| |
Menethil
|
My first trip is getting closer, and I am bringing most of the money in traveler's cheque. And the rest pure cash.
I am bringing 3500USD for 15 days in BKK/Patt
However, it's possible that I spend it all (mostly buying stuff at pantip) before the trip is over. In this case, I will need to withdraw more from the ATM machines.
I am aware that you pay fees, but is there anything else that could go wrong?
|
Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 11:19 pm on Aug. 15, 2010
|
|
Buttman 007
|
I would advise you to bring more cash than you think you'll need. You can always bring it back home with you.
The ATM will charge fees. Your bank at home will charge fees for using a foreign ATM. The exchange rate for ATM cash (dollar-->baht) will be worse than expected. The fraud computers at your bank might think the withdraw is unusual and block the transaction until you call them to verify, which is tricky being all the way in Thailand.
I even called my bank before I left and spoke with the fraud department to inform them that my card would be used in Asia, and they STILL blocked my card. Same thing happened on the next TWO trips, despite my calls. Imagine being in a restaurant with no cash and your credit card is blocked and it's 2am in the morning in America.
Two weeks after I returned home from a trip, someone in France was trying to use a fake VISA debit card with my account number on it. They were in Paris trying to buy $300 worth of groceries. Somehow, in Bangkok, they got my VISA number and made a fake card in Paris with it.
Take more cash than you need. Avoid all hassles. There's all sorts of bizarre shit that can happen that you'll never expect.
|
Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 12:57 am on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
PussyLover 69
|
Quote: from Buttman 007 on 12:57 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
Two weeks after I returned home from a trip, someone in France was trying to use a fake VISA debit card with my account number on it. They were in Paris trying to buy $300 worth of groceries. Somehow, in Bangkok, they got my VISA number and made a fake card in Paris with it.
Normally, syndicates "buy" credit cards details/numbers from dubious entertainment outlets, eg massage parlours, etc
Happened to me more than 15+ years ago... I used my credit card at a MP in Chiangmai... later someone used my credit card no. for internet transactions.... I had to contact my bank to cancel that credit card and to issue me a new credit card... so beware of where you use your credit card
|
Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 1:31 am on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
China Sailor
|
I echo buttman's comments regarding blocking.
My bank even blocks my debit card when I am in New Jersey (but not in Texas). Make sure you have notified them before you leave and to be sure talk to your branch and/or relationship manager.
As for credit cards, spoofing of credit cards happen everywhere. In my case I was based in London and did a business trip to Philadelphia. I used by AMEX in a Outback Restaurant, a Marie Calendar's Restaurant, and a Pearle Vision shop (a chain eyewear retailer). In one of those places my AMEX was spoofed and a few weeks later someone was charging $300 per pop at a Philadelphia Drug store.... this was on the same day when I was using my card to top up my Oyster Card on the London Metro.
I was lucky as I caught the charge when reviewing my charges on the Internet and since I was in London the same day the charges were made in Philadelphia and I could prove I was in possession of my physical AMEX card, AMEX backed out the charges with no penalty or question. They even sent a new card from Singapore via FedEx within 48 hours.
Moral here is to use your card but always follow up on your accounts on a regular basis...
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 3:07 am on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
Adventure Guy
|
Having available a majority of currency in American Express Travelers Checks works best for me, with no more than two days cash in pocket, and with credit cards for emergency only.
$100 denomination is by far the easiest TC to cash, and gets the highest exchange rate. Exchange outlets prefer that denomination and even vendors can handle that size.
I use $100s as my day-to-day currency but also pack some $500 denomination TCs for use in major purchases, which size can be readily cashed at any bank.
Be sure to keep a running account of the numbered checks cashed/not cashed, in some place separate from the checks themselves, so that if the checks are lost or stolen you can make a quick claim.
Left-over AETCs can be cashed at your home bank for full value at the conclusion of your trip.
Another problem with ATMs in Bangkok is that there have been ongoing reports of rigging the machines by ATM workers to scan and record your card details. I trust only bank ATMs.
NEVER exchange money or TCs at a hotel. Their rates are usurious.
AND - keep your wallet in your side pocket. Wallets in rear pocket are an open invitation to pickpockets.
If your girl is carrying a purse or shoulder bag it is best carried on her side between the two of you - NEVER on the open street side - to make it harder for snatch-and- grab motocys.
Better safe than sorry.
|
Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 12:48 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
Menethil
|
Tks for the info guys, but holy crap. Having my card blocked or scanned will put me in so much trouble if I run out of cash.
I gotta get more traveler's cheque then.
I saw another topic pointing to a place in Soi 7/1 that has a good exchange rate, I think I'll trade my cheques there.
Since I'm spending 8 days in BKK and 7 in Patts, what do you guys think about my 7000B/day budget? I plan around 25 shags, with prices ranging from Soi6 Pats to Pegasus BKK.
|
Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 1:26 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
cheapcharlie
|
I bring some cash but otherwise use 3 or more debit cards withdrawing 10 to 20 k at a time without a problem. The way its spent the 150 baht charge is of no interest to me anyway.
I gave up on travellers cheques after the first trip.
I only use my cc in a hotel I use regular anyhow never at some massage joint.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 2:20 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
jingjo
|
Menethil
Some Good advice here, TC's I'd give them a miss also.
Bring cash and a couple of cards(Maestro, Cirrus) for a back up leave the credit cards at home and there will no problem.
You get a better exchange rate for $100 bills better than $50 bills.
When I first went to Thailand I had the same thoughts, I don't want to get ripped of my hard earned, after signing $4,000 TC's my signature wasn't the same as I asked for $50 TC's, so about after 30 signatures my hand got tired and my signature was different, and another 50 to go.
Now The first week was fine I'd cash the TC's at the same money exchanger, than one day the guy won't exchange my money.
I said WHY not he say different signature, WTF mate look at Passport this my photo you know me, down came the window.
My first hassle in Thailand, there were some fake American Express TC's going around at the time and the teller wasn't taking any chances.
Don't worry Cash is fine as long as you DON'T let any one else know you are carrying it!
My mate takes 8K in cash, 80 x100's in his sock when he gets to the Hotel in it goes into the safe, taking out to cash whatever he needs that day or night.
Than you don't have to take your passport every time you want money, and if it's your first time mate you'll spend more than you think as the TG's will know your a newbie and will try and milk you for Lady Drinks etc.
Best advice is read up here as much as you can and learn from other members experiences.
Have a good time don't get to drunk! and write a FR when you can.
Try and meet up with other members and they can show you the ropes.
|
Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:04 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
sai tai
|
I have the opposite view of many it seems. I would not consider taking thousands or even hundreds of dollars in cash with me.
My wallet grew feet and walked off in the airport my last trip. I was only out the 100 USD that I carried. Was able to cancel all the credit cards within minutes of noticing my loss. And when you lose your American Express card, local offices will issue you a replacement on the spot.
I use a Wells Fargo ATM card and have never had it blocked. Never notified the bank of my travel plans either. It is so much more convenient to get 10,000 baht per day at most any ATM in Bangkok than to deal with exchanging currency or cashing Traveler's checks.
|
Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 6:32 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
Buttman 007
|
My wallet grew feet and walked off in the airport...
--------
There's an easy cure for that.
Simply put two Ropinirole pills in your wallet about an hour before you travel. Ropinirole is approved by the FDA for Restless Legs Syndrome, and it should keep your wallet sedated for up to 8 hours. In the exceptionally rare event that your wallet experiences a miraculous Darwinian moment, the pills will render the feet useless and/or clumsy.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001026
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:51 pm on Aug. 16, 2010
|
|
| |
|
