Local Tip
Carry your passport and compare a few boards: Super Money Chiang Mai, called Super Rich in some guides, trades on Ratchawithi and Loi Kroh roads. Krungsri and Kasikornbank ATMs charge 250 baht for each foreign Visa withdrawal, 350 baht on a Mastercard.
Where to change money in Chiang Mai
Bank branches and private changers in town both exchange cash, and THAIest says the changers beat the airport booths. Licensed changers need to see your original passport, not a copy.
- Super Money Chiang Mai, Ratchawithi and Loi Kroh roads 25/4 Ratchawithi Road and 34/4 Loi Kroh Road, both open daily 08:30-17:30 according to its website. Some guides call it Super Rich Chiang Mai, but no link to either SuperRich firm in Bangkok is shown.
- Bank branchesThai banks change cash at the counter, and Rough Guides rates them above airport kiosks.
- Other private changersTHAIest says the city's other changers also beat the airport; compare two or three boards before a large exchange.
Changing money at the airport
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) lists bank, ATM and exchange services, and THAIest's 2025 guide places bank exchange booths in both the domestic and the international arrivals areas, though it and Rough Guides say rates are better in town. Licensed taxis leave from Exit 9 of arrivals for the old town; Lonely Planet says shuttles and minibuses cost a little less, with Grab fares in between.
ATMs and cards in Chiang Mai
Each Thai bank's ATM adds a fixed surcharge when you withdraw with a card from abroad, before your own bank's fees. The widely quoted 220-baht figure is out of date at some banks: Krungsri's tariff, in force since 11 March 2026, and Kasikornbank's, dated 22 September 2026, both ask 250 baht of Visa holders and 350 baht of Mastercard holders. A flat fee hurts most on small sums: 250 baht is 5% of 5,000 baht but 1.25% of 20,000 baht. If a Chiang Mai ATM or restaurant card reader suggests showing the total in pounds, refuse and keep it in baht, as that conversion rate is usually poor. The UK Foreign Office suggests ATMs inside banks because of skimming. Cash still matters at markets and small restaurants.
Paying for transport in Chiang Mai
Shared red pick-ups, called rot daeng or songthaews, carry most people around town: wave one down, say where you are heading and pay in cash. Lonely Planet (June 2026) puts a ride within the city at about 40 baht a person; agree the fare first. The blue RTC City Buses run nine air-conditioned routes at a flat 50 baht, paid in cash or with a Rabbit card, and the CM Transit app tracks them. Tuk-tuks cost more than a red truck and are hired at a price agreed up front; metered taxis exist but seldom cruise.
Good to know
- Keep your passport when renting a scooter: the UK Foreign Office warns that firms may hold one against damage they claim, and Rough Guides reports owners inventing damage to demand large fees.
- Tips are not expected, though Rough Guides suggests 20-50 baht for good service and 100 baht or more when it is exceptional.
- Lonely Planet warns that some tuk-tuk drivers steer passengers towards shops and attractions that pay them commission.
Key Areas in Chiang Mai
Click to open in Google Maps
Exchange bureaux, banks and cash machines, as mapped by OpenStreetMap. The map loads only when you ask for it.
Open Chiang Mai in OpenStreetMap (new tab)
Chiang Mai travel money FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Chiang Mai?
Skip the airport and hotel desks and change in town. Super Money Chiang Mai, which some guides call Super Rich, has branches on Ratchawithi and Loi Kroh roads; banks and other private changers also exchange cash. Take your passport.
Are the exchange booths at Chiang Mai airport worth using?
They will do for cash on arrival, and there are ATMs too, but THAIest and Rough Guides say exchanges in town give better rates.
What do songthaews and city buses cost in Chiang Mai?
Lonely Planet gives about 40 baht per person for a songthaew ride within the city, and RTC City Buses charge a flat 50 baht. Carry cash for songthaews; buses also take a Rabbit card.
Checked September 2026. Fees, fares and opening times change, so check locally before relying on them. Sources: Super Money Chiang Mai · THAIest · Chiang Mai International Airport (AOT) · Rough Guides · Airportels · Lonely Planet
Compare THB Rates Now
See what you'd receive from providers local to you