Anyone know where I can get a credit card in Bangkok without showing them my work permit? My company won't release a copy to me unless it's for visa/government purposes since they said "we payed for it" .

I urgently need a credit card (with international/online usage) so anyone who knows where I can pick one up, please let me know.

I am not sure about how Thai banks issue cards but cant you get a debit card that has a "Visa or Mastercard" symbol on it with a credit card number and use that as a credit card although it is not?  In the USA I use it all the time.  Thai banks do not offer this?

The work permit booklet is yours, not the employers!

You are supposed to have the work permit in your possession while working, thats the law! Bad pratice of some employers to hold on to the work permit!

You must present the work permit i original in order to apply for a Thai credit card. Same with Visa Electron Debit card(one bank, Bank of Asia, sometimes does issue them without requiring work permit).

I have a Visa Electron Card and I do not have a work permit.

I got it at the Thai Military Bank, only had to show my passport, but I did already have a savings account there.

I am not sure about how Thai banks issue cards but cant you get a debit card that has a "Visa or Mastercard" symbol on it with a credit card number and use that as a credit card although it is not?  In the USA I use it all the time.  Thai banks do not offer this?

This is not the case, I have cards from both BBL and SCB that one shows the Mastercard symbol and is clasified as a Charge Card, excepted everywhere, in Thailand and internationally. I Didnt need a work permit :cool:

pschef,

well, that's nice to know. I haven't checked with SCB yet, and I'm waiting on a reply from American Express (who I think are going to give me one).

I really only need to use it once, online, and it needs to be in my name.

Thanks for the info everyone.

If you want to use it online then make sure you do NOT get a visa electron as it will not work.

MrSam,

The Amex card - is it the credit card you're getting or the old charge card thingy. The reason I'm asking is I had the Charge card for years and no one seemed to take it in Thailand - even when they had the sign on their door!

You could allways apply for one of the 'put money in - Visa/Mastercard debit' cards that are advertised everywhere on the Net. You have to put the money in, but then you can use the card as a debit/credit card. Only as a last result though perhaps and watch out for the scams.

Very well put Wolf ### whatever, my card from SCB is just what you are talking about. It is not a credit card, as you say a direct Debit Card. Why do you have so many numbers after your name ??? Just interested.

Actually, pschef, I went to SCB and they're going to issue me a credit card. All it required was that I show my passport and put some money in the bank, but it is an actual credit card, not a direct debit one. The only condition is that I can't take the money out until I cancel the card, which is fine with me. I just need it for one thing then I'll probably cancel it anyway. They said it can also be used online or internationally (online being the thing I need).

Good luck with your credit card Mrsam, I dont like them myself. Find I spend too much money, the direct debit controls me more for some reason. ???  

Interesting subject anyway.

pschef,

Wolf .... Why do you have so many numbers after your name  Just interested.

the numbers are 'historic'. I was forced to on another forum years ago 'cos there where lots of people called wolf I suppose (?). Just kept it the same so I can remember that's all - Its actually my birthday 05 March 1970 (5370) - and no for the would be theifs out there I don't use it as my ATM pin!

Great way to remember I guess, you would be suprised how may Pschefs are around also.  

When I signed up for yahoo it came bouncing back, also hotmail. now I will add my birthday  18648 Thanks wolf :cool: