Currency Exchange in Phuket: Banks, Booths and Cash Limits
Change money only with a bank or a licensed money changer. Bring an ID card or an unexpired passport. Foreign currency and baht banknotes may be brought in without an amount limit. Baht above THB 450,000 or foreign notes above USD 15,000 need a Customs declaration.
On this page
Where to change money
Change money with a bank or a licensed money changer. Foreign exchange transactions are required to be conducted with persons who hold a foreign exchange licence from the Minister of Finance.
- Commercial banks are authorised to conduct all types of foreign exchange transactions.
- Non-bank money changers are companies authorised to buy and sell foreign currency banknotes.
At SCB the foreign banknote service needs an identity document such as an ID card or passport.
What to bring and where the rate is posted
Bring an ID card or an unexpired passport. Superrich Thailand charges no commissions or fees and does not change coins.
Finding the rate
The Bank of Thailand points to thaifxrates.net for the latest foreign exchange rates. Ask any booth in Phuket for the total baht before handing over cash.
Cash limits at the airport
| Direction | Cash | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Into Thailand | Foreign currency and baht banknotes | No amount limit |
| Into or out of Thailand | Baht above THB 450,000 or foreign notes above USD 15,000 | Customs declaration |
| Out of Thailand | Foreign currency notes | Up to the amount purchased from authorised banks or money changers |
| Out of Thailand | Baht | Up to THB 50,000; up to THB 2 million to Vietnam and China (Yunnan only) |
Depositing foreign currency notes and coins is allowed up to the amounts brought into Thailand or bought from authorised banks or licensees. The alternative limit is USD 15,000 per day per person.
For card fees and bank accounts see opening a bank account in Phuket and the cost of living guide.
Step by step
- Pick a licensed changerUse a bank or a foreign exchange licence holder.
- Bring IDBring an ID card or an unexpired passport.
- Check the cash rulesDeclare baht above THB 450,000 or foreign notes above USD 15,000.
Not confirmed: Current Phuket booth and airport rates: they change through the day. Ask the booth for the total baht you will receive before you hand over cash.
Common questions
Who may legally change money in Thailand?
Foreign exchange transactions must be done with persons holding a foreign exchange licence from the Minister of Finance. That means commercial banks and non-bank money changers.
What ID do I need to change money?
An ID card or an unexpired passport. SCB also asks for an identity document such as an ID card or passport.
Are there fees at a money changer?
Superrich Thailand charges no commissions or fees. The rate itself carries the margin, so compare buy and sell prices.
Can I change coins?
Superrich Thailand does not change coins.
How much cash can I bring into Thailand?
Foreign currency and baht banknotes may be brought in without an amount limit. Above THB 450,000 in baht or USD 15,000 in foreign notes, a Customs declaration is required.
How much cash can I take out?
Foreign currency banknotes may be taken out up to the amount purchased from authorised banks or money changers. Baht may go out up to THB 50,000, or THB 2 million to Vietnam, China (Yunnan) and other bordering countries.
Where do I find the latest rates?
The Bank of Thailand points to thaifxrates.net for the latest foreign exchange rates.
Read next
General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
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Comments (3)
drm200
Bring cash and keep that as your emergency fund. I use only my debit card to get cash. I use only ATM machines located physically inside a bank. These machines are harder to hack or install skimmers. Also, if the machine refuses to return your card (it happens!), you can easily and quickly retrieve the card by getting assistance from bank personnel. Avoid all ATM’s not inside or affiliated with a bank! ATM fees can be high, but several US banks refund all debit card ATM fees (including international). Check your debit card terms and conditions. My bank refunds all ATM fees at the end of every month. I do not use the debit card for any purchases … only to get cash at the ATM. My debit card exchange rate is better than the cash exchange rate.
jedinachos
No, bring your bank card also. Use cash to pay for things at markets and for street food. Use your credit card to pay for things like sit down meals, shopping mall purchase etc Use your bank card to take out THB from an ATM. Refuse the machines offered exchange rate and use your banks exchange rate
Liathano_
I was just today at an Exchange outside of the phuket airport (maybe 5 minutes walk) and it had a great exchange rate. So, just leave the building and look for an Exchange there.