exchange rates

[andy_uk]

Hi
I am just planning my first trip to Thialand and have a quick question. I am trying to work out a rough budget. though no doubt when i arrive in the LOS with all the distractions i will blow it :-) but what sort of exchange rate can you get on british pounds to bhats compaired to the exchange rate . i.e the exchange rate at the moment is 1 quid to 73 baht the local travel agents are selling at 68 bhat but as you allways get better on the street in the country you are going to i was wondering if any one had any idea how close to the 73 it would be ?
Cheers
Andy

[stevem]

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+B...es/default.htm

[louiswhitehouse]

hi mate i normally take cash and extange it as i need it, there are loads of exchange places open all day, it's normally between 71-74 thai baht to every british pound. but the best way to work it out is (give or take a few baht) 1000 bhat is £13 and 7300 is £100, you get a better exchange rate on travelers cheques but it's only like 1 baht more.

[andy_uk]

thanks for the quick response

[Nicke]

I changed 20 pound notes today and got 70.935 baht at BigC.

[Coolhand]

Originally Posted by Nicke

I changed 20 pound notes today and got 70.935 baht at BigC.

hmm, someone run out of thai money at the bar last night, then, Nicke?

[Nicke]

lol, yes. People ask for changes once in a while and I can be helpful as long it is common currencies and I know the rate.

Originally Posted by Coolhand

hmm, someone run out of thai money at the bar last night, then, Nicke?

[stevem]

Originally Posted by Coolhand

hmm, someone run out of thai money at the bar last night, then, Nicke?

You would be surprised how often this happens every night. We would only accept AUD, USD, SGD, HKD, GBP, RM. Someone once tried to get me to accept Finnish currency. Yea right, I have no idea what they even look like, and would not even know where to start with an exchange rate.

[hyku1147]

I went to the Bank of Bangkok site, and I noticed that the exchange rate is much higher that what is offered in Canada. I was thinking that taking travellers cheques, and cashing them in Phuket,would be a better deal.

Any input?

Thanks.

[the bigboy]

hey stevem do you also accept thaibath

[the bigboy]

€ 100 = 5000 thb

[dizbuster]

Originally Posted by hyku1147

I went to the Bank of Bangkok site, and I noticed that the exchange rate is much higher that what is offered in Canada. I was thinking that taking travellers cheques, and cashing them in Phuket,would be a better deal.

Any input?

Thanks.

Why bother with all the hassle ? Just take a credit card or bank card and use the ATM's, they are everywhere and usually give you the best rate.

[stevem]

Originally Posted by dizbuster

Why bother with all the hassle ? Just take a credit card or bank card and use the ATM's, they are everywhere and usually give you the best rate.

Exactly, these days I dont understand why folks still bother with TC's.

[Coolhand]

Originally Posted by stevem

Exactly, these days I dont understand why folks still bother with TC's.

I use travellers cheques, because:-
(i) I can budget for my holiday in advamce, and I will have to stick to that budget. Never had a problem yet, only once had to change sterling at BKK to pay for departure tax.
(ii) If I have any unused cheques I can use them next trip - not often that happens though!
(iii) I like doing things the same way, a bit anachronistic, but, hey, that's me!

I just wish they made larger cheques than £100

[Sirgezza]

Originally Posted by stevem

Exactly, these days I dont understand why folks still bother with TC's.

The only reason I can think of is they are a back up if you lose your cards. They are safer than cash, as you can put a stop on them if they get nicked.

[stevem]

Originally Posted by gez

The only reason I can think of is they are a back up if you lose your cards. They are safer than cash, as you can put a stop on them if they get nicked.

I guess so. Its the same as with ABBA, I didnt realise so many people still like them.

[Sirgezza]

Originally Posted by stevem

I guess so. Its the same as with ABBA, I didnt realise so many people still like them.

Money, money , money, - one of their best.

I don't think Travellers Cheques, travellers cheques, travellers cheques has quite the same bouncy ring to it.


You said not to mention ABBA

[andy_uk]

I was going to use my debit card to get cash from the ATM but just checked and my lovely bank of lloyds want to charge me between 2.50 and 4.00 quid per use !! which is a fecking ripoff if you ask me !!!

[K2]

To check any exchange rate goto www.xe.com this is pretty accurate - take about 1% off for the Thai money changers - and its ALWAYS best to do your cash FX in Thailand. (Only exception is for large amounts >100k USD and your going via Singapore the dealers in exchange square - Raffles Place are the keenest on earth).

Would never do cash exchange in UK or even worse in US - you'll get charged at least 2.5% spread and possibly commission too.

Its not always cheaper on plastic either - depends where the issuing bank does its daily aggregate fix and for your guide the USD is in a strengthening trend (12 US rate hikes I guess help).

[JohnP]

Andy this is the information age and we are all connected to the InterWeb, follow the link Steve posted and you will have even more information than a tourist standing in a Phuket currency exchange queue.

Originally Posted by stevem

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+B...es/default.htm

[Latino4life]

Goddamn it... The SEK is worth shít at the moment and when I booked my trip 1 SEK was worth 5.3 B and now just 4.9... Now this trip is gonna be about 10% more expensive But still alot cheaper than Mallorca or the Canari islands...

[hugos]

Originally Posted by gez

The only reason I can think of is they are a back up if you lose your cards. They are safer than cash, as you can put a stop on them if they get nicked.

That`s why i take two cards (separated) with me....