What’s the exchange rate for the baht in Phuket?
Insider's Response
The baht is pegged to the US dollar. It’s impossible to state the exact rate in Phuket since it fluctuates between 32.17 and 32.75 THB per 1 USD.
If you’re wondering which currency to exchange in Phuket, the dollar is the best option. Moreover, newer blue US bills (2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2019) in $50 and $100 denominations get a better rate. Older green bills (1996, 2001, 2003, 2006) of $50 and $100 are also accepted at a good rate, but rare notes issued before 1996 won’t be exchanged — better keep them as a souvenir.
Other currencies can also be exchanged. The euro has a decent rate (around 37.9 THB per 1 EUR). Chinese yuan are increasingly accepted too, at about 4.53 THB per 1 CNY.
We recommend exchanging money only at official exchange offices in tourist areas, where the rates are better and there is no risk of being scammed. We wrote about this in the article Scams in Phuket.
At the airport and in hotels, the rates are the least favorable, while in banks they are usually slightly worse than in exchange booths.
For ideas on where to spend money in Phuket without regret and with pleasure, check the sections Places to Visit and Entertainment.