7 MORE PERSONAL TIPS FOR SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT BANGKOK

In the article ‘My 5 Best Tips for Bangkok Airport,’ I already gathered important information for travelers. Here’s a bonus.

Topics: Taxi — Smoking — Internet — Currency Exchange — Luggage

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Tip 1 – Where can I find a cab at Suvarnabhumi?

The cab service at the airport is automated. This means that on the ground floor (1st Floor), there are machines that assign you a suitable cab. There are different rows for the different routes. There are

• “short distance” for the area around the airport, including Lad Krabang, where nearby hotels are located.
• “long distance” for trips to the city or surrounding areas
• “big cab” for journeys with a lot of luggage. These are large-capacity cabs that can also load a bicycle, for example, if there are only one or two passengers.
• The queue at the “long distance” is a little longer. However, as it is quite quick, waiting times are short.

The queue in the “long distance” row is usually a little longer than in the other rows. However, as it is quite quick, waiting times are short.

The cost to the city center is around 450 to 550 baht including the 75 baht expressway fee and 50 baht for the airport cab fee. If you book “Short Distance”, for example to a nearby hotel in Lat Krabang, you will receive a note at the counter with the name of the cab driver, an emergency telephone number (where you can also complain) and a note to the 50 baht airport cab fee.

Electric cabs are now also available. Costs for the supposedly environmentally friendly option are 150 baht for the first 2 kilometers and then 16 baht per kilometer driven. This adds up to around 580 baht + toll for the express way to Sukhumvit, for example.

The e-taxis also cover longer distances. It costs 4500 baht to Hua Hin and 2500 to Pattaya, which could be a tiny contribution to improving air quality.

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Tip 2 – What is the cheapest way to get to Pattaya? And to the city?

On the ground floor, you can book a minivan or bus to Pattaya at a reasonable price. Costs between 143 and 190 baht. That is currently less than 5 euros. The staff at the counter are friendly and understand English.

The cheapest way to get to downtown Bangkok is the S1 bus, which goes directly to Khao San and Silom. The cost is an affordable 60 Baht. You can book the bus at the designated counters in the hall in front of the exit. Departure is behind the taxi stand. The buses run from 6 am to 8 pm.

This is also where the minivans go to Don Muang Airport, from where many domestic flights depart. The shuttle service is free, you just have to show your ticket. The shuttle buses run between 6 am and 5 pm.

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Tip 3 – How do I get WiFi / WLAN at Bangkok Airport?

There is free WiFi throughout the airport. As usual, you have to register and then get access for one hour. You can then surf the internet while eating or having a coffee.

Look on your smartphone or tablet to see which WiFi networks are available. Select e.g. @AirportAISfreeWiFi. Enter the desired language. Register yourself. You may also need to open a new window or a new tab in your browser to be taken automatically to the registration page.

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Tip 4 – Where is the best place to change money at Bangkok airport?

In 2024 you can still change money on the first floor of Suvarnabhumi at a really good rate.

A topic that is always hotly debated in various Facebook groups. Yes, you can really save money if you change money at Bangkok Airport at the Superrich etc. exchange booths on the first floor.

The exchange rates at the various exchange offices at the airport differ by 5%. On the date I tested, the exchange rate at the exchange offices of the usual large banks throughout the airport was 33.30 baht per euro. (This was at a time when the Euro Baht exchange rate was very poor. However, my spot checks every time I am at the airport show similarly large differences).

Just 100 meters from the nearest bank counter, in the basement at the airport link station, are the money changers, which are independent of the banks. Among others, on that day “Superrich Thailand” offered a rate of 36.15 baht per euro for banknotes larger than 50 euros. That’s almost 3 baht more, or about 25 euros difference for 300 euros. Reason enough for me to walk a few meters further.

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Tip 5 – How can I have my luggage sent to the hotel?

In the passage to the Novotel near the airport link is the bellugg store. The company promises a “same day luggage delivery service” for as little as 150 baht. The special feature is live tracking. So you always know where your luggage is. You can have a bicycle delivered to your hotel for 600 baht without having to worry about the inconvenience of transportation. An alternative to the large-capacity cab mentioned above.

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Tip 6 – Where can I smoke at Bangkok Airport?

As far as I know, smoking is no longer allowed inside the building, but smokers will still find their corner. However, outside the airport building. Officially, there is a smoking area on the 2nd floor in front of the building at the far left end. That is, if you leave the large hall through door no. 10 and turn left at the end.

You can also take the opportunity to get a taste of the Bangkok air and climate.

Outside these zones there is a threat of a 5000 baht fine. However, I always see smokers standing around somewhere. Especially where the limousine and cab drivers are. Smoking is certainly not allowed down in the area of the S1 buses. Nevertheless, it is done there.

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7 – How do I get a cheap flight to Thailand?

My best tip for this: Compare many different flight booking portals with each other. Be it Skyscanner or AirlineDirect – enter your details and compare the results. Each platform has its advantages.

I have also written an article about this in which I describe my approach and the airlines for domestic flights: How to get a cheap flight in 2024

It may be worth booking a flight directly on an airline’s website. Sometimes the prices are similar to those on the search platforms. Most importantly, you have less trouble rescheduling flights or getting compensation for delays. I enjoy the convenience of Qatar, but unfortunately they only offer flights to Germany with a stopover in Doha.

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Related to the topic:

My 7 Best Tips For Don Muang Airport in Bangkok
Hotel Test Lat Krabang – Hotels at Suvarnabhumi Airport