Bangkok Reports

[QUOTE=Rjsss212; 1167481]This is one of the dumbest things I have read in a while.

Conversely. [/QUOTE]No it isn't dumb, and stupid to say so. Its fine for him to not bring cash to Thailand. I don't bother either, I have a Thai bank account. I transfer to there only in large quantities. Its okay for you to use cash if you wish.

I have lost my wallet once in Thailand. Fortunately amount of cash wasn't large. With cash you are always taking some risk when travel from one place to another. If large cash should be lost, there is no way to get it back, its as simple as that.

Hotel safes are not that relevant. I don't care if my room has one or not.

In my experience exchange rates for cash are poor, particularly in my home Country. Travellers cheques get a better deal, but I don't bother with them any more.

Its very convenient to me just to get my cash from Thai AC at ATM. I don't like to carry large amounts of cash.

Its the thing I love about Bangkok.

Thai "good girls". Well, lets just say not so naughty will often use farangs as a kind of emergency piggy bank. They will work quite happily in their job getting 6K to 10K baht a month and never sleep around for money. They have boyfriends and giks but its not for money, only for food and drink and dancing etc.

But when something goes wrong and they need a sudden wedge of money you will find girls like this who venture out for 1 night or a few nights to get the needed money and then return to their normal day job and never do it again. Until next time if needs be.

I had a really lovely little thing out of Thermae last month and she was only there as one of her workmates (office) suggested she try Thermae on a Saturday night to earn some money she needed to pay her rent that month.

[QUOTE=AlLostInSpace13;1167788]......ssion on her face. I gave her a 1, 000 baht note, plus US$20. We agreed on 1, 400 baht but I ran out of bahts. She told me she works at a convenience store as a cashier and it was her 1st time at Nana! I believe her.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Evianist;1167800]I got handed the laminated card at Rainbow 1 last night.[/QUOTE]OMG!

Will this become the standard for nana now? Anybody else see this card.

[QUOTE=AlLostInSpace13; 1167788]I discovered this young thing at Nana parking lot. I really do not go out looking for young ladies, but some how they just stand out from the rest. Turns out she's 22 and had 1 kid, but much to my surprise the kid was from see-section and she's got the tightest pussy I've ever sampled. I'm sure some asian men from Japan or Korea would pay top dollars for her. Because of her tightness, my 20-minute session stretched out to a full 45-minute mini porn movie. I really wish I had a video camera to capture the expression on her face. I gave her a 1, 000 baht note, plus US$20. We agreed on 1, 400 baht but I ran out of bahts. She told me she works at a convenience store as a cashier and it was her 1st time at Nana! I believe her.

Spaceman[/QUOTE]I think you're lost in space! What you smokin?

[QUOTE=Syzygies; 1167802]No it isn't dumb, and stupid to say so. Its fine for him to not bring cash to Thailand. I don't bother either, I have a Thai bank account. I transfer to there only in large quantities. Its okay for you to use cash if you wish.

I have lost my wallet once in Thailand. Fortunately amount of cash wasn't large. With cash you are always taking some risk when travel from one place to another. If large cash should be lost, there is no way to get it back, its as simple as that.

Hotel safes are not that relevant. I don't care if my room has one or not.

In my experience exchange rates for cash are poor, particularly in my home Country. Travellers cheques get a better deal, but I don't bother with them any more.

Its very convenient to me just to get my cash from Thai AC at ATM. I don't like to carry large amounts of cash. [/QUOTE]Sorry but I'm missing your point. How is it a "bother"?

OK, so you lost your wallet ONCE. Do you feel that if you did not have the cash you would not have last your wallet? I don't think that's what you are saying, is it?. So isn't that kind of like saying 'I got lost driving in some city once so I'll never drive there again? '

Most people, when they lose their wallet are not concerned with the cash as its only cash but a few hours in a local motor vehicle dept. is a killer. Then the credit cards, phone numbers and all the other shit in there you never really look at but don't want to lose. In fact, why does your wallet ever come out of your briefcase when you travel at all? Stick a hundred or $200 or $500 in the right pocket (or whatever working amount you need for the next few hours or the day) and your good to go. Keep the larger amount in your briefcase (with your wallet) or your left pocket if your concerned about your briefcase also being stolen, and don't pull from the left pocket so no one sees it. What's the issue?

How many times have you been robbed traveling? Or in life in general for that matter? If it an issue with losing things or being forgetful then that a different story then all bets are off. Then yes, measures should be taken to deal with one's absentmindedness.

But people talk about carrying cash like it's a scarlett letter with big a neon 'C' on their chest!

You agree that hotels are rarely an issue so again, what's the problem?

Now, if one is frequenting less reputable establishments/areas (and your living on the edge, god bless you!) then yes I strongly agree that stricter measures must be taken (and call me and I'll join you, more fun more risk!) But if the worst that it gets is Cowboy to beergarder to NaNa to NaNa parking lot, even at 4 in the morning, I think it's a bit of irrational paranoia.

Unless of course, as I strongly suspect from all the 'extreme cheap' talk here, that in fact many of the posters just have no money. Then sure, there's nothing to carry....

[QUOTE=AlLostInSpace13; 1167788]I just spent a fabulous 5 days in Bangkok. Snip. . . .

Another night at 2am I was walking the beat around Nana parking lot and along the sidewalks between soi 3 & 7. Guys, do not give up. I discovered this young thing at Nana parking lot. I really do not go out looking for young ladies, but some how they just stand out from the rest. Turns out she's 22 and had 1 kid, but much to my surprise the kid was from see-section and she's got the tightest pussy I've ever sampled. I'm sure some asian men from Japan or Korea would pay top dollars for her. Because of her tightness, my 20-minute session stretched out to a full 45-minute mini porn movie. I really wish I had a video camera to capture the expression on her face. I gave her a 1, 000 baht note, plus US$20. We agreed on 1, 400 baht but I ran out of bahts. She told me she works at a convenience store as a cashier and it was her 1st time at Nana! I believe her.

I also visited Patpong, but left without trying anything.

Happy mongering,

Spaceman[/QUOTE]I enjoyed your report and you can log this as Mission Accomplished!

Never mind those who challenge. Sometimes that's all they do is challenge. Not report.

C4T

[QUOTE=NicFrenchy; 1167544]I must be a complete mug. Whenever I travel overseas I always use my Card to withdraw money and never paid any attention to exchange rates or ATM Fees.

Are these that high hat one needs to be careful? [/QUOTE]Not that they are so high, but they do keep going up (especially for US customers, given banks have been recently limited in some cc charge fees by federal regulation, so are looking for other avenues to make up the lost income). You can be charged an atm fee, an out of network fee, a foreign exchange fee all from your bank, then the local Thai bank throwing in their own charge on top of all these (what is it, 500 baht seems excessive, but rings a bell).

Anyway, if you've got a low limit on your atm card, it can be costly. Better to up the limit while you're traveling, and make the occasional large withdrawal, keeping the money, as Rjsss212 says, in a "safe" wallet, while you have your "limited cash" wallet in your pocket.

I appreciate the atm's convenience, the 'wall that spits money', I just like to keep the overhead charges as low as possible as I think banks are the scum from hell.

[QUOTE=Amjeck; 1167891]OMG!

Will this become the standard for nana now? Anybody else see this card. [/QUOTE]Yep.

As I mentioned in a report a couple of months ago, waitresses of NEP bars have this card on the back of their "I'd" tag showing BF / ST / LT price list.
Smart to move to make it look like a non negotiable official price list.
Works for the newcomers as they think this is the proper price.
Maybe even better, as they see an official price so they do not feel they are cheated and that it is a legitimate price level.
Only experienced monger will not be ready to pay that, but it is a minority and for the girls worth the effort to try.
The regular customers of a bar or of a BG will as well pay less, but as regular they provide repeated business, more than welcome.
A newcomer who will negotiate and get 100baht discount will feel super happy to have knocked the price down!

Just like a tricked taxi meter. If you do not know the rate from BKK to Sukh and the meter shows 700 you are happy to pay that, feeling to have escaped a scam, LOL

[QUOTE=11Bravo; 1167914]Not that they are so high, but they do keep going up (especially for US customers, given banks have been recently limited in some cc charge fees by federal regulation, so are looking for other avenues to make up the lost income). You can be charged an atm fee, an out of network fee, a foreign exchange fee all from your bank, then the local Thai bank throwing in their own charge on top of all these (what is it. 500 baht seems excessive, but rings a bell).

Anyway, if you've got a low limit on your atm card, it can be costly. Better to up the limit while you're traveling, and make the occasional large withdrawal, keeping the money, as Rjsss212 says, in a "safe" wallet, while you have your "limited cash" wallet in your pocket.

I appreciate the atm's convenience, the 'wall that spits money', I just like to keep the overhead charges as low as possible as I think banks are the scum from hell.[/QUOTE]Help me understand. Cash exchange places always have unfavorable exchange rates compared to the interbank transfer rates on ATM and credit cards. The ATM fee is less than the exchange rate rip off from the cash exchange places, not to mention the fee from the cash exchange places on top.

I don't get what the debate is. When I do the math, the ATM wins and I walk away from the cash exchange places every time.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;1167914](what is it, 500 baht seems excessive, but rings a bell).[/QUOTE]Nope 150 baht

[QUOTE=Lucky21; 1167985]Help me understand. Cash exchange places always have unfavorable exchange rates compared to the interbank transfer rates on ATM and credit cards. The ATM fee is less than the exchange rate rip off from the cash exchange places, not to mention the fee from the cash exchange places on top.

I don't get what the debate is. When I do the math, the ATM wins and I walk away from the cash exchange places every time. [/QUOTE]As I said before, your argument is valid in most other countries, however Thailand is one of the few places it is not. In Thailand, you get a better rate from the exchange places and they do not charge fees on top. If you use your ATM card then you automatically have to pay 150 baht (US$5). Plus as 11Bravo said,"You can be charged an atm fee, an out of network fee, a foreign exchange fee all from your bank."

For example, [url]http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=THB[/url] Shows US$1=30.57 THB at the moment. I just came from Second Road here in Pattaya and the exchange places are showing US$1=30.55 THB.

If I change US$100 at an exchange place I am going to get 3055 THB into my pocket.

If I use the ATM to draw out 3055 THB, out of my account is going to come 3055 THB (withdrawl amount) + 150 THB (Thai Bank Fee) + 30.55 THB (1%: my USA bank's fee for currency exchange) + 46 THB (US$1.50 my bank charges for using out of network ATMs) = 3281 THB or US$ 107.19

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational; 1168165]As I said before, your argument is valid in most other countries, however Thailand is one of the few places it is not. In Thailand, you get a better rate from the exchange places and they do not charge fees on top. If you use your ATM card then you automatically have to pay 150 baht (US$5). Plus as 11Bravo said,"You can be charged an atm fee, an out of network fee, a foreign exchange fee all from your bank."

For example,

[url]http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=THB[/url]

Shows US$1=30. 57 THB at the moment. I just came from Second Road here in Pattaya and the exchange places are showing US$1=30. 55 THB.

If I change US$100 at an exchange place I am going to get 3055 THB into my pocket.

If I use the ATM to draw out 3055 THB, out of my account is going to come 3055 THB (withdrawl amount) + 150 THB (Thai Bank Fee) + 30. 55 THB (1%: my USA bank's fee for currency exchange) + 46 THB (US$1. 50 my bank charges for using out of network ATMs) = 3281 THB or US$ 107. 19[/QUOTE]Thanks for the clarification. It would seem that the enterprising brother could start a forex cash op and make a killing, especially on Sukhumvit in the lower Soi. I'll use cash next time through.

Cheers

[QUOTE=Rjsss212;1167897]Sorry but I'm missing your point. How is it a "bother"?[/QUOTE]Did not say anything was "a bother".

"Don't bother" simply means don't make the effort to do something (more than one meaning). I often stay in Hotel room that has a safe but I don't usually use it. I don't feel stuff in my Hotel is particularly unsafe. I don't take risky girls to my room and leave them unsupervised. My most imporntant / valuable luggage is my passport, and notebook and phone comes 2nd and 3rd. Have no interest in very expensive paraphernalia.

[QUOTE]OK, so you lost your wallet ONCE. Do you feel that if you did not have the cash you would not have last your wallet? I don't think that's what you are saying, is it?. So isn't that kind of like saying 'I got lost driving in some city once so I'll never drive there again? '[/QUOTE]Your analogy is not at all relevant.

I lost my wallet once and never have been robbed. No it doesn't mean I will never carry a wallet again. It simply means its wise to not carry large amounts of cash with you in your wallet.

[QUOTE]Most people, when they lose their wallet are not concerned with the cash as its only cash but a few hours in a local motor vehicle dept. Is a killer. Then the credit cards, phone numbers and all the other shit in there you never really look at but don't want to lose. In fact, why does your wallet ever come out of your briefcase when you travel at all? Stick a hundred or $200 or $500 in the right pocket (or whatever working amount you need for the next few hours or the day) and your good to go. Keep the larger amount in your briefcase (with your wallet) or your left pocket if your concerned about your briefcase also being stolen, and don't pull from the left pocket so no one sees it. What's the issue?

How many times have you been robbed traveling? Or in life in general for that matter? If it an issue with losing things or being forgetful then that a different story then all bets are off. Then yes, measures should be taken to deal with one's absentmindedness. [/QUOTE]Yes I am absent minded. That's how I lost my wallet. I have been lucky enough not to get robbed, but have heard numerous stories of people robbed or their belongings stolen from tour buses, or bags snatched by motorcycle thieves. So I wouldn't take the risk to carry a large amount of cash, beyond what can afford to loose, whether in briefcase or whatever.

[QUOTE]Unless of course, as I strongly suspect from all the 'extreme cheap' talk here, that in fact many of the posters just have no money. Then sure, there's nothing to carry....[/QUOTE]Drifting off topic, but sure I agree that many arguments seemed to relate to penny pinching.

For me I don't see the need to travel with lots of cash with me, so I don't.

I can afford transfer fees and ATM fees when hit with them.

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational; 1168165]As I said before, your argument is valid in most other countries, however Thailand is one of the few places it is not. In Thailand, you get a better rate from the exchange places and they do not charge fees on top. If you use your ATM card then you automatically have to pay 150 baht (US$5). Plus as 11Bravo said,"You can be charged an atm fee, an out of network fee, a foreign exchange fee all from your bank."

For example,

[url]http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=THB[/url]

Shows US$1=30. 57 THB at the moment. I just came from Second Road here in Pattaya and the exchange places are showing US$1=30. 55 THB.

If I change US$100 at an exchange place I am going to get 3055 THB into my pocket.

If I use the ATM to draw out 3055 THB, out of my account is going to come 3055 THB (withdrawl amount) + 150 THB (Thai Bank Fee) + 30. 55 THB (1%: my USA bank's fee for currency exchange) + 46 THB (US$1. 50 my bank charges for using out of network ATMs) = 3281 THB or US$ 107. 19[/QUOTE]If you're from Germany, you can get a DKB Visa Card, you can withdraw any amount with absolutely no additional cost, the rate is always better than what you get at the exchange places.

[QUOTE=Delgado;1168222]If you're from Germany, you can get a DKB Visa Card, you can withdraw any amount with absolutely no additional cost, the rate is always better than what you get at the exchange places.[/QUOTE]There are American cards that do the same thing.

Carrying a lot of cash around when you travel is just stupid.