[soi 2]

I was toying with the idea of sending a girl some money for her birthday. I'm not looking for advice as to whether thats a good use of money. Just wondering what the cheapest way of sending cash to a Thai national is. Some of you guys might have more experience in these matters than me.

I had a look at Western Union, using 5000 baht as figure to see what costs were involved.

Send Amount (GBP):
109,38
Money Transfer Fees:
19,60
Total:
128,98

Just thinking in terms of Thai baht, its going to cost me nearly 1000 baht to send 5000 baht. Doesn't seem very good value. Is there a better way to send money ?

I had an idea, if I know someone from the UK who is in Thailand. If I paid into their UK account using my internet banking. Could they withdraw the money and go to any branch of the bank she uses. Say they know her name, account number and sort code and pay it in. That way the only charge would be a 150 baht withdrawl fee from the bank ATM they use. That sounds fairly straight forward to me. Am I missing something here or would that work ?

[tommiecoughlin]

what about sending it to a m8 in the UK who is going over soon....like Winton?....he's trustworthy... and you know he'd get it to the correct party...

...might only cost you a New Plaza 40b beer for his services.

[KeeNeow]

Try http://www.xe.com/fx/ or also could use paypal if she sets up an account.
I have an UK Bank Account and a Thai account and could avoid the 150 baht charge if you want to do it through me.

[gonzo]

I was looking into this the other day to send some money to the Mrs for the visa. Western Union is pricey but it's still a better bet than doing an international transfer from a UK bank if you're only looking to send a small amount as otherwise you'll be hit with a £20 charge at each end. If you're looking to send a few hundred though the bank works out cheapest.

I think someone has stolen Soi 2's log in

[bigone]

send me the money and ill take it over to her soon

[kuranda_bagman]

Originally Posted by soi 2

Some of you guys might have more experience in these matters than me.

Bazzap would be the expert here Gary

[soi 2]

Thanks for your suggestions and comments. A few ideas to mull over.

Originally Posted by tommiecoughlin

what about sending it to a m8 in the UK who is going over soon....like Winton?....he's trustworthy... and you know he'd get it to the correct party...

...might only cost you a New Plaza 40b beer for his services.

Something to think about. I'm sure Winston would but I'll try not to inconvenience other people though.

Originally Posted by KeeNeow

Try http://www.xe.com/fx/ or also could use paypal if she sets up an account.
I have an UK Bank Account and a Thai account and could avoid the 150 baht charge if you want to do it through me.

Good idea Tom. I reckon for the small amount I'm talking about paypal seems a winner. Had a look at paypal's terms and conditions today. Seems to be cheaper than Western Union. I'll see if settting up a paypal account is within her abilities. Assuming she doesn't already have one...



Thanks very much for the offer of doing it through you. I might take you up on that. Ideally I'd just like to send it to her directly so as not to inconvenience anyone.

Originally Posted by gonzo

I was looking into this the other day to send some money to the Mrs for the visa. Western Union is pricey but it's still a better bet than doing an international transfer from a UK bank if you're only looking to send a small amount as otherwise you'll be hit with a £20 charge at each end. If you're looking to send a few hundred though the bank works out cheapest.

I've been having a read up today and it made me think about next years trip. I reckon once I've set up a Thai bank account I'll transfer my holiday spending money via the bank to save on endless 150 baht ATM charges. Definetly seems the way to do it with bigger amounts.

Originally Posted by ROLAND

I think someone has stolen Soi 2's log in

Got to look after the good ones.

Originally Posted by bigone

send me the money and ill take it over to her soon

Thanks for the offer. My first choice will be to go down the paypal route and take it from there.

Thanks

[KeeNeow]

No problem for me Gary particularly as I probably know the lady in question if you want to send her money. But definitely open an account at Kasikorn next trip and save all of the ATM charges if you transfer a decent amount of money ie more than 4000 pounds then the transfer fees are miniscule compared with paying 150 baht ATM fees. You can still go inside the bank and get a cash advance on your CC for no money though. Tell them that you do not know the PIN code though otherwise they will want you to do it through the ATM as they make more money though.

[soi 2]

I really did mean to open an account this year. Especially after you ran through what steps were involved. Oh well.. always next year.

I'll probably come back with a few more questions nearer the time about pointers for transfering money bank-to-bank. It's not something I've done before. Interesting to know about the CC cash advances.

Its such a shame the Nationwide messed up their flex accounts for use abroad. That combined with the 150 Thai bank charges. Has made it essential to have a Thai bank account if you're there for any period of time these days.