Purchasing phones & credit cards

[bubbles]

Is it possible to buy a mobile phone in Thailand on a non Thai credit card?

My understanding is you can't top up online with one, not sure about in shop.

[RichCor]

Don't know about in-shop device purchases.

I used to top up with a US-based CC all the time (that is, when the Mobile Provider website link worked correctly).

Prepaid refill/TopUp by Credit Card Websites: AIS (via e-service website) DTAC (irefill Refill Now) TRUEMOVE (TrueMoney Easy TopUp)

Have since switched to top-up using the local market. Much quicker.

[build6]

I've bought a phone from T G Fone with a foreign credit card. In fact they were equipped to issue me the VAT refund form as well (I'd guess not every T G Fone can do this but I'd hazard every one will accept a foreign credit card).

They're a very large operation from what I understand, and I've no complaints about them.

[Shurup]

Not an issue at all, bought many things on my Canadian CC including laptop computer and mobile phones. Large shops are pretty straight forward, smaller shops will tell you they charge 3% extra for CC purchase, so ask in advance. One of the shops told me they charge 3% and then 3% on top of that because my CC is Platinum, I laughed and walked out to the shop across from them and bought the same laptop I was looking at from them.

So always ask first.This goes for a CC payment for anything in Thailand really, not just electronics.

[Pib]

The last four phones I've bought in Thailand for the wife and I over the last 3 or 4 years have been bought on our U.S. credit cards (no foreign transaction fee cards) so I can get cash back rewards on the buys of a few percent (make the phone buy a little cheaper)....and the shops didn't charge extra...but many shops do charge extra and really prefer cash. Normally we buy from the larger shops versus hole in the wall shops.

[TPUBON]

Buying with a non Thai CC not a problem

Topping of with a non Thai CC, problem. I used to top off with AIS using a CC from the U.S. Then they went and changed things and now if you use a CC to top off, it has to be issued by a Thai bank. It tells you that on their web page. I called them and asked how I could top off a phone while in the U.S. They said get someone in Thailand to do it for me. Great customer service.

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