BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello - I am going to Thailand (for a few days) and Laos/Cambodia for 4/5 weeks.

Was wondering how people usually carry money? Is it safe to assume you will be able to access ATM's? (I don't get charged by my bank for this) Are traveller's cheques easy to change?

And finally I know that places quote in US dollars, can they be spent easily over there or is local currency better?

Cheers!

Hello Hello,

Been to a quite a few places in Asia, except for Laos(i'll get there soon though!) I'm also a travel agent, and advise my clients against Travellers cheques. I've never had a problem using ATM's and if your bank doesn't charge you for that service, then theres your answer. Travellers Cheques can be a pain to cash in some places, and usually the bank will take a commission. Once again i can't comment on Laos.
As for the local currency VS. US dollar question. Cambodia basically works off 2 currencies, their local currency(Riel) and the US$. Almost all tourist sites will be in $US and other large purchases. They don't use US Cents, so thats when you'll come in contact with the Riel, you'll get back like 3$ and 1500 riel in change, hope that makes sense, i used the Riel for internet and food purchases mostly.
Thailand works off the Baht, i always use the Baht while in Thailand. Thailand is very Tourist friendly. Some people believe that if you pay in US$ all the time, then the price is inflated, i've found this to be true in some cases. Anyways enough rambling, my personal opinion: ATM's, Local currency,and always have some US cash for emergencies.

Safe Travels

Thailand has ATMs everywhere. Use them as needed you won't see anyone using US$ there. Like Irishpride said US$ are preferred in Cambodia. The bigger towns have ATMs and they all give money is USD. Any change under a dollar you get back in Riels, no biggie. A year ago it was 4000 Riel to the dollar. One trick I learned there was that some ATMs liked to give out 50 dollar bills which are nearly impossible to get change for. When you make a withdraw do it in an amount that can't be divided by 50 ie $320 or $280 instead of 300 and it should give you all $20s.

Laos has VERY few atms and a few more that will only do cash advances on a credit card. Stock up on cash before hand. If a bill of any denomination has tiny tear or wear on it lots of place won't take it. I stocked up on USD in Cambodia and used money changers as needed. The bigger cities give you better exchange rates. If you are going here first bring a some crisp $100s and convert them as needed. Both Cambodia and Laos will convert Thai Baht, but the dollar gives you the best rate.

I never got hit by fees at any atm, but still tried to take out enough that I could last a few days instead of going back everyday. Breaking big bills is important! Whenever you go to a convenience store for water or whatever use your biggest local bill. Your pocket will be stuffed, but it will come in handy for small stores and street vendors. Enjoy!

quote:

Breaking big bills is important! Whenever you go to a convenience store for water or whatever use your biggest local bill. Your pocket will be stuffed, but it will come in handy for small stores and street vendors. Enjoy!

This is probably the single best piece of advice regarding money in SEA or many other developing countries. Heed it.

In Laos near the border I've used to Thai baht before. Cambodia ATMS will give you dollars and are preferred.

Everything has already been said.

Thanks for that guys. Everything I needed to know and more! What would we do without Bootsnall?!