Japan has been on our list, connected through NRT a couple times, but haven't left the airport yet. Talking about a ski trip there maybe next winter. Headed to Guatemala and Belize in in May and then either June/July we will do Vietnam and have to spend at least a week-10 days in Pattaya before coming home:D.

I just do not care for WS at all. WS is usually very crowded and I am not a fan of that many people in one place. I do not want to sound racist, but all the Russians on that end of town really annoy us. I have met some nice Russians do not get me wrong, but most we prefer to avoid. They seldom ever make it down to Made in Thailand beer bars, which is one reason we love that area and they all have free pool tables

Card declines
 

I understand the annoyance, but pertaining to large transactions I think it's absurd to link it personally to your image or well being. Anyone should know that your bank might deny a $1000 transaction at a grocery or drug store simply because it's 'unusual'


Personally I have a 'backup' card that has pretty good benefits anywhere I use it. That way I can go ahead and complete my transaction and get a great deal on miles rather than cash back.

(Primary: WF. Backup: USBankCC)

Vietnam is cool - see Hanoi and also don't miss the opportunity to cruise Haiphong Bay.

Not too impressed with Belize, but Guatemala has many interesting ruins.

Indeed WS had a lot of Russians when we were last there in January. Been to Moscow and people were friendly but Russia ain't getting any more money from over this way.

I think you need to up the dosage for OP though

To the OP,

Credit available on the credit card is not 'your money'

It is the credit card company's money. They choose to protect themselves and you from fraud. Their choice.

Don't like it? Dump the card, use a different card or carry cash.

Chip and PIN (which we have here) does not stop the declines from happening on large transactions, although it does reduce it a lot. It is not the golden ticket.

I score your rant a 2/10.

Beg to disagree - our taxpayer money had to bail out the credit card issuing banks, so it is our money! Just ask Citi about whether they recently got to pay out more to their shareholders.:p

Not necessary here, but remember, don't skip doses baby. It matters. ;)

Who says I'm referring to credit? This can and has happened to people with debit POS and ATM pull. You intend to tell people that's not their money? Good luck with that.

And I rate your response a -2/10. I guess that makes it infinitely bad.

I agree with that but the point is that decline really pertains to insufficient funds or an account in bad standing. I really feel there should be a "3rd way" for potentially fraudulent transactions to be verified in situ.

Oh good baby, you remember what they told you to show em at the pharmacy counter. You can live independent now! ;)