Originally Posted by
seanthepilot
If here often it may be best to open a bank account in Thailand and either bring in or transfer money to it. I use my Thai ATM regularly without and fees.
At one point when I was needing money from home, I would do a cash advance from my Visa card over the counter (ant Thai bank). I could withdraw/access up to my card's limit (several hundred thousand Baht) instantly and without a fee. Then I would immediately pay off my Visa card via Internet banking.
No fees. No interest.
I understand convenience, but why pay so much in fees just to access your own money??????
1) I can't open a Thai account because I don't have an address in Thailand. If you know a bank that will open an account for a UK resident without a Thai address, then tell me the name of the bank?
2) I don't consider the fees to be high. The fact that the money belongs to me does not obligate the commercial organisations holding it to provide and maintain a global network of branches and ATMs to dispense my money without notice anywhere on the planet 24 hours a day. It's a service and it has to be paid for. 150 Baht to do this is a bargain in my opinion and I'm happy to pay it. Exchange rate fees have to be paid whatever method you use, and faffing around with Travellers Cheques only to be finally hijacked by some point of sale fee is a faff I can't be bothered with.
The purpose of my question is to get the best bang for my 150 Baht spend.
Thanks to the poster who highlighted the banks above 20K. I shall look out for these!