Lois Larson
When travelling to Thailand, it is necessary to exchange money for local currency (Thai Baht), as other currencies are not accepted in the country. If you're flying into Bangkok, you can exchange money at the airport, but it's worth noting that the exchange rates offered by the banks operating in Suvarnabhumi Airport are much worse than you can find elsewhere. It is recommended that you exchange a small amount of money at the airport to cover immediate needs and then seek better rates in the city. The SuperRich and Happy Rich booths in the basement of the Suvarnabhumi currency exchange zone are said to offer competitive rates, and there are also SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok, with rates close to or identical to those at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange options at Bangkok Airport | Yes, there are currency exchange options at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). |
| Best exchange rates at the airport | The Super Rich and Happy Rich booths located in the basement near the Airport Rail Link offer competitive rates. The exchange rate at the booths is close to the mid-market exchange rate. |
| Other exchange options at the airport | Kasikorn Bank booth at the top of the ramp, currency exchange counters before immigration and after customs. |
| Exchange rates at the airport | Generally poor and worse than those found in the city. |
| Alternative options | Exchange a small amount at the airport and seek better rates in the city. Use ATMs, but be aware of fees and avoid currency conversion. |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange booths at Bangkok Airport
Currency exchange booths can be found at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The airport's currency exchange zone is located on the underground floor (B Level) of the airport terminal building, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station.
While it is possible to exchange money at the airport, sources suggest that exchanging all your money there may not be a good idea due to poor rates. It is recommended to exchange only a small amount of money at the airport to cover immediate needs and then seek better rates in the city.
There are currently only three money changers operating in the Suvarnabhumi Airport area: Happy Rich, SuperRich, and Kasikornthai. The exchange rates offered by these booths are competitive and may sometimes be better than those found downtown. However, it is still recommended to shop around and check multiple booths for the best rates before exchanging currency.
The SuperRich booths in central Bangkok offer rates that are close to or identical to those at the airport. Some sources claim that SuperRich offers the best exchange rates in all of Thailand. However, SuperRich's Suvarnabhumi Airport branch is currently closed, so you may need to visit one of their other locations.
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Getting a better exchange rate in Bangkok city centre
While it is possible to exchange currency at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, you may find better exchange rates in the city centre.
Exchanging money at the airport is convenient, but the rates offered by the banks operating there are often worse than those found elsewhere. Currency exchange shops in Bangkok city centre offer better rates, and it is recommended to shop around for the best deal.
One of the most famous money exchange companies in Bangkok is Superrich, which has several branches across the city, including kiosks in selected BTS Skytrain stations and small shops in Pratunam and Chitlom. The company's head office is located at Soi Ratchadamri 2 and is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Superrich's exchange rates are close to, or identical to, those at the airport.
Another reputable currency exchange company in Bangkok is Siam Exchange, which has a longstanding presence in Thailand and offers competitive rates. One of its branch offices can be found near National Stadium BTS Station and is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays and public holidays from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
Other recommended money changers in Bangkok include Vasu Exchange in the Nana area of Sukhumvit, which offers very competitive rates, and X ONE on Surawong Road in the district of Bang Rak, which also offers good rates.
It is worth noting that many big department stores in Bangkok accept major foreign currencies such as US dollars and Japanese yen, but the exchange rates are typically poor. It is also possible to pay by credit card in some places, such as shopping malls and high-end restaurants, but cash is generally preferred in Bangkok, especially for small purchases, taxi fares, and market visits.
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Exchanging a small amount of money at the airport
When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can exchange money at the bank booths in the Customs Hall. However, the exchange rates offered by the banks operating in the airport are much worse than those you can find elsewhere. If you need Thai Baht to pay your Visa on Arrival fee, you can exchange a small amount of money at the airport, but it is not recommended to exchange all your money there.
You can find better exchange rates at booths in the basement of the airport, such as SuperRich and Happy Rich, which are located near the Airport Rail Link. These booths offer competitive rates that are often better than those found downtown. However, it is always a good idea to shop around and check multiple booths for the best rates before exchanging your currency.
If you are arriving at the airport late at night, you may find limited options for currency exchange as many competitive booths close at 11:30 pm. In this case, you can use an ATM as a viable alternative, but be sure to notify your bank about using your card abroad and avoid accepting currency conversion offers at ATMs to get better rates.
Overall, it is generally recommended to exchange a small amount of money at the airport to cover your immediate needs and then seek better rates in the city or at your resort the next day.
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Using an ATM at the airport
If you're travelling to Bangkok, you'll need to exchange money for local currency (Thai baht), as other currencies are not accepted in the country. While you can exchange money at the airport, the exchange rates offered by the banks operating in Suvarnabhumi are much worse than you can find elsewhere.
ATMs are a convenient option for withdrawing cash when you arrive at the airport. They are extremely common in most major cities and towns in Thailand, including Bangkok, and can be found at bank branches, on street corners, at major stores (e.g. 7-Eleven), in shopping malls, and at the airport.
- Check if your bank has a partnership with any banks in Thailand. Withdrawing cash at partner ATMs may be free or have lower fees.
- If your bank doesn't have any partnerships, consider getting an ATM card that waives all fees, so you don't have to carry a lot of cash. Some options include Charles Schwab and First Republic bank.
- When using an ATM, decline the option to have the currency converted into your local currency (e.g. GBP). Choose to withdraw in Thai baht (THB) instead, as your card provider will give you a better exchange rate.
- Be aware of ATM fees. In Bangkok Airport, fees are likely to be around 220 THB per transaction, but check before confirming the transaction as the fee will be shown on the screen.
- Most banks in Thailand have a maximum withdrawal limit of between 20,000 and 30,000 THB (approximately £428 to £642 GBP) per transaction.
- If you need a large amount of cash, the Krungsri ATM at the airport allows you to withdraw up to 30,000 THB.
- If you only need a small amount of cash, the Kasikorn ATM at the airport allows you to withdraw up to 20,000 THB.
- It's a good idea to bring newer, crisp US hundred-dollar bills with no tears, writing, or dirt on them. Larger denominations tend to get a better exchange rate, and they're also less bulky to carry.
By following these tips, you can make the most of using an ATM at the airport in Bangkok and start your trip off on the right foot!
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Paying the Visa on Arrival fee
When flying to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, you should be aware that the Thai Baht is the only accepted currency in Thailand. If you need to pay the Visa on Arrival fee, you can only do so in cash at the bank booths in the Customs Hall. However, the exchange rates offered by these banks are not favourable.
If you are uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash, consider getting a Wise Card, which offers a better exchange rate than the banks at the airport. Alternatively, you can use a multi-currency credit or debit card to pay the visa fee online before your arrival, although this will incur bank exchange fees.
If you do choose to exchange your money at the airport, you can find the currency exchange zone on the underground floor (B Level) of the Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal building, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. There are currently only three money changers operating in this area, including Happy Rich and Kasikornthai, a Thai bank. It is always a good idea to shop around for the best exchange rate, as they are dynamic and can change at any minute.
If you are an Indian citizen, you can get your Thailand Visa at the Visa on-arrival counters at the airport. There are separate lines for group tourists and individual travellers, as well as fast-track services for 2,500 THB per person.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several currency exchange booths at Bangkok Airport (BKK), including SuperRich, Happy Rich, and Kasikornthai.
Exchange rates at the airport are typically worse than those found in the city. It is recommended to exchange only a small amount of money at the airport and then seek better rates in Bangkok the next day.
The SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok offer competitive rates that are close to or identical to those at the airport. Other good options include Happy Rich and Kasikornthai.
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