Choice of currencies when using a foreign debit card in Thailand

[orientalist]

When I have used my UK debit card at a hospital in Bangkok they said their machine was giving me a choice of baht or pounds. So which should I choose to ensure the conversation to pounds takes place at the Thai end?

[TheAppletons]

Always choose to be charged in the local currency.....in this case, Thai baht. If you choose pounds, you'll get a much worse exchange rate.

Edit to add: This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion. Google that to obtain further information, if needed.

Edited March 7, 2016 by TheAppletons

[lopburi3]

As said all local payments should be made in baht. That "offer" was "DCC" and would provide a very poor rate of exchange and suspect your home bank would still charge as an overseas transaction and take there normal usage fee. A total rip off for customer but a money maker for banks.

[orientalist]

Thanks. I have occasionally used the card for other purchases (I think one was tickets from ThaiTicketMajor) but there was no choice of currencies. Any idea why? Would it only apply above a certain amount, for example?

[lopburi3]

It applies by the bank being used and the company making charge - some banks do not try to force this onto customers and some business owners will automatically not use. But some others like the short term profit.