Bangkok Reports

[Gilolo]

Best way to get BBFS?

What massage parlors offer BBFS?

Thank you.

They all practise BBFS in Pattaya. Just few ladies ask more money fore BBFS.

[Axel Heyst]

I'm surprised to hear about that 1% fee, I suspect not everybody pays it.

Many times I have checked the exchange rate per XE.com and then immediately used a Thailand ATM. I consistently get the XE.com rate without any 1% fee. Perhaps there are different types of accounts at Fidelity and some have the 1% fee and others don't.

I am sure it is possible, but then the bank probably has a minimum balance requirement or minimum brokerage asset requirement. For example, I know that Chase and Wells Fargo both offer no ATM Fee Debit cards for large balance checking accounts ($25,000 minimum if memory serves). But Schwab has no minimum checking account balance requirements and no fees. That is all I am saying.

https://lifehacker.com/avoid-atm-fee...rds-1849165852

[ThaiGoodTimes]

We're not all from the US. Our banks charge a lot per transaction and we don't want to pay the Thai ATM fee.

I always take a lot of cash and spend only the cash, but I still have the credit card in case of emergency.

If you come here often enough then open a Thai bank account, even tourist can do so.

Then just use one of the transfer apps, I use WISE, and load up your Thai account, then withdraw at an ATM.

Charges are absolutely minimal.

[HorseTrader]

The Fidelity Debit Card has no ATM fees and offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursement, but it charges a 1% foreign transaction fee on withdrawals made outside of the USA.

I'm surprised to hear about that 1% fee, I suspect not everybody pays it.

Many times I have checked the exchange rate per XE.com and then immediately used a Thailand ATM. I consistently get the XE.com rate without any 1% fee. Perhaps there are different types of accounts at Fidelity and some have the 1% fee and others don't.

[Nyezhov]

Generally they demand notes be in pristine or very good condition IME, and advised elsewhere.

100 and 500 notes get marginally better rate than lower denominations. Probably same for US dollar etc.

Also they have a branch in the Nana BTS IIRC.

Did someone say they tipped the cashiers?! The north American tipping practices really beggar belief. Though in Italy we don't even tip waiters so I may be out of touch with what's expected in the world of tipping. LOL.

I tip everybody. It's generally only $1 or less. In venues where I am a regular, people run to serve me and I made someones life better.

That's just my style, everyone is free to do what they want. But I always try to play the jai dee farang, splash some change, smile, joke etc.

Try it.

[Andy67]

Was wondering if the African working girls are back on Sukhumvit Road and soi 4? The last time I was there just before the pandemic, the Thai Immigration had rounded them up and deported them, I was always found them fun to be around, I will be coming there in December.

[Downandup]

I don't see why so many people exchange home country cash for Thai cash. My ATM card has worked perfectly and it gives a better exchange rate than posted at the cash exchange places. You do need to get an ATM card that charges no fees and reimburses the Thailand ATM fees (e.g., Schwab and Fidelity). I do bring some cash and a second ATM card for any possible emergency, but so far I haven't had an emergency. The airport ATMs are open 24/7.

It's because few people open accounts with that in mind, and in other countries finding a good bank that does this can be hard.

[Paolo99]

I don't see why so many people exchange home country cash for Thai cash. My ATM card has worked perfectly and it gives a better exchange rate than posted at the cash exchange places. You do need to get an ATM card that charges no fees and reimburses the Thailand ATM fees (e.g., Schwab and Fidelity). I do bring some cash and a second ATM card for any possible emergency, but so far I haven't had an emergency. The airport ATMs are open 24/7.

We're not all from the US. Our banks charge a lot per transaction and we don't want to pay the Thai ATM fee.

I always take a lot of cash and spend only the cash, but I still have the credit card in case of emergency.

[Miss MaryHinge]

SuperRich is the best option at the airport for sure. They are certainly not open 24 hours a day though, so depending on the time you are transiting BKK that can be problematic.

Anyone in the lower Suk area should check out Vasu Exchange: http://www.vasuexchange.com/.

SL.

Generally they demand notes be in pristine or very good condition IME, and advised elsewhere.

€100 and €500 notes get marginally better rate than lower denominations. Probably same for US dollar etc.

Also they have a branch in the Nana BTS IIRC.

Did someone say they tipped the cashiers?! The north American tipping practices really beggar belief. Though in Italy we don't even tip waiters so I may be out of touch with what's expected in the world of tipping. LOL.

[Big Sky Nomad]

I don't see why so many people exchange home country cash for Thai cash. My ATM card has worked perfectly and it gives a better exchange rate than posted at the cash exchange places. You do need to get an ATM card that charges no fees and reimburses the Thailand ATM fees (e.g., Schwab and Fidelity). I do bring some cash and a second ATM card for any possible emergency, but so far I haven't had an emergency. The airport ATMs are open 24/7.

So I can use my Schwab card at a good exchange rate and they waive ATM fees just like in the US? Great to hear. I have Fidelity as well. I'm planning on paying for most lodging before I go, if I need to pay with a Schwab card at a store do they nick you with fees?

[Axel Heyst]

My ATM card has worked perfectly and it gives a better exchange rate than posted at the cash exchange places. You do need to get an ATM card that charges no fees and reimburses the Thailand ATM fees (e.g., Schwab and Fidelity). I do bring some cash and a second ATM card for any possible emergency, but so far I haven't had an emergency. The airport ATMs are open 24/7.

I have been using the Schwab ATM card since 2014. It changed how I travel. I used to bring a ton of Dollars on every trip. Now I bring $1,000 in cash for backup and emergencies and I never use it. But let's be clear on one thing:

The Schwab Debit Card has no ATM fees and offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursement plus no foreign transaction fees on withdrawals made abroad.

The Fidelity Debit Card has no ATM fees and offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursement, but it charges a 1% foreign transaction fee on withdrawals made outside of the USA.

Take your pick or you can just carry a wad of cash in your suitcase. Hey, I remember when people used to bring traveler cheques.

[Chimpo Chinn]

Indians in Lollipop. Indian see girl he interested in. Tells her to turn around. She wouldn't.

Girls friend says take me. Indian say Cannot.

Indians do spend money.

[HorseTrader]

I don't see why so many people exchange home country cash for Thai cash. My ATM card has worked perfectly and it gives a better exchange rate than posted at the cash exchange places. You do need to get an ATM card that charges no fees and reimburses the Thailand ATM fees (e.g., Schwab and Fidelity). I do bring some cash and a second ATM card for any possible emergency, but so far I haven't had an emergency. The airport ATMs are open 24/7.

[TConor]

SuperRich is the best option at the airport for sure. They are certainly not open 24 hours a day though, so depending on the time you are transiting BKK that can be problematic.

Anyone in the lower Suk area should check out Vasu Exchange: http://www.vasuexchange.com/.

SL.

Probably 1 to 2 baht better than the airport.

[Sunlover2]

There is a SuperRich on the lower level of the airport. It's in the general direction of the train into the city but it helps if you know where you are going beforehand.

SuperRich is the best option at the airport for sure. They are certainly not open 24 hours a day though, so depending on the time you are transiting BKK that can be problematic.

Anyone in the lower Suk area should check out Vasu Exchange: http://www.vasuexchange.com/.

SL.