Jazmin Li
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has several currency exchange booths, most of which are open 24/7. However, the exchange rates at the airport are usually not as good as those offered by banks and independent money changers in downtown Bangkok. If you need to exchange money at the airport, it is recommended to only change a small amount to cover immediate expenses such as taxis, food, or accommodation. The best exchange rates at the airport can be found in the money exchange area behind the exchange counters, which is open from 5:00 am to midnight. Independent money changers like Super Rich and Happy Rich typically offer better rates than banks, but they may not be as conveniently located.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease and convenience of changing money | High |
| Number of exchange booths | Plenty |
| Operators of exchange booths | TMB (Thai Military Bank), SCB (Siam Commercial Bank), Kasikorn Bank, Super Rich, Happy Rich, Vasu Exchange |
| Recommended amount of money to change at the airport | Small amounts for immediate needs such as taxis, food, or accommodation |
| Recommended location for changing large amounts of money | Downtown Bangkok, where rates can be compared at different branches |
| Best exchange rates at Suvarnabhumi Airport | Basement level, opposite the food court by the entrance to the airport train link |
| Hours of operation for exchange booths | 24/7, although specific booths may have varying hours |
| Best exchange rate in Thailand | SuperRich |
| Better exchange rates compared to the UK | Yes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Suvarnabhumi Airport has the best exchange rates
If you're looking to exchange money at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best exchange rates. Firstly, avoid the money exchange counters in the Visa/Immigration area as they are known to offer unfavourable rates. While convenient, these counters may not provide the best value for your currency.
To find the best exchange rates at Suvarnabhumi Airport, make your way to the underground floor (B Floor) near the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. Here, you'll discover the Suvarnabhumi Airport Exchange Zone, which houses several currency exchange counters offering competitive rates. These rates are often much better than those found at bank branches within the airport. Remember to compare rates between the booths as they may vary slightly, and keep in mind that larger notes typically fetch slightly better rates in Thailand.
The exchange counters in the arrival area, near the Customs Hall, should also be approached with caution. While the rates here are slightly better than those in the Visa/Immigration area, they are still not the most favourable. Unless you are arriving during the late-night or early morning hours when the best exchange counters are closed, it is recommended to avoid exchanging large amounts of money at these counters.
In the past, Suvarnabhumi Airport had a more extensive selection of money changers, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to the permanent closure of several offices. Currently, only three money changers operate in this area, including well-known names like Super Rich, Happy Rich, and Kasikornthai. These money changers typically provide rates that are very fair and often better than what you would find in your home country.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest exchange rates, you can maximise your currency exchange at Suvarnabhumi Airport and ensure you receive the best value for your money.
Airport Body Scanners: Can They Detect Drugs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[eSIM] Thailand eSIM | 30DAYS 10GB | 5G, 4G/LTE, Tethering, Hotspot | eSIM with Instant Activation in 10 Minutes | AIS, DTAC, True, | Bangkok, ChiangMai, Phuket, Krabi | Travel eSIM by Ringsim](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sWguAoNGL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![[eSIM] Thailand eSIM | 15DAYS 10GB | 5G, 4G/LTE, Tethering, Hotspot | eSIM with Instant Activation in 10 Minutes | AIS, DTAC, True, | Bangkok, ChiangMai, Phuket, Krabi | Travel eSIM by Ringsim](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71z5mKMdwJL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![[eSIM] Thailand eSIM | 30DAYS 30GB | 5G, 4G/LTE, Tethering, Hotspot | eSIM with Instant Activation in 10 Minutes | AIS, DTAC, True, | Bangkok, ChiangMai, Phuket, Krabi | Travel eSIM by Ringsim](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71U1EpySJTL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Avoid exchange counters in the Visa/Immigration area
When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you will first come across the money exchange counters in the Visa/Immigration area. These are the worst places to exchange money, with poor exchange rates. You should avoid these counters unless you need to exchange money to pay for your visa fee.
If you are arriving at Don Mueang Airport, you can expect a time-consuming process at the Visa on Arrival counters, especially if you arrive early in the morning. To skip the queue, you can opt for the premium service, which provides priority treatment and a personal assistant to help you navigate the airport.
Instead of exchanging money at the airport, you can use your multi-currency credit or debit card to pay for your expenses until you can find a better exchange rate in the city. ATMs are common in Bangkok, and you can use your foreign card to withdraw cash at the preferential international market rate.
If you need to exchange money at the airport, head to the basement level of Suvarnabhumi Airport to find the Kasikorn Bank booth, which offers better rates than the exchange counters in the Visa/Immigration area. This counter is open from 7:00 to 23:00, so if you arrive outside these hours, you may need to use one of the 24-hour exchange counters with less favourable rates.
Maui Airport JHM: Which Airlines Fly There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![What Has the Government Done to Our Money? [Reprint of First Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71slnPbwgeL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Kasikorn Bank offers a good rate but closes at midnight
If you're looking to exchange money at Bangkok Airport, there are several options available, but one popular choice is Kasikorn Bank. Kasikorn Bank is known for offering competitive exchange rates that are often better than those provided by exchange booths within the airport. However, it's important to note that their airport branch operates with different hours than their other locations.
The Kasikorn Bank booth at Bangkok Airport is located in the basement level, opposite the food court by the entrance to the airport train link. This particular branch is open from 7 am to 11 pm or midnight. While these hours accommodate most travellers' needs, it's always a good idea to plan ahead if you require currency outside of these times.
Compared to other exchange booths at Bangkok Airport, such as those operated by TMB (Thai Military Bank) and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank), Kasikorn Bank generally provides more favourable rates. These other exchange booths are open 24 hours a day, but their rates tend to be less competitive. If you're exchanging a large sum of money, even a small difference in the exchange rate can make a significant impact on the total amount you receive.
If you're arriving at Bangkok Airport after midnight and need to exchange money, you may want to consider using an ATM machine. ATMs are readily available at the airport and typically offer favourable rates, especially when compared to exchange booths. Additionally, some independent money changers, such as Super Rich, may provide even better rates than banks, but their locations might be less convenient to access.
In summary, while Kasikorn Bank at Bangkok Airport offers good exchange rates, their booth closes at 11 pm or midnight. If you're landing after this time, it's advisable to have a backup plan, such as using an ATM or visiting a money changer in downtown Bangkok, where you can often find more competitive rates.
Exploring the World: Do Layovers Count as Visiting a Country?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Independent money changers like Super Rich offer better rates
If you're looking to exchange money at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, it's worth considering independent money changers like Super Rich. While the airport has several exchange booths, particularly in the Visa/Immigration area and the arrival area, these often offer unfavourable rates.
Super Rich, a well-known independent money changer in Thailand, is renowned for providing competitive rates that are often better than those offered by banks. They have branches across Thailand, including near National Stadium BTS Station and in Bangkok's Ratchadamri district. However, keep in mind that Super Rich deals only in cash and does not accept traveller's cheques.
The Suvarnabhumi Airport also houses a Kasikorn Bank booth, which offers better rates than the TMB and SCB exchange booths. This booth is located in the basement level, opposite the food court by the entrance to the airport train link. Its operating hours are from 7 am to 11 pm.
If you have a substantial amount of money to exchange and are willing to venture outside the airport, downtown Bangkok offers a wider range of options with more favourable rates. You can compare rates at different bank branches and independent money changers like Super Rich to get the best value for your currency.
In summary, while Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport provides convenient money exchange services, independent money changers like Super Rich often offer superior rates. Exploring options outside the airport, such as in downtown Bangkok, can further enhance your currency exchange value.
Uber's Exit: Sky Harbor Airport's Future Without Uber
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-nvGF8wgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Exchange a small amount at the airport, do main exchange in town
If you're arriving at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, you may want to exchange a small amount of money at the airport and do your main exchange in town.
The exchange rates at Bangkok Airport are typically worse than those in the city. The booths in the Visa/Immigration area and the arrival area offer particularly poor rates. However, if you need some cash immediately upon landing, you can exchange a small amount at the airport. It's recommended to have around £30 or 1,000 baht in local currency to cover immediate expenses like taxis, food, and accommodation. Bangkok cab drivers may not accept large notes, so make sure you get small change.
If you need to exchange a larger amount of money, it's best to wait until you're in downtown Bangkok. There, you can compare rates at different bank branches and exchange bureaus to get a better deal. Independent money changers like Super Rich and Happy Rich often provide better rates than banks, but they may be less convenient to access.
To find the best exchange rates at Bangkok Airport, head to the basement level (B Level) of the Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal building, near the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. Here, you'll find the money exchange area with several booths offering competitive rates. The Kasikorn Bank booth, located opposite the food court, is recommended for its rates, but it's only open from 7 am to 11 pm.
When exchanging money in Bangkok, always shop around for the best rates, as they can vary between different providers and change frequently. By following this approach of exchanging a small amount at the airport and doing your main exchange in town, you can balance convenience with getting a good value for your money.
Palm Beach Airport: Clear Security Experience
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The currency exchange zone at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is located on the underground floor (level B) of the airport terminal building, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station.
The booths in the Visa/Immigration area and the Customs arrival area offer poor rates. The best exchange rates can be found in the money exchange area behind the exchange counters. Here, you will find booths offering competitive rates, including Kasikorn Bank, Happy Rich, and Super Rich Thailand. However, note that the Super Rich Thailand booth may be closed.
It is recommended to only exchange small amounts at the airport, as you will get better rates in downtown Bangkok. Exchange enough to cover immediate expenses like taxis, food, and accommodation. Around £30 or 1,000 baht should be sufficient.
