Originally Posted by 500 miles at a time
I have concerns with my bank card being very moody. I couldn't even get it to work at times in the US much less thailand.
I've had nightmares of heading over there with no cash and having my ATM card not work
It it fairly easy to cash $US travellers cheques at hotels?
I agree about being cautious in depending solely on an ATM card. I had problems at one ATM machine in the CNX airport, had to cancel the transaction and use a different bank's machine.
I always take both ATM card and traveler checks. I never change currency at a hotel, rates are lousy. There are moneychanger windows in the major tourist streets in BKK and CNX, they readily accept USD traveler checks.
Many FTers pooh-pooh traveler checks, but if you can get them for free (through AAA or your bank) they are a very safe and reliable way to carry money. I always worry about a foreign ATM machine "eating" my card - then what?!
