How to Exchange Money in Thailand 2025 — Getting the Best Rate

THE BASELINE: MID-MARKET RATE The "real" exchange rate is the mid-market rate, shown on Google, XE.com, or Wise. Every provider charges above this — the gap is their margin. A margin of 0–1% is excellent; 5%+ is a rip-off. BEST OPTIONS FOR EXPATS IN THAILAND 1. SUPERRICH THAILAND (BEST CASH RATE) Superrich is Thailand''s most famous currency exchange chain, known for offering rates very close to the mid-market rate (typically 0.3–0.8% margin). Locations: extensive across Bangkok (Asok, Silom, many malls), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major cities. Green Superrich (Superrich Thailand) and Orange Superrich are different companies with similar rates. Best for: large cash exchanges (AUD/USD/EUR to THB). Bring AUD cash from Australia, exchange at Superrich on arrival. 2. WISE (BEST FOR DIGITAL TRANSFERS) Wise sends money from your Australian bank account to a Thai bank account (or holds it in Wise multi-currency and lets you spend with the Wise card). Wise''s rate is mid-market minus a fee of 0.4–0.8% — the most competitive digital option. Use for: Non-OA bank balance transfers from Australia (800,000 THB), regular monthly living transfers, and any large transfer. Significantly better than bank SWIFT for ongoing transfers. 3. ATM WITHDRAWALS — STRATEGIC USE Thai ATMs dispense Thai baht using your Australian bank card''s rate. The exchange rate applied is usually close to mid-market, but Thai bank ATMs charge a fixed fee of 220–250 THB per withdrawal (added on top), and your Australian bank may charge an international transaction fee (typically 2–3% or a fixed fee). Result: ATMs are expensive for small amounts, reasonable for large withdrawals. Best approach: withdraw large amounts at once to minimise per-withdrawal fees. Some banks (Citibank, Schwab US) rebate international ATM fees — if available to you, use them. 4. YOUR AUSTRALIAN BANK INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER (WORST LARGE-TRANSFER OPTION) Australian banks offer SWIFT/telegraphic transfers to Thai banks. Exchange rates are typically 2–4% above mid-market, plus fixed fees (AUD 20–30 per transfer). For the 800,000 THB Non-OA transfer, using Wise vs ANZ/CBA can save AUD 400–800 on a single transfer. Still use your Australian bank for: the Non-OA income letter if you use the income method (the bank produces a letter, not Wise). 5. AIRPORT MONEY CHANGERS — AVOID Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airport exchange kiosks offer rates 5–8% below the mid-market rate. Bring only enough cash to get you to your accommodation, then exchange the bulk at Superrich or similar. WHAT TO AVOID - Hotel lobby exchange desks: typically 5–7% below mid-market - Unknown street-level exchanges without visible rate boards: can be worse - Dynamic currency conversion at ATMs: when an ATM offers to "lock in" a rate in AUD, always decline and choose to be charged in THB — the "locked" AUD rate is always worse than your bank''s own rate THE FET CERTIFICATE (IMPORTANT FOR NON-OA) When you transfer money from overseas to a Thai bank account via SWIFT or Wise, the Thai bank must issue a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) Certificate (formerly TT3 form). This certificate proves to Thai Immigration that the funds came from overseas — it is required for the 800,000 THB Non-OA bank balance method. Request the FET certificate from your Thai bank when you make the transfer. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank issue these routinely for large incoming SWIFT transfers. Ask for it explicitly at the time of transfer. Wise transfers to a Thai bank account should also generate an FET certificate — confirm this with the receiving Thai bank before relying on it for Immigration. FOR ONGOING MONTHLY TRANSFERS (REGULAR LIVING EXPENSES) If you are transferring AUD 2,000–5,000/month from Australia to Thailand regularly, Wise is consistently the best option. Set up a recurring Wise transfer. The cumulative savings over a year are meaningful. Summary: Exchange cash at Superrich for large amounts. Use Wise for bank-to-bank transfers. Use ATMs strategically for convenience with large withdrawals. Avoid airports and hotels. General guidance only. Exchange rates and fees vary and change. Verify current rates at Wise.com and with Superrich before any large transaction.