Chiang Mai money exchange: the Old City, Night Bazaar and Nimman
Article updated: 2026-09-16
Best rate USD · Chiang Mai: 33.18 — Super Money Chiangmai — Loi Kroh Road · Sep 20, 08:58 → Details
Chiang Mai has fewer exchange shops than Bangkok or Phuket, but the ones it has are concentrated in a walkable area, which keeps them honest.
Where the shops are
Loi Kroh Road and the Night Bazaar — The traditional centre of exchange in Chiang Mai. Super Money Chiangmai’s main office sits on Loi Kroh Road and has been operating for years. Several independents are within a few minutes’ walk.
Sri Phum Road / Old City north moat — Super Money’s Ratchawithi branch is here, convenient if you are staying inside the Old City.
Tha Phae Gate area — Booths aimed at tourists. Convenient but check the number.
Nimmanhaemin — Surprisingly thin for exchange shops given the area’s popularity with long-stay visitors. Most people here use ATMs or head to Loi Kroh.
Central Festival and Maya — Mall counters. Reliable hours, rates slightly behind the standalone shops.
Rates versus Bangkok
Chiang Mai typically runs a little behind Bangkok’s Pratunam area — usually under 1% on major currencies. That is not enough to justify carrying extra cash from Bangkok specifically, but it is enough that comparing shops locally matters.
Opening hours are shorter
This is the practical difference from Bangkok. Many Chiang Mai exchange shops close around 17:30–18:00, and some close on Sundays. Bangkok’s 21:00–22:00 hours are not the norm here. If you land in the evening, plan for the airport or an ATM.
Heading further north
If Chiang Rai, Mae Sai or the Golden Triangle is on your itinerary, change what you need in Chiang Mai first. Options thin out quickly outside the city, hours are shorter still, and minor currencies (yen, won, roubles) may not be handled at all.
Super Money operates in Chiang Rai and Lampang as well, and Twelve Victory has a branch in Mae Sai on the Myanmar border — those are covered on THX with opening hours and maps.
Practical notes
- Bring large denominations; the tiering applies here as everywhere.
- Passport required — licensed shops must record identification.
- The airport has counters at the usual poor rates. Change enough for the songthaew and a meal only.