Best Currency Exchange

[marc11864]

I arrive in Thailand late in the evening and will be staying with a friend so not immediately pressed for cash.

I do not use any plastic at this time, only cash. How do achieve the best conversion for myself dollar for baht? Is it best to go to a Thai bank on Friday to exchange my currency? What are the usual banking hours? Is it best to exchange a large amount of currency ($50 - $100 or more) for the best rate?

Thanks

[lomatopo]

Location? Bangkok?

If so,

Vasu Sukhumvit Soi 7/1, corner of Sukhumvit Road across from Subway/Coffee World

Superrich Off Ratchadamri Road. I lost their card, but if you walk up Ratchadamri Road on the right side (opposite World Trade Center/Zen Central/Isetan, a giant shooping mall currently under refurbishment) from Rama I, go past Big C, and a small soi or 2, you should see a big sign for a seafood restaurant on the corner of the first major soi, take a right and Supperrich is 100 meters down on the left. (This is before you cross over the Khlong San Saeb waterway or get to Petchaburi Road.)

$100 bills generally yield the best rate. Ideally get bills date 1999 or later.

[The Coder]

Dunno if you are aware, but cash is typically the worst exchange rate. Under ideal circumstances, you tend to get the best exchange rate from ATM*, then travelers cheques**, then $100 bills, then smaller bills.

*some banks have a surcharge

**some banks have a surcharge to buy travelers cheques and now there is a new 150 baht fee to use them in Thailand

So it depends on the denomination and surcharges. I use a no fee ATM card and believe that's the optimal way to go not only for the best exchange rate, but also it's more convenient in every way.