Bahts To Belfry

[russell362002]

Hi. Probably an old worn topic but I am a newcomer so please bear with me.

I am working here in Thailand with a work permit.

I have built up a good collection of bahts and had thought that at some point I would just go into a local bank and convert the bahts to preferrably travellers cheques in American Dollars, etc. or just get some American cash.

Well....easier said than done.

I am in central Thailand and did a "bank tour" both of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani to try to do this.

I was unsuccessfull. None of the banks in either city seemed to sell travellers cheques or have any American cash to change.

I here conflicting reports of how many bahts you are allowed to take out of the country.

I also don't really want to take bahts out of the country as it might be a currency difficult to exchange in many countries and surely there would be a penalty.

I do have a few exchange certificates allowing me to exchange some of the bahts.

I also have stamped pay slips from my employer saying that the bahts were earned in Thailand.

I really don't want to wait until I get to the airport to sort this out.

Could any of you experienced hands in Thailand advise me on this? Could I exchange the bahts easily in Bangkok or Phuket. Can you buy Traveller's cheques in Thailand. Where?

Also, are bank cards (not credit cards) such as visa electron usable in North America or elsewhere if they are given from a Thai bank.

I find the situation a little confusing and would appreciate any help and advice.

I am in central thailand and would like to not have to go to Bangkok to do this? Is possible.

[Jumbo chilli]

I guess there won't be any problems either buying cash or cheque.

Many years ago I got money transfered from U.S to Thailand through Western Union.

As Western Union always pays money in local currency I had more Thai baht than I was needed.

So...I wen to Thai farmers bank and bought cheques.

I found out that you don't even need your personal identification when you buy CASH.

It was 1999, Chiangmai