Going To India

[Cuchulainn]

Hi All

I'm off to India for the first time this Songkhran and need advice about taking cash there. I prefer not to take my Thai ATM card cos if it's swallowed by an ATM or nicked or damaged, I'm in schtook!!

I aim to be away for 2 weeks and although have booked my hotels (via Asia Rooms), I will pay for them on arrival. I plan to change in the region of B30,000

Should I.....

1. Convert THB into Rupees here in Bangkok?

or

2. Convert THB into USD$ here and then convert the USD$ in India?

or

3. Convert THB into Rupees when in India?

Any first hand experience very welcome.

Thanks a lot.

JD

[Cuchulainn]

Anyone?

[Crossy]

DO take your ATM card, then it's there there in an emergency. Don't forget to check with your bank that it will work for international withdrawals, many don't by default and have to be enabled.

You should have no problem exchanging Baht to Rupees at the Indian airport, but many of the independent currency booths in town like the Yankee dollar and give it a better rate, of course you then get a double hit on exchange rate and commission.

[bangkokburning]

YUP - I am LOVIN my debit card in India, I do take cash (try to change in SBI). Personally, I stick to SBI and ICCICICICI (or whatever that dam_n bank is named) ATMs. Never a problem. Best is at airport where they will really kill you on x rates, esp THB I would think.

CRAZY changing THB to IDR if you have other options. Won't be suprised if it is not possible outside Mumbai, Delhi (FEW places, few!) and select airports. You will get hosed changing all the dosh at the airport sure.

If you want a bit of scratch - go to Superrich, they will change to IDR but the crap rate + transport its only as good as BKK or Indian airport my guess.

Two weeks? Barely enough time to get out of the big city(ies). India takes time. My hunch is your trip will leave you very frustrated - takes at LEAST one month to START to get yor head around the place.

Edited February 22, 2012 by bangkokburning

[Cuchulainn]

OK Thanx to you both. Will take US$ and my ATM card (for emergencies only) and will change at banks outside of the airport.