Owais Crawford
Bangkok Airport has several currency exchange booths, making it easy and convenient to change money. However, the exchange rates at the airport are typically worse than those offered in downtown Bangkok or at non-airport bank branches. If you need to exchange money at the airport, it is recommended to only change a small amount to cover immediate expenses such as transportation, food, and accommodation. To get the best exchange rates, it is advisable to shop around and compare rates at different locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of changing money at Bangkok Airport | Easy and convenient |
| Exchange booths at Bangkok Airport | Operated by TMB (Thai Military Bank) and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank) |
| Exchange rates at TMB and SCB booths | Not as good as at their branches elsewhere in Bangkok |
| Best exchange rate at Bangkok Airport | Kasikorn Bank booth in the basement |
| Hours of operation for TMB and SCB booths | 24 hours |
| Hours of operation for Kasikorn Bank booth | 07:00 to 23:00 |
| Notes on currency | Make sure notes are in good condition, as ripped or dog-eared notes may be refused |
| Money-changing services at hotels and guesthouses | Usually poor rates compared to official bank rates |
| Dynamic nature of exchange rates | Vary daily and between banks |
| Exchange rates at Bangkok Airport booths | Worse than in other places |
| Alternative to exchanging large amounts of cash | Consider a Wise Card or similar option for better exchange rates |
| Best exchange rates in Thailand | Typically offered by SuperRich, with booths in Bangkok Airport and the city centre |
| Dynamic nature of exchange rates in Thailand | Can change at any minute |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange booths at Bangkok Airport
Bangkok Airport (BKK) has several currency exchange booths offering fair exchange rates, which are usually much better than those in your home country. However, it is worth noting that the rates at the airport are not as good as those offered by the respective non-airport branches of the same banks in downtown Bangkok. Therefore, if you are exchanging a large amount of money, it is recommended that you wait until you get into downtown Bangkok where you can compare rates at different bank branches.
If you need to exchange money at Bangkok Airport, head to the basement level (B Floor) next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station, where you will find the Exchange Zone with several currency exchange counters. The exchange rates might vary between the booths, so it is recommended that you shop around to find the best rate. All the money changers in the Exchange Zone do not charge any commissions or fees, and you will usually get slightly better rates for larger notes in Thailand.
Previously, SuperRich Thailand Suvarnabhumi Airport branch was known for offering the best exchange rates in Thailand, but it is no longer providing currency exchange services at the airport. However, there are still SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok, and the rates offered there are close to or identical to those previously offered at the airport.
If you are looking for the best exchange rate at the airport, head to the Kasikorn Bank booth, located in the basement level opposite the food court by the entrance to the airport train link. Unlike the TMB and SCB exchange booths, which are open 24 hours a day, the Kasikorn counter is open from 07:00 to 23:00.
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Thai Baht (THB)
The Thai Baht was originally based on a unit of mass—specifically, 15 grams. The value of 1 baht was equal to 15 grams of silver, and all baht coins were composed of solid silver. The baht remained linked to silver until the end of the 19th century, when Thailand switched to a decimal-based system, dividing the baht into 100 satangs.
In 1860, modern-style coins were introduced in denominations of 1 sik, 1 fueang, 1 and 2 salueng, and 1, 2, and 4 baht. The baht weighed 15.244 grams, while the other coins' weights were relative to this. In 1862, tin 1 solot and 1 at coins were introduced, followed by gold 2.5, 4, and 8 baht coins in 1863, and copper 2 and 4 at coins in 1865. Over time, the composition of these coins changed, with copper replacing tin in 1874 and the introduction of copper 4 at coins in 1876.
Today, Thai Baht coins are minted in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 satangs, as well as ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, and ฿10 coins. Banknotes are available in denominations of ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, and ฿1,000. The current series of banknotes features a portrait of the country's King, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, on the obverse side, while the reverse sides carry images of preceding rulers.
If you are travelling to Thailand and need to exchange money, it is possible to do so at Bangkok Airport, where there are numerous exchange booths operated by TMB (Thai Military Bank) and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank). However, the exchange rates at the airport are typically not as favourable as those offered by bank branches located elsewhere in Bangkok. If you need a small amount of cash for immediate expenses such as taxis, food, or accommodation, exchanging money at the airport can be convenient. However, if you are changing a large amount of money, you will get a better rate by waiting until you reach downtown Bangkok and comparing rates at different bank branches.
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Money-changing services at hotels and guesthouses
While exchanging small amounts of money at these establishments may be acceptable, exchanging larger amounts can result in significant financial losses. It is recommended to compare rates and exchange larger sums at banks or authorised money changers in downtown Bangkok to obtain better rates.
If you are staying in a hotel or guesthouse, it is advisable to inquire about their money-changing services and rates upon checking in. Some hotels may offer competitive rates or have partnerships with local money changers, providing better value for their guests. It is always beneficial to research and understand the prevailing exchange rates to make informed decisions.
Additionally, some hotels and guesthouses may have relationships with specific money changers and may be able to provide recommendations or direct you to reputable establishments. It is essential to use authorised money changers to ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of the transactions.
When exchanging money at hotels and guesthouses, ensure that you understand the applicable rates, fees, and policies. Ask about any additional charges or commissions, as these can impact the overall value you receive. It is also advisable to confirm that the money changer accepts the currency you intend to exchange and that your banknotes are in good condition, as some establishments may refuse torn or damaged currency.
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Using a card at an ATM or over-the-counter
Using a card at an ATM or over the counter in Bangkok Airport is a convenient way to get local currency. There are numerous ATMs available in the arrivals area of the airport. However, it is important to note that ATM fees in Bangkok Airport are typically high, at around 220 THB per transaction. To avoid multiple transactions and excessive fees, it is recommended to withdraw larger sums of money, such as 10,000 THB, which should be enough to cover a few days of expenses.
When using your card at an ATM in Bangkok Airport, it is advisable to choose to withdraw in the local currency (THB) rather than converting it into your home currency, as this will usually result in a poor exchange rate. Your card provider will handle the conversion for you and offer a more favourable rate. It is also worth noting that Thai ATMs generally accept a 4-digit PIN, similar to those in the UK, and most banks have a maximum withdrawal limit of 20,000 to 30,000 THB per transaction.
Before your trip, it is recommended to check with your home bank or card provider about any potential charges for overseas withdrawals. Some banks may offer cards with no foreign transaction fees, and it may be worth considering switching to one of these to avoid unnecessary costs. Additionally, if you plan to use a credit card for ATM withdrawals, be aware that this is typically more expensive than using a debit card due to the fees charged by credit card companies for cash transactions.
Using your card over the counter at a currency exchange booth in Bangkok Airport is another option. However, it is important to note that the exchange rates offered by these booths, particularly those operated by TMB (Thai Military Bank) and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank), may not be as favourable as those offered by their branches elsewhere in Bangkok. If you require a small amount of cash immediately upon arrival, changing money at the airport can be convenient, but for larger sums, it is advisable to wait until you can compare rates at different branches in the city.
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SuperRich exchange booths
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has several currency exchange booths, but the best exchange rate is offered by SuperRich. SuperRich does not charge any commissions or fees, and its rates are much better than those at the bank. There are two SuperRich companies in Bangkok: SuperRich Thailand (the green one) and SuperRich 1965 (the orange one). The green SuperRich booth at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has been permanently closed, and only the orange SuperRich booth is currently operating at the airport.
The SuperRich currency exchange booth can be found on the underground floor (B Floor) of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. From the arrival hall on the second floor, take the escalator or lift down two floors to B Level. Follow the signs for “Train to City” and “ATM/Currency Exchange”. There are other currency exchange booths on B Level, but their exchange rates are not as good as SuperRich's.
SuperRich's operating hours are from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The exchange rates at SuperRich may vary from those at other currency exchange booths at the airport, so it is recommended to shop around for the best deal. There are luggage service providers located next to SuperRich, so you can conveniently drop off your bags while exchanging currency.
Compared to exchanging money at your departure airport or using your card at a local ATM in Bangkok, exchanging currency at SuperRich is a more cost-effective option. Local ATMs charge an extra 220 THB for every foreign card withdrawal in addition to your bank's charges. Changing money at your departure airport may also result in unfavourable exchange rates due to the captive market.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are numerous exchange booths at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) that allow you to exchange money.
The exchange booths near the Airport Rail Link station offer the best exchange rates. The booths are operated by SuperRich and Kasikornthai, and offer better rates than the booths in the Customs Hall or the TMB and SCB booths in the airport.
You can exchange your money for Thai Baht in your home country before you arrive in Thailand. However, you will need to shop around for the best exchange rate, and it may be more convenient to simply exchange a small amount of money at the airport to cover immediate expenses.
You can get a Wise Card, which lets you spend abroad with the real exchange rate and works well in Thailand. Alternatively, you can use your card at an ATM or over the counter, but your home bank will normally charge a fee for this.
No, you do not need to change money into Thai Baht before you arrive in Thailand. However, some visitors feel more comfortable having some local currency already in their wallet when they first arrive.
