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how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)

Houston, Texas
Level Contributor
118 posts
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)
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Hi there

I was wondering how can I pay the driver (he is charging in baht) when he picks us up from the airport. Should I exchange money at the airport? I arrive at 11pm. Are there exchange booths there? Are they open that late?

Thanks!

Newcastle, New...
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129 posts
16 reviews
17 helpful votes
1. Re: how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)
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It would be best to take some baht with you by going to your bank and exchanging your currency for baht or when arriving at Phuket airport go to an ATM, they all dispense baht , remember there is a 150baht fee on ATM withdrawal.

Bangkok, Thailand
Level Contributor
15,864 posts
2. Re: how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)
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Change money at Phuket airport, not a home, you'll get a better rate. Taxi drivers are reluctant to accept foreign currencies which is quite understandable.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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104 posts
3. Re: how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)
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We visited Phuket for the first time in October, went straight to meter taxi. If you are looking for its sign board, you can't miss it. Just on top of the final exit gate from arrival, you will find it in yellow color indicating to your right. Say no to everyone and proceed there just around 50 meters away. Within five minutes we were driving out of the airport.

I exchanged $100 at the airport money exchange. The meter taxi cost was 500 Baht plus 100 for driver tip (he didn't took us to any shop, helped us to find our hotel by searching, asking people and then calling twice to our hotel). Then 2 notes of 20 Bahts for the two staff persons who took our luggage and then us to our rooms. These small tips goes a long way... no doubt. You can also take one hour messages and go back to room for sleep. The $100 change not only took good care of all these expenses but also freedom of mind from exchanging the currency in urgency.

Melbourne, Australia
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17 posts
4 reviews
6 helpful votes
4. Re: how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)
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This year we exchanged a small amount in oz to get us transfer & hotel tip about 1000 B. The exchange rate at melb airport was 27. We elected to carry cash over and restrict amount of atm use due to previous experience with credit card fraud and also,reduce the $5 atm fee. We found most exchange booths in patong were in the 31's. I also carry a small amount of ringit as we fly air asia & its handy to have if we want to purchase anything.

5. Re: how to pay taxi/private driver without baht (airport pickup)

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