For cost efficiency can a foreign Visa Card be replaced by a domestic charge card? For charges of minor domestic service fees?

It depends......

 

If you have a work permit and a job, I think the Thai banks will give you a "charge card" which I assume is a credit card.  If you don't have a job you can still get a credit card but only if it is tied to a bank account.  The card's outstanding balance will not be allowed to be greater than the balance in the account.  There will be no bank fees for making purchases using this credit card, however some merchants may charge a higher price if you pay with the credit card.

 

Another alternative is using a debit card from a Thai bank.  It's very simple to set up and use.  The only fee is an annual fee of up to about 200-300 ฿.  You can only spend the balance that is in the account.

 

A foreign Visa card will work in many stores but there will be some that don't accept them.  Also, your foreign bank will often add a 1-3% fee for purchases outside your home country.  Generally Visa's exchange rate is slightly lower than the rate offered by the better exchange outlets.

 

 

Go to a bank and ask about a prepaid visa card.   Open an account with 100,000 baht and get a card with 100,000 baht limit.  Each time you use it, the level drops.

 

Keep track of it on line.   And transfer money when it gets to whatever level at which you start feeling uncomfortable.  Want to buy airplane tickets for 300,000 baht, just pre-top up with 300,000 baht.  Then use the card, buy the tickets, and you back to your 100,000 limit again.

From what I understand, Thai banks would issue me only a "secure" charge card. As stated by a reply already given. So, I have maintained my US credit cards which are based on my credit history. I think I could "charge" close to a million baht on the cards.

If I want them as a safety measure, could several Visa cards issued at limit of 1000b each whatever for emergencies?