Printable View
[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.
[QUOTE=Amjeck; 1167891]OMG!
Will this become the standard for nana now? Anybody else see this card.[/QUOTE]I think they just bring the card out if the girl is brand new and doesn't know how to negotiate yet or doesn't know how to say "2000 baht" in English.
Slightly incorrect.
If you withdraw from ATM you get "TT" rates, if you exchange cash you get cash rate (Buy Note)
For example use this as a guide :
[url]http://www.krungsri.com/en/foreign-exchange-rates.aspx[/url]
Xe. Com shows the mid rates and not cash or TT (ATM) rates.
If you want to find which ATM's are giving the best rate then use the link below and change the currency into whichever you want and change "Currency Type" into TT. Then do search rates and it will show which ATM is givng the best rate. :
[url]http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx[/url]
[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 really want to avoid card fees you could always bring your cash and put it on a thai bank account after your arrival. So you have both the lack of international fees and the security of a card instead of cash.
[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;1168165]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]It is usually unwise to exchange into a foriegn currency in your home country as they like to rip off. Exchange rates are better in Thailand.
Usually I find that exchange rates are better for electronic funds transfer (or Travellers Cheques) than cash exchange in Thailand by about 1% (see various web sites). So I transfer in my home country's currency to Thai Bank Account, not allowing the home bank to make the exchange at a poor rate. The Thai bank makes the exchange at a good rate and charges a nominal fee of perhaps 100 Baht.
Suppose I send $4000 to Thailand Acct to last for a while. I believe I save approx. $40 over a cash exchange and even though I might have to pay a transfer fee of $20, I am still slightly better off. This method works because I don't bother to transfer amounts too small that would waste Xfer fees, unless its an emergency.
Perhaps I am not getting absolute best possible exchange rate all the time, from searching from one place to another, but I can't be bothered to go searching for top exchange rate unless its going to be a saving of at least $30 (and Ha Ha that just ain't going to happen). I would be better off spending my time working and earning money, rather than searching for the best place.
Obviously everyone has different priorities. My priority is to get more of my time when not at home in Thailand to enjoy. Its convenient to be easy to get money from any Thai ATMs, but pull enough at a time to not have to visit ATM too often. I have never been pick-pocketed. Hell, I have great trouble to get wallet out of front pocket myself, so wouldn't be real easy. Its only my own carelessness to worry about. I find that's what causes me to lose things in Thailand on occasions.
[QUOTE=Syzygies; 1168221]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]Sounds good. To each his own.
My approach is exactly the opposite. I bring lots of cash (more than I ever seem to need) and my wallet never leaves my briefcase until I hit the hotel then into the safe with my passport and phone. I travel with 1 credit card mixed in with some cash in my pocket (the rest in my wallet) and after checkin that cc goes back into my wallet and doesn't come out till I return. My personal preference is I'd rather lose some cash then have to deal with stolen cc numbers and all associated hassles as I find myself more and more these days wanting to reach through the phone line and slap the customer service rep - usually somewhere in Madras or the Phils - but again, to each his own...
Regarding getting robbed / drugged – sure we all hear stories but not enough to worry methinks. Much like a plane crash - individually devastating but statistically rare.
In the end were all after the same thing, just different ways of getting there I guess.
As someone once said "trust in Allah but tie up your camel"...
OR, if you are USA based, get yourself a StateFarm Checking account with Visa Debit Card OR Schwab Account. NO 1% add ons and the 150bt ripoff is reimbursed every month.
[QUOTE=Chill Out;1168262]If you really want to avoid card fees you could always bring your cash and put it on a thai bank account after your arrival. So you have both the lack of international fees and the security of a card instead of cash.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Jgm005;1168331]OR, if you are USA based, get yourself a StateFarm Checking account with Visa Debit Card OR Schwab Account. NO 1% add ons and the 150bt ripoff is reimbursed every month.[/QUOTE]Careful there, its well known that "debit cards" with a Visa or MC logo are the most dangerous form of cc. (your relationship with State Farm/Schwab notwithstanding). Banks will tell you that they are under no obligation to return your CASH and often take a long time doing so whereas with a cc your cash is still in your pocket.
[QUOTE=Chill Out;1168262]If you really want to avoid card fees you could always bring your cash and put it on a thai bank account after your arrival. So you have both the lack of international fees and the security of a card instead of cash.[/QUOTE]The biggest problem, however, is how to open a bank account in BKK as a foreign visitor.
Have you any idea?
Regards.
FV
[QUOTE=FlyingVisitor; 1168359]The biggest problem, however, is how to open a bank account in BKK as a foreign visitor.
Have you any idea?
Regards.
FV[/QUOTE]If rules haven't changed, go to Kasikorn Bank. Show your passport, give them an address (hotel will do) and open the account.
[QUOTE=FlyingVisitor;1168359]Have you any idea?[/QUOTE]Yes, research this thread; there are some posts about it, including one from me with all the details you need.
[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]I have to correct myself, just checked their website, it seems anybody can open a completely free dkb cash online account. Withdrawels are absolutely free worldwide with the dkb visa card (visa card is also free, no yearly fees) , and they pay 1, 65 percent interest on your deposits. Technically you get a reimbursement for the 150 baht that you get charged when withdrawing cash from thai atms. It is an euro account though.
Hello, All,
I was several times in Thailand and stayed most of the time around Nana. I heart about numbered Hotels like Hotel 28 or other places where girls are provided.
By the Hotel. Does anyone have experiences with such a place in BKK or other areas in Thailand. In China, this is quite common but I did not see it in BKK so far.
Cheers.
Henry
I can only speak from experience in ONLY using the noted Debit cards for ATM withdrawals one does get refunded the 150 bt fee the beginning of the next month. I fully concur with your comments when using a debit card for purchases. Never, ever which is why I hold a Capital One Visa card for purchases. No 1% add on or visa fees. Been using this card for years.
[QUOTE=Rjsss212;1168337]Careful there, its well known that "debit cards" with a Visa or MC logo are the most dangerous form of cc. (your relationship with State Farm/Schwab notwithstanding). Banks will tell you that they are under no obligation to return your CASH and often take a long time doing so whereas with a cc your cash is still in your pocket.[/QUOTE]
Do any of you actually get any pussy or do you just fret about bank fees?