What are the best ways to manage money while living in Thailand?

As always Cash is king and long may it be

Scan pay is what I use more than the actual card

Cash and back up cards

I burn it

Use hsbc i changed to them before I left Australia no fees. And they are a worldwide bank

I carry as much cash as is possible and then change it once in Thailand, though obviously not at the airport. Superrich is ok. I also have a Halifax clarity card.

Take cash and exchange into baht once in Thailand.. TT Currency gives a good rate.. or look for the gold shops that exchange money..

Yup save a lot by bringing cash. Super Rich has the best rates. Also. If you have a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees & gives you points that will save the amount of cash you need to carry. Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand.

Schwab is the best ATM/debit card I’ve found for international travel. No foreign transaction fees, they refund everybody else’s ATM fees, and their customer service is available via online chat. A couple years ago, I was in Indonesia, and the ATM machines kept triggering security and causing my card to freeze. Schwab customer service found a local number that I could use to reach them, and then stayed on the phone with me for at least twenty minutes as I walked around the city to find a couple ATM machines that worked.

Money? I spend it!

Charles Schwab card, no fees

Spend it...

Transferwise - AKA Wise. Requires you have bank account locally.

I use Wise debit card and local bank account. Like people said bringing some cash for your initial budget to be exchanged is probably best. Avoid ATM but if you use it take out max amount.

Look at the Wise debit card it may be suitable for you google Wise money transfer

Starling, Monzo or Revolut cards. Although cannot withdraw cash in branch using Revolut.

After 16 years of trying not to get screwed to get the best value for my money is!!

Take as much cash as you can or want to ! Try not to use ATM s ! You can take 0your card ( which ever one you want) to a bank with your passport And you will not be charged!! Take largest notes new or as new as possible, no marks ,pencil or pen marks etc.

This year I am trying both a

Wise and Starling Cards to see how they compare!!

I used to just use the ATM's until i realised how much i was losing. Now i'll bring the maximum amount of cash allowed and exchange it thailand. It's the best conversion rate you'll get. I also believe Vasu money exchange is the best rate you will find. I think it's on the corner of sukhumvit soi Bangkok. Hotel room safe should be fine, but most hotels also have safety deposit boxes in reception. It requires 2 keys and you hold 1 of them. If i am running low i will buy Thai Bhat in a lump sum over the counter in a bank. (Look around for the best rate). I'll never use an ATM again.

"Do you have wake" ???

"Lift money" ??

Can someone translate this for me?

I send to thai gf account. She only charges me 1000 thb withdrawal fee

Totally depends on how long you’re staying.

Weeks, a month? Get a Schwab checking account and ATM card. Good exchange rates and they refund the ATM fees.

Long term? Use a good rewards card like a Chase Sapphire or Amex for all your food delivery and Grab taxi rides and use them at any hotel or restaurant that will take them for the points.

For places you have to use cash, open a Thai bank account and use Wise to transfer to it.

I’ve compared the costs of using Wise and the Schwab card and Wise is still cheaper.

When you open your Thai bank account, go to a branch in a touristy shopping mall, they’re more likely to give you an account without hassle or trying to force you to buy an insurance policy you won’t want.

I’d Recommend Kbank if you want to do Wise transfers of more than 50k baht at a time as many other banks can’t accept more than that for some reason.

I use my kbank phone app to pay for everything.

Cash ...they love cash..cash is King.. and change it in Bangkok not your native country and make sure the bills are not damaged eg: torn or have biro on them ..just a bit of solid advice..

Cash is always King

No brainer

Good thread, pros and cons for cash or card, on my 1st visit I had travellers cheques and lost the lot on the train into Bangkok within minutes of arrival. Luckily I had cards to see me through. Any benefit in wiring yourself money via Western Union?

All Thai banks charge you 220 baht to withdraw money, plus your home country bank charge. You can take 20,000 baht out the ATMs at a time, it’s probably your cheapest way, check the prepaid cards you can get that might not charge you to withdraw money, (you’ll still get charged 220 baht from the Thai banks) i used to use Revolut which gave me “free” withdrawals from ATMs, I still paid the Thai bank charge though.

I have an atm card which repays all service fees. I still take about US$1000 with me, in addition, just so I don't need to go searching.

Crypto.com card

Starling or wise, should be able to draw cash from bank direct with ID

It’s obviously a personal choice but I prefer to use ATMs when I need money! I don’t Want to have to worry about having lots of cash left in a safe or on me while travelling

Keep a shite load of folding in your safe..pay with cash everywhere.

Bar girls and lady drinks mostly

You can use your debit card at an atm to withdraw cash, but you will be charged 220 baht service fee each time, so opt for the maximum amount. If offered a conversion rate at the atm always choose not to. The rate will be horrendous.