Hi,

I will be over in Bangkok for 2 weeks and am wondering
how does everyone go about buying things/services
do you use your bank account from Australia...?
Or do you get all the money you will bring and
exchange it before flying to Bangkok ?

I'm thinking of using a bank account...opening up
one that has a set higher fee per month but does NOT
have a % fee when converting the currency from
AUD to Thai baht...is this possible ?

My brother had a NAB account and he said he pays $12
per month but doesnt get a percentage taken out
to convert the $$ to baht...but I couldn't find it on
their site so maybe it isn't available anymore ? Anyone
know of one ?

New to going overeseas...so just after some tips...
I will be ha ing surgery in Bangkok so I have to convert
just under $3000AUD to Baht...wondering the best way to
do that and getting a good excha ge rate ??

Whatever you do don't change any money into THB back in Oz before departing, the exchange rates at banks & currency exchanges in Oz is terrible, you'll get far better in Thailand, even the currency exchange at Bangkok airport will be way better than the rates back home.
So you'll need some baht immediately after landing so change some AUD at Bangkok airport, just enough to do you for a couple of days, then check out the banks/changers outside to find the best rate.
There has been a lot of recent discussion on this forum on using cards/bank accounts in Thailand. There is an element of risk when you use your plastic in ATMs and swipe it in hotels/restaurants/shops. Some folk are starting to go back to TCs as they seem less risky.
If I was you I'd carry the 3K out in $100 bills and keep it in a secure wallet around my neck or waist until i find the best money changer.
Best of luck with the surgery, I hope you have a speedy recovery.

hi thanks for your reply...

yeh I had read up on what others posted just after I posted this...think I'll
go with nab gold banking account with no conversion fees
or atm withdrawals if I need money...I found it on their website...
just stick with banks...no side street atms etc...in thailand...
just take out a certain amount i would need and pay cash mostly...

most definitely am getting a money bag one that clips on
around the waist...think it's called a bum bag here in australia...

That's interesting about the nab gold card, I'll look into that myself when I'm back later this year. And a "bumbag" way to go!

I always arrive in Bangkok with $1000 or less in my wallet (+ some Thai baht for the taxi to the hotel and taxi to wherever I'm going next day... 500 baht is enough unless you're staying WAY out of town).

On the first day there, I usually change some ( say $200) of the AUD into baht and carry that with me and keep the rest of the AUD in the in-room electronic safe at my hotel until I need more baht. You could also use the safe deposit box at reception.

I also pay for larger purchases in department stores etc. with visacard. If and when I run out of money I use ATMs (in shopping malls or other 'secure' areas. Sometimes it isn't possible to use an ATM in a building so there have been some times when I've used street ATMs.
This procedure has never caused me any problem so far and I've made several trips.

If you're having your surgery or dental work in a hospital or reputable clinic, you can pay with your visa. On several occasions, Mr. Kimbo and I have used visa at one of Bangkok's large private hospitals and I almost always pay by visa at the dentist where I've been going for five years.

Something I found very useful when visiting a country for the first time and a bit worried about theft..... when we were in Cambodia last Christmas I bought a rectangular silk bag about the thickness of an envelope with a zip and a cord. I put my cash and visa card in that and wore it around my neck and put my clothes on over it. Because it was tucked into my trousers and covered by my shirt, nobody would even know I had it.
Perhaps you could find a similar sort of small bag at a market or even make one out of some kind of soft material ??

thanks kimbo...very good suggestions
will keep that in mind...

I know what you are talking about
silk purse bag thingys...have seen them on ebay