Spending Expectations?
Oct 13, 2015 | 3:12 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Missouri, USA
Programs: MileagePlus, Star Alliance, hotels.com
Posts: 72
Thailand as a whole has many ATMs, but islands can be a bit different. There is a 150 baht fee (about $4.25), plus your bank's fee. So you're looking at $4.25-$9 in fees. Make sure you don't withdraw $50, because the fees would be 15% or so!
Sorry I cant give you better advice. I've never been to that specific island, and I try to stay clear of any big parties such as a full moon party (for numerous reasons).
Sorry I cant give you better advice. I've never been to that specific island, and I try to stay clear of any big parties such as a full moon party (for numerous reasons).
So would you recommend bringing USD with me and exchanging with a kiosk or bank? Or should I just use ATMs? I really wasn't too excited about carrying nearly $1500 USD with me..
Although, I could exchange money at my home bank. I know they do that, but Im not sure what to do now with the knowledge off extra fees.
Oct 13, 2015 | 3:57 pm
#17
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,676
I'd be curious to hear your numerous reasons why you stay away.. and I had no idea that it would cost 15%.
So would you recommend bringing USD with me and exchanging with a kiosk or bank? Or should I just use ATMs? I really wasn't too excited about carrying nearly $1500 USD with me..
Although, I could exchange money at my home bank. I know they do that, but Im not sure what to do now with the knowledge off extra fees.
So would you recommend bringing USD with me and exchanging with a kiosk or bank? Or should I just use ATMs? I really wasn't too excited about carrying nearly $1500 USD with me..
Although, I could exchange money at my home bank. I know they do that, but Im not sure what to do now with the knowledge off extra fees.
ATMs are the easiest way to get local currency. You can bring some 50s or 100s to change also. I usually just change $100 right at the airport when arriving so I have money for taxis and food. A hundred US dollars should last you awhile if you're traveling on a budget.
To answer your first question...It does not appeal to me to fly halfway across the planet, only to hang out with a bunch of drunk young white people. I could have just gone to Cancun if I wanted that. There's also drugs (which are illegal), vendors mixing God knows what into buckets, intoxicated people vomiting, etc. Then there's the Ko Tao murders, the being stuck on an island part (hey Im from Nebraska!), etc. Basically Full Moon Party does not appeal to me.
Oct 13, 2015 | 4:10 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Missouri, USA
Programs: MileagePlus, Star Alliance, hotels.com
Posts: 72
I'm saying that if you only took out $50 from the ATM, but have to pay $8 in fees, those fees are about 15% of the money you are taking out. So I always take out somewhere around $200.
ATMs are the easiest way to get local currency. You can bring some 50s or 100s to change also. I usually just change $100 right at the airport when arriving so I have money for taxis and food. A hundred US dollars should last you awhile if you're traveling on a budget.
To answer your first question...It does not appeal to me to fly halfway across the planet, only to hang out with a bunch of drunk young white people. I could have just gone to Cancun if I wanted that. There's also drugs (which are illegal), vendors mixing God knows what into buckets, intoxicated people vomiting, etc. Then there's the Ko Tao murders, the being stuck on an island part (hey Im from Nebraska!), etc. Basically Full Moon Party does not appeal to me.
ATMs are the easiest way to get local currency. You can bring some 50s or 100s to change also. I usually just change $100 right at the airport when arriving so I have money for taxis and food. A hundred US dollars should last you awhile if you're traveling on a budget.
To answer your first question...It does not appeal to me to fly halfway across the planet, only to hang out with a bunch of drunk young white people. I could have just gone to Cancun if I wanted that. There's also drugs (which are illegal), vendors mixing God knows what into buckets, intoxicated people vomiting, etc. Then there's the Ko Tao murders, the being stuck on an island part (hey Im from Nebraska!), etc. Basically Full Moon Party does not appeal to me.
Okay, sorry I misunderstood. I get it though! I'll definitely take out more money than $50. I mean why go multiple times for multiple fees instead of take out more at one time. Make sense! I will bring a little USD with me so I can change them in the airport.
I understand too that it isn't for some people. Might not be for me either, but I'll check it out
We're both still in college so it may appeal more to us. However, if it doesn't we're only on the islands for a couple days and then can head some where else.