Holiday in April to Thailand exchange money now?

Adebisi

Should I change my cash over now while the pound is still OK or wait it out and see what happens?

TIA

meester

Adebisi wrote: »

Should I change my cash over now while the pound is still OK or wait it out and see what happens?

TIA

It's already going to cost you 40% more than it would have done in July, so I wouldn't say the pound is still 'ok'.

Nobody knows what's going to happen in the future.

That said, UK money changers are a rip-off, and it will be much cheaper to change in Thailand (or just get a Nationwide account and withdraw using that in Thailand for free). So the pound would need to fall another 10% to make up for that. That reason is enough to say no, don't.

Adebisi

Is it only Nationwide that does that? My bank is HSBC.

I don't want to have to give 'massages' while I am over there to fund my travels. I wonder what will happen with there economy in the next few weeks?

alphason

I really wish I had the answer to this.

I'm an expat living in Thailand and have seen drops from 70+ to the pound, I thought it was bad when it was hovering in the low 60's but now sub 50.

Open the Nationwide account though and you will get the best rate available if you want to take cash out here with no fees. As to if you should take the cash now, well who knows? I would say if the rate you can get is acceptable to you then do it now and stop looking at the exchange rates any more, accept what you get and have a great time the Thai's will be happy to see you.

Adebisi

I have a friend over there I could maybe put the cash in his bank. I dunno it's becoming addictive checking the rates all the time. This is the first holiday I have had in 10 years, drat what a time to pick to go!!

stonethrower

If you change your money here you will only get tourist rates which are a right rip off. The exchange rate in Thailand is much better . So If you think the £ is going to drop more I would send money to mates bank. Have a good trip. Its a great country.

baggies666

I am there in April again this year things will cost a lot more, going to change my money over there as well as taking my Nationwide card. You can get free withdrawal with Hsbc but its on the plus account which cost £13 a month so not free really

Adebisi

Is it just a normal current account from nationwide you need?

stonethrower

A flex account

chewmylegoff

Adebisi wrote: »

Is it only Nationwide that does that? My bank is HSBC.

I don't want to have to give 'massages' while I am over there to fund my travels. I wonder what will happen with there economy in the next few weeks?

costs about £1.50 for each foreign withdrawal with HSBC (or free with premier as said above). but in my experience the rate you get is always better than if you change it at an FX counter, so it still works out cheaper that way, as long as you don't withdraw lots of small amounts.

Adebisi

I have just opend a flex account. I presume I need to tell the bank that I will be taking money out in Thailand?