Travel money

[dassyurus]

Am finally committed to travel dates, first trip to Thailand.
My question, the best way to carry and or access money after arriving there. Am thinking a wheelbarrow full of Thai currency is not a good idea.

Thanks for any help, will probably call for help when I get lost leaving the airport

Alan

[urleft]

As it is your first trip which I assume is vacation, I would just use ATMs (can get about 20,000 baht at a time).  However there is a 150 to 180 baht fee.   

But I would also bring about 30,000 baht worth of your local currency.  For example when you arrive (I assume BKK), use an ATM there, but they will just give you 1000 baht notes.  Take a large note from your local currency and go to an exchange both.  Have them give you change to include, 10 - 100 baht notes, 10 - 20 baht notes, and probable 10 - 10 baht coins.  Maybe 2 500  baht notes also. 

Taxis can't always make change. 

[colin2012]

As it is your first trip which I assume is vacation, I would just use ATMs (can get about 20,000 baht at a time).  However there is a 150 to 180 baht fee.   

Plus if you are from the UK your own bank will charge (i think) 2.50 pounds per transaction

[Freddy]

If from UK I think travel cards are a good and safe option.  Caxton FX do a great one.  You load it with the amount you want for your holiday and use it at the ATMs just like your bank card. You can also go on to the internet at any time and transfer more funds from your current account to the card. Big plus is that if it is cloned or stolen there is no link to your bank, it just has your travel funds on it. Another plus is that the exchange rates given are better than the high street banks and exchange offices and you don't pay a uk bank charge, just the ATM charge. Daily withdrawal limit is about 15kTHB. It's a visa so can also use for purchases if you choose. I have and still use when in Thailand and never a problem.

[binnsy]

If you plan on using a ATM i would advise your bank that you plan on doing so,so as they can put a flag on your card to cover the period of stay in LOS.
Have had friend who did not inform there bank and the card was froze until a few phone calls had been made.

[Wayne from Aus]

My most recent experience was to bring a Debit card with $20,000 AUD on it plus a lot of cash. Seemed a safe option. I went to the bank in Buriram and tried to withdraw the cash but was informed that the card could only be used at the ATM. Seems all OK till I got to the ATM. Would only give me 20 x 1000 Baht notes per day  and would charge 200 Baht per transaction. Then the stinger was that the exchange rate that the ATM would apply to my Aussie dollars was nearly 2 baht less than what the bank could offer. I did the sums and worked out that in the end I would of lost a very big chunk of cash. Result, I took the card back home. Cash all the way for me !

[lucky1962]

you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm

[mike]

you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm

What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?

[urleft]

you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm

What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?

Super rich almost always has the best exchange rates, comparible to TT. 

Check out this link:  http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

View your currentcy against the Baht for Notes.  Super rich will probably be at the top. 

[gotlost]

you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm

What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?

Super rich almost always has the best exchange rates, comparible to TT. 

Check out this link:  http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

View your currentcy against the Baht for Notes.  Super rich will probably be at the top.

If SR is giving the same rate at Swampy as in town fair enough BUT I will never exchange money at any international airport in the world, except for very small amounts as airports have the worst exchange rates going.

[CO-CO]

you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm

What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?

Super rich almost always has the best exchange rates, comparible to TT. 

Check out this link:  http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

View your currentcy against the Baht for Notes.  Super rich will probably be at the top.

Thanks for that Keith.

Do you (or anyone else) know if they offer the same rate as there other shops.

Obviously, we are aware that there is a cartel with the rates inside the airport - I wonder if SR will edge down their rates as it is an airport site.




oops - I see GL got in first...

[urleft]

I only exchanged at Super Rich (about $1000) one time several years ago at a sidestore I think on Soi 22/Suk in Bangkok.  The gave the going super rich rate.  But note on the exchange rate site it specifies:  Super Rich (Ratchadamri)

However, they really really examined the $100 Bills, and would not accept 2 of the older ones.   
 
Now I avoid the ATM fees by using local banks (Siam Commercial and Bangkok).  Plus Bangkok bank lets me do an electronic transfer from my US Bank to my Local Bangkok account.  Which is what I would suggest for Americans and Brits.  The poster is an Aussie and I don't know if Bangkok Bank has a branch there.  As I mented in my tanking thread:  http://www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,6974.0.html  I monitor the super rich exchange rates because they seem to be the leader in what the TT are going to do.  So I try to optimize when I trans funds by setting several month windows of opportunity.
 
 
But being that this is posters 1st trip to Thailand, I recommend he ignores the best exchange rates, ATM fees and such, and enjoy the first week.  Then start learning the ropes on the best way to do things. 
 
 

[CO-CO]

For the Brits there has been little better than using Halifax Bank @ GBP 9.50 a time to transfer to your Thai bank.

I have used Bangkok Bank both with a Sterling transfer in and also via the London office where they fix the Baht rate. It is well described on their website.

Anyone still using an overseas card must be mental - or have a special reason for doing so.

Last week I tried HSBC bank who have an offer of GBP 4 per transfer. Because I wasn't sure they would remit Sterling (they quote 'GBP equivalent' on their online form) I just tried it out by sending GBP500 and it was here the next day. I will try with a larger amount later this month.

I am interested in the Super Rich rates because my daughters are visiting later this month.

[DeputyDavid]

Keith, what is the benefit of using Siam bank vs BKK?  I have a BKK account and transfer just as you mentioned.  I think you said you use Siam for larger transfers.  Is it because you use Siam for telex transfer?  Just trying to develop a strategy.  Thanks for the help.

[gotlost]

For the Brits there has been little better than using Halifax Bank @ GBP 9.50 a time to transfer to your Thai bank.

I have used Bangkok Bank both with a Sterling transfer in and also via the London office where they fix the Baht rate. It is well described on their website.

Anyone still using an overseas card must be mental - or have a special reason for doing so.

Last week I tried HSBC bank who have an offer of GBP 4 per transfer. Because I wasn't sure they would remit Sterling (they quote 'GBP equivalent' on their online form) I just tried it out by sending GBP500 and it was here the next day. I will try with a larger amount later this month.

I am interested in the Super Rich rates because my daughters are visiting later this month.

Thats what they have Daddy Warbucks for.