Thaibeach

Watch out for RBC. It might sound like it's free, but it's not! Here's their strategy, which will only be revealed to you as you start processing the transaction: they convert your funds from CAD to USD at a horrible rate they transfer USD to your Thai bank, where you may or may not be subject to a bad/decent/fair rate That first step means that you effectively lose 2.5% (or more), so there are a bunch of better ways than RBC. Not as popular here as some methods, but I use XE.com, which gives a very fair conversion directly to THB and charges no additional fees. They link directly to your bank account if you set it up that way. They're a little slower than some other methods (usually a week from start to finish). I cannot speak to the implications of the money arriving to your bank in THB, which is how XE delivers. Ultimately, my advice is just to avoid RBC. They suck.

Why not just use it at Big C or Tesco or even 7-11 for a relatively small purchase a few times a year? Then it won't get flagged as inactive and there should be no changes the the account. A few % hit on a B200 purchase is certainly worth it.

I have a "no foreign transaction fee" VISA (no annual fee), so the exchange rate is VERY close to the one on XE.com No fees for cash advance if you can get a back teller to do it. Even factoring in the B220 ATM charge, the rate is still better than the cash rate at SuperRich. You just have to prepay the VISA so that there's enough of a credit/balance so that the cash advance doesn't trigger instant interest.

Pool was closed at Novotel Suvarnabhumi when I was there 2 days ago. They sent this by email: As part of measures set by the Thai government and following the recent announcement by CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration), inbalance fitness & swimming pool remain closed until further notice.