Exchange rate info please.

[Spitfire]

Yeah, fair enough, horses for courses an all. Wasn't telling anyone what to do, just opinion widely let loose in no specific direction. People always do what feels most comfortable and most approaches work just fine anyhow.

[uncle tom]

At 150 Baht per transaction

Only if you're using the wrong machine - most machines don't make that charge

Seriously, do work this one through - if you're not paying a commission on TC's you'll be getting a cr*p exchange rate - the banks are not charities..

..even though the ATM system also works to profit the banks unfairly, everyone I know who has 'done the math' on this, comes to the conclusion that the ATM route (using a debit card, rather than a credit card) is the least of all evils.

Tom

[lomuamart]

Which Thai bank machines don't charge 150 when using a foreign ATM/debit card, let alone most of them?

[uncle tom]

Which Thai bank machines don't charge 150 when using a foreign ATM/debit card, let alone most of them?

The yellow ATMs, that appear on my bank statement as Bay/Naresdamri do not make a 150bt surcharge (when using a British Visa debit card issued by Barclays)

Some of the others are OK as well, but I only used the yellow ones this year.

Tom

[BaaBaa.]

^
Bank of Ayudhya, I find it hit and miss though.

Aeon in Market Village is free.

[Big Boy]

Seriously, do work this one through - if you're not paying a commission on TC's you'll be getting a cr*p exchange rate - the banks are not charities...

Charity or not, my exchange rate when buying T/Cs is £1 for £1 - exactly the same when I pay in unused cheques on my return to the UK.

[migrant]

Seriously, do work this one through - if you're not paying a commission on TC's you'll be getting a cr*p exchange rate - the banks are not charities...

Charity or not, my exchange rate when buying T/Cs is £1 for £1 - exactly the same when I pay in unused cheques on my return to the UK.

As I had mentioned, I don't buy them, but if I did my bank said they were free. A benefit for being there for a while.

It doesn't affect the rate if exchanged here, but even the bank said exchange in Thailand, or whatever country you go to.

[Big Boy]

But it does affect the rate - you get a much better rate for T/Cs when compared to cash.

[migrant]

But it does affect the rate - you get a much better rate for T/Cs when compared to cash.

Sorry I should have been clearer, I was saying if I exchanged here in California I would get the same rate if I did it with t/c's as if I used cash.

[Super Joe]

But it does affect the rate - you get a much better rate for T/Cs when compared to cash.

Hi BB, think there's only about 20 Baht per 100 Pounds in it after the T/C's fee I think!?

But on the ATM machine front, unless I've misunderstood something you'll be very very slightly better off using ATM machines than T/C's because of the better ATM exchange rate, ie:
- ATM Siam Comm is 47.53, your card allows 250 Pounds, so 11,882 minus the 150 fee, = 11,732. So every 500 Pounds is 23,464 Baht.
- T/C's Siam Comm is 47.13, 100 Pounds T/C's, so 4,713 minus the 33 fee, = 4,680. So every 500 Pounds is 23,400 Baht.

I don't use T/C's so apologies if I've got something ar$eaboutface, but even if you were losing out a bit on ATM's it'd still seem easier all round to me, as it saves the hassle of getting your passport out the safe to cash the cheques, and less chance of running out of cash with ATM's literally everywhere now (like every 7/11) compared to hitting opening hours with the booths.

Don't seem there's much in it, so whatever suits the individual I guess

SJ

[Big Boy]

That sounds good in theory Joe, but my UK bank charges commission as well, and ATM transactions become quite expensive. If it were only the 150 Baht, I wouldn't even consider T/Cs.

[Nereus]

I`m a bit surprised that you don`t already have a Bank Account in Thailand, Big Boy, given that you are a regular visitor and I think that you have also mentioned family here. You have stated that you want to retire here as well, so you will need a bank account eventually. Surely TT of funds is the best way to go?

[Big Boy]

That will happen when the time's right, and that time is not just yet.

The only money my extended family get is school fees for the grand children, and treats for birthdays.

[Nereus]

Far be it from me to comment on your private business, just trying to be helpful.
The way this country, and it`s xenophobic attitude, is going you may find that when the "time is right" you can no longer open a bank account. There are already reports of some banks, rightly or wrongly, refusing to open accounts unless you have a work permit. Just my take on the matter.

[Big Boy]

I hear what you're saying, but if things got that bad before I come, it could be enough to make me change my mind.