Travel Checks/Card

[tberg 0]

I have done a search and the info is somewhat old. If any BM have used Visa Traveler Checks or Travelcash Card how would you rate them? Any problems with ATM ? The exchange rate sounded OK about 39 Baht/US$ today. What about transaction fees and daily limits? Thanks for any info.

[UncleSam 0]

I used ATM card for a few time on my last trip. I remember the exchange rate was good. I was charged about $6 for the transaction fee.

 

You can also withdraw money using your ATM card at the currency exhange in the bank. You need to bring your passport. Same transaction fee.

 

The daily limit was 20,000 baht.

[Owl_ 0]

I used both American Express travelers check and ATM when I was in Bangkok and Pattaya last year. I didn't have any problems cashing my travelers check there or in Hong Kong (when I was opn the was bacf home after my three week stay. I've heard that American Express are more accepted then any other travelers check coming from the US. I've no experience with Visa travelers checks.

[pattysteve 34]

I used Visa travellers cheques on my last vist,there are some exchanges that dont accept them,but dont worry,plenty more to chose from.

 

There is a charge for cashing them...35-40B per cheque,so bring largest denominations.To counteract this charge you get a slightly better exchange rate.

[Tengotodo 52]

I don't think you need TCs. Just bring a few debit cards and you'll be fine. No problem with ATMs at all, and there are many! (remember to tell your bank you'll be going to Asia so the transaction won't be flagged by bank software as possibly fraudulent).

[dotcom_OD 0]

I have used all three modes of payment for hotels, restaurants and airlines. The easiest method is an ATM card that you can use in any ATM. The exchange rates are good and the transaction is painless, you can also check your balances either online or through the receipt given to you.

The other form of currency I like is travelers cheqes. I prefer American Express in the largest denominations possible. The reason I prefer this is there are less chances of rejection due to counterfiet bills. You will need your passport (original) to cash them.

Lastly is cash, just understand that sometimes they may refuse cashing a particular batch number for fear of counterfiet bills.

And then you have credit cards, this is accepted in most hotels, ,restaurants and travel agencies. I tend to prefer using them only when needed or emergency situations.

[tberg 0]

Thanks to all. In the past I have just used cash but with the $100 "super notes" that are around I wonder if we will run into problems. Thanks again.

[exwannabe 1]

One other point, I always get cash before running under 1 days worth. Sometimes the comm. goes to shit and you can't get cash for a while from any machine.

 

So don't risk going out for the evening with 100 baht and plan on reloading on the way out.

[Zeus 56]

I've been to the LOS 13 times, with each one paying primarily in Visa T/C. Every now and then I hear that some places dont take them, but most will, and I have never had a refusal. My favorite place to cash is the Thai Military Bank on the corner of Soi Pattayaland 2 and 2nd Rd. Large, convienient to my hotel and reliable.

 

I will carry an ATM card and some US cash as a backup, but I have never had to utilize them out of necessity.

 

Zeus

[Owl_ 0]

Hey Zeus! It's good to know about the Thai Military Bank to cash travelers checks. Off hand do you know what their business hours are?

 

With my travelers check I can better keep tab of what I am spending on my trip. When you use your ATM you can sometimes lose track of what you have spent with all the things going on you know. I carry ATM and cash as back up also.

[Zeus 56]

Well I'm not really sure of the hours, but I would guess 9am to 10pm at the branch I mentioned. I also know that they close the exchange window for lunch (and probably dinner). So sometimes that can be a pain if you are trying to cash a TC at that moment. But in a city like Pattaya there is always something to do for an hour (even if you have very little cash).

 

Zeus

Edited January 29, 2006 by Zeus