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Taking your British Pound round SEA
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jareduk
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Hello
This is really a request for advice from fellow brits.
When you have been traveling to SEA have you:
- used USD or GBP to get around (my concern with USD is that i'd get raped on rate i.e. GBP to USD to V Dong - double exchange)
- used travelers cheques again in USD or GBP or a mix?
Will street money changers accept GBP?
Now I understand that is is always wise to have some USD in your pocket as its pretty much a second currency out there, I just don't want to have to get money out in dollars only to change it, for a second time, to a local currency (unless I have too).
Cheers for your thoughts and experiences.
JaredUK
#1 Posted: 24/4/2009 - 14:14
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chrispyrolls
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Hi Jared,
I have always taken a mixture of USD cash and TCs, approx 75/25 split in favour of TCs i reckon... got the $ in the UK commission free (thomas cook, post office .. or even flippin tesco now!) and changed them over there
Not really worried too much about conversion rates and losing out, as it figures were quite small when you look at the bigger picture - in fact i don't think i spent anytime at all worrying about it - but i always take more than is necessary and flashpack all the way...
You will find the rate of say the Dong / Kip / Riel are all pretty stable against the dollar, but fluctuate against the £ - this balances itself out when you consider the £ fluctuates against the $ ... if that makes any sense?!
TCs used were American Express (from Thomas Cook no commission) which i have never had any probs cashing, watch out for the fee to cash them tho - paid $7 per cheque at a travel agency in Luang Prabang to cash into $ - but then again this was late at night and the banks were shut, only made this mistake once! At the banks, the commission was $4 (i think) total regardless of amount to cash into $, but nothing to cash into kip (so just did that)... so the point is shop around and try not to cash them except in a bank / money changer
Never taken £, but my folks do all the time and never have trouble, you will always see the rate quoted for £ as well as $ (except out in the sticks)- altho they had trouble with the new £20 notes as they did not recognise them last year ...should do by now tho
Hope this helps - have a great trip...
#2 Posted: 25/4/2009 - 03:36
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jareduk
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chrispyrolls
Cheers chap.
I figured just wanted to see what other peoples experiences were, I just wish we still had the 2:1 GBP USD rate!!
Any how off to the post office on monday to get all of my TC's and money, leaving 10 am weds morning!
jared
#3 Posted: 25/4/2009 - 06:21
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chrispyrolls
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2:1 was great - went to Vietnam with £1000 so $2000 ... this year went to Laos with £1000 ... $1300 !!
have a great time - i'm sure you will
#4 Posted: 25/4/2009 - 14:34
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