xiananena has indicated that this thread is about Thailand
Hi,
I got Bahts from the travel agent before I went and I have friends who have done the same, sometimes they dont hold a lot but enough to get you to a cash point. I found cash points were he best way to get cash and they were readily available- it may cost 1.75 a withdrawal but you get the true exchange rate!
If you ant to take more with you you could always order over the net?
Hey,
I got Thai Baht from the Post Office here in the UK...they're available from most banks/travel agencies as well but sometimes it's a case of ordering them a day or two before actually picking them up. Not sure about Spain however, but I'm sure they would be available...the bank you spoke to were wrong to say they were unavailable outside of Thailand...!
There's an ATM at Bangkok airport too so that might be your best bet anyway, although I guess a bit of cash might be a nice idea in case it's out of order or something.
Bahts are available in the US at most airports. You can also use your Bank Cash Card at the Airport in Thailand and withdraw funds (in baht) for the trip into town. You can also get US Dollars at your bank and convert them on the ground in Thailand.
Airport companies will let you buy food and magazines in Dollars and will return change in Baht.
Have Fun !!
Eric
you can get bhat at bangkok airport 24 hrs a day . a taxi into bangkok will cost you 300 bht.
Ok, I will try with another bank and if not then change in the airport or something...
thank you very much for the answers!
You're in Spain? I think your bank is talking utter rubbish. Thai baht are available in countries all over the world and I can't see Spain in the EU being any different...
BUT!!!!
Don't change a lot in your home country without checking the rate of exchange. My experience has always been that I get a better rate in Thailand. At the moment you should get between 46 and 48 to the Euro.
Next it's worth knowing that you can change money easily at Bkk airport and at a reasonable rate. So you can get off the plane and buy baht for your taxi - no problem.
All banks and exchange booths will change money on receipt of your credit/debit card and passport, or you can use ATMs....
There are ATMs all over Thailand so BEFORE YOU LEAVE CHECK WITH YOUR BANK; do your cards (ATM and Credit) work abroad AND WHAT IS THE FEE?
NB - with the taxis try and get a price before you get in or insist on meter being used…the prices on other posts are about right. If you’re going from the airport to Pattaya (1.5 hrs) expect to pay about 1500 to 1800 baht, but check the vehicle first and agree price. You might bbe asked to pay another 150 baht in motorway tolls - worth it!
Have a good trip!
[ Edited at Jun 27, 2006 6:22 PM ]
I don't believe it's true but...don't worry!
Get it from airport...easy!
Hi there
I hope it doesn't sound too stupid but I went to the bank last week and they told me it was impossible to get Bahts outside of Thailand... is that true?? I wonder how will I pay my taxi when I arrive at Bangkok... :S
Hi X,
I agree with most of WILDFK's response. Usually when you change money in another country you either get a bad rate of return, pay a commission or both. Wait until you get to the Bangkok airport to change your money over. There are always two or 3 bank branches open all the time. When you change your money over to Thai baht remember to get some small bills for paying taxi cabs or street vendors. Notes of 500 baht or 1000 baht may be too high to make change for in small shops.
Good advice on using the ATM machines. First, there are lots of ATM machines all over Thailand including several in the airport. One problem is that some credit cards impose a fee for foreign ATM withdrawals that you won't see until you return home and scan your statement. Find out which CC has the smallest fee and use that one, you also have to notify the CC company that your card will be used overseas and identify that country. Since the fee is usually on a "per ATM use" avoid small withdrawals where the fee may match your withdrawal. Take out enough to hold you over for several days to avoid lots of fee charges.
Some credit unions sell Traveller's Checks without a fee to their members. The fee to cash a TC is 33 baht per check, cheaper than an ATM fee. If you take TC's only take the larger $100 or Euro equivalent, avoid small TC amounts since the 33 baht fee (under $1, U.S.) is on a per check basis. Any excess Thai baht can be exchanged back to your home currency at the airport when you leave for home. Keep 500 baht available for the departure tax that is collected after you get your boarding pass and before you enter immigration for your return home.
Always use the security box in your hotel for safeguarding your cash and valuables. When you are in a hotel you are more likely to get ripped off by a fellow traveller than the hotel staff. Don't leave the key to your safety box out in plain sight in your hotel room. Only carry enough with you to see you through one or two days of shopping. You can always get some more money out of your safety box if you overspend.
If you arrive at the Bangkok airport before 1130 PM and after 6 A.M. there is an Airport Bus that takes you to many areas in Bangkok, the cost of this bus is 100 baht. The bus kiosk is on the same level (just outside the arrivals hall) that the taxi kiosk is at. At the airport if you go with a taxi instead of the bus you are responsible for the toll charge as well as the taxi meter charge. I think the toll charge is 50 baht (ask the kiosk employee), I rarely use the taxi and prefer the bus. In town only use meter taxis and tell the driver "meter only" and the fare will be cheaper than bargaining. There are thousands of taxi cabs in Bangkok, most of they will use the meter without any hassle.
For any hotel references or areas to stay in remember to state your budget allowance per night. A Lonely Planet Travel Guide is helpful.
Have fun.
hey xiananena - yes it is stupid, your bank that is. Not you. =)
Do note if you are bringing Euro into country and changing it with a money changer, you will need your passport, or else they won't changed it for you. Not an issue if you change it in the airport but if you changing it elsewhere, remember to have your passport.
Remember when you take taxi - you pay for toll...it's around 50Baht depending on how many toll gates you cross. But you can tell the driver that you do not want to use the highway and go via normal roads. (slightly longer unless u hit a jam...then it takes forever - Bangkok jams are a legend!)
And ALWAYS ask for METER. It's a huge con-job w/o meter. The trip to town is around 300B.(inclusive of toll)
Good luck. BKK is vibrant and fun. Lovely city. Enjoy.
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