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[Sirgezza]

In the future I may spend quite a lot of time in Thailand. Do any expats have money sent from the Uk or do you use ATM's in LOS that access accounts in the UK.

I was considering having an offshore account (tax free interest) and then accessing this interest whilst in Thailand and spending it there. This would make my spending 40% cheaper than using cash from the UK.

Just wondering how you lucky folks existed out there.

[LivinLOS]

I use offshore accounts and investments and transfer money approx once every 3 months ... Offshore banking charges are a bit higher than high street banks and I have to pay about 50 GBP for a transfer so once a 1/4 lowers that cost and allows me to try to keep a lid on outgoings (If I put a mil in the bank I can piss through it in months if I dont look.. By worry about how it goes I can stretch it longer)...

Some UK high street banks allow cost free withdrawls.. Of course you need to check your exchange rates to make sure thats really 'cost free'..

Thai exchange rates in the banks are better than the rates I would get from my main banker... Hence I send Euro / USD to Thailand and let the local bank change it..

Visa will give you the interbank rate (no exchange cost) but you will be charged 3% for a cash advance on your money (the bill doesnt come to the end of the month) so its 1/2 a dozen of one and 6 of the other.. Visa is good for those that take lots of small withdrawls.. Regular lump sums to a Thai bank is good for longer term planning IMHO..

Secondly always keep a reserve of some pocket money stashed, and multiple ways of getting to it.. Banks have a tendancy to **** up whenever its really urgent..