USA Travelers, tourists...heads up using US VISA cards with all Thailand Companies, BE PREPARED!

[grin]

I've used my Chase Bank Visa everywhere with no problems and the great thing is Chase no longer has a foreign

transaction fee on international charges.... saves me a lot of money + I get frequent flier miles for every $

Just be sure to make the charge in Thai baht not US dollars and you get the best exchange rate as well.

Which Chase card do you have that has no foreign transaction fee? I was aware that the Sapphire card and some co-branded travel cards did not have these fees. All of my Chase cards still charge a foreign transaction fee. It would be nice to find more cards that don't have this fee.

In regards to FATCA and the supposed demise of the US Dollar on July 1:

On a recent flight I spoke with a gentleman who works with the Bank of Thailand. I asked him about FATCA and Thai banking compliance and he was of the opinion that it was not a big deal. It seems like none of the banks are opting out of reporting and not only that they will not have to report directly to the US IRS. They will be reporting to some Thai authority that they already report to and this entity or some another government entity will then aggregate these reports and send them to the IRS.

Grin

Interesting, thanks.

On the first part, check out the Banking thread where you'll find relevant suggestions for cards sans FTF. I've been using Capital One here, no FT Fee and an OK Rewards plan.

I'm pretty much a regular on the banking threads. Thanks to a recent thread I now have a PenFed account. Soon I will have one of their credit cards as well.

For no foreign transaction fee cards I use a Capital One Signature Visa Card and a Citi Premier Thank You Mastercard. I use the Citi Card more often because Citi supports direct connect in Quicken so I don't have to download all of my credit card purchases like I have to with Capital One. I was just hoping that one of my Chase Visa cards was converting to no foreign transaction fees since Chase also supports direct connect in Quicken. That way I would have both a Visa card and a Mastercard that would be easy to use with Quicken. Unfortunately PenFed also does not support Quicken direct connect.

Grin

Sorry for the multilevel quote, thought I was just quoting the last post.

[kimbathewhitelion]

Actually OZ, your post wasn't too bad in a sea of tin foil hat brigaders who never let a good crisis, real or imagined, go to waste.

Never the less, be on the lookout for a full staff of IRS agents assigned to Bangkok. They are watching. And waiting.

Another, excuse me (omitted), person who didn't read the OP! Never even mentioned the US Gov (only the US). Used the "US" in reference to the FATCA Law or VISA as in debit/credit cards. Never even broached anything in regards to the IRS. I did quote another member off the Banking Forum & did credit his member name.

So another reason justifiable to not give a blanket apology. NO ONE EVER READS thoroughly through the OP! They (many of you) just pick out a few words & then just make up the rest.

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[thailiketoo]

Actually OZ, your post wasn't too bad in a sea of tin foil hat brigaders who never let a good crisis, real or imagined, go to waste.

Never the less, be on the lookout for a full staff of IRS agents assigned to Bangkok. They are watching. And waiting.

Another, excuse me (omitted), person who didn't read the OP! Never even mentioned the US Gov (only the US). Used the "US" in reference to the FATCA Law or VISA as in debit/credit cards. Never even broached anything in regards to the IRS. I did quote another member off the Banking Forum & did credit his member name.

So another reason justifiable to not give a blanket apology. NO ONE EVER READS thoroughly through the OP! They (many of you) just pick out a few words & then just make up the rest.

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Aussie eh?

[kimbathewhitelion]

Isn't it great that a certain nation has a very low passport per population ratio.

The op and his abusive replies does nothing but show a bad reflection on him.

And not the first time may I add"..........

It's only abusive if you're really that sensitive or your stuck in stubborn set of values. Otherwise it's appropriate when you or me are being insulting, To reply as it was dealt. Have to guess you probably only see my replies but too lazy to go back through all the previous threads to see why it came to that point in exchange. It's just really annoying when so many people here, twist or spin off your words or discussions into something completely different. Adding or making stuff up & then attacking you for it.

I'm guessing I seriously hurt your feelings at some point, well, I assume you're an adult, reply in kind.

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[55Jay]

Actually OZ, your post wasn't too bad in a sea of tin foil hat brigaders who never let a good crisis, real or imagined, go to waste.

Never the less, be on the lookout for a full staff of IRS agents assigned to Bangkok. They are watching. And waiting.

Another, excuse me (omitted), person who didn't read the OP! Never even mentioned the US Gov (only the US). Used the "US" in reference to the FATCA Law or VISA as in debit/credit cards. Never even broached anything in regards to the IRS. I did quote another member off the Banking Forum & did credit his member name.

So another reason justifiable to not give a blanket apology. NO ONE EVER READS thoroughly through the OP! They (many of you) just pick out a few words & then just make up the rest.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

I don't want an apology. That's just silly. Sure I read your OP. Twice.

When you start a post with "Think this maybe a repercussion from the new US FATCA law/enforcement"

Then go on to quote JingThing who, god bless him, can come up with some real wringing content along these lines, reasonable people will call you out.

BTW, the ref to the IRS agents in BKK was from post # 35, not really about you. You can see the type of rubbish your post attracted. Like bugs to a fluorescent light.

Anyway, glad you are getting your card sorted out. Good luck.

[GinBoy2]

I use my BoA, Bank of The West, and etrade ATM/Credit Cards all the time without any problem. In point of fact i seem to have more issues using my SCB credit card. Not really sure what problem the OP is trying to address

[ericthai]

Correction & Apologizes to Tourists for the hasty post. Members, well, too many Trolls to sort thru.

I 'higher up' representative called me last night from the East Coast HQ. Apparently previous information provided by the lower-end representatives were incomplete. This was just happening to me, at some point (probably just before April) my overseas status was removed from my account. Though the ATM was working all Credit Transactions were blocked. Still wasn't explained why they were blocked before leaving Thailand thus no records with the US Bank & also doesn't explain why it was only happening in Thailand. But the Rep said he reapplied the overseas status & everything should be fine now. Haven't tried yet. But letting it go just the same.

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Sorry, retract "Trolls" and replace with "only those Idiots members who don't read the OP & just post irrelevant information"

If there is an Admin around, please close the post.

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You should not call members idiots because they did not ready through the entire thread before making a comment. Allot of us work during the day so only read posts later and post a comment before reading through 3-4 pages. calling someone like me an "idiot" because I posted before I read the complete post is wrong. I dont always have time to read all the pages which most of the time is dribble bickering between members. I think another apology is due.

No apology for someone implying I said something that I didn't or that I don't know how to travel outside my own country. But if I did travel so far without informing my bank, ATM access would also be blocked. I would get a message at the ATM display advising me to contact my bank. But to be polite, I will agree to retract that term, "Idiots" and replace it with "mis-informed, slow, forgetful or just lazy".

Otherwise, apology to the tourists, but as far as most members, they're already well informed enough to read & then shrug it off. What's left is as you say, many bickering members (irrelevant) or people talking about something that is a non-discussion point to the OP (like you, no offense).

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Your ATM can still work but with a limited amount with your Visa being blocked. My post said that my ATM works in Thailand but my visa does not because my bank sees Thailand as a high risk. Go check my post again. Where did I say you said something that you didn't? Also, forum rules say no name calling so you are breaking forum rules. This is suppose to be an informative forum.

[kimbathewhitelion]

Correction & Apologizes to Tourists for the hasty post. Members, well, too many Trolls to sort thru.

I 'higher up' representative called me last night from the East Coast HQ. Apparently previous information provided by the lower-end representatives were incomplete. This was just happening to me, at some point (probably just before April) my overseas status was removed from my account. Though the ATM was working all Credit Transactions were blocked. Still wasn't explained why they were blocked before leaving Thailand thus no records with the US Bank & also doesn't explain why it was only happening in Thailand. But the Rep said he reapplied the overseas status & everything should be fine now. Haven't tried yet. But letting it go just the same.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Sorry, retract "Trolls" and replace with "only those Idiots members who don't read the OP & just post irrelevant information"

If there is an Admin around, please close the post.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

You should not call members idiots because they did not ready through the entire thread before making a comment. Allot of us work during the day so only read posts later and post a comment before reading through 3-4 pages. calling someone like me an "idiot" because I posted before I read the complete post is wrong. I dont always have time to read all the pages which most of the time is dribble bickering between members. I think another apology is due.

No apology for someone implying I said something that I didn't or that I don't know how to travel outside my own country. But if I did travel so far without informing my bank, ATM access would also be blocked. I would get a message at the ATM display advising me to contact my bank. But to be polite, I will agree to retract that term, "Idiots" and replace it with "mis-informed, slow, forgetful or just lazy".

Otherwise, apology to the tourists, but as far as most members, they're already well informed enough to read & then shrug it off. What's left is as you say, many bickering members (irrelevant) or people talking about something that is a non-discussion point to the OP (like you, no offense).

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Your ATM can still work but with a limited amount with your Visa being blocked. My post said that my ATM works in Thailand but my visa does not because my bank sees Thailand as a high risk. Go check my post again. Where did I say you said something that you didn't? Also, forum rules say no name calling so you are breaking forum rules. This is suppose to be an informative forum.

"Ericthai", you just got caught up in the carnage dealing with that old bird, NancyL. The point was this discussion wasn't anything about ATM, Transfers or really if you read the OP, even about US banks or the US Gov. Words due come into play, but merely reference not to the least effect a discussion point. Initially a "being careful" suggestion was posted that travelers shouldn't just rely primarily on credit cards, should always have ATM access (should also be less fees). Just a caution note regardless the situation but outside the OP.

With my B of A account, I have both an ATM & Visa Debit. That was a concern before, now I can just transfer the money when in a pinch.

My main reproach with you was, "I really think it's your bank" & "As always anyone traveling needs to contact their credit card companies and let them know they are traveling, where and when..standard practice." But the last I let go due to the bird.

With the OP, the transactions never got past the Thai Banks, there was no record whatsoever with the US Banks, either by phone representative (HQ Branch or home Branch) or online banking. No alerts on the account period, absolutely pristine! And NO explanation why only Thailand was singled out. Been here short of a year and it just started happening this month.

I'm part of a large credit union that stated no issue with Thailand. Was confirmed by HQ, once I setup my (forms & verified) TH account, I can "SWIFT" transfer $50,000 in a couple days for only $20 with no "other" or "hidden" fees. Thailand is not a risk country for them, but they do have a few plants here.

Definitely Thai banks. Hope you see my frustration. Done with this topic.

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[NancyL]

Good point about the forum rules and "no name calling" why is it that oz893 has specifically singled me out as "that old bird NancyL" and said he could see "those little white spittle clumps forming at the corners of your mouth." I can't see where he singled out any of the male contributors to the thread for similar treatment. Actually, I thought my contributions were quite thoughtful. I even did some research on his behalf, what with buying movie tickets on line for the first time, just to show it could be done with my U.S. issued credit card. (Noah wasn't that good; wish I'd seen Captain America instead. It would have been more in keeping with the theme of this thread!)

[Carmine6]

1st off checked with my US Bank(s) & there's no holds/pending/insufficient funds/blocks or any problems on the US side. Actually, with all declined charges (many times buying from the Thai International Markets or Tesco/Lotus or any of the large shopping centers), including tests I did for just 500-1000 baht charges, the US Bank(s) reported there was NO history of such transactions.

Somewhat similar to this, I've tried to top up my True H sim card to keep it alive through their website. It goes to a Kasikorn payment hub, where it will even pop up a Verified by Visa sign in for a card that I've tried. I have tried 3 different cards and none of them has gone through, including a Mastercard.

So I called the credit card companies, and they had no record of the attempts to make the charge. The Kasikorn website said declined, please contact your bank, or something along those lines.

They ask for quite a bit of information on the website including which country the card issuer is located, then after selecting US, it has a pull down off all US banks in there, so there's no way to mistype which bank. Also asks for the cvv code.

However, I did try this last year and just recently. So the first effort was far in advance of FATCA. There clearly is something on the Thai end that prevented the charge from even being attempted. One time I even put a travel notification on a card before trying it, and that made no difference. It didn't even show up as an attempt.

You need to get yourself set up with a "Verified by Visa" password. I can't remember exactly how I did it. I think when you see this sign-in screen you're given the option to click on a link that tells you how to do obtain a Verified by Visa password. As I recall, I called my credit union, the financial institution which issued the card and they explained it to me. The credit card company -- the number on the back of the card -- was no help at all. Of course they'd have no record of an attempt to make the charge; it was never made. My memory of this is a little fuzzy, I did it a couple years ago. It was a PITA at the time, but once I got it resolved, the websites that use the Kasikorn payment hub, and the Verified by Visa routine aren't a problem.

Again, nothing whatsoever to do with FATCA. It's just another security measure in place.

I have many accounts. Two have verified by visa on them and I have used it before online without problem. I did not activate it for others. Just have to go to the verfied by visa website, type in the account number and other info, and it's set up.

For True H, it does not matter whether or not I use a card with verified by visa security. Mastercard and others that I have not set up for verified by visa do not work. I've even tried cards that charge a 3% fee for an international transaction and those don't work either. Something at Kasikorn is just not even attempting the transaction as they're not showing up as attempts at my credit card companies.

[ericthai]

Good point about the forum rules and "no name calling" why is it that oz893 has specifically singled me out as "that old bird NancyL" and said he could see "those little white spittle clumps forming at the corners of your mouth." I can't see where he singled out any of the male contributors to the thread for similar treatment. Actually, I thought my contributions were quite thoughtful. I even did some research on his behalf, what with buying movie tickets on line for the first time, just to show it could be done with my U.S. issued credit card. (Noah wasn't that good; wish I'd seen Captain America instead. It would have been more in keeping with the theme of this thread!)

@Nancy, Dont know why. I agree you provided good information. The OP (Oz893) took everything personal. He is upset because I said about standard practice to let your banks know. Guess he don't realize that when someone is posting it's not just for them but for others viewing the post too. Allot of people coming to Thailand for the first time check forums doesn't matter where they are going they will check forums related to that country to be informed. Sometimes they are first time travelers. One of these days he will realize this. I see your posts from time to time on TV and believe you provide good info, so don't worry about him.

Edited April 21, 2014 by ericthai

[kimbathewhitelion]

Good point about the forum rules and "no name calling" why is it that oz893 has specifically singled me out as "that old bird NancyL" and said he could see "those little white spittle clumps forming at the corners of your mouth." I can't see where he singled out any of the male contributors to the thread for similar treatment. Actually, I thought my contributions were quite thoughtful. I even did some research on his behalf, what with buying movie tickets on line for the first time, just to show it could be done with my U.S. issued credit card. (Noah wasn't that good; wish I'd seen Captain America instead. It would have been more in keeping with the theme of this thread!)

@Nancy, Dont know why. I agree you provided good information. The OP (Oz893) took everything personal. He is upset because I said about standard practice to let your banks know. Guess he don't realize that when someone is posting it's not just for them but for others viewing the post too. Allot of people coming to Thailand for the first time check forums doesn't matter where they are going they will check forums related to that country to be informed. Sometimes they are first time travelers. One of these days he will realize this. I see your posts from time to time on TV and believe you provide good info, so don't worry about him.

Why would she, forums are for general discussion & free minds...freedom of speech. Educated in whichever areas or just experiences of various values. Most information travelers can pick up anywhere. People relying strictly on TV are not people whom should be traveling without chaperones. There was once, before blogs, forums, websites...something called, "Traveling and broadening your mind".

Though your expression of pure insecurity in order to save face, is quite funny. )

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[d1gromet]

had this problem , my card was cut off form drawing cash. at first was told they did not know why.. Then was told that because of fraud in Thailand, but could call bank and get approvals for one day withdraw. Then on one of my calls to get a one day withdraw. the man said my card had been approved until the expiration date. so I now have no more problems. Just have to talk to the right person at your bank.

[schnazzy]

I have recently used my USA bank (real) visa card at a retailer and a cash advance in a Bangkok Bank branch. No issues. Also, just took a trip and paid for the tickets with thai airline.

In regard to "new regulations"... there have been a series of regs that the US is pushing on foreign banks and leveraging international monetary sanctions that the US can use. This has to do with US citizens and FOREIGN accounts. Meaning, if you have an account with a foreign bank. Not if you go traveling with your USA visa.

[NancyL]

I have recently used my USA bank (real) visa card at a retailer and a cash advance in a Bangkok Bank branch. No issues. Also, just took a trip and paid for the tickets with thai airline.

In regard to "new regulations"... there have been a series of regs that the US is pushing on foreign banks and leveraging international monetary sanctions that the US can use. This has to do with US citizens and FOREIGN accounts. Meaning, if you have an account with a foreign bank. Not if you go traveling with your USA visa.

Schnazzy, you are Sooo right! The new regs have absolutely nothing to do with our ability to use our VISA cards overseas. Unfortunately, the OP and all his little conspiracy theory buddies chose to see the evil hand of Uncle Sam in a simple denial of service because he had failed to inform his credit card company that he was traveling in Thailand. All the sudden it was a story for Fox News, right up there with that racist squatter on federal lands with his illegal cattle. Oh wait a minute -- the wind's out of the sails of that story too, isn't it?

[thailiketoo]

I have recently used my USA bank (real) visa card at a retailer and a cash advance in a Bangkok Bank branch. No issues. Also, just took a trip and paid for the tickets with thai airline.

In regard to "new regulations"... there have been a series of regs that the US is pushing on foreign banks and leveraging international monetary sanctions that the US can use. This has to do with US citizens and FOREIGN accounts. Meaning, if you have an account with a foreign bank. Not if you go traveling with your USA visa.

Schnazzy, you are Sooo right! The new regs have absolutely nothing to do with our ability to use our VISA cards overseas. Unfortunately, the OP and all his little conspiracy theory buddies chose to see the evil hand of Uncle Sam in a simple denial of service because he had failed to inform his credit card company that he was traveling in Thailand. All the sudden it was a story for Fox News, right up there with that racist squatter on federal lands with his illegal cattle. Oh wait a minute -- the wind's out of the sails of that story too, isn't it?

No that one still has legs, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-nevada-range-war-20140425,0,6194816.story#axzz2zxChd6BH

Ask Harry he's up for re election in 2016 and he's a goner.

But I think you are correct about the credit card issue.

Edited April 26, 2014 by thailiketoo

[Loptr]

I wonder if the OP notified his US bank that he was traveling outside the country and needed his cards to work while away? This has been a requirement for many banks for a long, long time. It is to prevent fraud,,, You don't notify the bank, your cards no worky.

[55Jay]

I wonder if the OP notified his US bank that he was traveling outside the country and needed his cards to work while away? This has been a requirement for many banks for a long, long time. It is to prevent fraud,,, You don't notify the bank, your cards no worky.

He's said it's fixed now, or getting fixed, but this thread persists.