Money Options in Cambodia/Thailand

"Kris" wrote in message
...
When you get cash USD for Cambodia (or any country in the region,
really) make sure they is absolutely no damage (torn, written
upon,...). I usually inspect the bills one by one and refuse those
that even seem remotely damaged. Saves you a lot of argueing and
head-ache.

I find it advisable for several reasons (safety reason above anything else)
to avoid extensive amount of cash money whether US money or something else.

On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 15:55:49 +0200, the renowned "Markku Grönroos"
wrote:


"Kris" wrote in message
.. .
When you get cash USD for Cambodia (or any country in the region,
really) make sure they is absolutely no damage (torn, written
upon,...). I usually inspect the bills one by one and refuse those
that even seem remotely damaged. Saves you a lot of argueing and
head-ache.

I find it advisable for several reasons (safety reason above anything else)
to avoid extensive amount of cash money whether US money or something else.

Unless you're dumb enough to be flashing it around, having too little
money is more of a safety issue than having too much. In risky
situations (where mugging is possible) I tend to carry an easily
accessible big wad of mostly small bills that adds up to only about
$100US.

Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

"Spehro Pefhany" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 15:55:49 +0200, the renowned "Markku Grönroos"
wrote:


"Kris" wrote in message
.. .
When you get cash USD for Cambodia (or any country in the region,
really) make sure they is absolutely no damage (torn, written
upon,...). I usually inspect the bills one by one and refuse those
that even seem remotely damaged. Saves you a lot of argueing and
head-ache.

I find it advisable for several reasons (safety reason above anything
else)
to avoid extensive amount of cash money whether US money or something
else.

Unless you're dumb enough to be flashing it around, having too little
money is more of a safety issue than having too much. In risky
situations (where mugging is possible) I tend to carry an easily
accessible big wad of mostly small bills that adds up to only about
$100US.

100 bucks is a reasonable amount of cash money for sure. I had figures
equivalent to thousands of dollars in mind.

On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 16:24:22 +0200, the renowned "Markku Grönroos"
wrote:

Unless you're dumb enough to be flashing it around, having too little
money is more of a safety issue than having too much. In risky
situations (where mugging is possible) I tend to carry an easily
accessible big wad of mostly small bills that adds up to only about
$100US.

100 bucks is a reasonable amount of cash money for sure. I had figures
equivalent to thousands of dollars in mind.

Yeah, but not so accessible. ;-)

Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 16:24:22 +0200, "Markku Grönroos"
wrote
:
100 bucks is a reasonable amount of cash money for sure. I had figures
equivalent to thousands of dollars in mind.

I suspect it would be very difficult to find a way spend thousands of
dollars in Cambodia. The country is extremely inexpensive.

On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 00:14:57 -0800, *@X.* wrote:

I
got a $300 cash advance from a Chinese bank in Sihanoukville. There
was no surcharge

Do you remember the name of the bank?

I know Cambodia Mekong Bank charges US$5 for giving cash on a credit
card. It would be nice to know which banks don't make a charge for
future reference.

On Sat, 13 Dec 2003 16:14:18 +0700, Chris Blunt
wrote:

On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 00:14:57 -0800, *@X.* wrote:

I
got a $300 cash advance from a Chinese bank in Sihanoukville. There
was no surcharge

Do you remember the name of the bank?

I know Cambodia Mekong Bank charges US$5 for giving cash on a credit
card. It would be nice to know which banks don't make a charge for
future reference.

I do not remember it's name. It was "a Chinese bank" in downtown
Sihanoukville. It apears on my online statement as "UCB (SVB)
SIHANOUKVILL KH" In the window it had several promonent Visa logos
and an English sign that said "no surcharge". I have verified that
infact I was not charged a surcharge. The whole process was no more
dificult than getting a cash advance here at home. Passport for ID
and sign the slip. 2 minutes to get it approved and I was out the
door with my cash.

Kris wrote in message . ..
When you get cash USD for Cambodia (or any country in the region,
really) make sure they is absolutely no damage (torn, written
upon,...). I usually inspect the bills one by one and refuse those
that even seem remotely damaged. Saves you a lot of argueing and
head-ache.

Also ask your bank for the newest bills (by date on the face of the
bill). In some countries you get a better exchange rate for newer
bills. In some places they won't take anything prior to 2000.

As far as "damage", even a crease in the bill from folding it and
putting in your pocket or wallet will reduce the value.

(Greg Pankhurst) wrote in message news:1g5qy46.ujcma21ezythsN%g.pankhurst@spamblock .cfi.unsw.edu.spamblock.au...
Miguel Cruz wrote:

Greg Pankhurst wrote:
Was just wondering if ATMs are now abundant in these 2 countries, or
whether Travellers Cheques are still your best bet ? Maybe even USD
might be the best option in Cambodia ?

Thailand: ATM
Cambodia: US$ cash, mix of sizes, change some to riel in town to get
better prices.

Cheers Miguel.

Cambodia and Thailand will actually be the last legs of a fairly long
trip, and the preceding countries don't run on the USD, and I'd rather
not carry a wedge for the entire duration of the trip. Any idea how
easily I'll be able to pick up USD in Bangkok ?

Why USD in Thailand? You can get baht at any ATM. You can exchange
baht in Cambodia. Getting USD outside of the US usually carries a
fairly high premium.

On 13 Dec 2003 08:07:14 -0800, Tchiowa wrote:
Why USD in Thailand? You can get baht at any ATM. You can exchange
baht in Cambodia. Getting USD outside of the US usually carries a
fairly high premium.

In areas near the Thai border, you can indeed spend Baht and I would
recommend it if you are coming from Thailand. But even as near as Siem
Reap, that is no longer the case. US$ and Riel only at that point. You
could find a bank to convert your Baht to Riel but overall, it is a lot
more convenient to carry US$. Among other things, the units are more
reasonable and left over currency is usable outside of Cambodia.

I haven't found there to be a high premium for getting US$ outside of
the US. It is a double conversion but so is your currency - Baht -
Riel. Unlike Baht - Riel, you lose nothing with the implicit US$ -
Riel conversion by spending US$ at a Cambodian vendor. In fact, you
usually gain. The common $1 - 4000 Riel is actualy better than the
official rate.

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