Baht
1 Thai Baht to Australian Dollar 0.0465553 Australian Dollars
30-day high 21.6602
30-day low 20.7376
30-day average 21.2187
90-day high 21.6602
90-day low 20.7376
90-day average 21.2611

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Exchange rates

The Thai baht has been the country's currency since 1897, before which it was known as the tical—a name that was printed on Thai banknotes until 1925. The baht is made up of 100 satang, but the smaller coins have very little value. The Australian dollar is currently the fifth-most-traded currency in world foreign exchange markets.

When exchanging money, it is important to be aware of the different rates and costs associated with the exchange. Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass on to the customer by marking up the exchange rate. Online currency converters can be a good way to compare rates, although it is important to note that the rates provided are only indicative and for informational purposes only. You won't receive the same rate when sending money.

There are also other options for exchanging money, such as using a money card or exchanging cash, which may offer better rates than banks.

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History of the Thai Baht

The Thai baht is the official currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang and is issued by the Bank of Thailand. The Thai baht, like the pound, originated from a traditional unit of mass. Its currency value was originally expressed as that of silver of corresponding weight (now defined as 15 grams). It was probably in use as early as the Sukhothai period in the form of bullet coins known in Thai as photduang. These were pieces of solid silver cast in various weights.

During the reign of King Rama I (1737-1809), the monetary system was similar to the Ayudhya monetary system, consisting of pod duang. However, it was modified to exhibit the unique traits of the Thai people at the time. The pod duang also had values: tamlueng, baht, half baht, salueng, and fueang. During the reign of King Rama IV, gold and silver coins of four baht value were produced, bearing the Monkut-Krung Siam mark to commemorate the king's 60th birthday.

In 1875, during the reign of King Rama V, a new mint was built, and it began producing silver coins with the royal portrait and the coat-of-arms design. This became the format for later reigns. Rama V also ordered the issuance of new tin Solos coins bearing the Phra Kiew (or Chula Mongkut, the royal emblem of King Rama V) on the obverse and the Elephant inside Chakra design on the reverse.

Under the reign of King Rama VI, the first baht coins with the portrait of the king on the obverse were produced. The reverse featured Airavata, the three-headed white elephant. Rama VI also inaugurated the Thai Banknotes Department under the Ministry of Finance with the Siamese Currency Notes Act, R.E. 121, in 1902. The first banknotes, printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited in England, were printed on one side only and came in seven denominations: 1 baht, 5 baht, 10 baht, 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, and 1000 ticals.

In 1897, a decimal system devised by Prince Jayanta Mongkol was introduced, in which one baht equalled 100 satang. This replaced the pre-decimal system, in which one baht was divided into eight fueang, and each fueang was divided into eight at. The new decimal system was officially adopted in 1904, after the end of silver bullet coin production. However, coins denominated in the old units were issued until 1910, and the amount of 25 satang is still commonly referred to as a salueng.

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History of the Australian Dollar

The Australian dollar (AUD) is the official currency and legal tender of Australia and its external territories: Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island, as well as Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu.

The history of the Australian dollar can be traced back to the country's colonisation in 1788, when New South Wales became a British colony and English currency was introduced for formal circulation. However, the supply was insufficient, leading to the use of alternative forms of exchange.

In 1910, a national Australian currency was created as the Australian Pound, which maintained a fixed exchange rate with the British Pound. This reflected Australia's historical ties and the perceived stability of the British currency.

In the 1950s, discussions began on the potential advantages and disadvantages of adopting a decimal currency. In 1960, a committee recommended introducing the new system, and in 1961, the government confirmed its support. On 14 February 1966, the Australian pound was replaced by the Australian dollar, with a conversion rate of two dollars to the pound. This decimalisation simplified the currency system, and the new coins were introduced in denominations of 1 and 2 cents (bronze), 5, 10, and 20 cents (cupronickel), and 50 cents (silver, later cupronickel).

In 1967, Australia effectively left the sterling area when the pound sterling was devalued against the US dollar, but the Australian dollar retained its peg to the US dollar. This marked a shift in Australia's currency policy, reflecting the changing global economic landscape.

Over the years, the Australian dollar has continued to evolve, with commemorative designs featured on circulating coins and the introduction of aluminium bronze coins in the 1980s. The Royal Australian Mint, located in Canberra, has gained an international reputation for producing quality numismatic coins.

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Best money transfer providers

When transferring money from one currency to another, it's important to compare your options. The Australian dollar is fairly weak, so you'll want to get the best exchange rate possible.

Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass on to you by marking up the exchange rate. Services that offer free transfers also sometimes make up for it with a weak exchange rate or a high flat fee or percentage of the transfer amount. This is why it's important to look at the total cost of your transfer, including any hidden costs, and not just the transfer fee or exchange rate.

Companies like OFX and TorFX specialise in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective options. Other providers that offer quick and near-instant money transfers include Wise, WorldRemit and Western Union. Wise gives you the mid-market exchange rate, which can result in huge savings on your international money transfers.

To find the best provider for your needs, you can use a comparison website. These will evaluate your international money transfer needs and match you with the best pre-approved and regulated currency supplier.

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Value of smaller Thai coins

The Thai baht is the official currency of Thailand. One baht is divisible into 100 satang. The current exchange rate is 1 Australian dollar to 21.479816 Thai baht.

The 10-baht coin is a silver ring with a brass centre. It replaced a 10-baht bill in the early 1990s and is 26mm in diameter. The 5-baht coin is slightly smaller at 24mm. The 2-baht coin has two designs: the new coin is brass-coloured and features H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while the original coin, minted between 2005 and 2007, is still in use.

The value of smaller Thai coins is as follows:

  • The 1-baht coin is made of aluminium and is 15mm in diameter.
  • The 5-baht coin is similar in size to a US quarter.
  • The 2-baht coin is magnetic and silver in colour.
  • The 10-baht coin is made of copper and is worth less than one baht.

Frequently asked questions

The baht is the currency of Thailand, while the Australian dollar is the currency of Australia. The Australian dollar is currently the fifth-most-traded currency in world foreign exchange markets.

As of 28 April 2025, 1 Australian dollar was worth approximately 21.48 Thai baht.

Before the baht, the Thai currency was called the tical. This name was used on Thai banknotes until 1925.

Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs which they pass on to customers by marking up the exchange rate. It is recommended to compare rates and fees from different providers before exchanging large amounts of money.

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