@Glenn ****

I hear people say that all the time, but I honestly have only found one, maybe two shows in 5 years here using the Thai netflix that wasn't available. And for those 1 or 2 shows I was able to get them when I turned on my VPN to be in the US.

@Greg **********

been using nordvpn for Amazon for 5 years now and it has never picked up on it. Don't use it for Netflix since I have Thai account. Its cheaper than the US netflix and i haven't noticed any shows missing. Both work just fine in the US without a VPN for the 3 weeks a year I'm there.

@Scott ********

If you're even able to talk to anyone at the embassy you'll likely get even worse or incorrect information from them regarding those topics than here on facebook.

@Joseph ***

my last withdrawal on Aug. 27th was at 38.84. Google for that day says 33.91. I also just happened to transfer money with Wise on the same day and the rate was 34.05. They weren't at the exact same time though and there has been some decent fluctuations throughout the day. Even if that was the true difference in the rate, I paid double that in the Wise fee.

In the past I believe it ended up being close to a wash between wise with their fees and Schwabs slightly lower rate for that 10-20k baht range. Much more convenient and quicker than wise though, especially lately when it can take days no matter what reason I select.

@Brian ******

it is 100% correct. All ATMs here charge 220 baht. That's the fee the Thai bank charges and Schwab reimburses that every time. Been using my Schwab card for close to 5 years now in many countries.

@Brian ******

Scwhab reimburses ATM fees on top of not charging one themselves. Which I'm guessing is what you meant. I think that is an important distinction since saying they have "free atm fees" more implies that they don't charge one themselves. Which they don't, but they are one of only a few banks I've heard of that actually pay you back the fee that the bank operating the ATM charges.

I use Google voice for all my 2FA for everything. No need to even use a VPN. I've only ran into one credit card company that Google voice wouldn't work for and would not accept an international number. I just canceled that card.

If you are saying the exchange rate at the ATM sucks there's a good chance you're accepting their rate. Which you never want to do. It's a complete rip off. Reject their rate and your card will give you very close to market rate. Again, NEVER accept the ATM conversion.

@Tony ********

I get what you're saying that the difference is minimal, but the "hassle" is also pretty much non-existent. Personally I just use the ATM with a card that reimburses the 220 baht fee and get a better rate than any exchange place on top of it.

@Julius ********

2016 to 2020 the USD to Baht lost about 20%. 2020 to now it gained about 20%. Has a long way to go to get back to where it was for most of the previous administration.