ATM's in Thailand

Carmen

Hi, I have been reading reports about some atm's in Phuket being 'tampered' with. I was going to use atm's as opposed to taking t/cheques etc.. so you can see my comcern! Do you think the atm's inside the banks would be the safest option?
I know this crime is worldwide and one should be vigiliant when using atm's but, these days it all seems so sophisticated.
Thanks for any advice.
Carmen x

Nordictat2

Here is all the info./advice you need

The most popular way of bringing money to Thailand nowadays seems to be with traveller's cheques and/or ATM debit cards. You probably get a slightly better deal through an ATM than with a traveller's cheque (this depends on what your bank charges for withdrawals).

ATM's are everywhere in Bangkok, and widespread throughout Thailand. Cirrus/Maestro seems to be the most prevalent and is the best one to bring though Plus cards would also be fine. You may want to notify your bank before coming to Thailand, as some will automatically cancel your card after withdrawals from Bangkok as a fraud prevention method. Exchange rates are favorable if you get money out this way, but there seems to be a 10000B a day limit (this may vary depending on your bank / card - you may not be able to get this much out).

Thailand's ATM system is not always the most reliable, and machines are often down especially in the provinces. Therefore, it pays to plan ahead and not to be entirely dependent on your card.

Bangkok is unusual in that Traveller's Cheques get a better rate of exchange than cash, and the best rates come either from banks or moneychangers. Bangkok also gives a better rate of exchange than elsewhere in the country. Hotels will generally offer the worst exchange rate. AMEX travellers cheques are the most widely accepted.

If you are exchanging cash, US dollars and GBP sterling seem to have the best exchange rate but lots are currencies can be exchanged. The higher denomination notes always get a better rate of exchange. Make sure any US$50 and $100 notes are in pristine condition with no defects, or they will likely be rejected as counterfeit. Get the most recently dated notes you can as these stand the highest chance of being accepted.

It's not worth getting any Thai baht in your home country, as the exchange rate is likely to very poor. ATM's are in the airport, as is a moneychanger with good rates (see below).


Comments: Some banks now have exchange services at convenient locations outside of normal branches. For example, the BTS platform has several mini bank booths offering currency exchange.

Also, at some department stores such as Central Chidlom or Tops supermarkets where there are are bank outlets, you can also exchange money.

Carmen

Thank you for the information Nordictat.
I believe Bangkok has a new airport so can I safely assume that there is an atm there?

jonathon

the best exchange rate we allways get is with useing travelers cheques.

Nordictat2

Carmen wrote: »

Thank you for the information Nordictat.
I believe Bangkok has a new airport so can I safely assume that there is an atm there?

You're welcome

Yes there are ATM's there...

Also,
I found this on a website for ya..Someone says:

"I use the ATM at the airport BUT I also have a few Euro bank notes to change, just because the ATM has only 1000 B bank notes and taxi drivers have rarely the change. So just change, let's say 10 euros and you will have the change for the taxi & the tollway."

another person said....

"I changed my sterling to baht in July and got around 73.19 or so. This was the banks staff rate which I think is very close to the official rate (no charges, commission.) My mate brought sterling and changed it in Money changing machine in Arrivals in Bangkok and got something like 76 baht to the £. I was a bit annoyed but I could always take comfort in the fact my other two mates changed they're money in Gatwick for 68 to the £. They panicked in case there was nowhere to change it in Thailand."


Hope this answers all your questions

JoseChungsDoomsday

jonathon wrote: »

the best exchange rate we allways get is with useing travelers cheques.

thats the first time I have ever heard that!

ATM's are ok, just ring your bank and let them know before you so incase they decide to block it :money: