Can I rely on my credit card in Thailand, and put cash back onto it?

jamesholland

Hey - I have a new Halifax credit card with a £1150 limit on it and 10 months interest free credit.

I brought some flights for £645 which my father is going to reimburse me for, and a Zune for £200, so now have around £200 left on it.

Can my dad put most of the cash he owes me back into my credit card? No matter how much I spend and have put back onto it by my parents in England will I still be fine for interest free credit (I know I pay 2-3% for being abroad) as long as I stay within the £1150 mark?

- I really would like to avoid carrying much cash - I'll take a little Baht for Thailand and some US dollars for Cambodia, but by and large I#d much rather pay with my credit card and buy small amounts of cash from a bureau-de-change as I go along (including some Dong for Vietnam).

Is there any problem with this? I'd prefer to rely on my credit card if possible.

- When I use an ATM abroad, does it display my balance in Sterling AND the local currency, or one of the two? Obviously I need to be able to work out how much cash I have left so I don't go over my credit limit..

simongregson

You will be charged interest and high fees on credit card cash transactions. Do not use your card to withdraw cash!!

Instead, open a Nationwide flex account before you go, for fee-free cash withdrawals


You may find it more difficult to use cards in less developed countries, Thailand probably will be OK for more upmarket places.

jamesholland

Yeah I know that, I was suggesting a cheeky way round it by buying currency in a beareau de change over there, is that exempt from charges?

OllyM

jamesholland wrote: »

Yeah I know that, I was suggesting a cheeky way round it by buying currency in a beareau de change over there, is that exempt from charges?

No, it'll be treated as a cash advance and you'll be charged.

You can't check your credit card balance at cashpoints either.

jamesholland

!!!!!!. What's a Halifax student account like for spending abroad?

OllyM

One of the worst accounts out there.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/cheaper-spending-overseas

Halifax Debit Card

Spending penalty: £1.50. Exchange load: 2.75%. Cash Withdrawal fee: £1.50

Mat_Lock

I need a new account then, I am with Halifax and going in September.

jamesholland

Should I take it all in travellers cheques then?

King_Of_Fools

jamesholland wrote: »

Should I take it all in travellers cheques then?

No get a basic Nationwide Flex Account and put the money in that then withdraw from ATMs for free. Plus you will get a much better exchange rate from Nationwide than you would on travellers cheques.

DestroyingAngel_2

Some Thai merchants do not have Chip&Pin, or their machines are not quite up to date and you might find your card is declined, but not because there's anything wrong with your card or your account.

jamesholland

!!!!, I leave in 9 days - I'll ask Nationwide how quick I can get one..