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Thai commercial banks (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Thai, Siam Commercial Bank, Krung ThaiBank) have branches throughout the country. Foreign banks also offer commercial bankingservices. Most banks in Thailand have a nationwide network of ATM machines that dispenseThai Baht only. The ATMs usually have Thai and English language displays and will accept thecards of other Thai banks, and foreign cards that use internationally recognized electronicbanking systems. Many teller machines will also accept VISA or MasterCard (the logos arevisibly displayed).Note: For the Fellow who needs to open a new bank account in Thailand, some officialdocuments are required. API Fellowships Program Office will prepare a letter ofcertificate issued by the Institute of Asian Studies (the Host Institution) for this purpose,upon request. Please see the list of commercial banks in Thailand in “Directories” onpage 69.3-2-3. Currency ExchangeCash and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged for Thai currency at banks, legal moneyexchangers, hotels, mobile exchange kiosks in tourist areas, and in department stores andshopping centers. The best rates can usually be found in the banks. US dollars and poundssterling are the most widely accepted currencies, while travelers’ cheques get better rates thancash. Banks charge a fixed fee per cheque, so using high denomination travelers’ cheques ismore economical. Remember to bring along your passport when cashing travelers’ cheques.The banks are open from 8:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday (except national holidays) butsome exchange counters may stay open later. There is no limit to the amount of Thai or foreigncurrency you can bring into Thailand. However, the maximum amount of Thai currency thatcan be exported is 50,000 Baht per person. No restrictions are placed on export of foreigncurrencies. Dollar accounts may be opened at banks in Thailand so long as the funds aresourced overseas.3-2-4. Credit & Debit CardsCredit cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants throughout the country.They can also be used for cash advances at banks, exchange counters and as debit cards fromATM machines. The most widely accepted cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB(Japanese Card Bureau) and Diners Club.Credit-card fraud is a problem in Thailand. Don’t leave your card in a hotel room orunattended at any time. When using it in a shop, try to keep your eye on the shop assistant theyhave been known to run off more than one receipt at a single transaction. Always check theamount in the receipt carefully before you sign it. If your card is lost or stolen, report itimmediately to one of the following offices:VISA Tel: 0-2263-2091-4Master Card Tel: 0-2670-4088-95American Express Tel: 0-2273-5544Diners Club Tel: 0-2238-3660Citibank Tel: 1588, 0-2232-2484Platinum Tel: 0-273-5445HSBC Tel: 0-2614-400016