Those who want to exchange currency can do this in a number of ways. Contact banks, street exchangers or make a transaction directly at the airport or upon arrival at the hotel. You can also exchange currency in clubs and massage parlors: banknotes of any country are accepted here, while change is always given in baht, the national currency of Thailand.
A few rules for those who are going to change currency in Phuket:
- The most unfavorable rate is at airports and hotels.
- The best option is banking institutions, and there are lots of them on the island. On average, banks are open til 4-6 p. m. As for banks located inside shopping centers, it will be possible to use their services til 9 p. m. You will need to show your passport at the box office.
- Street exchangers on the island are open until late at night. Note that some of them take a commission for their services. Choose exchangers with the inscription “Currently Exchange”. This means that they work without commission. If you want to make an exchange at a favorable rate, try to do it during the day hours. At night, exchange rates are much lower than during the day.
- Even on busy streets like Bangla Road, contrary to popular belief, you can find money changers with good rates. This is due to the fact that there is high competition there. In stand-alone exchangers, on the contrary, the rate can be much higher, because the owners think that people have no choice.
Summing up, it should be said that the most profitable option for exchanging currency in Phuket is in large banks.
What currency to take with you?
If you take dollars, you will definitely benefit. The best option is banknotes no later than 2000 of issue with bills with value of 50 and 100 dollars. Subsequently, you will be able to exchange them at the most favorable rate. The situation is more complicated with the exchange of currency of a smaller denomination. Make sure that the bills are intact, without marks and torn off corners. As for the euro, it is better not to take them, since there may be difficulties with the exchange.
