Don’t Get Locked Out! My Back-to-Back Bangkok Key Copying Adventures (and Where to Go)
Sometimes, life throws you curveballs, and occasionally, those curveballs come in the form of lost or misplaced keys! What are the chances of needing to make copies not once, but twice, in a matter of weeks? That’s exactly what happened to us recently, on a back-to-back run of key misfortunes. I’m sharing my experiences so you’ll know exactly where to go when you find yourself in a similar lock-and-key predicament in Bangkok.
Round One: The Apartment Key Card Quick Fix
Our first key crisis involved our regular apartment key card. Thankfully, this was a straightforward and quick fix. A trip to our usual handy shop at Lat Phrao Soi 1, just outside Union Mall, solved the problem swiftly. For a mere 100 baht, we had a new key card in hand. This spot proved to be a reliable go-to for basic key duplication if you’re in the area.
Round Two: The Airbnb Key and Pesky Key Fob
A few weeks later, disaster struck again when my niece misplaced a complete set of our Airbnb apartment rental keys, which included both the physical key and the more challenging key fob. Our Airbnb host was incredibly understanding, simply advising us to get the key fob replaced at the building’s juristic office (for 100 baht, which was straightforward, and can also be done at a locksmith’s) and suggesting Big C Extra Lat Phrao for the key duplication.
Having lived in the area for so long, I was surprised to hear that a service at Big C offered key duplication. I walked through the complex, checking the F&B areas, searching high and low, but came up empty-handed. A quick Google search on my phone for “duplicate key Big C Ladphrao,” however, immediately brought up the solution: Magnano Service (ซ่อมนาฬิกา และ ทำกุญแจ สาขา Big C Extra ลาดพร้าว). They are indeed located within Big C Extra Lat Phrao, specifically in the same row as Home Pro, right next to Aurora, truly making them a hidden gem for this specific service!
Magnano Service: Your Go-To for Keys (and More!)
Putting Magnano Service to the test, I found their key duplication process to be incredibly efficient – a true “jiffy in and out” experience. For the key duplicate, I paid a very reasonable 55 baht. What’s more, I was given a receipt and advised to come back if I encountered any issues with the key, offering great peace of mind.
Magnano Service isn’t just for household keys, either. They provide a comprehensive range of key services, including:
- Household key duplicating
- Car key duplicating
- Motorcycle key duplicating
- Immobilizer key duplicating
- Locks mastered
- Even car opening service!
Beyond keys, they also offer watch repair services. It’s truly a handy one-stop shop for common urban woes!
So, if you ever find yourself needing a spare key or facing a lockout situation in Bangkok, keep these reliable spots in mind. Magnago also has other brances. Knowing exactly where to go can save you a lot of time, money, and stress!
Practical Information for Magnano Service (Big C Extra Ladprao):
- Location: Inside Big C Extra Lat Phrao 2, Lat Phrao Road, Bangkok (opposite The Issara Lad Phrao condo)
- Nearest MRT: Lat Phrao, Exit 3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagnanoService
- Specific Shop Video: You can see the exact shop I visited here: https://www.facebook.com/MagnanoService/videos/778050752890756/
- Tel: 02-683-6700
- Hotline: 092 302 6900
- Open: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
More Handy Key Services: Unexpected Discoveries
Whilst having lunch recently at Lotus Lat Phrao (opposite Central Lat Phrao), I came across another place that provides key services: Mr. A Keys & Shoes Service. You can find them on the first floor of Lotus’s Lat Phrao, conveniently located nearby the toilet. This is a fantastic option if you’re already at Lotus for shopping or a meal and realize you need a key copied. It’s always great to find these unexpected spots that make life a little easier!
- Mr. A Keys & Shoes Service, Lotus Lat Phrao:
- Location: 1st Floor, Lotus Lat Phrao (nearby the toilet)
- Services: Key copying, shoe repair
I recently chanced upon a Magnano Service branch at Lotus’s Rama 2! It’s great to know they have multiple locations.
