Is it safe to use the ATMs in Bangkok? Should I bring US cash to exchange instead or purchase foreign currency through my bank prior to departure?

Yes, it's safe to use ATMs in Bangkok.

Do make sure you know what your bank will charge you to use a foreign ATM and what premium they charge on currency exchange. If you have a bank that doesn't charge to use foreign ATMs and refunds any local ATM charges, the ATM will be the best way to get baht in Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand. If your bank charges you US$5 to use a foreign ATM, and most Thai banks charge about US$3-4 per use by a foreign card, and your bank also charges a 3% premium on foreign exchange, it will be an expensive way to get baht. Most large US banks have those kinds of charges.

You can certainly exchange US$ in Thailand - bring clean, new style US$100 bills for the best exchange rate.

Generally the worst way to get baht is to buy it before you go.

Thai Banks charge a flat 150 baht per ATM transaction. At today's rate, that just about $5. If you are lucky enough to come across an AEON ATM, they are the only ATMs that don't charge the fee. Unfortunately, these are few and far between, and not really worth it for a casual tourist to hunt down.

There are thousands of "kiosk" ATMs, all over Bangkok. One troublesome thing about many of these is that the "electronics" are often sitting wide open. Anyone can attach anything inline. This just makes skimming a little easier.

Another thing is to make sure you notify your bank that you will be using your cards in Bangkok. There are many banks that automatically stop accounts when foreign activity takes place.

If traveling as a couple, separate cards with separate accounts isn't a bad idea. One account can act as backup.

If you also plan on using a credit card, it's best not to let someone walk off with it. Use it at the counter, where you can watch the transaction being run. Scanning and cloning can take place.

If you do use a credit card, don't let the vendor "convert" the currency for you. This can often result in a conversion rate favorable to the vendor. Process the transaction in baht. The card company will do the math. Whether or not the card company's math is bad, the vendor doesn't need to add his cut too!

Thanks for the tips everyone!

If you are planning on staying in the Sukhumvit area, the best rates I've found for exchanging US$ is at VASU, which is an exchange office on Sukhumvit, just underneath the NANA skytrain station on the 'uneven' numbered stret side, at the corner of about soi 7.

The walk-up kiosks have varying rates. It pays to look around and see what the rates are. VASU usually gives me at least .3 and often more, compared to the walk-ups.

Enjoy your trip.

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

Another good options is travelers checks, if you can get them free thru your bank or credit union. The best rates are for the bigger bills, like $500. You only pay 30B per check in fees and you get a higher rate than cash. If you use cash, $100 bills get the best rates, under $100, rates are not good.

ATM is the way to go, imo.....perfectly safe

Another thing to note about not letting some one charge you in dollars is that even if they say that will save your bank from charging you an international fee, that isn't so. Even if it was charged in dollars most (all?) banks will still charge you an international fee for using the card in another company. Add on the store or restaurants additional charges for their rate of exchange (usually lousy) and you've really paid through the nose.

Another note on ATM fees - I have a new Capital One online checking account for travel - they don't charge fees for ATM use anywhere, and refund the first $10 charged by other banks. Oh, and no foreign conversion fee, plus 1.x% interest.

My bank is TD Bank, no ATM fees and no exchange fees. Do maske sure that your bank knows you are traveling though.

Good to know - thanks all!