Koh Pha Ngan, Which Atm To Use?

[Adagio]

I expect this question has been asked before but it's difficult to search on a 3 letter term.

I have bank account here in the UK that allows me to withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand without (my bank) charging me. I expect the Thai bank will charge me though. Are there a selection of ATMs for me to choose from on Koh Pha Ngan? If so which has the lowest charges and are there any I should definitely not use? Do they take a flat fee or a percentage? Are any susceptible to fraud?

[Boo]

Dont know about the ATM machines, but if your account is with Nationwide (which are the only UK bank I know off that don't charge for overseas withdrawals) then there is no charge from the thai bank either, as my mother in law has hubbies Nationwide atm card & regulaly withdraws from it.

[Adagio]

Dont know about the ATM machines, but if your account is with Nationwide (which are the only UK bank I know off that don't charge for overseas withdrawals) then there is no charge from the thai bank either, as my mother in law has hubbies Nationwide atm card & regulaly withdraws from it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Really! That's great news, even better than I expeced. Yes I am with Nationwide, I opened the account specially for my long stay in Thailand.

Does your mother in law always use the same Thai bank or does this appy to any Thai bank? I know some banks here in the UK charge while others don't.

Edited November 17, 2005 by Adagio

[Boo]

As far as I know, it applies to all banks but she mainly uses Bangkok Bank. I also used my card at various locations around the Kingdom on our last trip back & incurred no charges either.

[sbk]

No Bangkok Bank on Koh Phangan. Siam Commercial, Krung Thai and Siam City all have main offices and ATMs. Bank of Ayudhya has an ATM. Thats about all I can remember, but def no Bangkok Bank ATM in Thong Sala. There are ATMs at all the 7-11s but I think the they are B of Asia (or is it Ayudhya?). We don't use ATMs I am afraid so I am not 100% sure. There may be a Bkk Bank ATM in Hadrin but I don't think so.

[Adagio]

I suppose I'll have to play it my ear and see if I get charged with those other banks. I have an internet account so I can check after one withdrawal before I need to make another.

[Boo]

the real cost of overseas withdrawals comes from the UK bank anyway, in my own expereince thai banks (from thai accounts) have only ever charged between 10-20 baht per withdrawal anyway, which when you compare to the £1.50 the UK banks charge is nothing.

[Jose]

Are any susceptible to fraud?

Take care not to use any ATM which has any suspicious-looking attachments.

Be specially aware of ATMs located away from main banks.

Look out for any pamphlet holders, ATM protrusions, and even nearby normal or pin-hole cameras.

ATM scams

Also beware of people around you, specially late at night.

jose '-)

[stevehaigh]

the real cost of overseas withdrawals comes from the UK bank anyway, in my own expereince thai banks (from thai accounts) have only ever charged between 10-20 baht per withdrawal anyway, which when you compare to the £1.50 the UK banks charge is nothing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you think that's bad; american banks are now charging $5 per ATM withdraw but none of the Thai ATM's charge anything as far as i can tell. i would go with Siam Commercial BAnk ATM close to the ferry port. the girl at the exchange desk has the most beautiful smile on the island!

[jezchesters]

If you bank with Nationwide you can withdraw cash from any ATM on Koh Phagnan without being charge there or in the UK - there are many machines in Thong Sala and Haad Rin so you should be OK (Except for occasional Full Moon Party nights when they have been known to run out of money)