Money

Hello Vicki 😊

Last couple of times I went to Thailand were a month each time. I took cash only. If you want to do this be sure to have somebody at home who can wire you money in case you are unlucky enough to have it stolen. Also keep it in a moneybelt which you should take everywhere with you, even to the shower.

Pounds and dollars are both good. Also other major hard currencies are good. Take whichever is the currency of your country.

By the way, change a large amount of money at the international airport in Bangkok if you are flying into it. The rates there are better than other exchange places. At least they were the last couple of times I was in Thailand.

Mel Reply to this

I take travelers checks, debit card and cash. I do bring a credit card with me for emergencies only. My credit union pays for my ATM charges even when I withdraw money with my debit card overseas. I get my travelers checks without any commission charged so taking them with me doesn't cost me anything. There are banks and credit unions who may sell you travelers checks without any commission near your home.

Thailand uses banks and mini banks to exchange money. The rate you get changes every day and most of the banks will have around the same rate each day. When you withdraw money from an ATM take out the highest amount you can to cut down on lots of fees for small withdrawals. Same with travelers checks - bring the largest denominations. You will have an opportunity to change your money back over to your own currency when you fly home. For US currency I get a slightly better rate for large bills like $100 sizes. Travelers checks get a tiny bit more in exchange compared to cash but there is a 33 baht commission for each check. (That's why you want to avoid taking $5, $10 and other low value amounts - save on commissions!)

My advice is to NOT use a credit card for cheap purchases in restaurants and shops to cut down on potential credit card fraud. Also, notify your bank or credit union that you will be using their card overseas or they may decline an ATM withdrawal suspecting fraud. I only keep a limited amount of money in my credit union (debit card) account, if I need more money I can make an internet transfer from my bank to that account or I can set up a PayPal automatic transfer at a particular date to replenish my funds. In Thailand I can take 10,000 baht a day out of my debit card account - some banks may pay out more at an ATM.

Use the security box that your hotel provides for storing excess cash and valuables and do not leave that safety box key out in the open. If something comes up missing from your hotel room the thief could be a fellow tourist next door and not the hotel staff! I only carry enough money with me to see me through a day or two of purchases. If I need more I can always go back to my hotel safety box. I am often amused at so many tourists that have their cash in a pouch sticking out like a huge tumor under their T-shirts. If you only stay in cheap, crappy hostels you may have to carry your money with you. When I have used a money belt I placed it at my back between my pants and underwear with my belt tight. With the belt over it it doesn't stick out in any obvious way but you have to practically strip down in a toilet to get at any cash. Wrap your paper money in a plastic sandwich bag to keep any sweat off the bills.



Have a good trip.

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When i was there last year i just withdrew money from an atm using my canadian debit card. Just be careful thoe to check with your bank before you go as i was charged 5 dollars per withdrawal, but theres a special account you can get with most banks where you dont have to pay that fee. I also brought a credit card with me but did not use it once, was purely for emergency. Also dont use your credit card unless you HAVE to, my cuzin used his to buy a camera the first day and when he came home had numerous of charges that he never made.

I also carried some american dollars with me

when your in thailand def baht, its used everywhere, but if your going to places like cambodia, american is used eventhough at the border they will tell you otherwise. Reply to this