Travel to Thailand and Cambodia

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panther2

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#250694 21-May-2019 19:22

Hi All

traveling to Thailand and Cambodia at the end of July and just wondering what everyone's take is on money / cards etc

used a travel card through Europe but the currency isn't supported for Asia, how easy it is to get money out in both countries or is carrying cash the best option. in both countries for 1 week

thanks

PeterReader

6019 posts

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Geekzone

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#2242595 21-May-2019 19:22

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itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek

#2242660 21-May-2019 20:58

Cambodia use USD mainly, although you will get handed back useless local currency in change. Makes some things very expensive ie. water bottles $1 USD - have not been there for 3 years or so but imagine it has not changed much.

Thailand you can widthdraw Baht straight from the ATM, there is a 200 baht local ATM fee ($7-10) + the Kiwi bank fees so you are best to widthdraw as few times as possible. There is also a max amount you can widthdraw You will be able to pay using your credit card in many places. Also I have never come across a currency exchange place that wont swap NZD, but if coming from euroupe you probably wont be carrying lots of cash.

Edit - I see you were talking historically about Europe. If going straight to Thailand take NZD and swap it as their rates are better than the banks here. Obviously avoid using the Airport money exchange places on arrival and hotel exchanges, down town is the way to go. You should also get a small amount for tips and taxis in NZ ($100 NZD as an example) so you have money on arrival.

Tzoi

424 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2242750 21-May-2019 21:22

I was just in both countries and took cash with me. Don't really need much cash for either country, though might be difficult getting enough smaller notes

WinPhne

35 posts

Geek

#2242757 21-May-2019 21:58

Just came back from both countries as well. In Thailand you will need bhat to get around - I just used the ATM but friends of mine were sure the rates to change in NZ were better than changing in Bangkok for NZD cash at least.

Cambodia be sure to take small US dollar denominations ($1, $2 and $5s) otherwise you will be stuck with local change. They are also very picky about the notes being relatively crisp and new (I had a crinkled note to pay at angor wat and they rejected it)

Delphinus

611 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2242813 21-May-2019 22:53

When I went a few years ago, my NZ bank suggested converting a bunch of NZD to USD, took the USD then when over there went to a mall with a bunch of banks and found the one with the best USD > Thai Baht advertised and changed it. Not sure if that's better or worse than straight NZD conversion in hindsight.

itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek

#2242916 22-May-2019 09:36

Do not convert to USD and then back to Baht for Thailand, you are wasting your money. Just had a look at Bangkok Banks rates vs ANZ. There is 2c in it before fees. If you have a Platinum bank card you can avoid these fees so bes to take the baht over with you. All comes down to how much you need, and where you are staying. Ie. if at a hotel you would have a safe, but if not then carrying large amounts of cash is asking for issues.

esawers

552 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2242950 22-May-2019 10:23

The ATM's in Siem Reap (and probably most tourist areas) dispense US$ as well

We took NZD just in case but had no problems with ATM's in both countries

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Geektastic

17944 posts

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#2245291 25-May-2019 11:58

I have travelled there often. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are full of ANZ cash machines that give out USD
I just use them.

I just use ATMs from major Banks in Thailand. No problem to date.

Jas777

838 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2251144 4-Jun-2019 14:31

Take NZ dollars with you and go to Siam Exchange near MBK for great rates. If going to Cambodia after then convert your leftover baht to US dollars there.