Hi. First time in Thailand, staying in Patong for two weeks. I changed a small amount at a booth near the beach on the first evening and later realised the rate was terrible compared to what other people were getting. The booths along the busy streets all seem to target tourists who have just landed and do not know better. Where should I be changing money in Patong, and how do I tell a decent place from a tourist trap? I will need a fair amount over the two weeks, mostly for food, tours and shopping, so getting this right from the start matters.

The pattern is simple: the closer to the beach and the brighter the sign, the worse the rate. Places that rely on walk in tourists do not need to compete on price. Compare published rates before you go out, and be aware that small amounts usually get a worse rate anywhere, so change a sensible sum at once rather than a little every day. I used Senate Exchange for money exchange in Patong . Tip: never accept a deal where the final baht figure is only mentioned after your money is on the counter. Also change what you need for several days at once and keep it in the hotel safe rather than carrying everything with you. Small daily exchanges are exactly what the beach booths are built to profit from.