Bangkok Airport: Where And How To Exchange Money

can i exchange money in bangkok airport

If you're travelling to Thailand, you'll need to exchange your money for local currency, as Thai Baht is the only currency accepted in the country. If you're flying into Bangkok, you can exchange money at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). However, it's worth noting that the exchange rates at the airport are not always favourable, and you may get a better rate in the city itself. There are several money changers operating in the Suvarnabhumi Airport area, including SuperRich Thailand, Happy Rich, and a branch of the Thai bank Kasikornthai. It's recommended to check multiple booths for the best rates before exchanging your currency.

Characteristics Values
Currency accepted Euros, US dollars, UK pounds, and other currencies
Best exchange rates Super Rich and Happy Rich booths in the basement near the Airport Rail Link
Worst exchange rates Bank booths in the Customs Hall, booths at the top of the ramp
Other options Withdrawing cash with a Wise Card, exchanging money in Bangkok city center
Required documents Passport (foreigners), passport or Thai ID card (Thai nationals)

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Where to find the best exchange rates at Bangkok Airport

Bangkok Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), offers several options for exchanging money. However, it is worth noting that exchanging all your money at the airport may not be ideal, as the exchange rates offered there are typically worse than those found elsewhere.

If you need to exchange money at the airport, it is recommended to go to the underground floor (B Floor) next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. There are several currency exchange counters in this area, offering fair rates with no commissions or fees. The exchange rates may vary slightly between the booths, so it is worth comparing before committing to a transaction.

Previously, SuperRich Thailand Suvarnabhumi Airport branch was known for offering some of 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, offering rates close to or identical to those previously offered at the airport.

Happy Rich at Suvarnabhumi Airport also offers competitive exchange rates, and you can check their current rates on their website. However, the website is in Thai only, and the exchange rate may vary between different branches.

Additionally, a branch of a Thai bank called Kasikornthai, located near the Airport Rail Link station, offers exchange rates similar to those of Super Rich and Happy Rich.

It is always a good idea to shop around and compare exchange rates, as they can change frequently. Exchanging money in the city centre or obtaining a Wise Card for better exchange rates on payments and withdrawals are also options to consider.

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Exchanging money before arriving at Bangkok Airport

When flying to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is a good idea to exchange some money before you arrive. This is because, in Thailand, only the local currency (Thai baht) is accepted, and you will need some cash on hand to pay your Visa on Arrival fee.

Exchanging money at the airport is possible, but it is not recommended due to poor exchange rates. Sources suggest that the booths in the basement of the airport offer better rates than those upstairs, but they are still worse than what you can find elsewhere. For example, the SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok offer rates that are close to or identical to those at the airport, and the Happy Rich company at Suvarnabhumi Airport offers competitive rates.

If you are unable to exchange money before your arrival, it is recommended to change only a small amount of money at the airport to pay for immediate expenses. You can then seek out better exchange rates in the city.

To find the best exchange rate in Bangkok, it is advised to shop around and check multiple booths before exchanging your currency. Additionally, consider using a Wise Card for your payments and withdrawals, as it offers an even better THB exchange rate.

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How much money to exchange at Bangkok Airport

It is possible to exchange money at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, sources suggest that exchanging all your money at the airport is not a good idea, as the exchange rates offered by the banks operating there are worse than those found elsewhere. For example, currency exchange shops in Bangkok city centre offer better rates.

If you do choose to exchange money at Bangkok Airport, it is recommended that you go to the underground floor (B Floor) next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station and exchange your money there. There are several currency exchange counters in this Suvarnabhumi Airport Exchange Zone, and they offer fair rates that are better than the rates at bank branches elsewhere in the airport. The exchange rates might vary between the booths, so it is worth shopping around. All the money changers in this area do not charge any commissions or fees, and you will usually get slightly better rates for larger notes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several money exchange offices at Bangkok Airport were closed, and currently, only three money changers operate in this area. These include Happy Rich and Kasikornthai, a Thai bank. Previously, SuperRich Thailand also had a branch at the airport, but it is now closed. You can still find SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok, and the rates offered there are close to or identical to the ones at the airport.

If you are not comfortable with carrying a large amount of cash to exchange in Thailand but still want to get a better exchange rate on your payments and withdrawals than your bank card is offering, consider getting a Wise Card. This lets you spend abroad with the real exchange rate and works well in Thailand.

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The process of exchanging money at Bangkok Airport

Bangkok Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), offers several money exchange services. While it is possible to exchange money at the airport, it is generally recommended to wait and exchange money in downtown Bangkok, where better rates can be found. However, if you need a small amount of Thai Baht immediately upon arrival, exchanging money at the airport can be a convenient option. Here is a guide on how to exchange money at Bangkok Airport:

  • Know the Location: The currency exchange booths at Bangkok Airport are located on the underground floor (B Floor) of the Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal building, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. This area is known as the Suvarnabhumi Currency Exchange Zone.
  • Compare Rates: There are multiple currency exchange counters in the Suvarnabhumi Currency Exchange Zone, and it is recommended to compare rates between the booths before exchanging your money. Exchange rates can vary between different booths, and you may find slightly better rates at booths in the basement level of the airport.
  • Choose a Money Changer: Several money changers operate in the Suvarnabhumi Currency Exchange Zone, including Happyrich, Super Rich, and Kasikorn. These independent money changers often provide better rates than the banks, but they may have more limited locations. Super Rich, for example, only accepts cash and does not accept traveller's cheques.
  • Provide Identification: To exchange money at Bangkok Airport, foreigners must bring their passports. Thai nationals must provide either their passport or Thai ID card.
  • Exchange Your Currency: Proceed to the chosen currency exchange booth and present your currency, along with your identification. The exchange rate offered at the booth will be the rate you receive for your transaction.
  • Consider Alternative Options: If you are not comfortable carrying large amounts of cash, you may want to consider alternative options for accessing local currency. One option is to obtain a Wise Card, which allows you to spend abroad with better exchange rates than a regular bank card. Using an ATM card or making over-the-counter transactions with your bank card may also result in preferential international market rates.

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Alternatives to exchanging money at Bangkok Airport

While it is possible to exchange money at Bangkok Airport, there are several other options available to you.

Firstly, you could exchange your money before you leave for Thailand. This option may be more convenient, but you will need to shop around for the best exchange rate in your home country. Exchange bureaus at departure airports tend to offer poor rates as they have a captive market.

Secondly, you could wait until you arrive in Bangkok and exchange your money at a bank branch in the city. The TMB (Thai Military Bank) and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank) booths at the airport offer less favourable rates than their branches in downtown Bangkok. Kasikorn Bank and Bangkok Bank also tend to offer competitive rates. There are also independent money changers in Bangkok, such as Super Rich, which usually provide better rates than the banks, but they are harder to find.

If you are not comfortable carrying a large amount of cash, you could consider getting a Wise Card, which offers an even better THB exchange rate than you would get at the airport.

Finally, if you are paying by card, you may get a preferential rate if your home bank processes the transaction at the international market rate. However, you will need to consider any fees charged by your bank, as well as any incurred when using your card in Thailand.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are several money changers at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

The currency exchange zone is located on the underground floor (B Level) of the airport terminal building, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station.

Exchange rates at the airport are typically less favourable than those found in the city. However, some travellers have reported that the Super Rich and Happy Rich booths in the basement of the airport offer competitive rates. It is recommended to check multiple booths for the best rates before exchanging currency.

It is recommended to bring your own country's currency to exchange. Euros and US Dollars are commonly exchanged at Bangkok Airport, but other currencies may have worse rates.

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