Can you get money for the thailand currency before entering the country?

Question

I am thinking of going to thailand, but i know when i went to India i couldnt get or take indian currncy into the Country and had to sort it out once there. Is this the same for thailand, can you getby in southeast asia for money on arrival or is it a difficulty when you arrive at the airport or across a border with no money of that countries currency.

Answer 1

Bring hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) plus credit card and exchange (or use ATM) on arrival.

US legislation limits you to carry USD 10,000.- in cash across borders. I'm not aware of what UK and EU rules may be.

I agree with nowhereman that the proposition made by nipper is a risky one. Although there are some money changers (e.g., in the Pratunam area) offering above market rates for hard currency, they are doing so coz they're part of either the Chinese or the Arab/Muslim network arranging "informal" transfers of cash between countries.

In other words, they are operating on the fringes of the law and why would you want to be involved in that? Stick to making your currency exchanges at bank branches.

Answer 2

You don't want to buy Baht in the UK (or US). Take cash or travellers cheques in your own currency and you'll be able to change enough at the airport then use the booths or banks around town. You get a better exchange rate for higher denomination notes (US$).

It's a good idea to have a credit or debit card. I never found it particularly expensive but it's not the best way, just a handy back up. You can use the banks or ATMs and it gives you options if anything goes wrong (which is unlikely).

I had all my cash, travellers cheques and passport stolen in Malaysia but my debit card was still there stashed in the bottom of my pack. It was a life saver as it took a long time for the travellers cheques to be replaced (and yes, they were American Express).

Answer 3

You can bring Thai baht into and out of the country. However better exchange rate when you change in-country. There are currency exchange booths at any port of arrival, so you need not worry about changing your money.

The other way is to use your international ATM card at any of the ATM machines around to withdraw from your own account while in Thailand. Save you having to find a currency exchange booth.

Answer 4

You can exchange all major currencies for Thai Bahts upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport or any other international entry point into Thailand. There are ATM machines at the airports as well and you can withdraw from your home account but they charge a small fee for such transactions.

Answer 5

Yes, Thailand's currency - the Bath - is available from banks in most western countries. However, last time I visited there was a limit on the amount one could bring in legally. And you have to declare it when you arrive.
The limit for bringing in Bath changes from time to time, due to various elements, such as inflation, trade balance and other economical and political factors. When you apply for your visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, they will be able to tell you what the current limit is. (I actually do not remember how much it was last time I went, and as there was a military coup and change of government since, there could have been changes.)

I would advise to take only a small amount of Bath with you and change the rest in the country, as you will get a better exchange rate. US Dollars and Euros are most popular, but Pounds Stirling, Yen and Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Dollars are also quite welcome. The use of credit cards and traveler cheques is also common and does usually not make any problems. However, some hotels, restaurants and shops will charge a small extra fee for the use of credit cards, in order to compensate for the fee they have to pay to the card company.
I always carried a reasonable amount of US Dollar and Euro notes, as they are the easiest to exchange. Be aware that the exchange rates vary from place to place. Changing money in one of the major banks usually gets you the best official (legal) exchange rate. Private bureaus de change will charge an extra fee and give a less favourable rate, and the same goes for the hotels. The best rate can be achieved on the black market, from illegal private money changers. But I would advise against that option, unless you know the country very well and have a local assistant or guide who can vouch for the money changer. Some of these black market people are simply criminals, who trap tourists and rob them of a lot of their money. They often work together with corrupt policemen, who will appear just when the deal is done and confiscate your freshly exchanged Bath. Later they split the money with the crook who changed it.
In general Thailand is not a dangerous or difficult country, but the application of basic common sense and proper personal security measures is strongly advisable.

Answer 6

Many answers to your question but lets get to the point.

You can take thailand currency into the country.

However, you make want to just take enough for taxi fare as the rate is better there. Then again ... if you are just a tourist there for a few days the exchange rate difference wont hurt you. You will lose out a few cents per hundred you change.

Have fun!

Answer 7

Man a lot of people are giving you great answers but it really depnds on how much money your talking about. You might be talking $25/$50 per Thousand US. So if its $100 for get about it just make the exchange anywhere and move along.

If your talking a lot of money Cash is King. The higher denomination the note the better the rate. Super Rich near pratunam - give best rates for exchange of foreign notes - but with USD make sure it is higher denomination notes as there is a better rate. Be careful theirs two places called Super Rich it is opposite a Thai Farmers / Kasikorn bank and very close to the Bangkok City Inn Hotel.

Answer 8

You can,probably at a currency exchange office, but you dont nead to.Plus ,you would get a better exchange rate, though you will be charrged a fee by your bank, not by the Thai bank
Best is to arrange at your bank for an ATM card with Cirrus logo, you will find many ATM machines in Thailand

Answer 9

Don't buy before you go. Don't use the ATM (who is that dummy?). in either case you will get a lousy (Western) exchange rate.

Take some cash (or TCs) and change a little at the airport for your taxis, etc, then buy the rest on the street when you get to wherever you are going.

There are exchange booths everywhere.

I was there a month ago when the UK banks were offering 64THB to the pound, whereas I got 72 on the street in Thailand.

Answer 10

you can change before you travel, look out for commission free exchange, but the rate will be lower than the market rate.
You can use a card at an ATM and you will pay a fee and also a lower exchange rate.
Finally you can try to get a deal on the street, no one has offered me 72 baht for a £ in the last year on the last 3 trips to Thai.
Keep an eye on the money rates and enjoy your trip.!