Phuket

ralliart · #1 17-12-2007, 11:35

How much wold it cost via taxi to get to patong?
Should we use a Taxi or something else?
I will only have Australian dollars on me so is the exchange rate at the airport good or crap?

and thoughts?

r

easyrider_au · #2 17-12-2007, 11:50

A taxi will cost you 420b to Patong.

How did you change your money on your 2 previous visits?

ralliart · #3 17-12-2007, 11:58

we had a private car pick us up, and i changed it in the hotel i think. Ill get some at Melbourne airport before i go i think.

aussie dollar · #4 17-12-2007, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralliart

we had a private car pick us up, and i changed it in the hotel i think. Ill get some at Melbourne airport before i go i think.

change a small amount at phuket airport$50 aud),rates ok

ralliart · #5 17-12-2007, 12:21

Is the airport rate same as patong or lower?

I was thinking of converting a large amount?

r

easyrider_au · #6 17-12-2007, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralliart

Is the airport rate same as patong or lower?

I was thinking of converting a large amount?

r

Lower

Critical Mass · #7 17-12-2007, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralliart

Is the airport rate same as patong or lower?

I was thinking of converting a large amount?

r

Even booths 20 metres from each other offer different rates.

The worst rate will be at Melbourne Airport.

As Aussie Dollar says, change enough at Phuket Airport or Bangkok Airport to cover your fares and tips until you get into town.

Hotels don't give the best exchange rates as a rule.

Shop around at the Money Kiosks you see around or at any of the banks.

You'll soon learn which ones frequent.

Currently you might get about 28.5 baht to the AUD$ (no commission - it's built into the rate).

They'll try to give you 1,000's but give them a note listing your need for change, otherwise you'll have to visit 7/11 stores buying small items for change.

You'll find many merchant and cabbies make out they have no change.

Having plenty of change allows you to give small tips and to pay closer to the price you intended to pay when on the street.

Sample list:

1,000 baht x 5
500 baht x 5
100 baht x 15
50 baht x 10

ralliart · #8 17-12-2007, 12:40

I can't remember but do they get a % for commission?

Werwolf · #9 17-12-2007, 12:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyrider_au

A taxi will cost you 420b to Patong.

How did you change your money on your 2 previous visits?

If you take a Limousine at the airport it will cost you 550 Baht

ralliart · #10 17-12-2007, 12:49

Limousines are standard cars anyway

aussie dollar · #11 17-12-2007, 16:10

Most Moneychangers In Patong Are Banks(KIOSK AND MOBILE VAN),stick To Them There Rates Are Nearly Always The Same As Each Other (the Pissy Little Difference Is Not Worth Worry About)and Usally The Highest Around.

Myself Always Take Aussie Cash In $100 And $50

Corzaa · #12 17-12-2007, 16:10

You could ask him to stop infront of an exchange place on the way to the hotel so you can exchange some AUD for Baht i suppose.

Slow · #13 17-12-2007, 21:50

A hundred years ago I thought I had a little understanding of "Street Money" back then the best transfer rate was traveler checks, and the more you changed the better deal you could get. Ever notice when cashing TC (travel checks) that you are asked NOT to fill out the check goes to, and only sign it? Reason was these are resold as an easy way to get money out of Kingdom. Sorry I am sure all of this was covered but I missed it when doing the newbie look around. If the occasion to change a large sum ever comes up, you should negotiate with a couple of different street banks and wait a day or so for the BIG change, you can expect to do much better then the posted street value. Then the last best reason for TC is the added security!

Hunter Valley · #14 19-12-2007, 02:29

I was planning on taking some AUD, then utilising ATM's as my main source of getting cash.

Is this reasonable?

HV

georgelondon · #15 19-12-2007, 02:31

when you leave airport turn right..good taxi stand that will take you to patong just under 500bht

dawsey · #16 19-12-2007, 02:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Valley

I was planning on taking some AUD, then utilising ATM's as my main source of getting cash.

Is this reasonable?

HV

That seems to be favourite with most members HV. Make sure you tell your Aussie bank that you will be using your card in Thailand. Could be more than a nuisance if they blocked it for overseas use.

Hunter Valley · #17 19-12-2007, 02:48

Thank you dawsey

bowhunter · #18 19-12-2007, 02:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Valley

I was planning on taking some AUD, then utilising ATM's as my main source of getting cash.

Is this reasonable?

HV

I found ATMs as good as the booths, depends on your what your bank will charge you per transaction. Just watch for extra things atached to ATM!

aussie dollar · #19 19-12-2007, 03:11

take mostly cash,top up with ATM if needed.

Kerbin · #20 19-12-2007, 19:05

Topped up regular on own doe from the ATM, saved the cash for those who appreciate it the most.

From past experience's, to their benefit, HKT's "treasures" know when to, hold, spend or exchange.