Confused about money exchange/ currency exchange in Thailand? Want to know how and where to exchange your money for Thai Baht (THB). From savvy tips to avoid bad rates at airports, to finding the best money changers in Bangkok, this guide covers everything you need to know — including crypto exchange options, financial regulations, and whether to exchange before or after arriving in Thailand.
🛬 Should You Exchange Money Before Coming to Thailand?
Short answer: Only a small amount.
- It’s best to exchange just enough cash (USD 50–100) at home or at your departure airport for initial expenses like transportation or snacks.
- Exchange rates abroad are usually worse than what you’ll get in Thailand — especially at banks and airports.
- Most major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, KRW, and SGD are easily exchangeable in Thailand at competitive rates.
Why It’s Better to Exchange Money After Arriving in Thailand
Thailand has one of the most competitive and efficient currency exchange markets in Asia. Exchange booths are easy to find, especially in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.
✅ Advantages:
- Higher exchange rates than your home country
- Low or no commission fees
- Widely available in tourist and shopping areas
- Accepts clean, undamaged foreign bills (preferably new series)
🏦 Best Places to Exchange Money in Thailand (Top-Rated Providers)
1. SuperRich Thailand
- The most trusted and popular money changer
- Multiple branches: Ratchaprasong, Silom, Asok, MBK, and major malls
- Website: superrichthailand.com
2. SuperRich 1965 (Green)
- Not the same company, but also offers great rates
- Competitive with SuperRich Orange
- Known for fast service and multiple counters
- Main branch: Ratchadamri Road (near BTS Chit Lom)
3. VASU Exchange
- Located near BTS Nana
- Small but highly rated by expats and travelers
- Offers good rates on a wide range of currencies
4. SIA Money Exchange
- Excellent service, often used by long-term expats
- Locations in Asoke and Sukhumvit
🏧 Airport Exchange Tips:
- Avoid exchanging large amounts at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports — their rates are 10–15% lower.
- If needed, look for SuperRich or Siam Exchange kiosks on the basement level near the Airport Rail Link station for slightly better rates.
💳 ATM Withdrawals vs Money Exchange
Pros of ATM:
- Easy access across Thailand
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and more
- Great backup if you run out of cash
Cons:
- 200–250 THB withdrawal fee per transaction
- May involve double conversion fees by your bank
- Currency conversion rate may not be as favorable
Tip: Use fee-free cards like Revolut, Wise, or Charles Schwab to save on fees.
₿ Can You Exchange Money against Cryptocurrency in Thailand?
Yes — but it’s limited and regulated.
Crypto Exchange Options:
- Bitkub – Thailand’s largest local crypto platform (THB/crypto pairs)
- Zipmex – Regulated exchange with wallet features
- Binance P2P – Works well with Thai bank transfers
Process to Exchange
- Transfer crypto to a Thai exchange wallet
- Convert to THB
- Withdraw via Thai bank account
📜 Thai Financial Regulations for Currency/ Money Exchange
- You must present your passport for any transaction over 50,000 THB
- Always check the displayed rate before exchanging
- Thai Baht is not freely convertible in many countries — avoid bringing excess THB abroad
- You can legally bring in up to USD 20,000 (or equivalent) without declaration. Over that requires customs clearance
💡 Smart Tips for Exchanging Money in Thailand
- Bring clean, crisp bills – torn or old notes may be rejected
- Use mobile apps like XE or Wise to track real-time rates
- Exchange a larger amount at once to get better rates
- Avoid hotel and shopping mall exchanges unless it’s an emergency
- When using ATMs, always decline conversion (select “Continue without conversion”) to get the better rate
🏙️ Best Currency Exchange Locations by Area (Bangkok Focus)
Location | Nearby BTS/MRT | Recommended Exchange Booth |
---|---|---|
Ratchadamri / Chit Lom | BTS Chit Lom | SuperRich Thailand (Orange) |
Sukhumvit (Asok) | BTS Asok / MRT Sukhumvit | SuperRich / Vasu / SIA Exchange |
Pratunam | BTS Ratchathewi | SuperRich 1965 (Green) |
Silom | BTS Sala Daeng / MRT Silom | SuperRich, Kasikorn, SCB |
MBK / Siam Area | BTS National Stadium | SuperRich inside MBK Center |