hi all

my partner and i first time to thailand we arrive 6th jan 2008

really looking forward to it but i been worrying about keeping our

possesions safe mainly money and passports

just been reading about the staff in sss hotel accessing safe's

i know all places are'nt like this

i just looking for the best anti theft advice

thanks

if you are really unsure maybe travellers cheques are advisable,along with credit card both of which if stolen can be refunded.

I would suggest carrying an ATM card,cash machines are everywhere, and you get a good exchange rate. In my opinion, travelers checks are a pain in the butt.

Get a duplicate ATM card from your bank as well...to be kept by someone at home, who can express mail it to you if theres trouble.

Make copies of your passport, credit cards, ATM card...everything.... to be left with a trusted friend at home. I leave just such an emergency packet with my brother when I travel. With one phone call I can have access to all my important documents.

I also always have duct tape in my suitcase. You can get very creative hiding things...with a roll of duct tape.

Don't worry too much...you'll have a great time.

In my experience, if you stay in a good hotel (4 star or above) you should be fine. However if you are staying in a 2 star, you need to be very street wise.

I always bring cash, exchamge it at Suvarnabhumi, seem to be best rates there, no charges.

If your currency in in ascendancy with Baht, ordinary cash cards, ATM cards with that PLUS logo.

I always have 2 from different banks and kept separate.

If you have internet banking, it is no problem to transfer/ empty accounts if one card is lost/stolen.

Keep balances low, just have enough to keep you going, top up when needed..

Internet banking is great.

Credit cards, 4 times in Thailand this year and on my return, my bank told me my card may be compromised, well Visa they are issuers.

They issued me with new cards, no cost, great for them.

VISA HAS STOPPED ISSUEING TRAVELLERS CHEQUES.

Well in New Zealand soon, if not already, usage gone down.

One more important tip...call your credit card company before you leave to let them know your going to Thailand. Many companies will freeze the card if suddenly charges are made out of your normal spending pattern (for your own protection)

This happened to me once, and was very inconvenient. A quick call and a note is made on your account...no problems.

I don't bother with traveller's cheque's or large amount's of cash.

I carry a bank (ATM) card and usually 2 credit cards - kept in different places (incase I lose one). I only withdraw enough cash for the next 2 or 3 days. there could be withdrawal fees depending on what bank you're with but saves carrying tens of thousands of baht around.

personally, I wouldn't use hotel 'safes'. I'm sure the majority of them are fine but the sea sun sand scenario is an example of what can happen.

One more important tip...call your credit card company before you leave to let them know your going to Thailand. Many companies will freeze the card if suddenly charges are made out of your normal spending pattern (for your own protection)

This happened to me once, and was very inconvenient. A quick call and a note is made on your account...no problems.

agreed - a mate of mine had that problem last month.

I always inform my bank and my credit card companies before I go and I've never had a problem.

another good tip is to save your bank customer service 'phone numbers in your mobile - quick access in event of frozen account's or lost/stolen card's.

hi

thanks everyone for your time

i know what i shall do now

thanks

Hi,

I would advice to keep the use of your credit card to a minimum as cloning of credit card in Thailand is unfortunately very common.

My VISA got copied 2 times already so cash above all!!!!!

Have a good trip,

Annetta