How to send or bring money to Thailand:

[HYENA 4]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it here. If you're from the USA, use SCHWAB bank. I signed up online, never set foot inside a building. It's one of the FEW banks that doesn't rip you off for the exchange rate AND they REFUND 100% of ATM fees (even if those fees aren't theirs). Schwab has NO FEES for anything. Period.

I sent a debit card to Thailand and load that account with only what I want them to take out abroad (in law family). Of course they try to take more out (it's a dedicated Thailand withdrawal account so they can't touch my real money). Schwab didn't set any limitations so I keep that account balance zero and use it only to send money abroad.

It sure beats carrying $9,999 in a pouch like I did before (I used to dress down in old cutoff shorts and sandals so I didn't look like I had any money when I'd carry my 10k over there for business).

Upon my return, I'd typically get $35-$100 back in ATM fees from my bank at the end of the month.

The idiots at all the other banks I've tried not only bang you with ATM fees PLUS the Thailand ATM fees but they also rip you off of the live FOREX rate so they get you coming and going. I'd bring any money back in gold and disguise it with gold plated trinkets (gold is the best way to move money, really).

Edited July 23, 2010 by HYENA

[NYC-KK 0]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it here. If you're from the USA, use SCHWAB bank. I signed up online, never set foot inside a building. It's one of the FEW banks that doesn't rip you off for the exchange rate AND they REFUND 100% of ATM fees (even if those fees aren't theirs). Schwab has NO FEES for anything. Period.

I sent a debit card to Thailand and load that account with only what I want them to take out abroad (in law family). Of course they try to take more out (it's a dedicated Thailand withdrawal account so they can't touch my real money). Schwab didn't set any limitations so I keep that account balance zero and use it only to send money abroad.

It sure beats carrying $9,999 in a pouch like I did before (I used to dress down in old cutoff shorts and sandals so I didn't look like I had any money when I'd carry my 10k over there for business).

Upon my return, I'd typically get $35-$100 back in ATM fees from my bank at the end of the month.

The idiots at all the other banks I've tried not only bang you with ATM fees PLUS the Thailand ATM fees but they also rip you off of the live FOREX rate so they get you coming and going. I'd bring any money back in gold and disguise it with gold plated trinkets (gold is the best way to move money, really).

Is this really true that they pay the very significant Thai ATM fees? I've resorted to using only AEON Bank in Thailand, because they do not charge ATM fees and also do not limit you to withdrawals of only 10,000 BHT. How is SCHAWB bank on money transfers to Thailand? I assume there is no fee, since you emphasized that point.

I'm very confused about exchange rates. I recently charged about 65, 0000 BHT on my Capital One Visa card, and could not get a straight answer from them about the exchange rate they use. Also, banks do not make it easy to find what exchange rates they use for credit/debit cards as used at hotels and ATM machines. Does anyone know of a website that summarizes these facts in a clear, concise and comprehensive way?