Bringing cash to exchange, using bank credit and debit cards from home, and pre-loaded travel cards and multi-currency debit cards are all popular means of making purchases and obtaining Thai baht to spend when you’re a foreign tourist on vacation in Pattaya.
Here (below) are the popular ways of getting Thai baht when you visit Pattaya. And if you want to make your money go even further, check out these Pattaya money-saving tips.
NOTE: If you’re going to be using your mobile banking app for things like checking your balance or fees and exchange rates, consider buying a Thai SIM card so you avoid roaming rates.
Exchanging Foreign Currency in Pattaya
Money exchangers are plentiful in Pattaya’s popular tourist areas. You must take your passport with you. Bring clean, crisp, undamaged, unmarked notes, as ones that are in poor condition or marked might be rejected.
Most money exchangers offer better rates for large denomination notes, such as 100 USD and 50 GBP, for example.
It’s worth shopping around, but T.T. Currency Exchange Company is known for its competitive rates. Look for the yellow T.T. booths (see photo above).
Click on the link https://ttexchange.com to view current exchange rates and locations of T.T. Currency Exchange booths and compare the rates against other currency exchangers in Pattaya.
Airport vs Pattaya Currency Exchange Rates
If you land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you might find the rates at the currency exchange booths on Floor B next to the Airport Rail Link better than those in Pattaya and much better than those in the airport arrivals area or customs hall.
There are several exchange booths next to (left of) the Airport Rail Link, including the popular Super Rich (1965). Use the link to check current exchange rates on Super Rich 1965: https://www.superrich1965.com/en.
Should You Buy Thai Baht in Your Home Country?
You can use the links (above) to compare rates against the ones offered in your home country, but rates are usually better if you change your currency to Thai baht when you arrive in Thailand.
Using Foreign Debit & Credit Cards in Pattaya
All major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, DISCOVER, and American Express, are accepted in Pattaya. You can use them to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs like you do in your home country.
To prevent your card from potentially being blocked, let your bank know you will be using it abroad.
You are never far from an ATM in Pattaya. They can be found inside and outside banks, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, shopping malls, supermarkets, and department stores.
When you use a foreign bank card to withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand, you will be charged a fee (typically around 220–250 baht).
The maximum ATM withdrawal amount is 20,000–30,000 for most banks in Thailand.
Besides the ATM fee, your bank might be charging additional fees such as foreign currency conversion and cash withdrawal fees. Those might differ from one bank and one card to another.
If you’re not sure what it’s going to cost to use your credit or debit card in Thailand, or if there is a limit on the amount you can withdraw, contact your bank and ask.
Best ATMs in Pattaya to Use Foreign Cards
For safety, the best ATMs in Pattaya are those inside and outside a bank, where they are monitored 24/7 by CCTV and a security guard is always nearby during opening hours. And if you encounter problems such as the ATM eating your card, you can report it inside the bank immediately.
Beware ATM Currency Conversions
ATMs in Thailand present you with an option to accept their own currency conversion rate using Dynamic Currency Conversion, see image below.
The rate they offer is typically a lot less than the one used by your bank/card. In most cases, it’s best to select the option to continue without conversion so you get the better rate when your bank makes the conversion.
Here is more information on dynamic currency conversion by Investopedia.com.
Another thing to remember is that ATMs in Thailand dispense cash before returning your card.
Travel Money Cards
You can use pre-paid travel money cards and multi-currency debit cards in Pattaya, just as you can use an ordinary bank debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs and make in-store and online purchases.
Not being linked to your bank account means they are a safe option if you lose one.
Wise Account
You can have a physical and virtual debit card with a Wise multi-currency account. Some advantages include being able to transfer/convert currency to Thai baht for little cost when exchange rates are favorable.
Plus, if you plan to stay in Pattaya long-term and open a Thai bank account, you can use Wise and similar services to make low-cost transfers from your home country bank to your Thai bank.