Monetary exchange rates and arrangements for stay in Thailand.?

Question

My stay will be 6 weeks. Apartment will be pre-paid through my bank. (1) Is ATM through my US bank (fees?) the way to go for daily living expenses, or should I have some money in a Thai bank and use their ATM facilities. (2) For occasional larger expenses, is it better to pay with Thai cash or charge on my VISA card and pay later (fees?) (3) Is it safe to carry American money and change it at a bank when needed? Might that be another option? Sorry to sound so insecure, but I am a senior, traveling alone, although I will be watched over by some good Thai friends.

Answer 1

There are plenty of ATMs in Thailand and most should accept your card. Visa, cirrus, mastercard are extremely common and just about all the major cards are accepted. I also have used both traveller cheques and Travelex card and found either options quite good. There are plenty of money exchange booths in Bangkok especially at all major tourists and shoppig areas. Outside Bangkok - ATMs are the option.

NO NEED to have any money in a Thai bank.

You are quite safe in Thailand (in reference to your concern about carrying money) - as safe as anywhere in the world. Just take the usual safety precautions as you would travelling anywhere. Don't flash money around - it only invites pick pockets. And carry as much as you will need for the day. For larger expenses - use visa as it avoids showing off a lot of cash. Paying fees is cheaper than having ALL the money on you stolen.

Carrying American money is ok - as already said - just don't flash it around. IF carrying a lot of cash - good idea is NOT to have all of the money together in one place - for extra security. But the risk is: IF all the cash gets lost or stolen - you are on your own. That is why a card (or two) and/or travellers cheques and/or a debit card will be better as you have a backup plan.

(a tip - if you have never travelled over seas before. Take TWO photocopies of each of your cards and passport details and, traveller cheques details if you are using cheques. Keep one with you but separate from your keep your money/cards ie, NOT in your wallet and ONE copy back at home with someone whom you can contact in case of emergency)

I hope this helps. Have a great trip. You will find Thailand a great place to visit. As a senior travelling alone, you am sure you will find Thai people very helpful and courteous as they have great respect for oder people. I have also taken my good freind with a severe disability to Bangkok recently and found people were willing to help. You are most welcome to lick on my website link and share my experience http://geocities.com/phingaw

Answer 2

Hi, since your accommodation is taken care of already, you need not carry too much cash into Thailand. You can use your ATM card safely to withdraw money. The cost of living is quite low, so you need not be using too much cash. Just for meals, you can budget about 1000B a day, and this is already very high compared to the locals, who probably eats for about 150B a day. (taking 1 USD = 35 Bahts) Your Thai friends will be able to assist you on this.

For big purchases, use your credit card. It will be quite alright. The bigger shops will be fine. Just make sure the transaction card swiping is done in your full view if you are in small shops.

The inter-bank exchange you get from the ATM is usually better than the rate you get over the counters anywhere. So have some cash to change on your arrival and use the ATM for the rest of your stay. You can withdraw small amount of Thai bahts to last the week without any hassle, and ATMs are all over the country.

My guess is you will be in Bangkok, which will have all the conveniences as in a modern city. So you need not worry too much. Just an ATM card and a credit card will suffice your stay. Even if you are not going to be in Bangkok.

Have a pleasant stay.

Answer 3

Looks like Sean has answered many of your Questions
The Exchange rate is usually a lot cheaper at the Change Beauru's, Walk around a Few for the Best Priceing

Just keep a Safe Place in the Apartment for your Cash and just take out the Money that you need

Arrange with your Thai Friends about your Airport Pick up
They can arrange for a Taxi to collect you
Otherwise it will cost you a Small Fortune to get one from the Airport

Answer 4

Exchange is easily done and for a 6 week stay you are probably best off with an ATM card... You will get a lower rate for changing physical dollars but you should carry some for a rare time when the ATM's are not working or for an emergency, though usually the ATM are only out for a few hours, if at all.. You can use a credit card here for purchases but most merchants will want a 3% surcharge for using the card - Enjoy your trip - - it will be great!!

Answer 5

Actually, you can bring your Debit card or Credit card to use at ATM in Thailand. The fee is about $ 3.00 per B 10000.00-15000.00. Depend on the ATM's Bank you use and maximum per day to withdraw is abut that amounts.
Right now the currency rate between B and US in so up and down. So you have to check with the local back before you change the money in case you bring the dollar to Thailand.
For the airport when you arrive, you just change the money in small amount just enough for your couple day, for me I just change for US 100.00 because of high rate exchange around the airport.
For the large amount of expense, I mostly use Visa card. Don't use American express card because the fee is so EXPENSIVE.
Most of people carry the us dollar to Thailand but just be careful and be smart for traveler.

Enjoy your trip

Answer 6

You have good advice that I can see from the Yahoo Answer. I urge you to feel good about the Thai people. They are very friendly and helpful. You will be in a good care of your Thai friends. They do it because, of their culture and religion. To give more than get and You will have the best time in your life.

Answer 7

http://www.gothailand.com/converter.php


http://www.travelguard.com/traveladvisory/Thailand.asp