TotallyOz Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 I will be heading out of the country soon and wonder if it is a better rate to get Baht changed at the airport in Bangkok or the ones in the USA? I also would not mind going to a local bank in LA or NYC but would like to change the at the airport. Are there major differences in changing in Thailand or the USA? Quote
Bob Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 I'm not sure about today or even this year but, for years, I would periodically check US exchange rates for baht and each time found that they offerred quite a bit less (4-9%) than what I could get in Thailand. And when I wife funds from the US to my Thai bank account, I always make sure the transfer goes in dollars versus Thai baht (in the latter case, they transfer it to baht here in the US and every time I looked it was a lousy rate). Alternatively, if you think the baht will continue to appreciate against the dollar, just hold onto the baht for the next trip. Quote
Guest travelerjim Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 I will be heading out of the country soon and wonder if it is a better rate to get Baht changed at the airport in Bangkok or the ones in the USA? I also would not mind going to a local bank in LA or NYC but would like to change the at the airport. Are there major differences in changing in Thailand or the USA? GT, You will get worst rates in USA... Airport not good either... But check the money changer rates near Boyztown... on Second Road... one near Mikes Dept Store... and again - same company on opposite side of Second Road across from Boyztown area. IF - BIG baht amounts - pm me - and I will give you more info. tj NO commissions... rates are usually best in Pattaya..better than banks. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 As TJ says, change your money in Pattaya, not in the States. There are some places that offer slightly better rates than the bank such as the antique store between Soi 16 and Soi 17 however the difference is minor compared to the Pattaya vs LA rate. Quote
Moses Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 rates pro and contra: - exchange points in Pattaya's street - best rates worst safety (I mean big amounts) - exchanges in banks in Thailand - less rates best safety - exchange in airport - worst rates in Thailand (coz their target are tourist who want to change back some small amount and don't care about rates) good safety - exchange abroad of Thailand - even worser than in airport coz they add wire transfer cost into exchange rates or cost of keeping banknotes of rare currency... Quote
firecat69 Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 rates pro and contra: - exchange points in Pattaya's street - best rates worst safety (I mean big amounts) - exchanges in banks in Thailand - less rates best safety - exchange in airport - worst rates in Thailand (coz their target are tourist who want to change back some small amount and don't care about rates) good safety - exchange abroad of Thailand - even worser than in airport coz they add wire transfer cost into exchange rates or cost of keeping banknotes of rare currency... GT Don't change it. Just leave it with me and I will distribute it to all your boyfriends. I will just take a little for myself for providing this fine service. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 Probably best to leave in a Thai bank but I find comparison shopping Thai banks for the best CD rates easier said than done. Quote
kokopelli Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 Perhaps keep the money in your Thai bank account and withdraw via ATM when you return home? You may win or lose depending on exchange rates if the Baht goes up or down. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted September 14, 2010 Posted September 14, 2010 Perhaps keep the money in your Thai bank account and withdraw via ATM when you return home? You may win or lose depending on exchange rates if the Baht goes up or down. I don't know about that one K. Think there is going to be an extremely unfavorable exchange back home even if the baht appreciates. Quote
