Expenditure in Thailand

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raptor3624

raptor3624

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I've heard from friends that usage of credit card in Thailand, is not advisable. Is that true? Apparently the credit card info gets siphoned off easily in Thailand.
It's also said that people who use credit card there return to India and block their cards and re-issue it just in case? How true is all of this?
Should the expenditure be only through the thai currency that we've exhanged for?
 
Most Thai sellers will prefer cash. They themselves will ask you to not use your credit card as both you and the seller will have to pay 2-3% on top of the selling price.

One word of advice, when in Thailand know that MRP means nothing. Bargain like the cheap ass Indian that you are. ;)
 
to add ... kinda make a note of the budget n carry bhat from india ... u can always talk to the currency exchange guys to return it back @ rate you bought it for

and also incase you need to swipe your card in thailand , once u are back immediately ask for a new card and block the existing one ... little hassle but safe this way
 
+1 .. icici called up my gf and gave her a new card just coz she used it there.. its better to have bhat on you cuz even if u widraw from atms they charge u tax on it, so it turns out the same as swiping in a store.. just carry bhat with u.
 
err.. i have used my CC various times in bangkok, at TV stores, clothes stores, never had any issues..
 
I almost did not use my CC in Thailand but that was not because of fear but i avoid using Indian CC at international vendors unless there is no choice. Also i had local current baht in sufficient amount as most of the booking like flight and hotel were already done sitting in India.
 
See... now that is exactly I heard too. But what is the reason?Is it really that unsafe?
@deXter,
You mean that even if I go to a genuine store which gives out the product with warranty, I gotta bargain like the cheap Indian I am?:)
 
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^^Absolutely do that. Also, a useful tip, take US dollars from here and convert over there. A few well known banks give excellent dollar-baht rates. You'll lose money if you convert and take baht from here.
 
oh.. ok. I've read about Cash exchange counters being available in plenty in Thailand. Am I supposed to go there? Or the place at the airport?

Dollars?so I gotta exchange rupees into dollars and then convert them into baht there? Good value?
 
Yes, plenty of them in Thailand. But stick to the banks, and they have plenty of forex counters all over, just to be on the safe side. They too give excellent rates.

Rs. -> $ (in India, whoever gives best rates)
$ -> Baht (in Thailand, whoever gives best rates)

Keep converting $ to baht as and when required.
 
raptor3624 said:
I've heard from friends that usage of credit card in Thailand, is not advisable. Is that true? Apparently the credit card info gets siphoned off easily in Thailand.
It's also said that people who use credit card there return to India and block their cards and re-issue it just in case? How true is all of this?
Should the expenditure be only through the thai currency that we've exhanged for?
Click to expand...

True, most card cos themselves change the cards.

Also, for changing $ to THB, visit two or three different brands of moneychangers. They have different rates. Never do this at the airport, rates are much higher.
 
I think it was Siam Commercial Bank and TMB Bank that I've had good experiences with. There's also another bank that has a branch near the food stalls section at Chatuchak Weekend Market. That gave me the best rate.

Also, dont miss out on Chatuchak Weekend Market on Saturdays. Lovely vibe.
 
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