I am going for a few days to Singapore and Malaysia, I am thinking to bring with me also the debit card connected to my saving account at SIam Commercial Bank.

 

I asked SCB about commissions and exchange rates but they have been quite nebulous.

 

Has anybody direct experience of using this debit card abroad ?

You might want to check out the Planet SCB card. 

 

https://www.scb.co.th/content/dam/scb/personal-banking/product-sales-sheet/prepaid-cards/planet-en.pdf

 

I got them for my children when they traveled overseas. It can be topped up in foreign currency at any time using the SCB app at reasonably favorable rates. It also provides a level of security in that it does not expose your bank account balance in case the card number is compromised.

Most of the banks in Thailand issue cards that works internationally. However, you might need to tell your bank to unlock if not open for such transactions. The bank, should also have a list of countries their cards are working in.

5 hours ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

You might want to check out the Planet SCB card

Very interesting, thanks, also if MYR is not included in the 13 currencies of this card.

5 hours ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

You might want to check out the Planet SCB card. 

+1 for the Planet Card, especially for international travel.

 

Very easy to get, you can apply within the app, I think I received it in a few days.

 

Once you have the card/account you manage it from within the app. Exchange rate is Visa, also supports tap&go (Visa PayWave).

 

Many eons ago I tried using both SCB and Kasikorn debit cards outside of thailand to answer the same question. SCB had a net 3.5% international usage charge and Kasikorn was about 2.5%. Nowadays I try to use Wise with local currency spend which is usually just 0.6% for the FX conversation and thats it. 

1 hour ago, khunjake said:

Nowadays I try to use Wise

The Wise debit card also looks interesting for those who often travel abroad.

 

Unfortunately it is not available for every country of residence