Money breakdown SE Asia

the_jbobby

I'm trying to work out the best way to take money to SE Asia. I have posted on here already about a card and I am going to get the Travelex CAsh Passport Globe.

However, I need some help in the best way to take the money. I have heard that in Vietnam and Cambodia they use USD and with the exchange rate being quite favourable at the moment I thought it would a good idea to get cash. However, I'm also really worried about losing them.

So what I'm wondering is: I'm taking 900 pounds to SE Asia, what would be the best way to take it? 600 on the card and 300 is USD cash? Or do you think it is probably best to avoid any risk of theft, take the 1.49% hit on the card and just use local currency? I'm really confused.

stilltheone

Having some US$ can be useful, so take some crisp US$20 and lower denomination notes with you.

Take some Pounds in cash too, as Thai ATMs sting you for an extra 150 baht each time. So you can change a little cash at the airport for your first day. To this end, it may actually be cheaper to take some American Express Travellers Cheques denominated in Pounds with you for Thailand. If you have a Lloyds Bank account, you can get them commission free if you order online or over the telephone for branch pickup. Otherwise expect to pay up to 1.5%.

Look out for AEON ATMs as they don't charge the 150 baht.. The alternative is to take cash over the counter, but Travelex might levy a hefty charge for this, so check with them before you leave.