If You’re Exchanging Money in Chiang Mai, Here’s Where to Go! Private Money Changers Are the Best Deal!!

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city after Bangkok. Once the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom, it still retains many historical sites. With a cooler climate than Bangkok, it is very popular among foreign visitors. In addition, the cost of living is lower than in Bangkok, making it the second most popular long-stay destination after Malaysia.

So, what’s the first thing travelers do upon arriving in Chiang Mai? That’s right—exchange money. Let’s take a look at some spots where you can get the best rates for exchanging money in Chiang Mai.

1. About Exchanging Money in Chiang Mai

When exchanging US Dollar for Thai baht (THB) in Chiang Mai, there are basically two options: banks or private money changers. Of course, you can also exchange at hotels, but the rates are extremely poor, so this should only be considered in emergencies.

Between banks and private money changers, as with most other places, private money changers offer better rates in Chiang Mai. However, the difference here is not huge, so if your stay is short and you’re exchanging a small amount, one option is to exchange quickly at an airport bank to save time.

On the other hand, if you care about getting the best rate or will be staying for a long period, it’s better to use one of the good private exchange offices introduced below.

2. Super Rich Chiang Mai

Super Rich is a major money exchange chain operating in Thailand’s main cities. They also have a branch in the basement of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is often crowded, so many people may already be familiar with the name.

In Chiang Mai, there are two Super Rich exchange shops: Super Rich Chiang Mai 1 and Super Rich Chiang Mai 2. Both are among the most favorable places in the city for exchange rates. You can also check the day’s rates on their website.

Super Rich Chiang Mai 1 is located along Loi Kroh Road, while Super Rich Chiang Mai 2 is on Ratvithi Road in the Old City.

3. Thai Lanna Apiculture

This shop, Thai Lanna Apiculture, has long been known as a money changer in Chiang Mai. It is located down a small lane east of the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel on Sridonchai Road. As the name suggests, it is actually a store that sells royal jelly. It has been famous for years as a place offering good rates, and is commonly known as the “Honey Shop.”

At the front, honey and other products are sold as usual, but inside, there is a money exchange counter with a monitor displaying the day’s foreign currency to baht exchange rates. In the past, when there were fewer private money changers, this was considered the best place to exchange in Chiang Mai. Today, with more competition, it remains one of the top contenders.

4. Sakol Money Exchange (SK Money Exchange)

Along with the Honey Shop above, SK Money Exchange has also long been known as a reputable money changer in Chiang Mai. It is located along Charoen Prathet Road on the right bank of the Ping River, just north of the intersection with Loi Kroh Road (by a small bridge), south of the Diamond Riverside Hotel.

From the outside, you can’t see into the shop, so first-time visitors may feel a bit hesitant. However, once inside, it looks like a small bank, with counters lined up and a security guard on duty. It also offers some of the best rates in Chiang Mai. Unlike the two shops above, however, it is closed on Sundays, so keep that in mind.

◎ Summary

So, how did you find our list of recommended money changers in Chiang Mai?

In addition to the shops introduced above, there is also Super Exchange, located on Loi Kroh Road, Chiang Mai’s busiest downtown street, which is reputed to offer good rates, so we’ll note it here as extra information.

One more tip—if you are exchanging a large amount, you may be able to get an even better rate than the one posted, so in such cases, try negotiating with the shop.

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If You’re Exchanging Money in Chiang Mai, Here’s Where to Go! Private Money Changers Are the Best Deal!!