Gbp Exchange Rate

[HardenedSoul]

Profuse apologies but my search of previous threads yielded info about transfer of funds by SWIFT etc.

I'm going to be inThailand for no more than 6 months. I've read that it's not a good idea to use UK debit cards because of the prohibitive costs per transaction. I'm gonna need about £2,500 for my stay. I'm seeing exchange number like THB 56 - 58 on UK exchange sites but THB 62 - 63 on SCB's site. SCB's site doesn't mention commission but I know that UK sites will charge.

Can I safely assume it's best to just bring sterling in to Thailand and change it up or are there some daft commission charges that I'm missing ?

Thanks

[londonthai]

try to open nationwide account - the best exchange rate, no commision.

£2.5k is a lot of cash to loose

[bigbri73]

i wish i could stretch £2,500 to last me 6 months, give me some tips please

[naka]

try to open nationwide account - the best exchange rate, no commision.

£2.5k is a lot of cash to loose

Or TC's for that amount.

Naka.

[Morden]

The Nationwide Account that you need is the Flexaccount. You get an ATM card and cheque book. There are no charges for overseas withdrawals or purchase transactions. You can also have a savings account to earn interest and control and monitor the whole thing on line. Note that ebanking customers now get a card reader to plug into their pc's.

Avoid buying Baht in the UK. There are ATM's and money changers in the airport for your first few days' worth. Thailand has ATM's everywhere. For withdrawals above the card limit you can get cash from most banks (try Bank of Bangkok and Kasikorn for example) with your card and passport - proof of your address in Thailand is helpful if you have one.

You will get a better rate of exchange in Thailand and, at least at ATM's, no charges.

Enjoy your trip!

[gennisis]

The Nationwide Account that you need is the Flexaccount. You get an ATM card and cheque book. There are no charges for overseas withdrawals or purchase transactions. You can also have a savings account to earn interest and control and monitor the whole thing on line. Note that ebanking customers now get a card reader to plug into their pc's.

Avoid buying Baht in the UK. There are ATM's and money changers in the airport for your first few days' worth. Thailand has ATM's everywhere. For withdrawals above the card limit you can get cash from most banks (try Bank of Bangkok and Kasikorn for example) with your card and passport - proof of your address in Thailand is helpful if you have one.

You will get a better rate of exchange in Thailand and, at least at ATM's, no charges.

Enjoy your trip!

Just a point about the Nationwide Card Reader....it doesnt plug into your computer.Its a little battery driven device that gives you an 8 digit code for each transaction you make over the internet.It isnt required for ATM withdraws.

Actualy I find it strange that for an internet transaction using the debit card you need this Card Reader code,but for a similar transaction using the Credit Card you dont need it !!