Thailand / Ko Samui

[WeAreBongo]

Hi world-wise cyber peeps. Anybody know the best policy for changing money in Thailand (particularly Ko Samui / Choeng Mon)? Should I take mostly travellers cheques, mostly Baht, or a little Baht and mostly sterling and change over there? Much big thanks!

[Trotbot]

Take your ATM card, all Thai ATM machines accept cirrus and ATM pool cards. Check with your bank first on their charging policy, some do charge, some don't, but normally the rate is better. Also let your bank know in advance otherwise they may block the card on suspicion of fraud. Get some Baht at the airport for immediate needs on arrival, but the rate won't be that good

[Pomp]

Spend as much on credit cards as you tend to get a better rate.
Don't take cash (in any currency) or travellers cheques.
Withdraw cash using an ATM card when you arrive.
The first thing I do when I arrive anywhere is to take cash out of the ATM. It is strange feeling to travel and not have any currency until you arrive, but it is the best way of doing it.
Get a Nationwide account, as they don't charge for foreign currency withdrawls. Before I go on holiday, I trasfer some money and witdrawl cash whilst abroad. When I return trasnfer unspent money back to my normal current account.

[WeAreBongo]

Thanks folks; why is it more cost effective to withdraw using an ATM than changing sterling in a kiosk? Does anyone know if you can withdraw money from a Nationwide account abroad free of charge when not in credit? Thanks!