is it best to buy thai baht in the uk or wait till I get to thailand?

Answer 1

Thailand. There is no need to buy baht in the UK as it can be done simply as you depart the arrival area at the BKK airport. As a general rule of thumb, it is more expensive to buy local currencies overseas.

Answer 2

Renny - this is the third time you have asked this question!

Many people have given you the answer you want to know.

This is my answer in the previous question you posted:

It is always better to buy it when you are in Thailand. You might consider getting about 2000THB in cash before leaving - just to have some for small expenses as you arrive - say, taxi from the airport. But DO get small change! The taxi driver will not be happy when they take you into the city for about 150 Baht and then you pull out 1000 baht note.

It sounds like you might not have travelled to Thailand (or overseas) at all before. If this the case then another suggestion is not to carry too much cash at all because if you lose cash - stolen or otherwise, you will have no back up. Get traveller cheques, or Travelex card - this is becoming very popular and I have used it myself and it is very convenient. With travelex - you also get TWO cards so if you lose one you still have a back up.

Talk to your travel agent about it.



A few people have given similar answer as well.

Have a good trip.

Answer 3

Don't buy yet, Thai Baht is stronger than the pound at present GBP went down like a stone leave off for now.

Answer 4

A lot of it is personal preferences. What you feel comfortable carrying. The rate may be better at the local country.

Carry traveler's check(avoid theft) and some US Dollar ($100's) or Sterling (a common and strong currency) and your ATM cash card. Then you have a backup plan for every situation possible.

However, it's so easy to exchange money in Bangkok. So, exchange it at the airport, then hotel, then local exchange both.

Do make sure you get smaller notes. It's easier to pay for smaller items. Then use the larger notes for upscale places.

By the end of it you'll know what works for you.

Answer 5

I've traveled a lot and found it is usually best to change money once you get to the country. Just go online and see what the current exchange rate is, and you will know if you are getting a good deal or not. if you worry about it, you can exchange a little bit before you go so you already have "local cash" when you arrive (in some countries i have found that airports sometimes have bad exchange rates).

i usually use my ATM card to get cash in foreign countries. I basically get the best rate (interbank rate) available and just pay $2 for each withdrawal (and then something like a 1.5% currency exchange fee). maybe using Cash/Cheques can get you a slightly better deal, but I like the convenience of using my card.

Answer 6

I went to Thailand and took money with us, but next time I'll take Stirling, if I get the chance. We were in Bangkok at the Asia hotel great place and the MRT runs from the second floor to a market 3 miles away. Wonderful place. Enjoy.

Answer 7

Hay if you with hsbc there is a bank there you just draw money straight out like normal or you can take about 20000 baht that will keep you busy for a week straight ..

Answer 8

Get it changed in Thailand at a bank or ATM to get the best rates. Dollars will work to get from Airport to Hotel. Don't use ATM's at Airport.

Answer 9

You can easily change at the airport on your arrival. The rate is good, so you need not go round hunting for best rate. I believe you get better exchange there than you would in UK.

Answer 10

Do n't buy obscure currency in the UK they are expensive due to the difficulty in obtaining notes.Wait 'till you get to Thailand.