ATM information from an newbie / new poster
In order to keep myself from getting into trouble as a newbie / new poster. I will stick to colors instead of names. I am an expert in nothing Pattaya. But some experiences translate across countries. And I am reporting mine.
After pulling money out of several different brands of ATMs during my trip I now exclusively use the yellow ones. They have the name that starts with a K and often are next to the TT Money Exchange booths that are also yellow. The yellow ones allow me to pull 30,000 THB at a time. I prefer using "cash on the barrel head" as they say. Untraceable.
As for money exchanges I was walking past a TT Money Exchange booth tonight after stopping at a local place and having them make me some chicken fried rice. Made fresh while I waited and nice portion. I got it for take out and enjoyed it in my "room". 50 THB. But I digress. It was showing a rate of 35.77 THB for 1 USD.
[B]Newbie tip[/B]: [I]It is best to think in the currency of the country you are in[/I]. Here in Thailand that is THB. I use a simple method to translate THB into USD in my head. 100 THB is 3 USD. And in addition, learn LOCAL prices and get yourself off the tourist economy. Now, everyone can spend their money how they choose. Just friendly advice from a newbie / new poster but experienced worldwide expat.
In regard to Charles Schwab accounts
I know folks use their Schwab accounts to avoid ATM fees, but I just heard something I haven't seen mentioned in any WSG forum previously. Once you have a Thai address you can contact Schwab to have your account converted to an international account. Once you've done that you can avoid transfer fees when moving money to your Thai bank. Only catch is I think this only applies to USA accounts.