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Originally Posted by kathleenbilly
Firstly,
Hello to all looking in and hope you had a good christmas.... 
Rights that's out the way.......just a couple of weeks FOR ME I go on the 7th of January really starting to look forward to going.
Now got most information I need from posting previously in here,
So thanks alot to all, (you know who you are) helped out with first class information. 
Ah my question,
Going for 28 days got just under 2000 grand sterling (got to pay for hotels out of that) looking cheap and cheerful.
I'm told I should take travellers cheques,
Question is how much should I change?
Should I keep them in sterling and take them over?
Or take them over as converted baht?
Whats the best way exchange rate wise, to be the best deal for me on this?
appreciate any advice thanks,
KB |
Personally, I like using traveller's checks. Checks in sterling should be just fine. You can change them at any bank, and in BKK and Patong, most banks have walk-up windows for that. The rate of exchange varies a little from bank to bank, so you might want to check out the ones you see near your hotel, to get the one with the best rate, but all the banks are reasonable. In some places(Samui especially), you will see "exchange" signs that are not banks, but travel agents, usually, and they give you a bad rate, so avoid them. The fee for the service is fairly small, altho that varies a bit from bank to bank also.
Some BMs prefer to use ATM cards, but it really depends on which bank your card is with, as to how that pans out. Some banks have charges that are a bit high(including my bank, B of A). I take it along, though. Comes in quite handy on those evenings, when I just don't get my butt in gear before 9 or 10 PM, then go out and find that all the exchanges have closed!!
Credit cards are OK, but there is the risk of fraud there, and a lot of hotels(but not all) have a 3% charge for use of a credit card. I usually use the CC for hotels(and pay the fee), but only if I feel it is a very reputable hotel.
There are a few BMs who prefer to take cash and keep it in a hotel safe box. I don't like that option and only take $100 or $200 cash with me, just in case of an emergency. I don't like the idea of cash lying around, because if it disappears, then you are screwed and no amount of playing detective, or pointing fingers at likely suspects is going to bring it back. I did have one friend who lost a fair bit of cash from a hotel safe in Patong.
Don't convert your money before arrival there. There are lots of exchanges in the airports!
Have a great holiday trip!!!
JayBee