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What are the pros and cons of using a cash travel card versus a regular visa debit card for spending in Thailand?

Travel Cards Visa Debit Cards Cash Usage Foreign Exchange Wise (TransferWise)Currency Exchange in Thailand Banking Options for Expats ATMs in Thailand Credit Cards Revolut

Nov 7, 2021

3 years ago

Neville *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi what's the best option top up cash travel card or regular visa debit card

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion compares the use of cash travel cards and regular visa debit cards for transactions in Thailand. Many users recommend travel cards or dedicated debit cards like Wise (formerly TransferWise) for better exchange rates and lower fees. Others emphasize the importance of having a credit card for travel insurance and deposits, but also advocate for carrying cash for daily expenses. Users suggest a mix of both options, highlighting the benefits of wise currency conversions and minimal transaction fees.

Alain ***************

Wise card is a mastercard debit. You can use it like a prepaid "credit card". I use it to pay for grab, foodpanda, lazada and even phone and Internet bills

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Leslie *******

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Ray ********

Thanks for the heads up!

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Martin ********

With the Wise card you can buy baht when the rate is favourable and then let it sit until you need it. Since it is in baht already, no more conversion. The Wise rates are good and fees low. Not sure what kind of fees you would encounter at an ATM, but I would use this card for flights and rooms and bring cash to convert for day to day.

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David *******

Get thai bank account use wise to transfer money out

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Wayne *********

Damn I like to take cash then exchange for better rate and no atm fee,s to withdraw:) so I must be

To the day robbet what ever that means

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Graham ********

Wise or revolut never prepaid

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Max *********

Wise and revolut!

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Paul *******

If you get the right credit card with good exchange rate cash back and of course pay off on correct date.

Works well

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Ruth *******

and no foreign transaction fee, of course

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Paul *******

absolutely with mine it’s better than me bringing cash and changing

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Ruth *******

Me too. I prefer to carry very little cash.

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Ruth *******

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Bob **********

Cash

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Niclas ***********

I use Wise (TransferWise) debit card for all spend in local currency. Credit card that include insurance for bookings / travel airfare that is costly. Some hotels want deposit which CC is very good for as well.

Most likely you can change 100 bills of USD for best rate unless you have local account to transfer to.

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Vernon ********

Curensea

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Hans *********

A Credit Card is for People the dont have much Money but like to live on great Feed!

Cash is for People the like Adventure and show - look I have Money - to the Day the robbet.

A Debitcard is between more and more the "normal Card" and also in Thaland wherever wellcome, protect you to spend Money you dont have and give you some Ways to pay.

So, little Cash and a Debit make the Days!

If you travel som Countrys, take as second a Travelcard.

Bangkok Bank

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Wannikea *********

I have never not paid off my credit card balance in full each month in decades. Those blood sucking banks will never see a penny in interest from me. And every six months they just up my credit limit like clockwork.

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Gary *********

Hans, you are silly for thinking credit cards are only for those with no money, that’s brilliant 😂 Also, using a cc abroad or anytime really, you are insured against theft, unlike a debit card, where they can actually clean your account out.

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Gary *********

I never use a debit card to pay for things. Credit card each time, paid off each month. Daft to use your debit, especially abroad when paying for restaurant bills, and bits of shopping. And to say a credit card is for those with no money.....come on now, don’t be silly !!

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Hans *********

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Hans *********

You can do what you want - you can think what you want! You a free People.

What you think why in the Country of Credit Cards (Amerika)the debit cards are on the rise?

A Tip:

Never call a People you dont know stupid it shows in the Moment how is stupid!

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Luciano ***********

who called you stupid ?

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Luciano ***********

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Luciano ***********

lmao a credit card is for people with not much money .

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Luciano ***********

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Mike *******

For living or visiting. Big difference

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Lisa ********************

Travel card. But I take both

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Lisa ********************

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