Currency Exchange in Thai Cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya

  • Andrew
  • March 30, 2026
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The national currency of Thailand is the baht. One baht is equal to one hundred satang. Satang are rarely used and have practically fallen out of circulation.

Under Thai law, only local currency may be used to pay for goods and services, so it is important to find out where and how to exchange cash in the cities of this Asian Kingdom before traveling.

What currency is best to bring with you?

The most favorable exchange rate in Thailand is for $50 and $100 bills. We do not recommend bringing euros or dollars on your trip due to less favorable exchange rates.

The exchange rate for dollars is influenced by the condition of the bills and their year of issue:

  • Green 50- and 100-dollar bills from 1996, 2001, 2003, and 2006 are exchanged at the highest rate;
  • Blue banknotes from 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019 in denominations of 50 and 100 are also exchanged at a good rate.
Сто долларов, старые и новые

If they offer a poor exchange rate for the bills listed above, you’re being ripped off. Walk away and find another exchange office.

On the island, they accept U.S. dollars issued before 1996 at a reduced rate, but they may refuse to exchange them. They accept bills issued in 1996 or later, but may lower the price if there are visible defects.

In cities, $1, $2, $10, and $20 bills are considered small change and accepted at lower rates. However, airports do not break bills by denomination, so we recommend exchanging them in the arrivals area.

Новые долларовые купюры

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How to Exchange dollars in Thailand

Thai currency exchange offices and banks exchange banknotes at a single rate regardless of denomination. However, exchanging dollars on the island is not cost-effective due to their lower value.

Some exchange offices offer an online service for converting dollars to baht. You can transfer money via the mobile apps of banks using the Fast Payment System (FPS).

Exchange offices offering such services:

  • Senate Exchange;
  • Ex24.pro;
  • ARBI Exchange;
  • Money Club Exchange;
  • Fast Money Exchange.

Overview of Popular Tourist Cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya

Bangkok

Bangkok is a modern metropolis and the capital of Thailand. The city boasts a high standard of customer service by the country’s standards.

This destination has something for everyone:

  • Sightseeing enthusiasts can visit the Rattanakosin and Banglamphu districts, where the main attractions, temples, and museums are located.
  • In Chinatown, nightlife lovers can experience the Asian island’s nightlife by visiting numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.
  • The Pratunam area is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed vacation.

In the Thai capital, it’s easier than in other cities in the Kingdom to find currency exchange offices with favorable rates, but scammers are more common here. Unscrupulous money changers can be found on the streets, in shopping malls, and near street shops. In Bangkok, these are located on Khaosan, Nana, Cowboy, and Patpong streets.

In the airport arrivals area, baht is sold at a lower rate, so it makes sense to buy 200–300 baht here to pay for a taxi or bus.

At Suvarnabhumi, it’s best to buy Thai currency at the exchange counters on level -1 near the Airport Rail Link (ARL) station—it’s easy to find by following the ARL signs.

Keep in mind that the exchange counters at the airport are open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. local time.

The Best Currency Exchange in Bangkok

Phuket

In Phuket, just like in the Thai capital, we exchange $30–$40 at the airport to pay for a taxi. All currency exchange counters are located on the ground floor of the terminal.

There are no Superrich locations on the island, but the yellow-colored currency exchange points Ex24.pro and ValuePlus are well-established. There are also other exchange offices in Phuket with good reviews on Google Maps. For example, Senate Exchange and ARBI Exchange.

A unique feature of local companies is the online dollar exchange service via SBP. The procedure works as follows: you submit a request on the website, and an operator contacts you and provides instructions. After transferring the dollars, you receive baht at the nearest branch, at any ATM without a commission, or via courier.

Phuket is better suited for a family vacation. It features picturesque scenery, sandy beaches, and a well-developed entertainment infrastructure for children. Locals offer jungle treks, water sports, elephant rides, and trips to nearby islands.

Пхукет

The Best Currency Exchange in Phuket

Pattaya

Pattaya has a well-established network of yellow T.T. CURRENCY Exchange branches. They offer the best baht exchange rates in the city. There are also Senate Exchange branches with managers and various exchange options. We recommend starting your search for the best exchange rates at these branches. The same rule applies to airports as it does for Bangkok and Phuket.

Pattaya is considered a budget-friendly vacation destination: affordable prices for accommodation, food, and transportation. Its main advantage is a mild rainy season. You can come here for a vacation practically year-round. Pattaya also has a well-developed infrastructure for family vacations. The resort’s main drawback is the boats on the beaches. Because of this, the water in these areas is dark and has a distinct diesel smell. Tourists usually reach the nearest island, Koh Lan, by speedboat or ferry.

Остров Ко Лан

The Best Currency Exchange in Pattaya

Ways to Exchange Money in Thailand

List of safe ways to exchange money:

  • At currency exchange offices and banks — visit a reputable exchange office or bank and exchange your bills;
  • At ATMs with a QR code — send money online to the exchange office operator; they will send you a QR code you can use to withdraw baht at any ATM.
  • By courier — send money online; the baht will be delivered to you.
  • Transferring baht to a Thai bank account — send dollars online, and baht will be deposited into your Thai bank account.

Banks or currency exchange offices

It’s not worth exchanging money at bank branches because of fees of up to 200 baht per transaction. The main advantage of this method is security. If you’re traveling and have to choose between buying Thai banknotes at a bank or at an unmarked kiosk, you should choose the bank.

There are also ATMs on the island for withdrawing cash. We advise against using this option due to the double commission.

Popular currency exchange points offer favorable exchange rates, have no fees, and cater to tourists, but you are not immune to being cheated. Even well-known companies are guilty of fraud: they may accept a good banknote at a reduced price or issue a note with visible defects.

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Place your currency exchange order in Russian, and a courier will deliver your baht to you within an hour

Exchange Rates in Phuket

The baht's value is lower in Phuket due to its distance from the capital’s financial centers. Here are the websites of the listed companies where you can track current exchange rates:

Exchange rates are influenced by tourist traffic and the rainy season.

A Comparison of Currency Exchange Rates in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket

It's easier to find a good exchange rate in Bangkok due to the high level of competition among companies and the well-developed infrastructure.

Where is the best place to exchange money?

It’s hard to say where the best place to exchange money in Thailand is without knowing your plans, goals, and destination. It largely depends on your location. For example, if there’s a SenateExchange branch nearby, you should exchange your money there. However, if there isn’t an exchange office nearby, you should order cash delivery via courier.

Only you can decide which exchange rate is best. Use our links and compare rates online—that way, you’ll find the best option.

RU Thai Baht/Russian Ruble฿0.415
US Thai Baht/US Dollar฿32.644
EU Thai Baht/Euro฿37.734
KZ Thai Baht/Kazakhstani Tenge฿0.069
UA Thai Baht/Ukrainian Hryvnia฿0.749
07 Apr · CBR · THB
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation
Check: 07 Apr 2026 00:40 UTC
Latest change: 06 Apr 2026 21:30 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

A Comparative Study of Exchange Services

  Bangkok Pattaya Phuket
Popular Exchange Methods SenateExchange,
Superrich,
ValuePlus.
SenateExchange,
Ex24.pro,
ValuePlus,
ARBI Exchange.
SenateExchange,
T.T. CURRENCY Exchange,
Ex24.pro.
RUB Exchange Rate* 0.386-0.399 0.385-0.398 0.386-0.398
Commissions/Fees? Negligible Negligible Negligible
USD Exchange Rate* 31.35-31.53 31.30-31.50 31.32-31.52
Commissions/Fees? Negligible Noticeable Noticeable

* Currency quotes are approximate as of January 2026. Please check the current exchange rate with our manager via Telegram.

General Tips for Exchanging Currency in Thailand

Here are some general tips for exchanging money in Thailand:

  • Carry your passport with you—exchangers have the legal right to ask for it, and may refuse service if you don’t have a valid ID;
  • The best exchange rate is for $50 and $100 bills;
  • Don’t exchange money at unmarked stalls;
  • The baht exchange rate at airports is worse than in the city;
  • Banks and ATMs charge a commission for currency conversion;
  • It is not worth exchanging paper rubles due to their reduced value;
  • You can exchange rubles in Thailand online—some exchange offices offer the service of transferring Russian currency via the SBP;
  • Compare baht exchange rates online—use the websites of popular exchange offices;
  • It is best to exchange $1, $2, $10, and $20 bills at the airport because there is no exchange rate difference based on the denomination;
  • All currency exchange counters at the airport are closed at night;
  • You can order money online—some companies offer baht delivery by courier.

How to Choose the Right Option

First and foremost, evaluate exchange options from a security standpoint—it’s better to pay a bank fee than to exchange money at an unmarked, nameless kiosk.

Otherwise, focus on the exchange rates offered by popular currency exchange services and their accessibility to you. There’s no point in traveling to another neighborhood to buy baht at Superrich if SenateExchange offers cash delivery.

Вывеска Senate Exchange

Safety and Security Tips

Currency exchange scams are common in Thailand. Here are some safety and security tips:

  • Read our recommendations and follow them.
  • Do not exchange money at stalls without a sign or name.
  • Walk away if you are offered a low price for good-quality banknotes.
  • Refuse crumpled banknotes with visible defects;
  • Do not exchange money in dark, secluded areas of Thai cities—there is a risk of robbery.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Unscrupulous Thais try to cheat tourists who aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of buying baht. For example, they might offer a lower exchange rate for new dollar bills, or treat a $50 bill as if it were worth only $2.

  • If you feel like you’re being cheated, walk away from that exchange office. It’s easy to find an honest exchange office in Thailand.
  • Use Google Maps and reviews from other travelers to find a reputable exchange office with a good rate.

FAQ

What U.S. dollar bills do currency exchange offices accept (series, denominations)?

They accept $50–$100 bills from the 1996+ series (check against the light: watermark, security strip). Smaller bills ($1–$20) or older bills (issued before 1996) may result in a lower exchange rate or in refusal.

Where are the best exchange rates in each city?

Bangkok: SuperRich/ValuePlus (BTS Chidlom); Pattaya: TT/ARBI (Second Road); Phuket: T.T./Senate (Patong/Karon). Use Google Maps for exact addresses.

Are there fees at currency exchange offices and ATMs?

At exchange offices—minimal (0.1–0.3%); at ATMs—220 THB + 1–3% bank fee. Withdraw cash at ATMs, and use your card for the rest to avoid fees.

How can I avoid scams when exchanging currency?

Check the exchange rate board in advance; exchange money at reputable exchange offices, not on the street or in tuk-tuks. Verify the amount using a calculator.

To sum up

In this Asian kingdom, you’ll need the local currency. Bring $100 bills with you, exchange some at the airport, and the rest in town. That way, you’ll avoid bank fees and get a good exchange rate for the baht.

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