going back again in dec...just can't stay away

diving liveaboard, some new beaches and tattoo on the way out

folks, better to exchange cad > thb here or in thailand? banks or exchange places in thailand?

Grab (their version of Uber) is a lifesaver in Thailand, where taxis VERY often rip tourists off, or don't bother giving you a ride. Most things are very cool in Thailand, very nice, and accommodating for toursits. Taxi drivers are the exception.

Grab will often be cheaper than a taxi in Bangkok (other smaller cities it'll be more) but at the very least, you know exactly what the fare is going to be, and well, you will actually get a ride.

Tuktuks can be OK for very short rides, but are smelly, you breathe in so much pollution, and they can be dangerous

Use the ATMs. Just withdraw the max amount each time which was 20,000 baht if I remember correctly. They give good rates, basically the same as if you went on Google or VBCE and used their daily conversion.

Yup ATM is the way to go for international currency. Taking a bunch of cash and trading it in is so outdated LUL

You will usually get the middle rate (the one between the currency exchanges' buy and sell rates) plus a minor fee (between $1-5 USD)

Note that on Holidays in Thailand ATM's get depleted for cash. Lots of people taking money out for local holidays, plus no one working to replenish.

I've always just swapped cash at the money exchange (You need your passport). i've always swapped cash in Thailand vs. here.

I did take cad. Seems like exchange it here gets u better rate than vbce etc. And some places were giving 24.30 while some 23.xx. Just shop around.

I did use atm and had to pay xx bhat here as well as 3$ there to bank. Added to about $$13 in feez

Been three times this year, hope I can lend a hand here.
If you're in Bangkok area, Superrich Currency Exchange (They have a few locations scattered about) was recommended to me and their rates were pretty good. Saw line-ups at a few locations so that's a good sign.
You can always exchange money at one of the larger banks too, but their rates don't seem to be as good. I tried SCB and was given an OK rate. Upside is, you'll be treated to full banking services so sit-down, have some complimentary iced tea and cookies and of course that sweet sweet AC.

If you're going to be on the smaller islands, bring THB with you as the exchanges there will be atrocious. Was offered 22.xx when rate was 24.xx. ATM is also not a good option as the "withdrawal" fees are actually higher the more distant you are from the larger cities.

AIrport exchange is a rip off too so just get enough for the cab or use lift and exchange in the city.

Grab was my go-to ride sharing app for Vietnam/Thailand. they are #1 in Southeast Asia I believe since they bought a big chunk of Uber over there

pretty much same shit except you can get points which you can redeem for discounts/free shit from stores/restaurants

guys looking for a beach (good to swim) to spend 3 nights , not too secluded , good mix of hotels/local food etc. no too crazy. went to Patong last year. didnt' care for it much. can you guys suggest something

[reviving an old thread]:

I've found exchanging money at bank kiosks (which are everywhere) give better rates than exchanging in Canada. Of course, always carry a little bit of baht in case you're in the airport and you want to buy a bottle of water or need it for a bus or taxi ride etc.

They ask to see your passport at the bank but they are definitely cheaper.

For example: https://kasikornbank.com/en/Rate/Pag...-Exchange.aspx has a better rate than VBCE (https://www.vbce.ca/)

take USD if you're going to do that....100's and 50's get better rates


just use ATM's