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Bangkok
Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Wed November 16, 2005 09:27 PM UTC
My mom's friend, who travels throughout SE Asia, told us last night to get a lot of our baht here because we'll get a better rate compared to doing it in BKK. I find that odd. I always thought it's better to convert money and the rate is better in the country you're travelling to. She also told us to bring US$, not CDN$ on our trip Thailand/Laos. She said we should also bring some traveller's cheques.

Thanks in Advance!
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 Jacquie1 7 replies

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Bangkok
RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Wed November 16, 2005 09:47 PM UTC
You will definitely NOT get a better exchange rate in Canada. You WILL get the best exchange rate in Thailand by using a VISA ATM debit (not credit) card to make cash withdrawls.

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Bangkok
RE: RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Wed November 16, 2005 11:48 PM UTC
I agree with the previous poster about the ATM card giving the best rate. You can simply use the ones right in the airport arrival hall after you clear immigration. But best to take some cash (US$) just in case the card is declined for some reason. I never recommend anyone taking traveller's cheques.

As for Laos, there are no international ATMs in the entire country, so you must bring lots of cash. Either US$ or Baht are accepted everywhere in Laos and there really is no need to convert to their local currency, Kip, although you will likely receive some as change. Be sure to spend all Kip before you leave Laos, because it cannot be changed outside the country.

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Bangkok
RE: RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Thu November 17, 2005 06:28 AM UTC
I have read postings about the American Express offices in Thailand being of absolutely no help in replacing lost or stolen TCs. They claim that you must go to the issuing office "back home" for help. Even though this goes against the stated claim of AMEX's advertised replacement policy, there's no way to argue; it's their country and their interpretation of the rules. Perhaps they've been scammed once too often.

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Bangkok
RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Thu November 17, 2005 06:45 AM UTC
I brought TC's and used them along with the ATMs alot. In fact i didnt use all my TC mostly atms. I was just be cautious too by having both.

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Bangkok
RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Thu November 17, 2005 11:08 AM UTC
Definately better rates in Thailand also lots of ATM's. I think T/C are a pain in the in the butt ATM's are much easier. If you will feel more confortable with T/C by all means take them. I know so many people who go away with US$$ & T/C only to bring them all home again.

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Bangkok
RE: RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Thu November 17, 2005 02:43 PM UTC
Regarding not having to change US$ into Kip. Does it work out the same? I thought it's best to convert $US currency to the currency where you are, as you would get a better rate? We ran into this in Bali. The first place we stayed for 3 nights we paid in US$. When I calculated, after the fact, I realized it would have costs us less to convert it to Rupiahs. If it works out the same in Laos, that's great - don't have to deal with so many bills.
Also, if that's the case, then a person should bring a lot more smaller
$US bills. I read to bring large denominations, and a few small bills because you get a better rate.

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 Jacquie1 [Reply]
Bangkok
RE: RE: Rates Better in Canada then Bangkok to change US$ to Baht
Posted: Mon November 21, 2005 07:46 AM UTC
It's difficult to change a lot of US$ into Kip simply because the largest Kip bill they make is only worth about $2, so yeah you would have to carry a huge wad of bills around.

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