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Thai help.....

Hi all,

I am hoping you could all offer some advice.

Im travelling to Thailand next week and im not sure what to do re changing money.

Some people have said change it out there as the rate is better. Is that true?

I have recently upgraded my bank acct to HSBC Advance, it doesnt cost me to withdraw abroad, but will the withdrawal rate be decent?

Hopefully the post makes sense!

Thanks

Comments

  • Heliflyguy
    Heliflyguy Posts: 932 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 21 June 2010 at 4:31PM
    Yes the exchange rate is better in Thailand (currently expect to get just over 47 THB to the pound in Thailand), use the money change kiosks or the banks.
    Pretty much as soon as you get off the aircraft at Bangkok you will find a change kiosk, even before you go through immigration, there is no need to change any pounds to Thai baht before travelling.

    Take cash and travellers cheques (in sterling) hopefully you have time to order them, buy £50 or £100.00 TC's as there is a small charge to change them (about 30 THB) so that will help keep the cost down.

    Dont change money at the hotels, rates are terrible.

    You need to check what rate your card gives you but I would only ever use this in an emergency.

    Have a great time!
  • tonto7
    tonto7 Posts: 9 Forumite
    Brilliant. Thanks ever so much!
  • Have a great time, my son and daughter in law had to cancel their honeymoon to Thailand in March cos of the trouble.
  • hanwellmike
    hanwellmike Posts: 181 Forumite
    I always withdraw Thai cash from Thai ATM's using my debit card. If you need cash to get from the airport upon arrival then there are a few ATM's available in the airport once you clear customs. Just be careful as there are always a lot of people hanging around. There is a standard 150 baht (£3.00) charge for using most Thai bank ATM's. If you go the debit card / ATM route then you might need to phone your bank to let them know you will be withdrawing money in Thailand or your card may be blocked (this has happened with me). Bringing cash and changing it locally might give you be a slightly better exchange rate but personally I think the convenience and security of the card outweigh the saving of a few bob. Finally if you do use the card / ATM route then the safest method is to always choose an ATM that is attached to a bank that is open. So if there is a problem you have someone to report it to straightaway. There are ATM's all over Thailand and I would not use an ''isolated'' one. Have a good trip.
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