[Mr.romantic]

Originally Posted by 84gunner

I had oredi posted b4, but juz tat many samsters here kinda heart-pain about the banks' rates & the admin fees.

In many countries, u dont have private retail $$ changers on the streets like in Msia & SGP, u gotta go 2 the banks 2 change currencies, or local ATMs 4 local currencies. Example, Thailand, Taiwan, PRC, etc etc.

U go change several 100s or 1000s of SGD on the streets, especially overseas, u run the risks of being potential targets 2 pickpockets & robbers. Those amounts of $$ u change, may be several months or even 1 year's salary 2 those people in poorer countries!

While if u use PLUS ATM systems, many locals oso withdraw $$ from local ATMs, the amounts they withdraw is often several 100s THB or RMB, the risks is not as high. Of course, it'll make more sense 2 withdraw more if your bank impose a service charge per withdrawal, so juz be more discreet/careful when withdrawal larger amounts at the ATMs. U may juz look like any other locals withdrawing several 100s THB or RMB, u dun attract tat much attention from the crooks.

The other thing is, travelling 2 specific $$ changers oso take time & transport costs. I'd rather incur a little unfavorable exchange rate, but I get 2 do watever I'm busy wif, or have more quality leisure time / rest, comparing 2 having to plan / squeeze time & effort juz 2 get a more favorable exchange rate. My life goes on...

84gunner the financial guru is back! haha.

so you might as well ask people to open a thai bank account like you did some time back. for those who can't open a thai bank account. 84gunner will say you have cash flow problem! haha what a joker.