Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dassyurus on June 09, 2014, 09:37:08 AM
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Am finally committed to travel dates, first trip to Thailand.
My question, the best way to carry and or access money after arriving there. Am thinking a wheelbarrow full of Thai currency is not a good idea.
Thanks for any help, will probably call for help when I get lost leaving the airport
Alan
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As it is your first trip which I assume is vacation, I would just use ATMs (can get about 20,000 baht at a time). However there is a 150 to 180 baht fee.
But I would also bring about 30,000 baht worth of your local currency. For example when you arrive (I assume BKK), use an ATM there, but they will just give you 1000 baht notes. Take a large note from your local currency and go to an exchange both. Have them give you change to include, 10 - 100 baht notes, 10 - 20 baht notes, and probable 10 - 10 baht coins. Maybe 2 500 baht notes also.
Taxis can't always make change.
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As it is your first trip which I assume is vacation, I would just use ATMs (can get about 20,000 baht at a time). However there is a 150 to 180 baht fee.
Plus if you are from the UK your own bank will charge (i think) 2.50 pounds per transaction
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If from UK I think travel cards are a good and safe option. Caxton FX do a great one. You load it with the amount you want for your holiday and use it at the ATMs just like your bank card. You can also go on to the internet at any time and transfer more funds from your current account to the card. Big plus is that if it is cloned or stolen there is no link to your bank, it just has your travel funds on it. Another plus is that the exchange rates given are better than the high street banks and exchange offices and you don't pay a uk bank charge, just the ATM charge. Daily withdrawal limit is about 15kTHB. It's a visa so can also use for purchases if you choose. I have and still use when in Thailand and never a problem.
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If you plan on using a ATM i would advise your bank that you plan on doing so,so as they can put a flag on your card to cover the period of stay in LOS.
Have had friend who did not inform there bank and the card was froze until a few phone calls had been made.
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My most recent experience was to bring a Debit card with $20,000 AUD on it plus a lot of cash. Seemed a safe option. I went to the bank in Buriram and tried to withdraw the cash but was informed that the card could only be used at the ATM. Seems all OK till I got to the ATM. Would only give me 20 x 1000 Baht notes per day and would charge 200 Baht per transaction. Then the stinger was that the exchange rate that the ATM would apply to my Aussie dollars was nearly 2 baht less than what the bank could offer. I did the sums and worked out that in the end I would of lost a very big chunk of cash. Result, I took the card back home. Cash all the way for me !
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you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm
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you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm
What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?
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you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm
What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?
Super rich almost always has the best exchange rates, comparible to TT.
Check out this link: http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx
View your currentcy against the Baht for Notes. Super rich will probably be at the top.
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you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm
What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?
Super rich almost always has the best exchange rates, comparible to TT.
Check out this link: http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx
View your currentcy against the Baht for Notes. Super rich will probably be at the top.
If SR is giving the same rate at Swampy as in town fair enough BUT I will never exchange money at any international airport in the world, except for very small amounts as airports have the worst exchange rates going.
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you can change money now at the airport with superrich. They are at the basement where the airport rail link is and they are open till 08 pm
What at the exchange rates like in comparison to the booth in the arrivals hall or Bangkok Bank just on the outside of the arrivals exit ?
Super rich almost always has the best exchange rates, comparible to TT.
Check out this link: http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx
View your currentcy against the Baht for Notes. Super rich will probably be at the top.
Thanks for that Keith.
Do you (or anyone else) know if they offer the same rate as there other shops.
Obviously, we are aware that there is a cartel with the rates inside the airport - I wonder if SR will edge down their rates as it is an airport site.
oops - I see GL got in first...
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I only exchanged at Super Rich (about $1000) one time several years ago at a sidestore I think on Soi 22/Suk in Bangkok. The gave the going super rich rate. But note on the exchange rate site it specifies: Super Rich (Ratchadamri)
However, they really really examined the $100 Bills, and would not accept 2 of the older ones.
Now I avoid the ATM fees by using local banks (Siam Commercial and Bangkok). Plus Bangkok bank lets me do an electronic transfer from my US Bank to my Local Bangkok account. Which is what I would suggest for Americans and Brits. The poster is an Aussie and I don't know if Bangkok Bank has a branch there. As I mented in my tanking thread: http://www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,6974.0.html (http://www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,6974.0.html) I monitor the super rich exchange rates because they seem to be the leader in what the TT are going to do. So I try to optimize when I trans funds by setting several month windows of opportunity.
But being that this is posters 1st trip to Thailand, I recommend he ignores the best exchange rates, ATM fees and such, and enjoy the first week. Then start learning the ropes on the best way to do things.
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For the Brits there has been little better than using Halifax Bank @ GBP 9.50 a time to transfer to your Thai bank.
I have used Bangkok Bank both with a Sterling transfer in and also via the London office where they fix the Baht rate. It is well described on their website.
Anyone still using an overseas card must be mental - or have a special reason for doing so.
Last week I tried HSBC bank who have an offer of GBP 4 per transfer. Because I wasn't sure they would remit Sterling (they quote 'GBP equivalent' on their online form) I just tried it out by sending GBP500 and it was here the next day. I will try with a larger amount later this month.
I am interested in the Super Rich rates because my daughters are visiting later this month.
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Keith, what is the benefit of using Siam bank vs BKK? I have a BKK account and transfer just as you mentioned. I think you said you use Siam for larger transfers. Is it because you use Siam for telex transfer? Just trying to develop a strategy. Thanks for the help.
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For the Brits there has been little better than using Halifax Bank @ GBP 9.50 a time to transfer to your Thai bank.
I have used Bangkok Bank both with a Sterling transfer in and also via the London office where they fix the Baht rate. It is well described on their website.
Anyone still using an overseas card must be mental - or have a special reason for doing so.
Last week I tried HSBC bank who have an offer of GBP 4 per transfer. Because I wasn't sure they would remit Sterling (they quote 'GBP equivalent' on their online form) I just tried it out by sending GBP500 and it was here the next day. I will try with a larger amount later this month.
I am interested in the Super Rich rates because my daughters are visiting later this month.
Thats what they have Daddy Warbucks for. moneysmile moneysmile moneysmile
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Is it still one baht for one baht in every bank?
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Keith, what is the benefit of using Siam bank vs BKK? I have a BKK account and transfer just as you mentioned. I think you said you use Siam for larger transfers. Is it because you use Siam for telex transfer? Just trying to develop a strategy. Thanks for the help.
DD, I use Siam because that is what bank my TW used. Her logic was that the lines are smaller. And I have to agree. I have taken a BB number at big C, gone to Siam conducted my business, then returned to BB for another 10 minute wait.
And I am getting lots of issues from BB on internet banking and SMS. Still trying to get it after months of working with BB.
Otherwise Siam will charge 25 baht if you make a withdrawl from a none Buriram ATM (e.g. Korat and Surin).
And I continued to use Siam for international wire transfers because it has been successful every time. A proven conduit for transferring large amount of money means a lot. Besides, I can check Siam on the internet, BB has still not worked.
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Keith, what is the benefit of using Siam bank vs BKK? I have a BKK account and transfer just as you mentioned. I think you said you use Siam for larger transfers. Is it because you use Siam for telex transfer? Just trying to develop a strategy. Thanks for the help.
DD, I use Siam because that is what bank my TW used. Her logic was that the lines are smaller. And I have to agree. I have taken a BB number at big C, gone to Siam conducted my business, then returned to BB for another 10 minute wait.
And I am getting lots of issues from BB on internet banking and SMS. Still trying to get it after months of working with BB.
Otherwise Siam will charge 25 baht if you make a withdrawl from a none Buriram ATM (e.g. Korat and Surin).
And I continued to use Siam for international wire transfers because it has been successful every time. A proven conduit for transferring large amount of money means a lot. Besides, I can check Siam on the internet, BB has still not worked.
I have internet banking with BB and Kasikorn.
Kasikorn is great and I like the attitude of that bank. Always very helpful in Prakhonchai.
Bangkok Bank in Ban Kruat are crap! - no more than you would expect from a one-horse town in Buriram. Took them 3 goes to get me up and running with Bualuang ibanking
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I use internet banking with Krung Thai. Very good.
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Bangkok Bank has some really great options, like using their branch offices in New York and London to easily electronically transfer funds.
But then they go and dork it up with a difficult process to achieve internet banking.
However, the international branch office feature is only with BB. You would make my day Star to prove me wrong here.
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I also have ibanking with BKK Bank. It also took a lot of paperwork and several calls from USA to their call center but finally we got an understanding soul who got it set for us. Have had no problems since then. I have made several transfers and they all make it but it takes about 3 or 4 business days. I am loving the idea of not carrying cash on the journey there.
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For the Brits there has been little better than using Halifax Bank @ GBP 9.50 a time to transfer to your Thai bank.
I have used Bangkok Bank both with a Sterling transfer in and also via the London office where they fix the Baht rate. It is well described on their website.
Anyone still using an overseas card must be mental - or have a special reason for doing so.
Last week I tried HSBC bank who have an offer of GBP 4 per transfer. Because I wasn't sure they would remit Sterling (they quote 'GBP equivalent' on their online form) I just tried it out by sending GBP500 and it was here the next day. I will try with a larger amount later this month.
I am interested in the Super Rich rates because my daughters are visiting later this month.
HSBC has been my UK banking provider for the last 30 years. I've been using them for around 5 years to send sterling to my Thai accounts. It used to cost £17 per transfer (£10K per day) but they revamped their charges and it now costs £4 per transaction as stated by Ray above. The money is transferred the same day from my HSBC account to my SCB account. The SCB account has a better exchange rate than banks like Kasikorn.
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I use internet banking with Krung Thai. Very good.
SCB & Kasikorn also both have good internet banking services IMHO
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I just have to wonder, where is dassyurus providing questions and guidance into his topic?
He starts a topic, then fails to give follow up input.
Am I missing something here?
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My apologies urleft, Thought it was obvious that I was enquiring about the best/safest way to carry fonds,... and was seeking guidance, not offering it.
I am landing at BKK international, spending 2-3 days in Bkk, then going up to Chaiyaphum for about 2 weeks. Then home
Am just wanting advice on card s cash vs travellers cheque...
And thanks to everyone ofr their imput,
Dass
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Check whether your home bank is also charging you each time you use the Thai ATM, mine in the States was and at a rate that was much greater than the 200 BTS here.
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Thanks everyone,
Turns out Commonwealth BAnk here has a travel money card... not linked to an account. Just load with up to 6 different currencies, in this case Bhat, and can be used at any ATM that accepts Mastercard. In Thailand, will be charged 80THB per withdrawal. Withdraw up to 2500AU a day, efpos purchases up to 7500/day.
Also comes with a spare cad to keep in luggage, then if I lose my wallt, can cancel that card immediately but still continue using account with the spare card/. Don't have to wait for a new card to be issued as with credit cards.
Will try to give an update when I get back as to ease of use ect
Thanks again for all advice, Alan
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Dassyurus, That was the card I was referring to in my previous post. Promised me all that too, but when you get to Buriram the ATM will display something different. And what rate that the Comm Bank give you in Baht? Hope it all works out for you
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Recently the wife and I opened accounts at Bangkok Bank in Nang Rong.. I signed up for the internet banking for my account and have had no problems with it at all.. There is quite a bit of paperwork involved and it does take about 5 business days to get the internet account started... Urleft... I guess it's like everything else here in Thailand... It all depends upon what branch you use and who you are dealing with when you set the internet banking up.. I have a stateside account with USAA and they are absolutely great.. Smooth as silk between them, and Bangkok Bank's New York office.. Fees are damn near nil and you get the going TT rate.. But you are right about the long lines.. They seem to be very popular and are always very busy... BTW I have had problems with the bank software using internet explorer.. You can't sign on using it.. At least I can't but Google Chrome works for me...
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Voodoo, exactly same here with the Chrome vs IE here. Must use Chrome for iBanking. Please do confirm, when we transfer from states to BKK in Thailand, we do get the advertised TT rate and not the advertised note rate? I did the calculations last time but the change in the rates from the time of the transfer to the actual deposit I was not quite sure what rate I got. I appreciate your help. moneysmile
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Yes it is the TT rate minus a small fee. The larger the transfer the better off you are because the fee is a flat one and covers a large range... Have a good one Deputy Dave.. Hope that helps..
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Yes it does, thank you sir!
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Recently the wife and I opened accounts at Bangkok Bank in Nang Rong.. I signed up for the internet banking for my account and have had no problems with it at all.. There is quite a bit of paperwork involved and it does take about 5 business days to get the internet account started... Urleft... I guess it's like everything else here in Thailand... It all depends upon what branch you use and who you are dealing with when you set the internet banking up.. I have a stateside account with USAA and they are absolutely great.. Smooth as silk between them, and Bangkok Bank's New York office.. Fees are damn near nil and you get the going TT rate.. But you are right about the long lines.. They seem to be very popular and are always very busy... BTW I have had problems with the bank software using internet explorer.. You can't sign on using it.. At least I can't but Google Chrome works for me...
Voodoo, I have been a USAA member for over 35 years. And yes the USAA transfers are easy, however, it takes a day to happen. I heard one guy say with his bank it is almost immediate.
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The transfer from USAA to the New York Branch of Bangkok Bank is immediate.. That's where it slows down.. It takes a day or two for Bangkok Bank to get the money into your account over here.. That was explained to me by both Bangkok Bank In New York and USAA in Texas.. It's not a bad time frame at all.. Not compared to what happens with most wire transfers and fees they charge.. I'm quite happy with the situation as it is Urleft.. The only problem I had was with internet explorer.. Solved that problem by using Google Chrome any time I go online with Bangkok Bank..
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Wayne, thanks for advice. At the moment Bhat is 30.6, and Comm is offering 28.7. On survey they are best rated among all money cards in OZ.
Will not be spending much time in tourist traps, so expenses will be low. I'll go with the loaded card, at least this time. Seems simplest for a newbie old x traveler.
Alan