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 is

1) 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?

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

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.

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.

When you're in Bangkok the MRT/BTS stations are another good place to change up notes.

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