RustyC

Just got back from a 3-country Asia trip where I funded the Thai part entirely via traveler's checks, even though Malaysia and the Philippines were still fine for ATMs.

Saw a number of foreigners using ATMs around Sukhumvit, though, probably first-timers who just assumed it was the best way to go or didn't do enough homework before the trip. If they can't figure out how badly they got gouged right away they'll certainly see it in their statements.

Bangkok Bank also was still doing over-the-counter Visa cash advances with no commission. I know many large banks really sock it to customers for cash advances, but if you're lucky to have a Visa from a credit union that doesn't charge an upfront cash advance fee then it's an alternative.

And lest we forget, the banks charging the fee already have been collecting an "interchange fee" for years, so it's not as if they were providing anything for free. You're just being charged twice now. And the way they implemented it was blatant price-fixing and collusion.