How to Avoid Mistakes Exchanging Money
A checklist of the sticking points first-timers run into at Thai exchange shops — the passport requirement, how to read Buy/Sell, denomination and bill condition, opening hours, checking your cash on the spot, and staying safe from counterfeit notes.
- 1Bring your original passport. Licensed exchange shops require it almost without exception, even for small amounts
- 2Check the "Buy" column on the rate board. The higher the number, the more baht you'll receive
- 3Count your cash on the spot at the counter. Convert only a minimal amount of leftover baht back to yen
Thai exchange shops run on a simple system, with fees already built into the rate. Even so, there are a handful of places where first-timers commonly get tripped up. Go through them in order.
1. Bring your original passport
Licensed exchange shops require foreigners to show a passport for identification. Major chains check it almost without exception, even for small amounts, and some won't accept a copy. The shop will either photocopy your passport or note down its number. Don't leave it in the hotel safe when you head out.
2. Check the "Buy" column on the rate board
The rate board shows two columns, "Buy" and "Sell." Converting yen to baht uses the shop's "Buy" column — the higher the number, the more baht you'll receive.
- Example: JPY 10000 Buy 0.2141 → 10,000 JPY gives 2,141 ฿
- The figures on this site are collected automatically from each shop's published rates every 15 minutes. What's posted in-store takes priority, so confirm it matches before you exchange
3. Denomination and bill condition
Most shops don't split yen rates by denomination, but some drop the rate a notch (around 0.5%) for 1,000-yen notes. Check which denomination the posted rate applies to. Bills that are creased, torn, marked, or taped can be refused. See the denomination rate guide for details.
4. Opening hours and crowds
Many private exchange shops close around 6 p.m., and some are closed on Sundays. Popular shops can have lines in the evening or on weekends. Rates are updated several times during the day, so the amount you receive can vary depending on the time. Opening hours are listed on each shop page, but they can change, so check the shop's official website before making a special trip.
This site copies opening hours and branch locations from each shop's official information. Exchange shops merge, close, or relocate from time to time, so check the "official website" link on each shop page for the latest information before you go.
5. Count your cash on the spot
When you receive your cash at the counter, count it right there and confirm it matches the receipt. Checking on the spot is the rule — a complaint raised after you've walked away generally won't be honored. For larger amounts, receiving 1,000-baht notes makes counting easier, and you can usually break them at convenience stores in urban areas if you need smaller bills later.
6. Watch out for counterfeit bills
Being handed a counterfeit note at a licensed exchange shop is unlikely, but don't respond to anyone on the street or outside a shop offering "a good rate." Licensed shops often display their operating license in-store, so check for that posting (the Bank of Thailand doesn't offer a public search system for exchange operators, so checking the posted license in person is the practical way to verify one). Check received notes for the watermark and raised printing, and if anything looks suspicious, ask to have it exchanged right there at the counter.
7. Scams disguised as exchange shops
- Some shops advertise "no fees" prominently while offering a worse rate — comparing the amount you actually receive exposes this
- Exchange counters pointed out in the arrival hall are often bank booths, which are worse value than the private exchange shops on the basement floor (airport exchange guide)
- If a shop that accepts yen offers to charge you in yen, decline — that uses the shop's own rate — and choose baht instead
Get a local eSIM before you land
Pre-departure checklist
- Carry your original passport
- Don't worry about yen denominations, but keep the bills flat and uncreased
- Check today's rates on Compare Bangkok rates the morning you arrive
- At the airport, exchange only enough for transport and your first day
- Count your cash at the counter before leaving
- Convert only a minimal amount of leftover baht back to yen (buying back costs you the spread)
Original passport, the Buy column, clean bills, and counting at the counter — follow these four rules and there's almost no way to lose out exchanging money in Thailand. Today's best in-city rate is Max Exchange Head Office at 0.2141.
FAQ
Licensed exchange shops require a passport for identification. Major chains check it even for small amounts, and some won't accept a copy. Bring the original.
Converting yen to baht uses the shop's "Buy" column — the rate at which the shop buys yen. The higher the number, the more baht you'll receive.
Many private exchange shops close around 6 p.m., and some are closed on Sundays. Opening hours are listed on each shop page, but they can change, so check the official website before making a special trip.
The rates and amounts in this article are calculated automatically from each exchange shop's published rates, collected by this site every 15 minutes. How the data is sourced and updated