Best way to Take Money to Thailand?

MentalMinnie

We've going to Thailand in 10 days for our honeymoon. Whats the best way to take money? I have a Nationwide CC, that has acrued £800 to spend, commision free. Is this good? I also bank with Nationwide, if that makes a difference. Thanks!

Doshwaster

Be away that no matter what card you use and what your bank charges, all ATM machines in Thailand charge 150 BHT (about £3) on top for all cash withdrawals using foreign cards so you just have to make sure you take out a decent amount each time.

TakeThis

Doshwaster wrote: »

Be away that no matter what card you use and what your bank charges, all ATM machines in Thailand charge 150 BHT (about £3) on top for all cash withdrawals using foreign cards so you just have to make sure you take out a decent amount each time.

Not all. AEON ATMs do not. Finding one is another matter.

Take some Pounds in cash too and perhaps some AmEx Sterling TCs ordered over the online/phone and picked up in branch at Lloyds for your cash needs.
Many businesses in Thailand will add an extra 3% for credit card transactions.

hanwellmike

Using your Nationwide debit card is a convenient way to withdraw Thai Baht via ATM's (albeit there is the charge as advised by others).

Don't know about the Credit Card charges. You could take the CC plus passport into a bank and withdraw cash that way. I did that once in an emergency and found that Barclaycard charge a lot extra for drawing cash.

If you use ATM's then I recommend that you use ATM's that are attached to banks rather than the many standalone ATM's that are usually found outside 7-Elevens etc. The bank ATM's are likely to be more secure and not tampered with and if there is a problem (eg no pay out or card swallowed) then you can go into the bank to resolve (assuming you use during banking hours).

TakeThis

hanwellmike wrote: »

Using your Nationwide debit card is a convenient way to withdraw Thai Baht via ATM's (albeit there is the charge as advised by others).

Don't know about the Credit Card charges. You could take the CC plus passport into a bank and withdraw cash that way. I did that once in an emergency and found that Barclaycard charge a lot extra for drawing cash.

If you use ATM's then I recommend that you use ATM's that are attached to banks rather than the many standalone ATM's that are usually found outside 7-Elevens etc. The bank ATM's are likely to be more secure and not tampered with and if there is a problem (eg no pay out or card swallowed) then you can go into the bank to resolve (assuming you use during banking hours).

What kind of advice is this? Convenient?

This website is about saving money, not convenience. 2% plus £4 worth of withdrawal charges is neither convenient nor good value. CC similarly bad value for cash withdrawals, even with the 'commission free' allowance. 2.5% handling fee, minimum £3.00. You'd be hit with 2.5% of your withdrawal even if you went into a bank to withdraw and if Nationwide decided not to view it as a purchase, perhaps another 2% commission on top of that.

Better off taking the debit card into the bank if you are going to do that at all. That way you avoid the 150 baht ATM withdrawal charge and just get hit with whatever Nationwide charges.

Better still, cash or TCs as advised above.

MentalMinnie

What about those cass passport things i keep seeing? Any good?

TakeThis

MentalMinnie wrote: »

What about those cass passport things i keep seeing? Any good?

You could purchase the Cash Passport Globe which would better the Nationwide products via the ATM, but then you would lose the ability to withdraw over the counter.

Stick with my initial advice if you can.

sarah69696pink

I'm having the same dilemma - although we're not off until Aug. I bank with HSBC and had decided to take some cash with me and withdraw the rest out there, writing off the charge as I felt this would be more secure than taking all the cash. But I was not aware of the additional charge in Thailand, so this has put me off now.
I tried to get the clarity credit card but couldn't
I still have lots of time to apply for another card - would people recommend searching for a better card to apply for or would you suggest cash and travellers cheques?

shaunskankdog

I always take $US (50s)and £GB (20s). There are lots of currency kiosks offering decent rates in tourist areas, and large towns. I have always taken Caxton FX and Fairfax FX. To be honest I usually take 6 as I lose them after alcoholic beverages ...If using UK bank cards like HSBC, Halifax etc...dont forget to inform your bank where you are toddling off to, cos if you dont....they may prevent you trying to withdraw for security reasons. Enjoy amazing Thailand.

TakeThis

sarah69696pink wrote: »

I'm having the same dilemma - although we're not off until Aug. I bank with HSBC and had decided to take some cash with me and withdraw the rest out there, writing off the charge as I felt this would be more secure than taking all the cash. But I was not aware of the additional charge in Thailand, so this has put me off now.
I tried to get the clarity credit card but couldn't
I still have lots of time to apply for another card - would people recommend searching for a better card to apply for or would you suggest cash and travellers cheques?

If in or near London; a Metro Bank debit card and perhaps withdraw over the counter.

Otherwise follow my earlier advice.

I have no idea as to why someone would take US$ to Thailand if they are British. Other than for border payments for entry to nearby countries.

roadatlas

We are frequent visitors to Thailand. These days we always take cash which we keep in the hotel safe and change at the authorized agencies as we need it. We also take a credit card for back up.