Money in Thailand

vicshippers

We have 3 weeks in Thailand booked over Christmas, up until now I was going to just take my freshly ordered CaxtonFX card (I have used both the $ and the € one and got on well with them) but now I'm having second thoughts.

Has anyone been recently enough to comment on Caxton's THB - GBP exchange rate? I can remember reading that it's the interbank rate + 2.5%, but I see that there's a 2.5% transaction fee for withdrawals and think this might make it expensive.

We will be withdrawing cash more than paying on card for things.

I may also take £200 in travellers cheques, an emergency credit card as well as leaving my cash in my normal bank account and transferring it to Caxton as and when it's required.

Is there anything else I could be doing to get a better rate?

(We leave in a week so don't have enough time to open bank accounts to get special cards etc).

Any guidance or examples of your experience would be greatly appreciated!

stilltheone

Travelex Cash Passport Globe. Pick it up at the airport.

EycplUK

Dont forget to factor in the 300 Baht fee all the atm`s charge in Thailand !
Cash rules in Thailand if your nreves are strong enough !

hanwellmike

I would definitely limit the use of credit cards as CC fraud is a big problem in Thailand. I use my UK debit cards in the ATM's and that is simplest and most convenient. There is a surcharge but I thought it was 150 baht (£3) not 300 baht but I might be wrong. If you want to use your UK debit cards then you may have to phone your bank to tell them you will be in Thailand other wise your card may be blocked. It might be an idea to bring say £200-300 in sterling so you have some cash to exchange if the plastic fails for any reason.

fifeken

EycplUK wrote: »

Dont forget to factor in the 300 Baht fee all the atm`s charge in Thailand !
Cash rules in Thailand if your nreves are strong enough !

As the above post, the charge is 150 baht per ATM withdrawal. You can avoid this by using Aeon bank ATMs if you can find them. There is an ATM locator on their website:

http://www.aeon.co.th/lang/en/menu/Service_Location/region/off/option/atm#branchATMForm

vicshippers

Think my lack of concentration in another post may have started the 300 baht withdrawal fee myth, sorry guys.

I hadn't really heard of the Travelex cash passport before, will look into it now. Looks perfect on first inspection.

Thanks guys!

stilltheone

Cash Passport GLOBE. Don't let your lack of concentration put you in a bind.

Link

nico26

hanwellmike wrote: »

I would definitely limit the use of credit cards as CC fraud is a big problem in Thailand. I use my UK debit cards in the ATM's and that is simplest and most convenient. There is a surcharge but I thought it was 150 baht (£3) not 300 baht but I might be wrong. If you want to use your UK debit cards then you may have to phone your bank to tell them you will be in Thailand other wise your card may be blocked. It might be an idea to bring say £200-300 in sterling so you have some cash to exchange if the plastic fails for any reason.

Be very careful when using Atms .Give machine quick check and cover when using pin. Ive just been stung for 50k baht from my account . I am living here at present and only use my Thai banks main Atm which they still managed to rig.
Never give your credit card over to pay a bill when you cannot see transaction being done.

Best keep some sterling on you.
Other than that have a good trip.