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Pdoggg suggested I start a thread about exchange rates when bringing cash or using ATMs in LOS/SE Asia. I was debating whether to bring cash into Thailand vs. using my ATM once I arrive for my upcoming trip. You get the best bang for your buck by bringing cash and having it converted to Baht at the best money exchange merchants. But you have to bring clean and crisp bills in large denominations to get the best exchange rate, and you run the risk of losing a lot of money--and ruining your vacation--by traveling with a large amount of cash and having it in your room. With ATMs, you pay the ATM fee for each withdrawal ($5.00 US ?), the exchange rate is not as good as what you'd get at an exchange merchant, and you pay a 1% to 3% international transaction commission (or whatever it's called), depending on your bank's fees. Being from the USA, the best option for me is to use my ATM because my bank, Charles Schwab, has very favorable international banking fees. It refunds all ATM fees worldwide and it charges a low commission of 1%. To open a checking account with Charles Schwab you also have to open a brokerage account, but there is no minimum balance requirement. Charles Schwab is a great bank for an international traveler. I have two other accounts connected to my Schwab account and transfer funds into it as needed. Sure, I could save maybe a few thousand Baht if I brought cash, but for me that's not worth the hassle and risk of traveling with a large amount of cash. What do you guys do? Do you know any tips or tricks to getting good exchange rates? Can you recommend a good bank from your home country? Feel free to correct or expand on anything I've written. I am by no means an expert on this stuff. Note to Mods: Feel free to move this thread or change the title if you wish.