Money changers in Pattaya

[Briggsy]

6 years ago (a lifetime in ever-changing Pattaya) I used to use the money changer on Soi Buakhao near the bends as you come from Central Road opposite Witherspoons. It was an independent and very reliable. Conveniently just round the back there was a branch of Siam Commercial. From Google Maps, it looks like both have gone.

 

Can anybody suggest a money changer in Pattaya, preferably but not necessarily close to a Siam Commercial. Reliability is the key.

 

Independents used to offer slightly better rates than the bank booths.

[Pattaya57]

There's a TT currency exchange every 100 metres or so in Pattaya. They give the best rate and they are literally everywhere.

Edited October 9 by Pattaya57

[Briggsy]

I just had a look at their website. It looks like there is a branch in Big C Central Pattaya which would suit me perfectly.

 

Do they all offer the same rates or am I better going to the Head Office in Na Kleua?

[champers]

Beware of exchange booths in yellow and black which look very like TT ones but aren't. Their rates are higher.

[Briggsy]

Just now, champers said:

Beware of exchange booths in yellow and black which look very like TT ones but aren't. Their rates are higher.

How do these copies badge themselves up?

[champers]

Just now, Briggsy said:

How do these copies badge themselves up?

They don't carry the TT logo.

[Pattaya57]

18 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

I just had a look at their website. It looks like there is a branch in Big C Central Pattaya which would suit me perfectly.

 

Do they all offer the same rates or am I better going to the Head Office in Na Kleua?

I don't think there's one in Central but there is one on corner of soi 8 and 2nd road, so about 20 meters from central.

 

They normally all have same rate as they publish it on Facebook every morning around 10-11 am (but do update during the day if big changes)

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/SdejgSyaCzdXyfkx/

 

Edited October 9 by Pattaya57

[BigStar]

45 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

They normally all have same rate as they publish it on Facebook every morning around 10-11 am (but do update during the day if big changes)

 

 

No, the rates can vary slightly according to branch. They can be checked on the TT site:

 

https://ttexchange.com/

 

 

[Pattaya57]

34 minutes ago, BigStar said:

 

No, the rates can vary slightly according to branch. 

Yeah but it only differs by a very small amount that a Tourist shouldn't really care about.

 

I walk beach road, 2nd road and bukhao most days and for some reason the TT near the Avenue is always highest. But we're talking only 5 baht on A$100, like 22.20 vs 22.15 (so about 20 cents difference on A$100)

 

Edited October 9 by Pattaya57

[GypsyT]

Also, the biggest Euro and USD bills give better rate.

[BigStar]

3 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

Yeah but it only differs by a very small amount that a Tourist shouldn't really care about.

 

Yeah, but let's give the tourist or whomever (not only tourists read the forum) precise information by which to decide for himself whether to care or not. 

 

Edited October 9 by BigStar

[jacko45k]

8 hours ago, champers said:

Beware of exchange booths in yellow and black which look very like TT ones but aren't. Their rates are higher.

Yes, the copy-cat ones that do not offer as good a rate. Beyond that TT is the way to go. 

[KhunBENQ]

TT has now even a booth at the basement of Central on the beach. Open from 10:30 or 11 AM.

Sounds like you want to pay the Baht to an SCB account. And of course SCB has a micro branch at Central.

Passport required to pay cash to account (or ATM card at the machine).

Edited October 9 by KhunBENQ

[KhunBENQ]

Just played with their exchange rate site.

And I am astonished that booths in Soi 13 and 14 offer 2 Satang (0.02) more than others for USD.

Maybe due to the competitor in Soi13/2 "Damini".

Damini usually offers a up to 5 satang more than TT.

Only worth an extra walk/ride for real big amounts.

[Pattaya57]

22 hours ago, Briggsy said:

How do these copies badge themselves up?

Here is a copy, all yellow and black but TR instead of TT logo

[barmatt]

ME exchange outside The Avenue 2nd rd has rates better than TT.

[KhunBENQ]

9 hours ago, barmatt said:

ME exchange outside The Avenue 2nd rd has rates better than TT.

Checked once for EUR and USD and found no difference.

[RayWright]

The TT office on 2nd Road across from Mike Hotel is good. If you have a decent wad, speak to the Manager at the back of the shop, he'll give you "Special Price".

[thailand49]

On 10/9/2024 at 9:13 PM, Briggsy said:

I just had a look at their website. It looks like there is a branch in Big C Central Pattaya which would suit me perfectly.

 

Do they all offer the same rates or am I better going to the Head Office in Na Kleua?

The Big C booth is a bit lower than the rest. Not much in general .15 same with the one at T21

[Pattaya57]

21 hours ago, barmatt said:

ME exchange outside The Avenue 2nd rd has rates better than TT.

 

11 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Checked once for EUR and USD and found no difference.

 

I was a bit skeptical of this but just checked now

 

USD - same 33.12

GBP - same 43.25

EUR - TT 36.19 / ME 36.20

AUD - TT 22.15 / ME 22.20

 

They're only 10 metres apart so worth checking both if worried about a few satang. I'll just go to the closest TT and be happy knowing it's one of the best rates.

[jaideedave]

5 hours ago, RayWright said:

The TT office on 2nd Road across from Mike Hotel is good. If you have a decent wad, speak to the Manager at the back of the shop, he'll give you "Special Price".

RW,Sound advice. I've spoken to the manager fellow a couple times over the years.I bought 10 k Euros from him and he gave me a "special rate" better than advertised. He will deal.When I used to go to Cambo a lot I always bought my USD from them. Nice clean bills.

[barmatt]

13 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Checked once for EUR and USD and found no difference.

Best for Aus$

[bbi1]

On 10/10/2024 at 5:33 AM, GypsyT said:

Also, the biggest Euro and USD bills give better rate.

Always wondered why they give a better rate for large bills of USD and Euro? And why not other major currencies like Australian Dollar, British Pound, Japanese Yen, etc.

[GypsyT]

2 hours ago, bbi1 said:

Always wondered why they give a better rate for large bills of USD and Euro? And why not other major currencies like Australian Dollar, British Pound, Japanese Yen, etc.

Big bills are lighter 😉 to carry in suitcase....  In and out.

 

USD is The King wordwide. A few years ago I got better rate for $ than Euro in Dalat, Vietnam!

Nobody wanted Euros despite it was stronger than USD. Last year they accepted and Euro rate was stronger, as in Thailand.

 

[Espanol]

El 9/10/2024 a las 14:16, Briggsy dijo:

 

Can anybody suggest a money changer in Pattaya, preferably but not necessarily close to a Siam Commercial. Reliability is the key.

 

Independents used to offer slightly better rates than the bank booths.

 

 

Damini Money Exchange has best rates in Pattaya. About 5 satang more per euro than T.T.

 

http://www.daminiexchange.com/

 

 

O3B Money Exchange has also better rates than TT.

2 Offices:

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhD77udyNDnfZTUKA

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RBK1cnp81T7bYhbp7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 13 by Espanol

[Briggsy]

On 10/11/2024 at 12:09 PM, RayWright said:

The TT office on 2nd Road across from Mike Hotel is good. If you have a decent wad, speak to the Manager at the back of the shop, he'll give you "Special Price".

They do indeed move the rate for a considerable sum. Excellent advice.