Thailand Travel Money

[admarlow]

In Thailand am I better off using my nationwide cash card in shops etc or using cash machines? Thanks.

[boxtops]

Extract from http://www.britishcouncil.org/british-council-thailand-notes-for-visitors-may09.pdf

Most banks are open 0930–1530, Monday to Friday. Several banks maintain exchange services which operate outside banking hours, including several in the Arrivals Hall at the airport. There are also small currency exchange services in operation, open for longer hours. ATM machines are very common in all major cities, and accept cards on the Cirrus and Delta systems (this includes most UK banks as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express.) It is not possible to change Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.

[ummmm]

I was advised to use cash machines and not use your card in shops/restaurants.

Still on your travels then, AD :-)

[rockyracoon]

Try to use a bank for changing money while you're over there or keep your money head screwed on tight, some of the little exchanges will try to rip you off, my OH caught them at it a couple of times.

[237SJ]

There`s quite a large card skimming risk in Thailand, particularly Bangkok - even in the hotels. I`d use cash as much as possible.

[ummmm]

We were told the same as 237...

[jno]

there have been a few reports

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293915-i3686-k6496597-Credit_card_skimming_Bangkok_pratunam-Thailand.html

[ummmm]

When was the last time you went, methyl?

My aunty lives in Thailand and she doesn't seem to have the same paranoia....

[ummmm]

Gosh.....that's bad. I felt safe when I was there although I wasn't relaxed in Bangkok.

I suppose it depends on where you go.

[rockyracoon]

Methyl, I really don't know where you're coming from, I've been to Thailand 3 times with my OH and 2 kids and have never been robbed or indeed felt we came close, small business holders will try to rip you off, but you get that here. Exercise the caution as you would anywhere else and you'll be safe. Agree with 237, cash is king, I'd probably only use a card in a bank.

Take no notice of Methyl, go and have a fabulous time, it's called the Land of Smiles for a reason. Millions of tourists travel there every year without problems, the first time we went my kids were 5 & 7 years old and they loved it, infact the last time we went we gave them a choice, Florida?, no they said Thailand.

[SlackAlice]

I go to Thailand every 18 months or so. My Son lives and works in Bangkok teaching English. Been going for about ten years now, it's a warm welcome winter break for 3 weeks.

Always get your money out of an ATM, you get slightly better rates than taking out cash you obtained at home. Always make your purchases in cash so that you can barter the price, you may be pleasantly surprised.

As with any country be aware of your location. Never had any problems with the Thais and have often wandered round Bangkok late at night, sampling markets and nightlife. The same also applies to the islands although the ATMs are not so numerous.

[admarlow]

This will be my 8th time there and in total spent over 4 months there and never had any problem. Ok so everyone seems to agree ATM's give the best rate.

P.sHi UMMM!

[rockyracoon]

Shock, and you've never been the victim of a crime out there ;)

Where abouts are you going Admarlow? Have a fab time.

[237SJ]

I know someone who was a victim of crime out there. She was horribly attacked by a taxi driver when she got into a taxi alone. And when my colleagues have had their corporate cards cloned, it was nearly always in Bangkok. It`s relatively safe but like everywhere else, you have to be streetwise.

[admarlow]

BKK then Samui

[rockyracoon]

Lovely, I wouldn't cry if I never saw Bangkok again, but I'd love to go to Samui, next time I visit that'll be the destination. A friend at the pub is going there for 3 weeks in January, lucky sod.

[SlackAlice]

If your going to Kho Samui try and fit in a visit to Kho Phangan, well worth it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko_Pha_Ngan

[admarlow]

I love BKK, staying at the fisherman's village in samui