2006 Bangkok Reports

Backbob, the worst place to exchange money IS at the airport. You should always get it better outside. I usually use Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) money changers. There are a few on Suk (odd Soi side).

WT, you need to change your bank if they are charging you $15 per transaction. My bank doesn't charge any, neither does SCB.

Best rate is from ATM as you get the banking rate and not pay the commission the Money Exchangers make. Credit card transactions for purchases are usually at 1-2%, however, Capital One (USA) does not charge any

[QUOTE=Duniawala]Backbob, the worst place to exchange money IS at the airport. You should always get it better outside. I usually use Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) money changers. There are a few on Suk (odd Soi side).

WT, you need to change your bank if they are charging you $15 per transaction. My bank doesn't charge any, neither does SCB.

Best rate is from ATM as you get the banking rate and not pay the commission the Money Exchangers make. Credit card transactions for purchases are usually at 1-2%, however, Capital One (USA) does not charge any[/QUOTE]Thanks Duniawala. Let me illustrate what I mean... Last year when I visited LOS the official exchange rate was 1USD=41 Baht. Yet at the airport the rate at the exchange counters was around 43 baht. In the city, I wasnt able to find any exchange places that were even remotely close to that rate. In fact most exchange counters were offering 40 Baht and below. In fact the hotel I was staying at was offering a miserly exchange rate of 37 Baht!

So if I wanted to convert USD into Baht (and not the other way around) would the airport be my best bet? Anyone done any moneychanging at the airport recently? What exchange rate was being offered versus the city?

Thanks a lot for your help.

[QUOTE=Backbob]Thanks Duniawala. Let me illustrate what I mean... Last year when I visited LOS the official exchange rate was 1USD=41 Baht. Yet at the airport the rate at the exchange counters was around 43 baht. In the city, I wasnt able to find any exchange places that were even remotely close to that rate. In fact most exchange counters were offering 40 Baht and below. In fact the hotel I was staying at was offering a miserly exchange rate of 37 Baht!

So if I wanted to convert USD into Baht (and not the other way around) would the airport be my best bet? Anyone done any moneychanging at the airport recently? What exchange rate was being offered versus the city?

Thanks a lot for your help.[/QUOTE]

The 43 was the buying rate. Meaning if you wanted dollars it would cost you 43 baht, plus commission. The bank exchange counters, including the airport, all pay approximately one baht less per dollar than the official exchange rate. The exchange rate at the airport, if it is a major Thai bank, is exactly the same as in town at the same bank.

As many members have been trying to explain to you, the you get the best rate through the ATMS when you use a major credit card. However, you may have to pay your bank for using the ATM (a dollar of so usually) and any interest on the cash advance which is usually higher than ordinary purchases.

[QUOTE=Retired Army]The 43 was the buying rate. Meaning if you wanted dollars it would cost you 43 baht, plus commission. The bank exchange counters, including the airport, all pay approximately one baht less per dollar than the official exchange rate. The exchange rate at the airport, if it is a major Thai bank, is exactly the same as in town at the same bank.

As many members have been trying to explain to you, the you get the best rate through the ATMS when you use a major credit card. However, you may have to pay your bank for using the ATM (a dollar of so usually) and any interest on the cash advance which is usually higher than ordinary purchases.[/QUOTE]
RA, I really haven't found airport cheaper or same as outside, in my last 20 plus visits. You could be right though as you know the scene better.

Regarding CC transaction at ATMs is a cash advance where your bank sets the charges. It is always better to use the Debit/ATM cards which involves a nominal amount $1-2 or nothing at all.

Backbob, next time look at the receipt you get from the money changers. It shows the rate. RA is right. Last year the exchange rate was about 41 compared to 43 which was the buying rate.

I use a British building society for my banking requirements, called Nationwide, and they have a zero charge for cash withdrawals worldwide and they use exactly the same exchange rate as can be found on xe.com. Not even a hidden charge. Works for me.
Otherwise i just exchange at the airport, its easier than finding somewhere later and i wouldn't want to spend half a day trying to find the best rate only to save a few quid. JMHO.

Asian John > sounds like you had a good time in Star of Light, it has been remodelled now, no more cut out bar, and only a small chair out near the new toilet for a private BBBJ, the booths are still there, and a BJ can be had during the day no problem, during the evening it may be harder as they have been asked to 'tone down' but no problem, they have a ST room on call 50 metres away including in the new price of 700 Baht.

By the way, sounded to me like you had a great time, BB or not, a little OTT on all the HIV tests IMO, and next time.......yeah, everyone says they will not BB next time, but they are usually the same ones who said they would never BB in the first place :D Do what you do, and enjoy yourself.

Hi,

I am planning to go to BKK this week. I live in the USA. I have been to BKK before, but it was in transit.

I have done a fair bit of reading on this board (I spend several hours a day) given my excitement about the trip.

I had a couple of quick questions:

1) What is the availability of tatooed girls (either FL or Bar girls). When I say tatooed I dont mean just a small tattoo, but mid/heavily tatooed?

2) Any chances of finding girls with piercings/punk style girls?

3) Any good summary of the 4/5* hotels around NEP. I stayed at the JW Marriott last time, but it is $$$. I am wondering if I could stay somewhere else, which is cheaper, yet clean, in the same locality and safe for my belongings.

4) What is the general sense of the scene between Bangkok vs. Pattaya or Phuket? Would I get more 'bang for the buck' in either Pattaya or Phuket?

Thanks,

Desimonger

[QUOTE=Duniawala]. It is always better to use the Debit/ATM cards which involves a nominal amount $1-2 or nothing at all.

.[/QUOTE]

Be careful with debit cards. The money is taken directly out of your checking/savings account with no recouse. If someone get your card they can clean you out in no time and you aren't covered by the $50.00 limit like a credit card.

[QUOTE=Retired Army]Be careful with debit cards. The money is taken directly out of your checking/savings account with no recouse. If someone get your card they can clean you out in no time and you aren't covered by the $50.00 limit like a credit card.[/QUOTE]

Not exactly.
Debit cards are also covered but the limits are set much higher. Correct that $50 max is the most you can lose from CC false charges. Debit cards are usually set at min.$100 or above depending on the bank--but I believe the max for any bank is about $500--so its still a big lost if it happens.

[QUOTE=Desimonger]Hi,

I am planning to go to BKK this week. I live in the USA. I have been to BKK before, but it was in transit.

I have done a fair bit of reading on this board (I spend several hours a day) given my excitement about the trip.

I had a couple of quick questions:

1) What is the availability of tatooed girls (either FL or Bar girls). When I say tatooed I dont mean just a small tattoo, but mid/heavily tatooed?

2) Any chances of finding girls with piercings/punk style girls?

3) Any good summary of the 4/5* hotels around NEP. I stayed at the JW Marriott last time, but it is $$$. I am wondering if I could stay somewhere else, which is cheaper, yet clean, in the same locality and safe for my belongings.

4) What is the general sense of the scene between Bangkok vs. Pattaya or Phuket? Would I get more 'bang for the buck' in either Pattaya or Phuket?

Thanks,

Desimonger[/QUOTE]Stay at Majestic Suites, on Suk next to Nana. Anything you would like can be had in BKK.

Enjoy

[QUOTE=Retired Army]Be careful with debit cards. The money is taken directly out of your checking/savings account with no recouse. If someone get your card they can clean you out in no time and you aren't covered by the $50.00 limit like a credit card.[/QUOTE]
This applies to US based mongers only. According to my Bank, if a debit card has a Visa/MC logo (used as both a charge card and ATM card) then the limit is same as CC, $50 max. If it is just a bank issued ATM then you run the risk of losing all. I do not know about other countries.

[QUOTE=Phantomtiger2]Not exactly.

Debit cards are also covered but the limits are set much higher. Correct that $50 max is the most you can lose from CC false charges. Debit cards are usually set at min.$100 or above depending on the bank--but I believe the max for any bank is about $500--so its still a big lost if it happens.[/QUOTE]I allways have a sub account with my vacation money (this way no large money can be removed from my account at home), Get 2 debit cards and get cash from ATM's all over BKK with a minimal service charge same as USA if not using your branch for withdrawal. Only use your credit card to pay for Rooms and Travel. Then if you wish pay cash withdrawn from ATM when settling your bill. Cash (Baht) allways accepted in BKK. 2 DEBIT cards because I've lost one not remembering to remove it from machine (DRUNK AGAIN). Also, Bring cash in small bills 5's and 10's for in case all hell breaks loose and you need hard currency to flee.

Dont be paranoid, Money easy to get and spend. Hell your on vacation. If it looks good buy it who cares about 25 bucks or so!!

[QUOTE=Desimonger]Hi,

I am planning to go to BKK this week. I live in the USA. I have been to BKK before, but it was in transit.

I have done a fair bit of reading on this board (I spend several hours a day) given my excitement about the trip.

I had a couple of quick questions:

1) What is the availability of tatooed girls (either FL or Bar girls). When I say tatooed I dont mean just a small tattoo, but mid/heavily tatooed?

2) Any chances of finding girls with piercings/punk style girls?

3) Any good summary of the 4/5* hotels around NEP. I stayed at the JW Marriott last time, but it is $$$. I am wondering if I could stay somewhere else, which is cheaper, yet clean, in the same locality and safe for my belongings.

4) What is the general sense of the scene between Bangkok vs. Pattaya or Phuket? Would I get more 'bang for the buck' in either Pattaya or Phuket?

Thanks,

Desimonger[/QUOTE]

I was iin Nana area and there were a few girls with a lot of tattoos and some with piecings. I would look there. I did see a very pretty, slim girl. I was very attracted to her however I passed due to the amount of tattoos and piecings she had on her body. Just not my thing.

There are a couple of pretty "rough" looking girls with tattoos that hang out at beergarden Soi 7 and later at Nana, one has pretty short hair.

If thats what you are looking for OK. But I would make sure all my valuables were out of sight in my hotel room,

Going to Bangkok in August. Anyone have any experience with the Golden Bear beer bar in front on Nana Hotel? They always have lots of girls but they never seem to be taken out compared to Morning Night. Any insight appreciated.

[QUOTE=Desimonger]Hi,

I am planning to go to BKK this week. I live in the USA. I have been to BKK before, but it was in transit.

I have done a fair bit of reading on this board (I spend several hours a day) given my excitement about the trip.

I had a couple of quick questions:

1) What is the availability of tatooed girls (either FL or Bar girls). When I say tatooed I dont mean just a small tattoo, but mid/heavily tatooed?

2) Any chances of finding girls with piercings/punk style girls?

3) Any good summary of the 4/5* hotels around NEP. I stayed at the JW Marriott last time, but it is $$$. I am wondering if I could stay somewhere else, which is cheaper, yet clean, in the same locality and safe for my belongings.

4) What is the general sense of the scene between Bangkok vs. Pattaya or Phuket? Would I get more 'bang for the buck' in either Pattaya or Phuket?

Thanks,

Desimonger[/QUOTE]

Then you haven't been to BKK before... and if you spend several hours a day on the "board" what does that say about your "life" in general?

Answers:

(1) it's harder to find a girl without tatoos than to find one with.
(2) piercings are everywhere, and some punk style girls also. But why in the hell anyone would want one is beyone me.
(3) if you want a 4/5 star hotel you are going to spend $$$. That's just the way it works. There are plenty of clean, comfortable, safe hotels in the Sukhumvit area. Majestic has been mentioned and that is a good choice. Check the BKK Hotel tread for more information.
(4) You get more bang for your buck in Pattaya, but in my opinion, Pattaya is a sewer. But some people like sewers...