Thailand forum

Best exchange rates in Bangkok

ckcrane

newbie
Posts: 1

My wife and I will be traveling to Thailand for the first time in January and were wondering where the best places were in Bangkok to change money. From what we have gleaned so far, we will probably be traveling with AA travelers' cheques in $100US denominations. Thanks.

#1 Posted: 13/7/2007 - 05:40
paul1234567-
89

backpacker
Posts: 15

I have no idea about travellers cheques. I suppose any big hotel can change them. Or if you turn up with US$ (cash) you will get a good / fair exchange rate at any large Bank in Bangkok.

Added to that - Thailand has many ATMs so you can just get money out of the hole in the wall - but you'll probably be charged a small fee for that from your home bank.

Thailand can be a very cheap place to travel around in, so you won't need huge amounts of money - so you can probably carry what you need. I have never heard of a Westerner getting mugged in Thailand (maybe it has happened - but probably as likely as winning the lottery), and added to that you can get 20 000 Baht out of an ATM at a time. So maybe the travellers cheques aren't necessary.

But anyway - banks in Thailand give the best exchange rate (the official exchange rate).

#2 Posted: 15/7/2007 - 12:14
drlang946

backpacker
Posts: 11

TCs are fine - but to cash them you need to have your Passport (even though technically you are suppose to have your passport on you at all times I only take a photocopy out of the hotel)and you have to do the exchange during bank hours (many hotels will exchange TC but at less than ideal exchange rates often. So some plan ahead is needed to cash TCs. If you bring some cash be sure to only include newer bills (higher exchange rate due to the ease of counterfeiting the old US bills in fact many places will not take old bills - especially the old 100's USD - no ripped or torn bills either especially in Cambodia)

I opt for the ATM approach - a small fee but worth in in convenience. I also always have a few hundred in TCs available and at least one crisp new hundred tucked away in the wallet for emergencies.

#3 Posted: 18/7/2007 - 01:58
Guernseystu

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 108

Travellers Cheques are way to much hassle and don't get such a good rate. Bring cash and go to Super Rich near Big C in Pratunam - they offer more than the bank rates and have done for many years now. Very reliable and safe.

#4 Posted: 23/7/2007 - 10:28
GussieG

motodop
Posts: 24

Actually travellers cheques get a better rate in banks, go for large denominations as there is usually a fee per cheque. No real hassle - there are exchange booths everywhere, especially Bangkok, and they open late.

#5 Posted: 23/7/2007 - 17:24
Guernseystu

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 108

Apart from Khao San Road area exchange booths are not everywhere and rarely open late. Super Rich offers the best rates in the country and, as has been posted already, ripped and taped notes will not be accepted - not even in the banks. Either cash or using your overseas bank card would be my recommendation.

#6 Posted: 24/7/2007 - 00:29