What’s the exchange rate for the baht in Phuket?
Insider's Response
The baht is pegged to the US dollar. It is impossible to state the exact exchange rate in Phuket, as it fluctuates; as of today, it is in the range of 33–34 THB per 1 USD.
The least favorable rates are found at the airport and in hotels, while bank rates are usually slightly worse than those at currency exchange booths. If you wish to exchange currency online without leaving your hotel, you can use licensed services such as EXFM.
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.
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 38 THB per 1 EUR as of September 2026. Chinese yuan are increasingly accepted too, at about 4.9–5 THB per 1 CNY.
For ideas on where to spend money in Phuket without regret and with pleasure, check the sections Places to Visit and Entertainment.