Best rate for Thai Baht, airport

[Largechris]

Just popping to Thailand, apparently best place to get currency is at the other end, Bangkok airport? Any suggestions for best booth I think there's a few choices? Cheers

[Crudeoink]

I've used Sterling FX for currency a few times. Pretty good rates but only really useful if you've got a few days before you leave

[FunkyGibbon]

This article may help:

https://fanclubthailand.co.uk/where-is-the-best-pl...

[Mark V GTD]

Just draw out of any ATM when you are there - the rates are around 42baht/pound which goes down to about 40 in reality after you deduct the 200 baht ATM fee. Try to stick to largest it will allow - likely 6k baht. Rate works out pretty competitive IMHO and is extremely convenient.

Edited by Mark V GTD on Thursday 27th October 19:40

[Eatpies99]

SuperRich in Bangkok normally give the best rates.

[Largechris]

Excellent thanks

[smifffymoto]

We just use cash machines drawing from our Revolut account.

[shtu]

If you want to exchange actual cash, go downstairs to the Airport Rail LInk station in the basement, and down the ramp into the station proper.

There are multiple counters down there which, as they're on train company property and not in the airport, offer better rates. All the exchange desks on airport property offer the same (poor) exchange rate. Almost like there's some sort of cartel in operation.

Odds are that the counter offering the best rate is the one with a queue of Thais waiting.

[peter tdci]

smifffymoto said:

We just use cash machines drawing from our Revolut account.

Agreed, don't do it at an airport!

I use my Halifax Clarity card - it works the same as the Revolut above, I guess. No transaction charges and the exchange rate is the bank to bank rate (like XE.com)

[Nobby Diesel]

Don't exchange in the airport.
If using cash, make sure the notes are clean, in good condition and undamaged. You'll get nearly 10% more, at booths on the street, compared to the airport.

[Griffith4ever]

peter tdci said:

smifffymoto said:

We just use cash machines drawing from our Revolut account.

Agreed, don't do it at an airport!

I use my Halifax Clarity card - it works the same as the Revolut above, I guess. No transaction charges and the exchange rate is the bank to bank rate (like XE.com)

Same same ;-)

I also have a Wize card I preloaded with £1k during the pandemic at around 47baht :-) going over in Dec.

[smifffymoto]

The beauty of Revolut is you can hold various currencies in your account and buy at the inter bank rate the second you confirm your transaction(except weekends).

[Somebody]

Eatpies99 said:

SuperRich in Bangkok normally give the best rates.

+1. SuperRich branches offer the best rate, and no commission charges. Remember to take your passport.

Using ATM is only worth it when drawing out large amounts, due to the 220 baht fee charged on each withdrawal. Also beware of the daily withdraw limit of your card. I used my Chase card to withdraw 20,000 baht which converts to £490ish i.e. below the £500 daily limit.

[Mark V GTD]

Somebody said:

Using ATM is only worth it when drawing out large amounts, due to the 220 baht fee charged on each withdrawal. Also beware of the daily withdraw limit of your card. I used my Chase card to withdraw 20,000 baht which converts to £490ish i.e. below the £500 daily limit.

This is true - although when I was there a few weeks ago I was getting a rate of 42 baht from the ATM (ie: better than you can get here with Travelex etc) which meant that the end 'rate' was still pretty good after the 200 baht fee, provided you go for a higher withdrawal amount. My bank only allows £150/6,000 baht but its still OK - but I will see if its possible to increase it next time.

[Blown2CV]

i was drawing baht from ATMs when i first went there 20 years ago.