Money Changers in Pattaya

SuperRich 1965 (orange logo) consistently offers the best exchange rates in Pattaya — typically 1–3% better than banks. Located on Second Road near Central Festival and at Terminal 21. No commission or fees on currency exchange. Bring your passport (required for all exchanges). Open 10:00–19:00 daily. Rates are displayed on LED boards and updated frequently.

TT Currency is SuperRich's main competitor with similarly excellent rates. Multiple locations across Pattaya: Walking Street area, Jomtien, and Second Road. Rates are within 0.1–0.3% of SuperRich on most currencies. Open later than SuperRich (some branches until 21:00). Also requires passport. A reliable alternative when SuperRich is crowded or closed.

Exchange shops typically give 2–4% better rates than Thai bank branches and 5–10% better than airport exchanges. Example: if the mid-market USD/THB rate is 34.50, a bank might give 33.80, while SuperRich gives 34.30. On a $1,000 exchange, that's 500 THB difference. Always compare rates online before exchanging.

Thai banks (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, SCB) exchange currency at every branch. Rates are worse than dedicated exchange shops but convenient. No appointment needed — walk in with passport and cash. Banks handle less common currencies better than exchange shops. Some branches have separate foreign exchange counters with shorter queues.

Central Pattaya: SuperRich and TT on Second Road, near Central Festival. South Pattaya: exchange shops on Walking Street and South Pattaya Road. Jomtien: TT Currency on Jomtien Beach Road. Naklua: limited options — banks are your best bet. Terminal 21: SuperRich and exchange counters inside. Airport: avoid unless desperate — worst rates.

Weekday mornings (10:00–12:00) typically have slightly better rates as shops adjust to the day's market opening. Avoid exchanging on weekends when forex markets are closed — rates may be less favorable. Late afternoon rates can shift after European markets close. For large amounts (over 100,000 THB), call ahead to confirm rate and cash availability.

USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, and SGD get excellent rates at all exchange shops. Scandinavian currencies (SEK, NOK, DKK), CHF, and CAD get good rates but fewer shops handle them. Russian RUB rates have worsened significantly since 2022. African and South American currencies — exchange before arriving in Thailand. Always bring clean, undamaged notes.

Red flags: shops near Walking Street or Beach Road targeting tourists often give 3–5% worse rates. Hotel front desks charge 5–10% markup. Airport exchanges are the worst (up to 10% worse). If a rate seems too good to be true, check the buy vs. sell columns — tourists sell currency, so look at the 'buying' rate. Compare on Google before walking in.

For amounts over 100,000 THB equivalent: call SuperRich or TT ahead to confirm rate and cash availability. Some shops negotiate slightly better rates for large transactions. You may need to show proof of purpose (not always enforced). Amounts over 50,000 USD equivalent may trigger reporting requirements. Consider splitting across days for very large sums.

SuperRich rates: superrichthailand.com (updated real-time during business hours). TT Currency: no reliable online rates. Google 'USD to THB' for mid-market reference rate. XE.com for accurate multi-currency rates. Compare the mid-market rate with what's offered — anything within 1% is a good deal. Apps like XE Currency Converter work offline.

Don't flash large amounts of cash in public. Use a money belt for large exchanges. Count money carefully at the counter before leaving — mistakes happen and corrections after leaving are difficult. Keep the receipt (required for re-exchange if leaving Thailand). Avoid exchanging money with individuals on the street — scam risk is high.

Exchange a small amount at the airport for taxi fare (1,000–2,000 THB), then exchange the bulk at SuperRich in town. Bring newer, clean bills — damaged or very old notes may be rejected or get worse rates. 100 USD notes get better rates than smaller denominations. If staying long-term, Wise transfers to a Thai bank account beat all exchange shops.