What debit card should I use to exchange $ for baht in Thailand?

Question

Are there any debit cards that don't chanrge % commision, withdrawal fee and have a low rate of interest charged the moment you withdraw cash? If not is there anything close? Is another cash withdrawel method (frm $ to Bhat in thailand) credit, travels check...ect. that is better a option.

Answer 1

I'm afraid there will be a service charge whenever you use to withdraw cash , normally they charge 20baht everytime you make a withdraw from the saving account or debit / credit cards. I suggest you withdraw more than you need to save on the service charges .

Answer 2

Check out a credit union near where you live.  You may have to check a few places out but many of them do pay for all or some fees from "other" ATM's, even overseas!   My hometown credit union allows me to withdraw money from ATM's overseas and they pay the fees!   They also sell travelers checks to their members without any commission too!

I have automatic deposits to this credit union checking account and I can also set up BillPay ahead of time to replenish the balance in that account.   I can use the internet to transfer money to that credit union account from my bank account if I need more overseas.  The debit card has an affiliation with MasterCard.  So far, in the 5 years I have been using this card overseas it has always worked (probably 4 or 5 different countries too!)  My bank debit card (Visa affiliation) also works overseas but I have to pay the ATM charges on it.  

Remember to notify your bank or credit union that you will be using their card overseas or the withdrawal may be denied because they suspect fraud!  Oh yeah, besides no fees at all with the CU, the interest I get on deposits is a little more than what my bank accounts pay!

Good luck.

Answer 3

I don't even use debit cards in the states anymore. It's a lot easier to get your money back from a credit card company when there are unauthorized charges on it.

But anyways if you do get a card make sure you let the bank know that you will be using it in Thailand. That's important.

Also make sure you know what the daily withdrawal limit is.

If you use a credit card with ATM machines you will be charged a small fee. Credit card companies charge a fee for this service depending on the amount you withdraw.

The best way to change money in my opinion is to go to a bank or foreign exchange booth with your credit card and passport and they will give you cash.

If you ever have trouble with an ATM machine in Thailand it will take forever to figure it out.....and it does happen...not often but it does.

I would bring cash, credit card and some American express checks if you like.

Scan all your paperwork including passport, credit card, checks and ticket if you don't have an e-ticket.

Email it to yourself......if you ever need it....you can retrieve it anywhere.

Have a safe trip.

Answer 4

People have told me the WAMU Mastercard is the best you can sign up for an account online.  You can also wire transfer money to Thailand for free.

http://www.wamu.com/personal/default.asp