Carmine6 Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I do what I can to break 1,000's, but keeping up with demand is tough. Not so much a problem in Bangkok, but keeping small money around is just hard for a visitor. Historically when low on 100's I would hit the local ATM for 900 baht. No longer with the 150 baht fee. A couple good ideas from another thread from member yaketyak are: Couple of ways i break down notes is1) If i am getting short i change big for small at reception of hotel (never a problem although doesn't help if you aren't staying at a hotel) 2) i can't get through the day without a McDonald's ice cream so thats always a good way to break a note cheaply. 3) seven eleven shop... easiest way of all I've done all of these, plus tollbooths, bars, movie theater. 7-11 never occurred to me if I'm buying a 14 baht can of soda. So that's a new one and probably going to get the job done. Any other ideas out there particularly when getting away from the cities? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flying Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Just a quick question as I do not really follow the ATM charges threads since they dont apply to me..... But..... The way I understand it these charges are for foreign cards yes? If so why dont folks open a local account & stock it with some baht? Then you have a local ATM card & no fees I have 2 accounts there & I dont even live there. But there are no charges for withdrawals when we are there. Do a lot of folks only live there but keep their $$ back in their home country? Just curious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmine6 Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 Just a quick question as I do not really follow the ATM charges threads since they dont apply to me.....But..... The way I understand it these charges are for foreign cards yes? If so why dont folks open a local account & stock it with some baht? Then you have a local ATM card & no fees I have 2 accounts there & I dont even live there. But there are no charges for withdrawals when we are there. Do a lot of folks only live there but keep their $$ back in their home country? Just curious Yes, the fee is foreign card in a Thai ATM. Had no reason to open an account until this fee came in. Fidelity gives me better than the TT rate since they don't pass the 1% VISA fee through. Now it'll make sense to open one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donx Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Just a quick question as I do not really follow the ATM charges threads since they dont apply to me.....But..... The way I understand it these charges are for foreign cards yes? If so why dont folks open a local account & stock it with some baht? Then you have a local ATM card & no fees I have 2 accounts there & I dont even live there. But there are no charges for withdrawals when we are there. Do a lot of folks only live there but keep their $$ back in their home country? Just curious The OP mentioned being a visitor so I'm sure he would prefer not attempting to open a local bank account. As for the original question. I have always used option number 3. 7-11's are almost everywhere. Other small shops may not break a 1000 baht note, but I have never had a problem ever with a 7-11. I buy a single can of soda or some chewing gum. They have a locked box to retreive change whenever they need it and they are always open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecatman Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 When you're in Bangkok the MRT/BTS stations are another good place to change up notes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotsman Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Just a quick question as I do not really follow the ATM charges threads since they dont apply to me.....But..... The way I understand it these charges are for foreign cards yes? If so why dont folks open a local account & stock it with some baht? Then you have a local ATM card & no fees I have 2 accounts there & I dont even live there. But there are no charges for withdrawals when we are there. Do a lot of folks only live there but keep their $$ back in their home country? Just curious Yes. The Thai bank account is ok for keeping very small amounts of money at a time as they give very little % or none at all. There have also been many post on here and in the local English newspapers that some bank accounts with a ATM have been used by other people and your bank will do nothing about it and the police are useless so its not very safe. If you want a bank account that is a bit more secure then don't get a ATM card just the book. Changing money at most 7-11 is good way. Regards Scotsman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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