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Hey guys,
I am travelling to Pattaya for the first time in November. I ave been reading all the reports and I just wanted to know where you can exchange the currency in Pattaya because the rates at the airport are horrible. Also the ST and LT pay for the girls what are the averages nowadays. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
EXCHANGE currency on beach road.
Best are the ones with yellow sign boards but you can compare.
Carry gbp or usd for gud exchange rates.
[QUOTE=JFrost28;1955193]Hey guys,
I am travelling to Pattaya for the first time in November. I ave been reading all the reports and I just wanted to know where you can exchange the currency in Pattaya because the rates at the airport are horrible. Also the ST and LT pay for the girls what are the averages nowadays. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Nishu617;1955238]EXCHANGE currency on beach road.
Best are the ones with yellow sign boards but you can compare.
Carry gbp or usd for gud exchange rates.[/QUOTE]TT with the yellow signs usually has the best rate.
A good spot to change is on 2nd road between Soi 13/3 and 13/2. There are a number of money change stalls there on both sides of the street and you can easily price shop to get the best rate. 9/10 it's TT.
[QUOTE=JFrost28;1955193]Hey guys,
I am travelling to Pattaya for the first time in November. I ave been reading all the reports and I just wanted to know where you can exchange the currency in Pattaya because the rates at the airport are horrible. Also the ST and LT pay for the girls what are the averages nowadays. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]What currency will you be exchanging? If USD generally you get a better rate and acceptance with **pristine** and latest issue larger denomination note I. E. $50 and $100 bills with no rips, marks, or wrinkles. Go to your bank before you leave and get their newest (basically uncirculated) bills.
Unless I am in a pinch I use the non-bank money changers on WS and LK Metro. The store fronts look more like travel agencies but their USD exchange rates are very competitive. Otherwise you will see dozens of places with posted rates in your travels around town just comparison shop.
SL.
[QUOTE=JFrost28;1955193]Hey guys,
I am travelling to Pattaya for the first time in November. I ave been reading all the reports and I just wanted to know where you can exchange the currency in Pattaya because the rates at the airport are horrible. Also the ST and LT pay for the girls what are the averages nowadays. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]If you go down to the lowest level at the airport (where the station of the Airport Link train is), you will find a SuperRich exhange booth there that gives excellent rates.
[QUOTE=Sunlover2;1955366]Unless I am in a pinch I use the non-bank money changers on WS and LK Metro. [/QUOTE]I always found the further away you were from tourist places like Walking Street the better the rates.
[QUOTE=BananaBoi;1955397]I always found the further away you were from tourist places like Walking Street the better the rates.[/QUOTE]True as a general rule, not so in this case of these shops. I tend to visit them during the day / early evening not sure how late they stay open.
[QUOTE=Wolvenvacht;1955395]If you go down to the lowest level at the airport (where the station of the Airport Link train is), you will find a SuperRich exhange booth there that gives excellent rates.[/QUOTE]Yup; but warning they have somewhat limited hours like 9 am-8 pm, and I have seen SuperRich kiosk locations that have run out baht to sell.
SL.
[QUOTE=UncleVolodya;1955280]TT with the yellow signs usually has the best rate.
A good spot to change is on 2nd road between Soi 13/3 and 13/2. There are a number of money change stalls there on both sides of the street and you can easily price shop to get the best rate. 9/10 it's TT.[/QUOTE]I agree with Uncle V, and during my last visit I confirmed that TT (as Uncle V had recommended) had one of the best rates around.
You will need a passport or equivalent ID. Also, slightly better rates for USD $50 and $100 notes, vs. say $20 or $10 notes.
[QUOTE=JFrost28;1955193]Hey guys,
I am travelling to Pattaya for the first time in November. I ave been reading all the reports and I just wanted to know where you can exchange the currency in Pattaya because the rates at the airport are horrible. Also the ST and LT pay for the girls what are the averages nowadays. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]Exchange enough at the airport to pay for the transportation to Pattaya, plus some extra. I usually exchange $100. When I arrive in Pattaya, I will take $200 to $300 with me, walk around and do an exchange with the best place I find. As said, the rates are competitive all over, so the differences will often be insignificant. Never exchange much more than you think you will be spending, especially a day or two before you will be leaving.
Note that late at night the exchange places will shut down leaving fewer options. I was once out late in Bangkok and we had to drive quite a distance to find an open exchange. There is one on WS stays open later than most in the city, but don't push it!
As said, try to get fresh or only slightly used $100 bills if from the US. Lower denominations, or overly used bills, will bring a lower rate. If what your local banks gives you is is not of the current design or is not relatively pristine (some folds and slight wear are ok), then ask them for a better note. And, of course, keep your money in a locked safe, and when you come back to the hotel with a girl, put any extra money away before you take your shower. I had a scare once when I had several thousand baht in my pants that I foolishly left out on the bed when I took my shower. I am not so concerned about an outright 'steal and run' as they have to get their ID's, and the place I stay is very good at calling me when the girl leaves, but she could have taken a thousand or so and I could not have proven it. Fortunately, like most Thai girls, she was honest so there was no problem. But be careful with money!
First time in Pattaya, first time in Thailand.
Ten months of research did not prepare me for the experience of actually being here. Two days and already and I am way out of my depth.
Today I went to the Devil's Den something that was at least within my comfort zone, I managed to tick a few boxes there so at least the long flight was not for nothing.
I've yet to take one of the baht buses, where do you get the ten baht coins from? I am getting a lot of twenty baht notes, do they give change or do you just give them the twenty instead?
[QUOTE=Ableyone;1955560]First time in Pattaya, first time in Thailand.
Ten months of research did not prepare me for the experience of actually being here. Two days and already and I am way out of my depth.
Today I went to the Devil's Den something that was at least within my comfort zone, I managed to tick a few boxes there so at least the long flight was not for nothing.
I've yet to take one of the baht buses, where do you get the ten baht coins from? I am getting a lot of twenty baht notes, do they give change or do you just give them the twenty instead?[/QUOTE]555, not sure if you are real or not. Try going to a 7/11 and buying a 30 baht candy bar with a 100 b. Hopefully they give you back some coins not a 20 + 50. If bus drivers guess you are a tourist they sometimes run out of change. Maybe stick to Soapies or Gentlemans Clubs if you feel overwhelmed. What area are you staying in for more specific advice?
[QUOTE=Ableyone;1955560]First time in Pattaya, first time in Thailand.
Ten months of research did not prepare me for the experience of actually being here. Two days and already and I am way out of my depth.
Today I went to the Devil's Den something that was at least within my comfort zone, I managed to tick a few boxes there so at least the long flight was not for nothing.
I've yet to take one of the baht buses, where do you get the ten baht coins from? I am getting a lot of twenty baht notes, do they give change or do you just give them the twenty instead?[/QUOTE]Don't feel bad. I was also completely overwhelmed my first time in Pattaya. The place tests you in new ways. My advice is to take things slowly, learn to say yes, and not expect to keep up with the men on these boards. Don't try to get 30 girls in a week. Try to get what makes you happy. Hop on a baht bus today. You'll be happy you did.
Ableyone, head over to Walking Street and pretend each gogo club is a FKK. Let the girls come to you, buy them a drink, and take one to your hotel room if you desire. Really no different than a FKK. Some clubs to consider Sensations, Sapphire, Baccara, Happy, Skyfall, Palace, Iron, Glass House, Super Girl. You didn't hit the gogo bars in LK Metro after Devil's Den?
If you desire something closer to a FKK, the closest thing would be Kinnaree Place on Pratumnak Hill. About 30 girls Wed-Sat arrive at 3 pm. Bar closes at 7 pm. You need to take taxi or motorbike, around 200 baht for taxi and 60 baht for bike, each way. Free entry. Free food Wed and Sat.
If you're still struggling, PM me. Always willing to help out a fellow FKK guy.
[QUOTE=BananaBoi;1955397]I always found the further away you were from tourist places like Walking Street the better the rates.[/QUOTE]I am curious as to why people are always bringing cash with them when there are these marvellous inventions called ATMs everywhere? Is it just a cultural thing? I know that debit cards are ubiquitous in Canada but not as much in the US and Europe, but not sure how people view them. Carrying cash is just so damn risky, especially scads of it. ATM fees aren't really that much of a bother for me either when doing the risk analysis as well, just take out more and it is a pittance!
[QUOTE=OfficeMatt;1955610]I am curious as to why people are always bringing cash with them when there are these marvellous inventions called ATMs everywhere? Is it just a cultural thing? I know that debit cards are ubiquitous in Canada but not as much in the US and Europe, but not sure how people view them. Carrying cash is just so damn risky, especially scads of it. ATM fees aren't really that much of a bother for me either when doing the risk analysis as well, just take out more and it is a pittance![/QUOTE]Well, best to diversify. I do cash, debit card, and carry a credit card. You bight lose your ATM etc.