Changing Sterling to USD

[4niceight 32]

I'm going to Vietnam for 10 days just before Songkran. Whilst I have baht in my Thai bank account, I am also holding sterling and I want to use the sterling for spending money on my trip. I'm guessing that if I go to a bank they will want to change my sterling to baht and then change the baht to USD. Any advice on how to change sterling to USD most efficiently costwise appreciated. I'm talking of about 400GBP.

Failing any cost effective way to convert, would it be feasible to take sterling and use it in Vietnam, including payment of visa fee at Saigon airport?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

I'm going to Vietnam for 10 days just before Songkran. Whilst I have baht in my Thai bank account, I am also holding sterling and I want to use the sterling for spending money on my trip. I'm guessing that if I go to a bank they will want to change my sterling to baht and then change the baht to USD. Any advice on how to change sterling to USD most efficiently costwise appreciated. I'm talking of about 400GBP.

Failing any cost effective way to convert, would it be feasible to take sterling and use it in Vietnam, including payment of visa fee at Saigon airport?

 

Why not just draw local currency from your UK account at the ATMs? Unlike Cambodia, it's neither compulsory, nor even particularly advantageous, to be dealing in USD in Vietnam.

[ozijeff 9]

Can you access funds at atms?

It may be safer and easier to get dong this way.

 

I changed some aussie dollars to USD at a good rate at the time.

I probably neednt have bothered. I use a travelex travel debit card so withdraw my own funds from any atm.

Atms spit out Vietnamese dong. 2 weeks ago 1$US was 18,000 VND.

The locals seemed to value $1 as 20,000VND.

Most times when you ask a price they will quote a USD price. I just said I only have dong so got their price in that.

I came back with most of my USD.

 

Warning, I had my wallet lifted in Saigon and I thought I was being very careful.

Make sure you have access to a second source of funds and be alert.

I enjoyed Vietnam but found many to be a little shifty.

 

PS... what Tom said basically .. he types faster than me...haha

Edited February 25, 2010 by ozijeff

[4niceight 32]

I DO have UK Debit card and Thai Credit card so maybe using ATMs is the way to go, but I believe that Immigration only accept USD or VND as payment for the 25 USD visa fee. Would there be an ATM BEFORE Immigration at HCM airport? BTW, I've just asked this on a Vietnam forum.

Edited February 25, 2010 by 4niceight

[ozijeff 9]

This actually confused me.

I checked and was told I need to obtain the visa in Australia before I travelled to Nam.

My point of entry was Hanoi and there was a Visa on arrival counter BEFORE immigration.

I dont know if that was possible for me to use or not?

I assume the setup would be the same at Saigon/HCM airport.

[4niceight 32]

This actually confused me.

I checked and was told I need to obtain the visa in Australia before I travelled to Nam.

My point of entry was Hanoi and there was a Visa on arrival counter BEFORE immigration.

I dont know if that was possible for me to use or not?

I assume the setup would be the same at Saigon/HCM airport.

Yeah, I've already got a pre-approved visa, but have to pay for the stamp at Immigration.

[torrenova 644]

I'd use an ATM as well but I'd make sure that I didn't have any VND when leaving as it is worthless outside Vietnam. Small USD bills ($1, $5 etc.) can be handy on the last day to avoid getting another million from the ATM !

[Obsession 571]

I DO have UK Debit card and Thai Credit card so maybe using ATMs is the way to go, but I believe that Immigration only accept USD or VND as payment for the 25 USD visa fee. Would there be an ATM BEFORE Immigration at HCM airport? BTW, I've just asked this on a Vietnam forum.

 

That was a problem for a couple in front of me in Phnom Penh. He paid by Aus$ but wanted the measly change. The staff werent too happy. They did let him leave through the front of the airport to an ATM for USA $ to pay the right money. I was left talking to his wife who was shitting herself that he wouldnt get back in or whatever. All for some measly change So, in short. Best to have the money with you and not rely on ATM before immigration.

I found it difficult to get dollars for baht in Pattaya. Managed to plead for a few, but they dont seem to sell $. I would have thought they wold be glad to get rid of some for a profit, but no.

[alexist 12]

Went to Snookyville in July and changed some sterling into dollars at a place on LK. Almost facing champagne go go. Exchange rate was pretty decent.

[4niceight 32]

Went to Snookyville in July and changed some sterling into dollars at a place on LK. Almost facing champagne go go. Exchange rate was pretty decent.

Thanks, Alexist. I think I'll change a small amount of sterling here and take sterling cash and cards to Vietnam. Will take a look at your suggested exchange place on LK Metro.

[Regyai 415]

GBP into USD in Pattaya

 

Gold Bank Soi Rungland

 

Easey peasey

 

 

 

.

[4niceight 32]

GBP into USD in Pattaya

 

Gold Bank Soi Rungland

 

Easey peasey

 

 

 

.

Do you have experience of this place and do they do a direct conversion rather than GBP-THB-USD? Is the rate decent, and is there a commission?

[Regyai 415]

Do you have experience of this place and do they do a direct conversion rather than GBP-THB-USD? Is the rate decent, and is there a commission?

 

 

 

Been using them off 'n on for over a decade now

 

Most people with knowledge of the town know of it

 

Interbank rate on GBP:USD is 1.525 (which you will not get anywhere on the planet with your 400Gordon vouchers)

 

Phoned Gold bank they'll give you 600USD today for them

 

There's never commission at this exchange just daily flat rates

 

 

 

.

[4niceight 32]

Thanks for your help Regyai.