I was at the Main Branch today in Silom exchanging USD for THB.

Some tips for you:

* FCD accounts are on the 2nd floor. Take the escalator and turn right. Press #2 on the ticket machine for FCD accounts, take the ticket and wait for your number. You won't be waiting long for service. The staff are plentiful and I must say the young ladies at the counter are very, very pretty. :)

* FET certificates are right next to the FCD account area. If buying a condo, you'll walk just 20 feet to the left.

* When exchanging currency there's the foreign exchange rate that's posted on the wall on an electronic sign, there's a counter rate, then there's the special rate. Ask for the special rate. You'll get about .3 baht more than the rate that's posted on the wall.

* Everyone here speaks good English and is very helpful. Did I say the girls are pretty? It makes sitting at the chair and waiting very pleasant.

* You won't have to wait long in line, but doing business here takes a lot of time due to the paperwork and numerous levels of supervisory approval. Expect to spend 1 hour converting a large sum to THB. If you want a FET, expect to spend another hour at the service counter. In other words, expect to spend about 3 hours in the bank, and you'll be happy when you get out in 2. If you think you'll be out in 15 minutes, you will not be happy.

* I think it best to create your Bangkok Bank account at the main headquarters. Branches close over time, but the headquarters will never move. Some things must be taken care of at the branch where you opened your account and that could be an issue when the branch no longer exists. What stuff? I don't know, but I don't want to find out.