Currency Upon Arrival

[carolynm]

Making my first ever trip to Thailand in a couple of days. Have not had chance to order any Baht. What currency should I take with me to exchange to Baht at Bangkok airport? Is Canadian OK or should I bring USD?

[phaethon]

Don't think you'll have difficulty with Canadian dollars, but you'll likely get a better rate at any bank or exchange in town than at the airport exchange booths.

However... from the moment you arrive in Thailand you will be knee-deep in ATMs. If you have to walk more than 20m to get to an ATM, turn around - you've accidentally wandered into Burma.

If you have a Visa/MasterCard/Plus or other international debit or credit card you can withdraw Thai baht from any ATM. Most charge 150 baht for the privilege plus whatever your bank/card company charges, but it's the most convenient thing to do to get enough cash for taxis into town/to your hotel. Maybe someone has intel on whether there's a fee-free ATM at Swampy (AEON?)

Cheers,

K.

[CharlieH]

Just after you clear immigration there is an exchange booth right in front of you, change some money there to see you through the next 24 hrs whilst getting your bearings etc then you can take your time and go to local banks or exchange booths whatever your comfortable with and gives the best rate on the day.

Dont forget if your not being met by anyone take a "metered" taxi and make sure he switches it ON.

Enjoy your time in Thailand.

[tartempion]

Please note I exchanged 100 euro at the unnameable Bangkok International airport two weeks ago and the rate was 1.3 baht to the euro more expensive than any branch in the country. Thus only change whatever you need to hit down town. Possibly withdrawing Thai Baht from ATM might cost you a lot in fees as well, to begin with the 150 baht Thai banks claim as local costs, check with your bank.

[Tropicalevo]

Just after you clear immigration there is an exchange booth right in front of you, change some money there to see you through the next 24 hrs whilst getting your bearings etc then you can take your time and go to local banks or exchange booths whatever your comfortable with and gives the best rate on the day.

Dont forget if your not being met by anyone take a "metered" taxi and make sure he switches it ON.

Enjoy your time in Thailand.

Good advice

[Finlaco]

google super rich -- they have several bureaus in Bangkok and u will get a better rate. Take USD$, bigger denominations and exchange. Yesterday i exchanged Euro at 40.90 v the banks 40.47. From my recollection the banks at the airport will offer even a lower rate.#

[knocka]

Concur with Finlaco Super Rich 1965 will give u the best rates anywhere in Thailand.

[citizen33]

Concur with Finlaco Super Rich 1965 will give u the best rates anywhere in Thailand.

Can confirm the above from recent first hand experience. Large denomination notes get a slightly better rate over and above the normal Super Rich advantage - for the UK this means £50 notes. ATMs aren't such a good deal now. A visa cash advance over the bank counter (probably for a larger amount than the ATM daily limit) had been working well but I think several banks (such as the UK Nationwide) are now charging for this.

Edited November 16, 2010 by citizen33