Morning all,

The dreaded 90 days are up, so it's visa run on Friday to Burma. Trying to get hold of 4 new crisp $10 bills. Tried FIVE banks in Maenam today and none to be found. No, really, it's true. Any suggestions please?

If anyone has managed to locate dollars on the island anywhere recently please could you let me know? North of the island preferable but any suggestions gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Kate

Not many tourists change small bills and sometimes banks will not change these as well. You have to try at the banks and exchange boots in the center of Chaweng and Nathon.

Not may change that small bills and sometimes it will not be changed as well. You have to try at the banks and exchange boots in the center of Chaweng and Nathon.

Yeah, no kidding. I wouldn't expect a backwater branch in Maenam to have any foreign currency. You need to go where the toursits are.

why do you need dollars? everytime i have gone to burma on a visa run, they have excepted my THB at the shops there, if not K - Bank in burma ( just upthe road from the port ) will change for you.

No need to wake up the world. They always have dollars at bay before going to Burma. Organizing company most likely has too. You might lose 100 baht in exchange rates but really - is it worth the hassle??

P.S You need 10 US dollars for the stamp on Burma side....

Had a day trip to Burma, north of Chiang Rai, last Christmas.

Visa stamp deal was $10 or Bt500.

Tried to change a $100 note in CR prior to heading for the border but the exchange booths had no small notes (bank branches were closed due to holiday).

So, paid the Bt500, and lost out on the exchange difference!!!

Many thanks for your replies.

As already mentioned in one post $10 or 500 baht needed for Burma side (not for spending money!).... that's why we need dollars. AND they have to be new, crisp, pristine ones or they don't accept them! And $10 is better than 500 baht yes? Ok only a little bit better these days but ... it all helps.

Managed to get $US at Siam Commercial, Bohput Branch in case anyone is interested.

Thanks again. Off to bed now...early start ...7am ferry!

Night,

Kate