Should I bring a lot cash with me to Thailand or are there ATM Machines?

Question

...and if I do bring cash, can I bring US dollars and exchange it in Thailand or should I do that before I get there?

Answer 1

Yes there are ATMs in Thailand (in the major cities anyway) though not on every street corner, you can also usually use credit cards at hotels, shops etc. There are also money exchanges if you'd rather go that way (US dollars are fine, some other currencies aren't though) -and again they're not on every street corner. I never experienced any trouble with thieves there but you should always be careful if carrying around large sums of money. You must have some cash on you to pay the airport tax when you arrive though. Happy travels

Answer 2

There are Atm's easily available almost everywhere.. I live in a small city outside of Bkk and there must be 20 or so here - The only complication that I have ever had is that on rare occasion, if there is a bad storm, the sattelite can not make a connection and I cannot access my $$ - for a few hours.. However, you should mix it up a bit.. some t/c are ok - some cash is ok - but work with larger bills - lower rate for 20s than 100s.. and T/c have a set charge - same for 100s as 20s so you loose % with smaller bills.. As to credit cards, many places pass along a 3% fee for the use of credit cards.. illegal in the US but accepted practice here.. I would basically bring your ATM card and some cash - I have never had a burglary problem but I am a careful guy.. not in walking the streets which I find safe 24/7 but in not losing things..

Do not exchange any money before you get here - there are places to change in the airport when you get off the plane

Hey, your $$ will go far here - enjoy..

Answer 3

There are enough ATMs in Thailand. Again, where are you going to be traveling and for how long are two considerations. If you are sticking to the touristy places like Bangkok, pattaya, phuket, chang mai etc, rest assured that you will get an ATM at a covenient distance. However if you are planning to rough it up in the wild, caution is advised in terms of having enough cash. However exchnging USD is never a problem. Recently however, the Bhat has slipped to around 37 per USD from a high of about 41 in the past couple of years. The GBP however has remained more stable. Note however that some banks refuse to accept the 100 USD note series issued in 1990 (This is true especially in Pattaya). Try to take newer notes..

Have a great trip!

Answer 4

Hi, there are ATMs everywhere in Thailand that you can use to withdraw your money from. You do not have to carry too much cash then. However if you want to exchange cash, you will get better rate anytime while in Thailand. At the airports, there are exchange counters to do this. And even along the main streets of the main towns in Thailand too, there are currency exchange booths.

Answer 5

PEOPLE!!!! THAILAND IS NOT A JUNGLE!!

In Thailand we have MacDonald's all over the place. We have KFC. We get to watch the latest TV programs and even get to watch movies the same day they are released in the US! C'mon people.

Of course there are ATM machines everywhere. Every street corner in the inner city has not one but two machines. And all of the ATM's accept credit cards and debit cards.

Unless you are on a mountain or in a far off place you would be hard pressed to find an ATM.

Answer 6

If you bring alot of cash open abank account here and get an atm
or just have an international atm and leave the cash at home many people lose there cash hotdog Bank Ayudhaya will open an
account

Answer 7

There are ATM's all over Thailand's tourist areas, and other areas as well that you probably wont visit but there are less.
BUT they dont accept debit cards only credit cards.
I dont like travelers cheques because it such a hassle to replace them.
I think its safer and easier just to take out as much money as yo need for a day or two, but thats a personal preference. In any case dont take a lot of cash anywhere.

Answer 8

Use ATMs!
They do take debit cards!

Do - Tell your bank that you are going and not to freeze your acct when they see activity in Thailand. Also get a "backup" card incase an atm eats your first one. (never happened to me but I've heard stories)

Don't - Use cash exchange places even at banks - they will rip you off.

Answer 9

I didn't know this was a black/white issue. The best bet is to use your ATM card. You get the best rate that way, no hassle from the bank and extra charges. ATM are available everywhere and you can use a debit/credit card. I been using one here for over a year now. ATM card is the best choice if your black,white, or green.

Answer 10

I think the best (and safest) way to do it, is to bring a fair amount in traveller's cheques. Most places in Thailand do accept USD, however some places aren't 100% honest when it comes to giving you your change.