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rates and for insurance in case your money is stolen or lost. Be sure to note the numbers on you TC's as reference in case they get lost or stolen.
Take your passport with you when you exchange your Traveler's Checks or credit card cash advances. Be sure all your credit card bills are paid off before you leave the country. Call customer service to verify they received payment and to inform them you will be making cash advances in Thailand.
The best rates will be at the easy-to find money exchange booths, located at all major tourist resorts. There is a booth right across the street from the Nana hotel (actually, the rates at the Nana itself are not too bad).
Don't exchange your money in the US. The exchange rates are a rip.
Never exchange your money with a stranger on the street (even if she is really cute!).
BARGAINING
One concept that us Americans are not so use to is the art of bargaining. You must understand that in almost any situation involving payment of money, you will be in a position where you can bargain down the price. For example, I am now sitting in a private taxi (typing on my new iBook lap top which is great) on my way to Pattaya. I booked the taxi from the Nana hotel in Bangkok. The set fare is 1,500 baht. However, I was able to bargain the price down to 1,000,
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a significant discount. How did I do this? First, I asked, "How much to Pattaya?" They showed me the price fare which read 1,500. I said, "Okay, I give you 1,000 baht." I then said "Before I pay only 1,000." One driver refused to go lower than 1,200, but I stood firm and another driver finally gave in to 1,000 (plus 100 baht for the new super highway toll fee). Presto!
Last year I stayed in the White Inn in Pattaya. I paid 400 baht for a room. Little did I realize it, buy my friend had bargained the receptionist down to 350. Next time I go there, I will say, "Last time I pay 350." Say it with a big smile and good chance I will get that price.
What this serves to show is that there really is no fixed price for almost anything in Thailand. Sure, prices for food on the menu, prices for drinks at a bar, bus fare, entrance fee to the fabulous |
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