Am I screwed?! left it late for travel card in S.E Asia, please help

danstar10

Thanks for all you help guys, I am now quite confident using my Nationwide CC for shop / hotel purchases and the Metrobank debit card for ATM withdrawls is a good combo, not getting screwed with rates (mite not be the best but at least no additional % fees) and very convenient... unless anyone would tell me this is not a good set-up?

Cheers

NiftyDigits

danstar10 wrote: »

Thanks for all you help guys, I am now quite confident using my Nationwide CC for shop / hotel purchases and the Metrobank debit card for ATM withdrawls is a good combo, not getting screwed with rates (mite not be the best but at least no additional % fees) and very convenient... unless anyone would tell me this is not a good set-up?

Cheers

It's good enough, even though there is a 1% charge on the Nationwide CC. Many places in Thailand attempt to levy a surcharge on CC usage, but not supermarkets and restaurants.
If no AEON ATM is available(make a note of where they are before you leave), consider over the counter use.

danstar10

As far as I am aware, my Nationwide CC is 0%. What makes you think it is 1%? Both in branch and over the phone told me it was 0% on purchases...

NiftyDigits

danstar10 wrote: »

As far as I am aware, my Nationwide CC is 0%. What makes you think it is 1%? Both in branch and over the phone told me it was 0% on purchases...

I don't like to repeat myself...

In Asia; Purchases charged 2% on new Nationwide CCs, 1% on old. Nationwide Select 0%.

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/managing_your_account/using-your-cards-abroad.htm

danstar10

Rite, I have a select card so 0%, lovely

When you say 'Thailand attempt to levy a surcharge on CC usage' - is this made obvious to the buyer before they pay? So would an unsuspecting tourist be told by the machine or whatever that a surcharge will be added, or is it just stealthily added?
Same question for the ATMs, is the 150 baht fee made clear? Or does it happen behind the scenes.

Bear with me, just want to make sure I am on top of this and thanks for the advice so far...

Doshwaster

danstar10 wrote: »

Rite, I have a select card so 0%, lovely

When you say 'Thailand attempt to levy a surcharge on CC usage' - is this made obvious to the buyer before they pay? So would an unsuspecting tourist be told by the machine or whatever that a surcharge will be added, or is it just stealthily added?
Same question for the ATMs, is the 150 baht fee made clear? Or does it happen behind the scenes.

Bear with me, just want to make sure I am on top of this and thanks for the advice so far...

In terms of ATMs I think it varies whether there is a notice or not (it's a "Same, Same, but Different" thing) However, it should be common knowledge that all machines (apart from AEON ones) charge BHT150.

Apart from hotels and flights I tend not to use a credit card in Thailand as it's still a cash dominated society. You'll find that most bars, restaurants and lower end hotels are cash only.

Just relax and enjoy trip.

danstar10

Relaxing and enjoying the trip is certainly my plan - I tend to be on edge if I feel like I'm being take for a ride, so hence me being on here to clear it up before I go.

Thanks for all the info guys

NiftyDigits

danstar10 wrote: »

Rite, I have a select card so 0%, lovely

When you say 'Thailand attempt to levy a surcharge on CC usage' - is this made obvious to the buyer before they pay? So would an unsuspecting tourist be told by the machine or whatever that a surcharge will be added, or is it just stealthily added?
Same question for the ATMs, is the 150 baht fee made clear? Or does it happen behind the scenes.

Bear with me, just want to make sure I am on top of this and thanks for the advice so far...

Vendors that make a surcharge(usually 3%) tend to tell you beforehand, so don't worry about that. But do watch out for DCC. Always insist that you pay in Baht and not Pounds.