ATM @ Suvarnabhhumi + Other $ Questions
Oct 17th, 2007, 06:19 PM
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ATM @ Suvarnabhhumi + Other $ Questions
Hi guys.
Obviously I'm sure there's tons of ATMs at Suvarnabhumi...but any suggestions on which have less fees than others? Does it matter?
Not bringing TC's with us this time--and want to make sure we get cash as soon as we arrive, as we'll need it to pay for the AOT Limo.
Also, how much would you recommend bringing in US cash for 3 days in Luang Prabang and 5 days in Hanoi? Hong Kong, I'm not so worried about (4 days) since I think that we'll have plenty of ATMs on every corner.
I hear that bringing small bills in USD is preferable for Laos and Vietnam...but I can't imagine carrying a hundred singles for that long.
Obviously I'm sure there's tons of ATMs at Suvarnabhumi...but any suggestions on which have less fees than others? Does it matter?
Not bringing TC's with us this time--and want to make sure we get cash as soon as we arrive, as we'll need it to pay for the AOT Limo.
Also, how much would you recommend bringing in US cash for 3 days in Luang Prabang and 5 days in Hanoi? Hong Kong, I'm not so worried about (4 days) since I think that we'll have plenty of ATMs on every corner.
I hear that bringing small bills in USD is preferable for Laos and Vietnam...but I can't imagine carrying a hundred singles for that long.
Oct 17th, 2007, 08:36 PM
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I think the fees will depend more on your home bank. There is an ATM located next to the currency exchange counter between luggage carousels 11-12. It has never charged me a fee, but my home bank always has when I use it. You won't need USD in HK, but I suppose you could use some in VN. I always use Dong in Vietnam. USD will be useful in LP.
Oct 17th, 2007, 09:37 PM
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cookie, maybe you have a different account than me. i've confirmed with 5 different branch managers at banks throughout LA that my account only charges 1% for non-WaMu withdrawals (including foreign ATMs)
Oct 18th, 2007, 07:05 AM
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Bill, I've never been charged a fee by any ATM in Thailand and I've used plenty! The ATM located right in baggage claim (there is an exchange desk next to it) is the most convenient. Frankly, in Thailand I find very little variation among the banks and exchanges in exchange rates. By far the most variation is due to day to day currency fluctuations.
There are plenty of ATMs in Hanoi, so don't bother to bring US$ there. You will need US$ to exchange in LP. Bring US$20 bills, as you don't want to exchange more than that at a time!
I did not spend US$ in VN at all, and only used US$ in LP at one place where the craftsperson specifically asked for US$. In general, in both places you are better off with the local currency.
There are plenty of ATMs in Hanoi, so don't bother to bring US$ there. You will need US$ to exchange in LP. Bring US$20 bills, as you don't want to exchange more than that at a time!
I did not spend US$ in VN at all, and only used US$ in LP at one place where the craftsperson specifically asked for US$. In general, in both places you are better off with the local currency.
Oct 19th, 2007, 06:18 AM
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I take all three, cash, debit card and travelers checks. I keep a credit card for emergencies only. Have a back up card in case your single card is declined!
My credit union pays for the first 5 ATM withdrawals from overseas ATMs. You can take out 10,000 baht at one whack! Don't take out a lot of small amounts or you may end up with lots of fees.
Notify your bank or CU that you will be out of the country or your card may be declined. Tell the bank or CU which country you will be in so they do not suspect fraud! Don't use credit cards in restaurants or for cheap items in shops or stores - use cash! This lessens the chance of CC fraud!
Some credit cards do have big fees, usually it is the credit card issuer - your bank that has the biggest fees. Credit cards also have interest. I use my debit card (credit union) without any problems in ATMs. Before a trip overseas I move money from my bank to my credit union to cover my debit card withdrawals.
I like travelers checks! I get the TC's free from my credit union. The fee in Thailand to cash a TC is only 33 baht - cheaper than the fees for using the ATMs! Don't bother with small denomination TCs bring the largest $100 sizes you can. Excess Thai baht can be exchanged at the airport when you fly home.
Changing cash over or even a travelers check at the airport is okay. The rate you get at the airport will not be much different than what you get at any bank in town. Rates are set daily and almost all of the banks in town have the same rate for that particular day!
Use the security box in your hotel for excess cash or other valuables! Only carry enough with you to see you through that days purchases. You can always hit your safety box for more money if necessary.
Have fun.
My credit union pays for the first 5 ATM withdrawals from overseas ATMs. You can take out 10,000 baht at one whack! Don't take out a lot of small amounts or you may end up with lots of fees.
Notify your bank or CU that you will be out of the country or your card may be declined. Tell the bank or CU which country you will be in so they do not suspect fraud! Don't use credit cards in restaurants or for cheap items in shops or stores - use cash! This lessens the chance of CC fraud!
Some credit cards do have big fees, usually it is the credit card issuer - your bank that has the biggest fees. Credit cards also have interest. I use my debit card (credit union) without any problems in ATMs. Before a trip overseas I move money from my bank to my credit union to cover my debit card withdrawals.
I like travelers checks! I get the TC's free from my credit union. The fee in Thailand to cash a TC is only 33 baht - cheaper than the fees for using the ATMs! Don't bother with small denomination TCs bring the largest $100 sizes you can. Excess Thai baht can be exchanged at the airport when you fly home.
Changing cash over or even a travelers check at the airport is okay. The rate you get at the airport will not be much different than what you get at any bank in town. Rates are set daily and almost all of the banks in town have the same rate for that particular day!
Use the security box in your hotel for excess cash or other valuables! Only carry enough with you to see you through that days purchases. You can always hit your safety box for more money if necessary.
Have fun.
