When you are traveling in Thailand, it is necessary to exchange money to local currency (Thai baht) as other currencies are not accepted in the country. When flying to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, there are several things you need to know about currency exchange at Bangkok Airport (BKK).
Once you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you need an amount of Thai Baht for paying your Visa on Arrival fee (it can be paid in cash only), your only option is to exchange money at the bank booths that are right in the Customs Hall. However, exchanging all your money there is not a good idea because the exchange rates offered by the banks operating in Suvarnabhumi are much worse than you can find elsewhere.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Currency Exchange
The good thing is that Bangkok Airport has several money changers offering very fair exchange rates that are in most cases much better than you would be getting in your home country. For getting the best exchange rate at Bangkok Airport, you should go down to the underground floor (B Floor) next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station and exchange your money there.
There are several currency exchange counters in this Suvarnabhumi Airport Exchange Zone and they offer really fair rates that are much better than these at bank branches elsewhere in the airport. The exchange rates might vary a bit between the booths so shop around. All the money changers don’t charge any commissions or fees. Keep in mind that usually you get slightly better rates for larger notes in Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Money Changers
Previously, the number of money changers operating in this currency exchange zone of Bangkok Airport was larger but during COVID-19 pandemic several offices were closed. Currently, only 3 money changers operate in this Suvarnabhumi Airport area.
SuperRich (Orange)
Opening hours: Everyday from 05:00 - 23:00
More information: Super Rich Bangkok Airport
Kasikornthai
Opening hours: Everyday from 06:00 - 22:00
Happy Rich
Opening hours: Everyday from 05:00 - 24:00
SuperRich Thailand (Green)
SuperRich Thailand Suvarnabhumi Airport branch is CLOSED!
Value Plus+
Value Plus+ Suvarnabhumi Airport branch is CLOSED!
Twelve Victory
Twelve Victory Suvarnabhumi Airport branch is CLOSED!
Travelex
Travelex Suvarnabhumi Airport branch is CLOSED!
Happy Rich Plus
Happy Rich Plus branch is CLOSED!
Best Exchange Rates at Bangkok Airport
In our experience, SuperRich was usually offering the best exchange rates in Thailand. For more details about this money changer and its exchange rates check Super Rich Suvarnabhumi Airport.
There are also SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok and the rates offered there are close to or identical to the ones at the airport. For locations of other Super Rich currency exchange offices in Bangkok and rates offered by them check Super Rich Exchange in Bangkok.
However, you should always shop around for the best exchange rates at Bangkok Airport as the rates are dynamic and can change at any minute. During our latest visit, Happy Rich company at Suvarnabhumi Airport was offering currency exchange rates that were almost identical to the ones offered by Super Rich.
One of the money changers at the currency exchange zone near Airport Rail Link station is a branch of Thai bank Kasikornthai. At the time of our visit, this branch was offering basically the same currency exchange rates as Super Rich and Happy Rich. However, exchanging foreign currency at Kasikornthai has an advantage in some cases, as this bank branch is not reducing exchange rate for smaller notes (with the exception of USD 5-20 banknotes) while at Super Rich and Happy Rich lowering rate for smaller notes is a normal practice.
For example, we usually exchange EUR to THB at the airport and for our 50 Euro notes we get lower rate at SuperRich as they offer top exchange rate only for larger bills starting from 100 Euro. Kasikornthai offers the same rate for all Euro notes so the difference between the exchange rates in this case is 0.05 THB/EUR.
However, don't get fooled, as you will see many Kasikornthai currency exchange booths all around the airport. One branch was even opened right in front of the entrance to Airport Rail Link station (see below). Skip it!
Good currency exchange rates are offered only at Kasikornthai branch next to SuperRich!
As it was mentioned above, Kasikornthai Suvarnabhumi Airport branch next to SuperRich is offering currency exchange rates that are identical to the best ones found at the airport.
At the same time, all other branches of Kasikornthai (including the one in front of the Airport Rail Link station) and other banks at Suvarnabhumi Airport were offering much lower rates.
If exchanging currency elsewhere at the airport, at the time you could get just 31.88 THB for 1 US dollar (lower by 2.35 THB/USD or 6.9%), 33.72 THB for 1 Euro (lower by 2.78 THB/EUR or 7.6%), 38.26 THB for 1 British Pound (lower by 2.89 THB/GBP or 7.0%) or 21.39 THB for 1 Australian dollar (lower by 1.41 THB/AUD or 6.2%).
Losing 6-8% of your trip budget just for currency exchange sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? So be wise!
Document Required for Money Exchange
Foreigners must bring their passport.
Thai nationals must bring their passport or Thai ID Card
Location of Currency Exchange Zone
Suvarnabhumi currency exchange zone can be found on the underground floor (B Level) of the airport terminal building, next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station.
In the currency exchange area you can also find two counters of Bangkok Airport Luggage Storage, where you can leave your luggage and explore the city easier.
Tips
Detailed information about other facilities at the airport can be found here: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).
There is no need to exchange money at the airport for getting a local SIM card as you can book online 4G SIM Card (it will be much cheaper!) and pick it up right at the airport.
Bangkok is a huge city so choosing the right place to stay might save you lots of time. Find the detailed guide to the best areas of Thailand capital city that will help you to decide where to stay in Bangkok.
The most convenient way for getting into the city from the airport is by a Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfer.
Don't mind using public transportation? Then taking Bangkok Airport Train is recommended as it's the fastest way for reaching the central part of the city.
You will be flying out from Bangkok's second airport (Don Mueang Airport) on the same day? Make sure to take advantage of the free shuttle bus between Bangkok airports.
Planning to stay in Bangkok's most famous backpacker area? There's a direct Bus to Khao San Road from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
If you are flying out early in the morning or arriving late in the evening, staying overnight at one of Hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport might be a great idea.