Thai Baht

CATSEYES8787

Hi,

I'm travelling to Thailand next week and wondering which is best: buy Bahts before leaving Ireland or bring a few hundred euros to Thailand and buy Bahts over there?

Thanks in advance :-)

gordongekko

I just used atm machine when I was over there.

CATSEYES8787

Using ATM's can be costy; just found this from a previous thread: "Thai banks introduced a charge for foreign ATMS too a while ago charging 150 baht (€3.55) per transaction so I'm getting charged this and the €1.27 AIB charge for foreign withdrawls from AIB and I have to pay all this every time I have to take out €100!"

CATSEYES8787

It was also mentioned in this post that AIB (my bank) has a €100 cap on ATM withdrawals abroad

killbillvol2

ATMs are extra costly over there as they have a charge of 150 baht on top of your own bank ripping you off.

Just bring euros, you'll get a great exchange rate at the booths in any of the tourist destinations.

If you have no Baht at the moment just change a small amount at the airport as the rate there is very poor.

CATSEYES8787

Thanks Killbill :-) I wonder why this is though; do they not take commissions in Thailand?

killbillvol2

CATSEYES8787 wrote: »

Thanks Killbill :-) I wonder why this is though; do they not take commissions in Thailand?

I don't know how they do it tbh. I've changed money at a rate within half a percentage point of the xe.com rate.

Stinicker

Change Euros to Baht in Thailand you'll get the best rate. Just take security precautions and don't change too much.

CATSEYES8787

Thanks for the replies; I'll definitely change Euros there. I was gonna take €300 to avoid withdrawing at ATM's; in terms of "safety", which is best: carry cash/passport at all times (what I would naturally do) or is it safe enough to keep it in the guesthouse's safe?

killbillvol2

CATSEYES8787 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies; I'll definitely change Euros there. I was gonna take €300 to avoid withdrawing at ATM's; in terms of "safety", which is best: carry cash/passport at all times (what I would naturally do) or is it safe enough to keep it in the guesthouse's safe?

You hear various stories of people being robbed. It's nearly always their own fault because they did something stupid/ got drunk/ left something unattended.

I'd consider Thailand to be very safe but I still leave most of my cash, cards and passport in the safe. I do the same in any country though. You're technically supposed to carry your passport but I carry a copy and anyway I've never been asked for it.

It also depends on where you're going. The islands would have the most petty theft (often by other foreigners) whereas it would be unheard of in somewhere like Khon Kaen.

alwayssideways

US dollars are accepted as far as I know. Small bills are preferred.

killbillvol2

alwayssideways wrote: »

US dollars are accepted as far as I know. Small bills are preferred.

No, they're not. Thai baht are accepted. That's the currency.

CATSEYES8787

Ok, thanks for the replies guys :-)

alwayssideways

killbillvol2 wrote: »

No, they're not. Thai baht are accepted. That's the currency.

You're right. I was thinking of Laos and Cambodia.

CATSEYES8787

killbillvol2 wrote: »

You hear various stories of people being robbed. It's nearly always their own fault because they did something stupid/ got drunk/ left something unattended.

I'd consider Thailand to be very safe but I still leave most of my cash, cards and passport in the safe. I do the same in any country though. You're technically supposed to carry your passport but I carry a copy and anyway I've never been asked for it.

It also depends on where you're going. The islands would have the most petty theft (often by other foreigners) whereas it would be unheard of in somewhere like Khon Kaen.

Hi Killbill,

One more question(I've read another post where you mentioned having travelled in Thailand heaps): can you recommend affordable guesthouses on Koh Lanta/Khao Lak?

Many thanks in advance

killbillvol2

CATSEYES8787 wrote: »

Hi Killbill,

One more question(I've read another post where you mentioned having travelled in Thailand heaps): can you recommend affordable guesthouses on Koh Lanta/Khao Lak?

Many thanks in advance

Last time I was in Khao Lak was pre-tsunami so it's a bit changed I'd say. I stayed very upmarket in Ko Lanta (Pimalai Resort) at this time of year a couple of years ago so affordable didn't enter into it.

Maybe have a look at the Thorntree travel forums for some up to date recommendations.

I have a really narrow money belt which fits inside my belt line so no one could possibly get to it or know it's there even with the passport in it.. I'd recommend getting one and then just take over all your Euro or dollar.

geecee

The overseas ATM withdrawl cost has gone up from 150B to 180B

But AIB limit is now lifted to 250€ per 24 hours