I tend to use ATMs and the only place I've ever had any problem with that is Romania (!)

Certainly you'll find all the usual in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. And I guess in Thailand too, esp Bangkok, although I confess I've never been there.

If you don't have to use credit cards then don't (interest and cash handling fees are too high). Debit cards are by far the best.

You might want to take some emergency travellers cheques in case the worst comes to the worst and your wallet gets stolen. Keep them somewhere other than your wallet and put their numbers in more than one place (you might even consider leaving the numbers with some trustworthy person at home). That way you'll have enough currency to see you through until your card can be replaced.

Check that your bank is prepared to send you a replacement debit card overseas if this happens, and how long this will take.

Enjoy your trip!

Ari

In Thailand there are ATMS everywhere - usually in three languages, so no problem there. Credit cards are widely accepted but sometimes a 3% (legal) surcharge.

Hi We have found the best thing is a nationwide flex account. I have used this in the atms in asia and Australia no problem. There is no charge for withdrawal. So you can take out small amount if you do not want to carrry large amounts of cash. They have a great rate for currency exchange. We also take the nationwide credit card . If you are away some time you can set up a direct debit to pay the credit card each month while you are away. We have not used travellers cheques for many years you usually pay commission. In Oz there were atms in all the airports it was very easy. Have a great trip Kath Johnson

A late answer but may be helpful to others.In Thailand there are ATM everywhere on every provinces of Thailand.But everytime you take cash it will charge you.So take out lot of money you intend to use for weeks instead of take out little money often.All credit cards are accepted in Thailand but not in every shop, but most hotels do.Any how they also charge you 3 percents plus international card fee.I had experinced 10 percent charged from VISA when I used it abroad,not taking out cash in abroad but only for shopping!!!!!!So the best way is taking cash from ATM in the amount worth for using in long period.

I belief the most cost effective way is to open an account in a bank that have branches in these countries. Then you can use the ATM and obtain the best exchange rate. You can avoid the commission charged by the currency exchange as this way. I use HSBC in the recent trip to Taiwan and HK and this save me a lot of money.

        If you insist of bring cash, I will suggest you to bring US dollar. I find that when I exchange Canadian dollar to Chinese Yuan, they first change the Canadian dollar to US dollar, then from US dollar to Chinese dollar. I found that I lost 2.5-3% by doing this.

If you take your creditcard in Australia,they have ATMs only giving 200 Aussidollars,can make it expensif if you need more.ATMs on banks give more.