9 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

Hang on,

 

We are already getting the exchange rate imposed on us by the banks for using foreign cards with whatever currency, before we start with the charges.

The banks do not set the exchange rate you get through debit/credit card used for foreign purchases or ATM withdrawals.  VISA and MasterCard (or whatever card company processes the transaction) set the exchange rates.

https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/travel-support/exchange-rate-calculator.html

https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert-currency.html

 

7 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

The banks do not set the exchange rate you get through debit/credit card used for foreign purchases or ATM withdrawals

This is generally true.

But I learned (to my surprise), that - at least in my home-country - the banks can set this exchange rate, if they want to. And one of them actually does this,  the exchange rate on their Visa card is 10% wprse than the rate from Visa.

7 hours ago, Lorry said:

This is generally true.

But I learned (to my surprise), that - at least in my home-country - the banks can set this exchange rate, if they want to. And one of them actually does this,  the exchange rate on their Visa card is 10% wprse than the rate from Visa.

You may be referring to the rate you get from an ATM after you have chosen to have the withdrawal amount denominated in your home currency.  Of course the ATM will only dispense the local currency but the ATM owner determines the exchange rate in that case.  I think that is called Dynamic Conversion.

 

You should never choose to have the withdrawal amount denominated in your home currency.

17 hours ago, sandyf said:

That is not the point, the banks are allowing local currency to be taken from a foreign account, they are providing a service.

The fact that Thai banks charge more for that service than banks in other countries is irrelevant. You either want the service at that price or you don't. You should not forget that the Thai baht is still a controlled currency.

In Cambodia they have separate ATM's, you can only get USD from a foreign account, not the local currency.

 

No,

 

I get BOTH USD and local currency because I have a USD account with a Cambodian bank, and it gives the option of withdrawing USD or Cambodian Riel.

 

Anyway, that as maybe, I won't be doing it any more in Thailand with these rates of exchange and that's it.

17 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

The banks do not set the exchange rate you get through debit/credit card used for foreign purchases or ATM withdrawals.  VISA and MasterCard (or whatever card company processes the transaction) set the exchange rates.

https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/travel-support/exchange-rate-calculator.html

https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert-currency.html

 

 

I'll check on that.

 

AFAIK, Banks can set their rates of exchange in our home countries.

 

However, as I stated in another post, I just won't be bothering using foreign cards art ATMs in Thailand any more.

 

I used my Cambodian card yesterday at Lotus to purchase goods and that was a reasonable rate with no additional fees.

17 hours ago, sandyf said:

That is not the point, the banks are allowing local currency to be taken from a foreign account, they are providing a service.

The fact that Thai banks charge more for that service than banks in other countries is irrelevant. You either want the service at that price or you don't. You should not forget that the Thai baht is still a controlled currency.

In Cambodia they have separate ATM's, you can only get USD from a foreign account, not the local currency.

 

They say Thai banks are charging some of the highest rates in the world for this service.

On 7/1/2025 at 11:02 AM, ThreeCardMonte said:

So sorry about your paper bag.

 

If you need 30 baht, let me know.

 

I need 30 baht, how will you get it to me?

On 7/1/2025 at 9:27 AM, mrmicbkktxl said:

Bring Sri Bank just 10 minutes ago.Othet banks will follow?

I assume you have an issue with this? Do you expect the bank to do this forex for free? The bank is a business and needs to generate profit and it needs to pay Visa a commission. But when alls said and done if you withdrew 30,000 baht then the 250 baht fee is a measly 0.8%.

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

 

They say Thai banks are charging some of the highest rates in the world for this service.

Whose "They" exactly?

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

 

I'll check on that.

 

AFAIK, Banks can set their rates of exchange in our home countries.

 

However, as I stated in another post, I just won't be bothering using foreign cards art ATMs in Thailand any more.

 

I used my Cambodian card yesterday at Lotus to purchase goods and that was a reasonable rate with no additional fees.

Check all you want gamb00ler is 100% correct.

3 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

You may be referring to the rate you get from an ATM after you have chosen to have the withdrawal amount denominated in your home currency.

No.

That would be dynamic currency conversion, where the Thai bank determines the exchange rate ( not Visa or Mastercard).

 

What I am saying is the foreign bank can determine the exchange rate. 

I once had a card that used to use the Visa rate, then they changed their T&C and used their own rate, 10% worse. A very well known European bank. Customers didn't mind. 

I did mind.

4 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

No,

 

I get BOTH USD and local currency because I have a USD account with a Cambodian bank, and it gives the option of withdrawing USD or Cambodian Riel.

 

Anyway, that as maybe, I won't be doing it any more in Thailand with these rates of exchange and that's it.

Like everything else in life, your choice.

4 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

They say Thai banks are charging some of the highest rates in the world for this service.

But currency convesion much better than banks in other countries.

Bit much to expect the best of everything where you happen to be.

There was a time when you were only allowed to take £50 out of the UK.

4 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

because I have a USD account with a Cambodian bank,

A Cambodian bank in Cambodia, why not a Thai bank in Thailand?

Wouldn't be whinging over fees.

On 7/3/2025 at 6:47 PM, Magictoad said:

I still don't understand why people are using their home country bank card in Thailand.  It's so expensive 😫. It's easier and cheaper to open a Thai bank account.  And that helps with your visa! What am I missing?

 

Actually, if you have the right home country bank, its NOT expensive at all... In fact, it can still be among the best way to access foreign funds here, and more economical than international wire  transfers..... if you have the correct setup with your home bank.

 

What's the correct setup:

 

1. a home country bank that charges NO foreign currency exchange fee on foreign  purchases or ATM withdrawls, meaning you get the full regular VISA or MC networks rates.

 

2. a home country bank that fully reimburses you for other banks' foreign ATM  charges incurred when using their card,  whether those are from a different bank in your home country or a foreign bank when abroad.

 

3. a home country bank that allows you to make up to $1000 USD in daily ATM withdrawals from their card, meaning you can take advantage of the maximum 30,000 THB withdrawals allowed by Thai Krungsri and TMB ATM machines.

 

 

But, yes, on the other hand,  if your home country bank only allows maximum $500 ATM withdrawals per day, charges you a 3% foreign currency fee on all foreign ATM withdrawals and POS purchases, and does NOT reimburse you for the Thai banks' 250b ATM withdrawal fee for using a foreign card,.... indeed, that's getting screwed.

 

 

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

A Cambodian bank in Cambodia, why not a Thai bank in Thailand?

Wouldn't be whinging over fees.

 

Hey Listen,

 

You don't have to read what I write, just skim past it if it's not of interest.

 

What I do know is 250 baht is a ridiculous charge for using a foreign card, except you are the one droning on and on, not me.

 

I've already said, I don't agree with the charge, I won't be using the facility in the future.

 

If I want to whinge about a 250 baht charge, I will.

 

The UK charges nothing.

 

Drum roll........................... Well, why don't you go back to UK, blah, blah, blah.

 

END OF.

 

 

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

Like everything else in life, your choice.

 

Exactly, my choice, why you feel the need to extend the thread and keep blabbing on, when I have said already, I will exercise that choice in the future.

4 hours ago, Cardano said:

Whose "They" exactly?

 

Wise and others.

 

Here's the search:-

 

Yes,

 

Wise, like most international card providers, considers ATM fees in Thailand to be excessive, particularly the fixed fee charged by Thai banks for using foreign cards.

 

While Wise offers competitive exchange rates and low transaction fees for currency conversion, the standard 220 THB ATM fee per withdrawal in Thailand is a significant cost, especially for smaller withdrawals. 

 

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

 

 

Thanks for posting those clips above... Yes, Thailand has long been one of the most expensive ATM fee countries in the world.... in terms of the ATM fees assessed against foreign cards.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what was the source of the charts you posted above? Do you have a weblink for them?  Also, be interested to know the timing of them, since they reference AEON ATMs....  and someone above mentioned AEON has withdrawn their ATMs in Thailand.

 

On 7/3/2025 at 6:47 PM, Magictoad said:

I still don't understand why people are using their home country bank card in Thailand.  It's so expensive 😫. It's easier and cheaper to open a Thai bank account.  And that helps with your visa! What am I missing?

Many people say 'it's so expensive' but many people also know better.  It's not so difficult to get a credit card or debit card with no foreign transaction fees (at least in USA).  The exchange rate offered by Visa/MasterCard is usually better than that offered by Thai banks.  At this moment Bangkok bank gives 32.18 and Visa gives 32.23 per US$.  To escape the 250 ฿ at the ATM, go to a teller @ Krungsri bank and get a cash advance up to 150K ฿.  Free for MasterCard holders and 200 ฿ for Visa cards.  The icing on this cake is that you can also get 4%+ on savings in USA vs typical .25% in Thailand (1.5% at SCB EZ account).

1 hour ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

 

Thanks for posting those clips above... Yes, Thailand has long been one of the most expensive ATM fee countries in the world.... in terms of the ATM fees assessed against foreign cards.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what was the source of the charts you posted above? Do you have a weblink for them?  Also, be interested to know the timing of them, since they reference AEON ATMs....  and someone above mentioned AEON has withdrawn their ATMs in Thailand.

 

Here is the updated format, from mid 2025.

Source was through CHAT GPT.

🇹🇭 Thailand (2025 Update)

• Typical Fee: 220–250 THB (~$6–$6.80 USD)

• Status: Still among the highest in Southeast Asia.

• Aeon Note: As of early 2025, most Aeon ATMs in Thailand have been shut down or decommissioned, and the previously lower fee (150 THB) is no longer widely available.

• Bank Examples: Bangkok Bank, Krungsri, SCB, Kasikorn all charge 220–250 THB. The fee is per transaction regardless of amount.

• Fee Avoidance? Almost impossible unless using multi-currency cards like Wise or Revolut, and even then you're charged the ATM fee but may avoid poor exchange rates.

---

🇻🇳 Vietnam

• Typical Fee: 0–50,000 VND (~$0–$2 USD)

• 2025 Status: Still relatively low. Some ATMs (like TPBank or Agribank) are cheaper or even fee-free, but withdrawal limits (usually ~2–3 million VND per transaction) can result in multiple withdrawals.

---

🇰🇭 Cambodia

• Typical Fee: $4–$5

• 2025 Status: USD-based ATMs are convenient but expensive. Maybank and Canadia Bank are some of the more affordable options.

---

🇲🇾 Malaysia

• Typical Fee: $0–$1

• 2025 Status: Still the best in the region. Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank often don’t charge foreign fees, though your own bank might. Excellent for travellers using foreign debit cards.

---

🇮🇩 Indonesia

• Typical Fee: $1–$2

• 2025 Status: Moderately priced. Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Mandiri are widely used and reliable.

---

🇵🇭 Philippines

• Typical Fee: $2.50–$3.50

• 2025 Status: Common fees are 250–300 PHP per transaction. Limited withdrawal amounts (~10,000 PHP) mean you may be hit multiple times.

---

🇱🇦 Laos

• Typical Fee: $1–$2

• 2025 Status: Fees haven’t changed much. BCEL and ANZ Laos remain common options.

---

🇲🇲 Myanmar

• Typical Fee: $3–$5

• 2025 Status: ATM availability and connectivity still inconsistent. Bring backup cash if traveling there.

On 7/3/2025 at 1:47 PM, Magictoad said:

I still don't understand why people are using their home country bank card in Thailand.  It's so expensive 😫. It's easier and cheaper to open a Thai bank account.  And that helps with your visa! What am I missing?

yeah and get taxed if stay longer than 180days

17 minutes ago, mrmicbkktxl said:

yeah and get taxed if stay longer than 180days

I doubt that, as how does the ATM tell if you're a tax resident or a tourist 

 

One easy way for expats to skirt the tax, unless you need documentation of incoming funds.   I bring my pension in that way, as simply easier, not attempted to hide the funds, as minimal amount with in 1 year.

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I doubt that, as how does the ATM tell if you're a tax resident or a tourist 

 

One easy way for expats to skirt the tax, unless you need documentation of incoming funds.   I bring my pension in that way, as simply easier, not attempted to hide the funds, as minimal amount with in 1 year.

If i send money to my thai bank tax office will see it if  I send 40k per month I will be taxed for 480k,if I send 100k I will be taxed for 1.2 Million baht.I need incomming funds to show to immigration every year to extend my stay

9 minutes ago, mrmicbkktxl said:

If i send money to my thai bank tax office will see it if  I send 40k per month I will be taxed for 480k,if I send 100k I will be taxed for 1.2 Million baht.I need incomming funds to show to immigration every year to extend my stay

TBH, I misunderstood the reply I quoted, as thought you were implying, besides ATM being expensive (it's free for me), you would get taxed also.

 

Although now reading this reply, I'm more confused, apparently not uncommon with me.

 

So you do use the transfer to bank method, to show incoming funds for visa extension, or are you asking about tax burden if doing.   

 

If asking, I can't answer as different for everyone.   Me, I'm tax exempt, per DTA, for retirement visa funds, transferred monthly to Thai bank.

Good lord.

 

250 Baht is more than 4 large bottles of Chang in the 7-11 with a toasted sandwich on the steps outside. 

29 minutes ago, Packer said:

Good lord.

 

250 Baht is more than 4 large bottles of Chang in the 7-11 with a toasted sandwich on the steps outside. 

Living the Dream ❤️

Was 220 Baht at SCB ATM yesterday in Phrom Phong EmQuartier mall.

On 7/9/2025 at 11:26 AM, Packer said:

Good lord.

 

250 Baht is more than 4 large bottles of Chang in the 7-11 with a toasted sandwich on the steps outside. 

 

And that's your food / shopping list and budget for the week, right??? 

 

j/k  😁