ATM Charges

[Guest buckeroo2]

I got tired of chasing the feeless ATM machines on my last trip and went the traveler's checks route this time. I brought enough traveler's checks to last for my 3 month stay. My U.S. bank has no fee for Amex traveler's checks and SCB charged me a little less than 1% to process, convert and deposit the money in my Thai account. In the past when using my U.S. ATM card here in Thailand the only charge I encountered was a 1% conversion fee. So all is about even in that department except I do not have to worry about all these new charges. Also, I had a feeless WAMU account that did not charge for foreign use of ATM card. Now that they hav been taken over by Chase a 3% fee has been added to all foreign ATM withdrawals. Also,as an aside, I discovered that AMEX no longer issues traveler's checks in excess of the $100 denomination. I used to get $500 or $1000 denominations as the charges were basd on the number of checks cashed - the denomination did not figure into the fee. Besides the increased fee I also had to sign my name 140 times - anyway, I am set - I can just withdraw my money from my SCB account without any fees.

[Guest]

SILOM

Just changed a sum of cash at SuperRich located by the Pizza Hut & Subway stores at Saladaeng.Very competitive exchange rates. Better than all the banks cash rates. I did see one exchange kiosk match the SuperRich price, but none bettered it. The money changer at the airport was 0.6 baht /£ worse, which isn't too bad if you need some cash for a taxi.

 

The rates on travellers cheques were better, but after adding in any charges, there isn't much difference.

 

SUKHUMVIT

Vasu at Nana plaza offered 54.3 baht to the £ for cash, actually better than the mid-market rate quoted on XE.com (54.288).

Of course this only gives you an extra 90 baht on £300, so it is not worth a detour unless you are changing vast sums of money. Good value if you happen to be in the area. About 1% more money than you get from most banks.

 

Pattaya

TT and Supet T seem to be the most competitive for changing cash. Up to 1% better than some other banks.

TT has several branches in south Pattaya near Boystown. Super T is just after the Baht bus stop for baht buses to Pattaya - look out for a well disguised shop with paintings in it. Super T had marginally better rates, but not by enough to justify a detour.

[Guest]

Opening a savings account with ATM card.

 

Was turned down at Kasikorn Siam Square branch due to lack of work permit.

No problems at Kasikorn Silom between located between Sala Daeng & ChongNonsi BTS.

 

All you need is passport, a plausible address scribbled on a piece of paper & a phone number ~(e.g. mobile). Say you need the account for transferring money to Thailand. 300 baht fee for issuing ATM card.

 

Took about 30 minutes & they gave me card & PIN right there. They could teach British banks a thing or two.

[Guest fountainhall]

I maintain a small account with a UK bank which was heavily bailed out by the government last year - same as Citibank in the US. I just got a revision of charges leaflet. What it calls the Exchange Rate Conversion Fee will rise next month to a whopping 2.75% for every overseas transaction involving debit cards! It pays to check the small print.

[Guest]

My primary bank account used to be with Nat West, part of the tin pot RBS outfit, bailed out by the taxpayer. When they introduced a 2.75% charge on foreign currency withdrawals, I moved to the Nationwide.