Currency

 

Should I buy foreign currency here?

Thai currency can not use in most countries, so it is reasonable to get currency here. It is also far easier to change back any unused currency without getting ripped off. Purchasing a small amount of currency prior to your trip will allow you to avoid lines at the airport exchange booth after arrival and still be able to tip the bellhop, pay the taxi, etc. You can exchange easily from banks and exchange agents near your home. And if the currency of your destination countries can not be found, you can exchange to American dollars or Ponds that can be used around the world. When you get there you can easily change your American dollars or Ponds into local currencies.

 

Buying Overseas

Where to exchange once I get there? Although the exchange booths at the airport are convenient, limit exchanges there to what you might need to get a taxi, tip the hotel doorman, get dinner, etc. You will proabably get a better rate at the hotel, although they may have limited daytime hours for currency exchange. Exchange rates at hotels may range from 2-5%, but these are often better than even at banks, where you will also face long lines. Even in the most remote corners of the earth American dollars are welcome - but keep two things in mind: be aware of what is a good exchange rate, and don't carry bills too large for most small vendors to exchange. In many places you may not be able to get more than $10 worth of local currency back from a small vendor.

 

What ABout Credit Cards?

Yes! - use them wherever possible, because they either have no exchange commission or an extremely low one, negotiated by the major bank with which the card is affiliated. In many third-world countries it is often not possible to use the cards except at the bigger hotels and restaurants. Cash advances can be obtained from banks with the card, however.

 

General:

Be familiar with the local currency before you exchange so that you will not be taken advantage of - use a caclulator if you need to to ensure the proper exchange.

 

 

Exchange rate on  25/11/98

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