scouser Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 On holiday with the Mrs in Thailand for 2 weeks. Went to the bank to change travellers cheques told NO CAN DO. Tried 5 other banks but same story, found one that would and changed £200 and as they charge £3 per cheque and they were in £20 cheques (post office give you them as they come ...you can't choose denomination) but hey ho what can you do. Few days later changed another £300 and the following day one of the banks staff came to condo saying they should never have changed cheques and wanted their money back. Luckily can use our card but what's the use of American Express travellers cheques when you can't cash them. Spoke to the local A M on the phone and they said they understood how frustrated we were and to try again the following day. BIG HELP. Will never use American express travellers cheques again....have been to Thailand many times and never had a problem before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evo Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 love the place , I,ve been 9 times now, even refereed in lumpini stadium, the culture is amazing but I do prefer to stay in the non commercialised places which is getting harder and harder to find now,,i always stay clear of the yuppie venues like pattaya etc never used travellers cheques always change cash at the bars as you usually always get a better deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyshot Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 Didnt think people still used them, just used my bank card over there far easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39TDS Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 ATM is cheaper than that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12borebanger Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 Didn't Think travellers cheques still existed, been 10 years since I've used them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabhui Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 When I went there to live I took about a grands worth with me and never had any problems cashing them. I then opened a bank account with Kasikorn Bank which at the time was called Thai Farmers Bank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krugerandsmith Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 love the place , I,ve been 9 times now, even refereed in lumpini stadium, the culture is amazing but I do prefer to stay in the non commercialised places which is getting harder and harder to find now,,i always stay clear of the yuppie venues like pattaya etc never used travellers cheques always change cash at the bars as you usually always get a better deal evo . Yes your right .... great place .... Worked over there and enjoyed Holidays also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 Using an ATM involves a really awful exchange rate and a currency charge usually about £7 on your bill when you get back. Everybody on here says they really liked the place but I thought it was tacky. Takes all sorts I suppose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim85 Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 Use the pre paid cards. Fair FX is great, Tavelex are fine and Post Office. Travellers cheques just seem like a real pain in the a55 option. at least with the cards you can take out cash when needed rather than havin large amounts on you. Plus its easier to get your cash back if stolen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sha Bu Le Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 Went to Thailand inadvertently once. Was on the way to Hong Kong when the driver came on the PA saying "we will be soon begin our descent into Bankok international airport" then hung up. What ! says I and started looking for my ticket. Found it and it defo said HK and the flight number for the plane was correct. Driver came back on the PA after a minute or 3 and said "for those passengers travelling on to HK yadayadayada there will be a 40minute stopover for refuelling". So spent 40 mins in the transit lounge (where smoking was still allowed) and then flew on to HK. Now the ticket did not show a stopover and the travel agent did not tell me there would be. Was well hacked off, first of all a fright...my God I'm on the wrong plane. Then annoyance cos I could have had an overnight stop in Bankok. Only time I ever got close to the place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powler Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 Went to Koh Samui last year, but we took cash and cards....But didnt spend that much we brought back just under £500. We stayed on the south of the island away from the hussle and bussle of it all fantastic people and fantastic food, great holiday would defo go again but try another part of the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabhui Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 I spent a couple of years living on Koh Samui, this was about 15yrs ago when it wasn't such s tourist hot spot. I then travelled up to the north east and lived in Udonthani for a few more years where I was the only foreigner living there...brilliant times and memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 Its not easy to use travellers cheques anywhere, or at leasy you have to pay a handling fee and a lot of countries won't even take American Express credit cards, as well as their travellers cheques. I believe it is something to do with the fees American Express charge and the delays in them clearing funds on their cheques. Most UK Banks have special deals on using their cards overseas, mine charges nothing for using a debit card at an ATM and nothing for using their credit card for purchases. Do it the other way round and there are charges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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