FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - ATM surcharges on cards issued by non-Thailand banks (THB150-220 per transaction)

Jul 30, 2009 | 4:32 pm

#97

Yaatri

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Join Date: Jan 2002

Posts: 22,778

Quote:

Originally Posted by snic

"The fees are in line with those charged worldwide, and also in line with the higher operating cost carried by local banks."

That is simply not the case. I don't think I've ever been charged a fee by the ATM's owner when I withdraw money in Europe from my American account. My bank here charges $5 for foreign ATM transactions, which means that with the 150 THB surcharge, I'm paying $9+ to make withdrawals in Thailand!

To hell with all of these banks. I'm going to bring traveler's checks, which are free through my bank. Even if the exchange rate is slightly higher, it's unlikely to amount to $9 extra per transaction.

Actually, it makes more sense for a Thai bank to charge for an ATM withdrawal when you use a Thai ATM. IT's advancing you money until your bank settles with the Bank that owns the ATM. It's the $4 or $5 by your ban that's gouging. The bank that advances the money has legitimate reason to charge you.

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