Safe Deposit Boxes, Available For Tourists?

[Hairy]

Hey,

Planning on traveling around Thailand for a few weeks in December/January. All the threads about pickpockets, evil waterbike rental companies, muggers, light-fingered katoeys, and so on are making me wonder if I shouldn't leave my passport and cash-stash in a bank vault somewhere.

Is this sort of service available for visitors? Any banks near Bumrungrad (Sukhumvit Soi 3) offer it?

Yes, I understand that most people don't have any crime problems (I never have before while traveling). It's just an added layer of safety, and between border clashes, PAD protestors, and economic turmoil, it feels like the right time to take some extra precautions, especially since I'll have to bring quite a bit of cash for all the medical stuff I'll be getting done this trip.

[Samuian]

Hey,

Planning on traveling around Thailand for a few weeks in December/January. All the threads about pickpockets, evil waterbike rental companies, muggers, light-fingered katoeys, and so on are making me wonder if I shouldn't leave my passport and cash-stash in a bank vault somewhere.

Is this sort of service available for visitors? Any banks near Bumrungrad (Sukhumvit Soi 3) offer it?

Yes, I understand that most people don't have any crime problems (I never have before while traveling). It's just an added layer of safety, and between border clashes, PAD protestors, and economic turmoil, it feels like the right time to take some extra precautions, especially since I'll have to bring quite a bit of cash for all the medical stuff I'll be getting done this trip.

You will have to have a bank account too!

Most hotels have safe deposit boxes or safes in the room!

Never ever travel with a CASH STASH, put it into a bank account and use Visa, Master or a thai ATM/electronic cash card!

Just make sure never to take only as much cash with you, may need or care to spend, or are willing to lose.

Never hand your passport over to any other then an immigration official or to the police.

Take a camera, phone which isn't worth a fortune, be careful and sensible, let common sense prevail!

If using a day pack, carry it n front of you, money belt INSIDE/UNDER the shirt...

Edited October 16, 2008 by Samuian

[bkkjames]

Hey,

Planning on traveling around Thailand for a few weeks in December/January. All the threads about pickpockets, evil waterbike rental companies, muggers, light-fingered katoeys, and so on are making me wonder if I shouldn't leave my passport and cash-stash in a bank vault somewhere.

Is this sort of service available for visitors? Any banks near Bumrungrad (Sukhumvit Soi 3) offer it?

Yes, I understand that most people don't have any crime problems (I never have before while traveling). It's just an added layer of safety, and between border clashes, PAD protestors, and economic turmoil, it feels like the right time to take some extra precautions, especially since I'll have to bring quite a bit of cash for all the medical stuff I'll be getting done this trip.

First the silliness then the recommendation.

A) Don't worry about the light fingered katoeys, it's the heavy handed ones that cause the trouble.

2) Yes there bank's near BGH but I feel it would be in safer hands with me.

Recommendation (serious now)

A) Don't tell anyone on here where you are staying.

3) Any Doctor who asks for payment up front should not be trusted.

D) Leave your money at home and use your ATM.

[jdinasia]

Traveler's checks and a local bank account are your simplest options (and often a better Exchange rate)

If you are dealing with BH you might ask them about a safedeposit box

[PoorSucker]

Traveling around without your passport?

You'll have problem checking into a hotel.

[Samuian]

Traveling around without your passport?

You'll have problem checking into a hotel.

Copy/ID card/Driver licence/any CC card will do.

[Hairy]

Traveling around without your passport?

You'll have problem checking into a hotel.

Wouldn't a xerox copy of the main page be enough? "My pocket got picked, sorry, this is all I have until my embassy can get me a replacement."

A) Don't tell anyone on here where you are staying.

3) Any Doctor who asks for payment up front should not be trusted.

I know better than to trust expats, believe me! I used to be one!

But as for the docs, it's not so much "payment up front" as "payment at all". Bumrungrad is always a pain in the ass about it (albeit with rubber glove on), having to pay after each individual appointment, even with a history of proper payment at the hospital after multiple visits over several months. It's the one thing I really hate about their services.

I'm not planning to bring the full expected trip cost in cash form, but even walking-around money for weeks of stay adds up. Credit card companies are trying to reduce their risks, slashing credit limits without warning; it's just not a happy environment right now. I'd really rather not end up sleeping on a bridge because the credit mess worsened in mid-trip.

Thanks, good idea, I'll check with Bumrungrad to see if they have boxes for customers.