Money for a holiday back in the UK

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nanyang
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Money for a holiday back in the UK

Post by nanyang »

I would appreciate any advice from the seasoned travellers on this site about converting baht to pounds.
I'm spending a couple of weeks, soon, back in the UK after an absence of almost ten years.
All my cash is in baht so I'm wondering what would be the most cost effective way of converting baht into pounds - travellers cheques; cash for cash; a transfer to a UK account etc.
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Vital Spark
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Re: Money for a holiday back in the UK

Post by Vital Spark »

We go back every couple of years and always use our Thai bank debit card. I'm not sure if it's the most cost effective, but we just get money out as and when we need it. It's a bit of a lottery getting traveller's cheques as, certainly in our case, you never really know how much you're going to spend.

If you've been away for ten years, you may be treated by all your friends to meals and drinks :D On the other hand...

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margaretcarnes
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Re: Money for a holiday back in the UK

Post by margaretcarnes »

I did notice 2 days ago that my local Post office in the UK were buying baht at just over 55 to the pound. A difference of around 7 baht between the buying and selling rate - which seems a lot even without fees (which the PO's don't charge.)
You need to try to do a bit of research on the use of a Thai debit card in UK ATMS, and the admin costs for travellers cheques. But the main concern is the sheer cost of living over here as opposed to 10 years ago, which will hit you! If you will be needing to travel by train there are good websites which show fares for all routes. Similarly any hotel costs can be checked in advance. Try to get an idea of how much you will need in Stirling and then check with your Thai bank on their ATM daily withdrawal limits abroad. There might be a shortfall doing it that way.
In my experience the 'absence factor' did kick in - for a while anyway - with a few drinks bought. Sadly it didn't last....
A sprout is for life - not just for Christmas.
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