sandmonster

HML, sorry wasn't it obvious we are talking about VISA setting rates for their cards, and MC setting for theirs. I have no idea what card brand you have so I cannot answer without knowng the "ATM system" u are refering to. Tell me the logos and I may be able to help you understand . It may be a single message network where the auth and posting are in single transaction but I am sure u know all about that . I did explain that rates can vary between authorisation and posting . I have worked with many card product managers like yourself at banks in my time, and it does take a bit explaining to them this single and dual message concept ! Someone obviously didn't explain it to you that well. Do you want to revisit your VISA Base I and BASE II manuals again . LOL .

Also JFC is 100% correct about over the counter cash. It is determined by the card brand acceptance. Some brands are ATM-only brands and they won't be accepted over the counter cash, Then again, the bank wouldnt advertise that brand as available over the counter . So HML, chill... we ain't ganging up on you. Suggest you ask some of your more knowlegeable colleagues at the bank you were part of. Maybe you were just a paper pusher type card manager.... LOL. I have met many on my travels sad to say ..

OK with bank statements, its up to the issuer host I admit how they wanna present the "cost" but all my 5 banks only show 1 "cost". Typical of banks who like to hide their part of the juicy fees.. transparency isnt their forte is it ! It may even be a regulatory thing for some countries that they show the different bits. Lucky you But notwithstanding that, JFC and myself are not as ignorant as you think on this particular topic..

Just to add two more Baht, I was looking at a bank statement from July 2008, that shows Chiang Mai spelled three different ways for three different ATMs I used.

Cheangmai, Chiengmai, and Chiangmai. Looks like then, they were giving a solid rate, then charging me two percent (ING Direct).

LOL, the ATM address/location information is sent by the acquiring bank to your issuer along with authorisation request message. So blame it on the IT staff at the acquiring bank who set this up in their databses when that ATM was added to the network You would have got the rate set by VISA/MC at date of posting, and the issuer has at their descretion the right to charge whatever is in their T&C. Add those together and u arrive at the "fee" in your statement.

Interesting to see the arguments between HML and JFC. Made me laugh but I assure readers that JFC is 100% correct about who sets the exchange rates. JFC also knows the difference between the exchange rate set by VISA/MC and the optional issuer fee added by the issuer. In the bank statement entries, they are kinda bungled into one and presented to the cardholder as a single fee/charge so thats confusing but JFC is 101% correct on all aspects. Very well explained. Although I may add that the day the txn is posted to the account is not the same as the day of the transaction itself so it may add to the confusion as rates can change between the 2 dates. There is an exceptional feature where some acquirers present you with a choice of currencies including the amount in issuer currency called Dynamic Currency Conversion ( DCC ). Convenient it may seem but its a rip off and its based in their rate. Very rare in ATMs, usually found in merchant devices. As a rule, never use this as you will be worse off.

I have worked in bank card payments industry with acquirers, issuers and payment networks VISA/MC/AMEX for over 20 years around the world, most recently as a consultant at VISA for the last 6 years. So I would bet my last 150bt ATM fee that JFC is 100% correct

I can't say I have read all the thread but it strikes me that a number of you are stuck in your ways and have not read the rules and ettiquette of golf for a very very long time...

Singles have just as much right as a 2, 3, 4 ball to enjoy the game and the course without being intimidated by a bigger flight. The rules about priority changed in 2004.

Personally I am for speed of play and I always let singles or whatever through if my group is holding them up and there is a clear hole ahead. THAT is the true spirit of the game. People who get annoyed by faster singles and have a hauty attitude don't deserve to play this wonderful game.

http://golf.about.co...lespriority.htm

WJ, Thanks for recommending So-You. Really good. Was there tonight with my wife. I can't compare it to the expensive places in CM mentioned above but it compares favorably to mid-priced dim sum in NY and HK, especially when you take cost into account. Most of the dishes at So-You are 35 baht. We tried 8 different dishes. All were good to excellent.

Now, what happened to the request for a separate food sub-forum? At least 7 of the threads on the first page are food threads.

Have been in CM for 3 months and been trying to find a decent Dim Sim place that is half decent compared to HK or even London. Have to say, been hugely disappointed each time. Had high hopes for "So you" after some comments here, and probaly best value for the money, but I would just about call it passable as dim sum. Certainly would not go as far as to say its really good ! To compare it to the mid-price places in HK is stretching anyones tastebuds after having lived there for 9 years. I have sadly come to the conclusion there are no good Dim Sum chefs in CM simply because they can't pay a decent one enough to come over from HK. They say in HK they are revered much higher than normal chefs with higher salaries. Pity CM has some great food going for it but sadly authentic DimSim isnt one of them yet.

Hi Sandy,

Did you try the Fujian restaurant at the Mandarin, thats about the best in town IMHO. Its also the most expensive. Service takes a bit of a battering when there is a coach load of tourists in though.

Give it a try and let us know how you get on.

Not tried the Mandarin yet but at those prices, I guess my expectations would have to be sky high. Be nice to know where the chef is from or where he learned his trade before hand ! Duangtawan dimsum experience was a culinary disaster especially at the price, apart from the nice views.

WJ, Thanks for recommending So-You. Really good. Was there tonight with my wife. I can't compare it to the expensive places in CM mentioned above but it compares favorably to mid-priced dim sum in NY and HK, especially when you take cost into account. Most of the dishes at So-You are 35 baht. We tried 8 different dishes. All were good to excellent.

Now, what happened to the request for a separate food sub-forum? At least 7 of the threads on the first page are food threads.

Have been in CM for 3 months and been trying to find a decent Dim Sim place that is half decent compared to HK or even London. Have to say, been hugely disappointed each time. Had high hopes for "So you" after some comments here, and probaly best value for the money, but I would just about call it passable as dim sum. Certainly would not go as far as to say its really good ! To compare it to the mid-price places in HK is stretching anyones tastebuds after having lived there for 9 years. I have sadly come to the conclusion there are no good Dim Sum chefs in CM simply because they can't pay a decent one enough to come over from HK. They say in HK they are revered much higher than normal chefs with higher salaries. Pity CM has some great food going for it but sadly authentic DimSim isnt one of them yet.