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ATM's / Cash Machines
This site concerns itself with Bangkok, but when it comes to the  availability of ATM's the same information is applicable to all the main tourist destinations within Thailand.
To put it bluntly - ATM's are everywhere ! The vast majority cater for the common card types - VISA, MASTERCARD, CIRRUS, MAESTRO etc. All these ATM's display the card logos that are accepted, in the same way as ATM's do throughout the world.
Good places for the tourist to find them are on the skytrain stations, the underground stations, and shopping centres.
There are ATM's for local banks that do not work for foreigners but if you try one don't panic as there will be one of the others close by. Please BEWARE of the fees charged by your bank for using an ATM card abroad. It has just been announced ( 21st April, 2009 ) that some Thai banks will charge 150baht per foreign card ATM use on top.
Currency Exchange
In addition to the abundance of ATM's there are many currency exchange booths located within Bank premises and also located on their own at popular places. Opening hours vary, but if you try 1000hrs to 2000hrs you should be alright. They accept all of the major currencies and most accept all the major brands of Traveller Cheques. Exchange rates do vary between the different Banks so it can be worth checking around if you are changing a lot of money.
Visa's
The majority of visitors to Thailand do not require a visa, and are granted a stay of 30 days when they arrive for the purposes of tourism. A list of countries whose citizens can do this can be found here. If you are from a country not in this list you need to get a visa before travelling.
If you intend staying longer than 30 days for tourisim, or are coming for another reason, it is best to get a visa from your local Thai consulate before travelling.
For the rules about visas the website of the Thai Consulate in Hull, England has a few pages outlining them very well.
A Few Words Of Warning - If after you arrive in Thailand you do not abide by the rules concerning immigration and visas you will be fined and / or imprisoned and / or deported ! In addition your future chances of being allowed back into Thailand may be reduced. This is not scare mongering - it actually happens !
The main areas where people fall foul of the rules is staying in Thailand after the expiration date of their visa, or working having entered on a tourist visa. If you overstay your visa, you will be fined 500 baht a day on departure. If a police officer finds you before you leave , you will be probably locked up !
It is possible to get a short extension to a tourist visa at the main Immigration office in Bangkok but it is normally for not more than 10 days. The only other way is to leave Thailand and return, gaining a new visa exemption / visa on re-entry.
Ban Laem Border Crossing
There are companies that can take you on a 'visa run' out of the country and back the same day. They help with the formalities and this costs about 2000 baht ( about the same cost as an extension for 10 days from the Immigration office ). It takes between 7 and 13 hours of your time but is the best option.
For a review of a typical visa run from Bangkok to Cambodia go here - Visa Run Review - it includes contact details for the company concerned. |
