travelling from australia 2 phuket, i dont no how i should take my money? Travellers cheques, cash or card?

Question

Is the exchange rate the same for cash as it is travellers cheques? i have no idea! Please help!

Answer 1

I now live long-term in Thailand, and I must agree with most of the information provided by the people who have answered your question.

I would like to add the following, though:

A. Be sure you have at least two international credit cards with you. Also, call the credit card companies BEFORE you go to Thailand and tell them when you will be there and for how long. This is important because many international credit cards are putting a stop order on credit cards being used in Thailand (and in Japan, as well) since there is a lot of credit card fraud going on. You will want to know before you go whether you can use your card in Thailand. My Visa credit card had a stop put on it for Thailand by the credit card company last month. I called my credit union, explained that I truly am living here and want my card re-opened. They complied. Just last year, my MasterCard, which has always been good in Thailand, suddenly was useless when I went to Malaysia for a weekend and wanted to buy a camcorder. The company had put a stop on that card in Malaysia. SO, CHECK AND MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU GO.

B. Another reason for taking at least two international credit cards with you is that some hotels will put a hold on your credit card when you register and sign in. They won't tell you there will be a hold. But it happened to me during my first trip to Thailand in 1990, and I only had the one credit card. I was unable to use the card until I checked out of the hotel. I never felt more helpless.

C. True, ATM machines are everywhere in Thailand, now. The one I find most easy to read for non-Thai readers, is Kasikorn Bank ATMs.

D. There are money changers in tourist areas and in all banks. Be sure, if you take cash, that the rates posted by the money changers are the same rates as those posted by the banks. DO NOT USE HOTELS as money changers. They charge significantly more.

E. I do recommend taking some cash or Traveller's Cheques, or both, but be sure to keep the cash and the cheques well-hidden on your person at all times. You will feel better having more than one source of money, believe me. A moneybelt is good, as is also a little packet you can buy that you can wear around your neck, tucked inside your shirt, which will hold your passport, too. There are plenty of thieves around. AND pickpockets. Be careful where you wallet is, or get a wallet that you can hook with a small chain onto your belt. I do this. I know of too many people here who have had their pockets picked, purses grabbed--sometimes by a crook on motorcycle, and usually in crowded places. Most Thai people are honest. But a few bad eggs can make for an unhappy holiday.

F. Only check in to a hotel after seeing the room and making sure the door has a double lock (a safety lock you can engage from inside the room that cannot be opened with a key or card). Some hotels have thieves working as staff, and they have keys. Mostly, this would true in the lower-class hotels. But erring on the side of caution is a good thing.

G. The exchange rate is slightly different for cash than it is for Traveller's Cheques. Sadly, I forget which is the better deal. Small denomination cash notes will get you a lower exchange rate than the larger cash notes will.

H. The advice about getting some small denomination Thai notes before you get in to your first taxi is very important. If your bank can get some notes, I would recommend maybe ten 100-baht notes, a few 500 baht notes. Not much, because the exchange rate for Thai money in your bank at home will not be the most advantageous.

I. Are you flying directly to Phuket from Australia, or are you going to Bangkok's new airport first, and then getting a hotel in Bangkok? Whichever, please be sure to have Thai money in hand before you walk out of the airport. Foreign currencies won't work here. I always made sure I changed $200 American for Thai baht before I walked out of the airport. Taxi drivers do not like big bills, as one writer said, (1,000 baht notes) and some unscrupulous ones will likely pretend they can't change the bill.

J. On getting a taxi: hopefully, you have your hotel picked out ahead of time, so you can tell the taxi driver where you want to go. Otherwise, they will recommend a hotel that they can get a percentage from for bringing them a fresh customer.

Goodness, I feel like I am hovering here. I don't mean to. I just hope you have a wonderful time with no problems.

Good luck and have loads of fun in the Land of Smiles!

Answer 2

Assuming this is your frist trip to Thailand... here are some tips:

Take your card or travellers cheque or Travelex card (which is becoming very popular now). Don't take cash - if you lose this - you are up the creek without a paddle. You can use your cards at most of the ATMs there. There are plenty of places to get money.

I take travelex card because they give you two cards so I can keep one somewhere else not on my person in case I lose one. If taking traveller cheques, I do the same. Keep some hidden away elsewhere and carry what I likely need for the couple of days out and about.

Have a credit card for back up in case of emergency.

Take with you some Thai cash - about 2000 - 3000 Thai baht for small expenses such as taxis and food for the first couple of daya or so (and take some small notes. There is nothing more frustrating for a taxi driver to see a tourist hand him 1000 THB note for a 120 bath ride). You can get more when you get there.

Final decision is up to you. But don't take a lot of cash (even Aussie cash) - too risky. And don't flash money around. There are bad people everywhere in the world.

Go and have a great time in Phuket!!

Answer 3

Some years ago it was true that the Turkish traders in holiday resorts preferred foreign currency as the lira was so unstable. Nowadays though, the Lira is strong, so foreign currency is no longer so sought after. It's never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket; change a small amount of money into Lira in the UK before you come, in case you want to buy something as soon as you arrive. (If you try to pay for something small - like a bottle of water - in Sterling, you could get overcharged, as small traders often aren't aware of the exchange rate either.). Bring some sterling and change it as you need it; you can do this at the Post Office, any bank, or a change office, but check on the rate they're offering first (should be around 2.5TL to the £) and make sure they're not going to charge commission. A debit card is good and there's plenty of cashpoints in the tourist areas; the only drawback is that your bank will charge a fee for using them - a flat rate, plus a percentage of the amount you withdraw (check this with your bank before you leave). Some people prefer this, rather than worrying about having quite large amounts of cash in-hand. Then, as back-up and in case of emergency, have a credit card available. Have a great holiday.

Answer 4

Take a little cash and rather than travelers cheques I would take a prepaid visa card you can use in the atms and a credit card. Try to deversify a little.

Answer 5

I recommend you travel with an international ATM card. This allows you to draw local cash at good inter-bank rate from the many ATMs around. No commission to pay.

Answer 6

I agree. Just take your Australian ATM card and a little cash for emergencies. Remember that for every withdrawal your bank will charge you $4 or $5 so its best to make a few large ones rather than lots of small ones so you minimize fees.

Answer 7

I just used my bankcard, and got cash out when I was there. Your bank then gives you the exchange rate on that date and it's not much different from anywhere else you get it. I prefer just getting cash as and when I need it. Phuket has lots of cashpoints.

Answer 8

you can take some Australia dollars and exchange it in the airport. also, you can use credit card to places.

Phuket is famous for good and cheap plastice surgevy.

good luck

Answer 9

unsure but would be keen to know what deal you got for your tickets and hotel as i am travelling there too from perth in oct and so far the prices i have been offred are outrageous

Answer 10

recommend your atm card. no hassel and rate usually better.