sassie

I'm off to Thailand next week for 2 weeks and am trying to weigh up the best way to take money. We were going to take a wad of Aussie dollars and change them up over there, but have since heard that ATM's offer a better rate of exchange.

Was just wondering if anyone can offer any advice.

Thanks

bakedbean

I'm currently living in Thailand. I'm not sure the rates you'll get via ATMs will be any better than changing up cash but it'll certainly be easier. There's plenty of ATMs. Walking around with big wodges of cash never a good idea if it can be avoided.

The exchange rate you get will be linked to your ATM card (your bank) and whatever charges your bank makes.

Have fun in Thailand but take special care if you're going to Bangkok. Looks like there may be trouble looming (again)

OzSheila

You "may" get a better rate with the ATMs but you may be stung by a charge for using a foreign ATM.

We were in Hong Kong at Christmas and each time we used an ATM we copped a AUD5 dollar charge courtesy of ANZ and the rate wasn't that good anyhow.

Am having to do some research for next trip as to the best way to obtain cash.

HTH

paul_thompson

Hi,

The atm's are now charging 150 Baht for all cash withdrawls no matter what the amount is. Certainly for any visa card issued to UK customers.

sassie

Thanks for the reply. We are only in Bangkok for day either side of our trip to Koh Samui. What sort of trouble is looming again??

bakedbean

Toxin verdict today in the courts.

MonsterP

Just check the rates of exchange and compare them with buying Baht from your own bank in Oz or, for example, Siam Commercial Bank, in TH - See their website.
TH tends to have some funny rates of exchange within the country, usually you're better off getting Baht before you arrive. I agree with our other friends that the ATM's will have a fixed charge for each withdrawal.
Have fun in Samui!
regards
MP

uk_vette

.
.
So that is roughly £3.00 a transaction

Which I suppose is pretty well normal I would think.
So just take a chunk out each time ?

'vette

Affinity One

If you're not planning to visit the Grand Palace on this trip within the next week or so you should be OK.
As for the ATM charges are as above replies Baht 100 - 150 per transaction. the rate of exchange depends on the day which is only good for the bank!!! but it is convenient to us the users. Quite a lot of ATM's now bear the sign of either Visa, Master, Cirrus or Plus which is international.
Have a good time in Thailand and WELCOME.
Affinity One