ATMs when visiting?
#16
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
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I had an ATM card for a couple of years in the mid-1970s, but not since. The problem was that I'd withdraw or deposit money but then forget to write it in my checkbook register. Every so often I'd have to stop using the account to let everything clear so I'd know how much money I had.
90+% of my checks are from me to me, swapping money from one account to another in a faster way than ACH online debit (my credit union has instant availability for deposited funds, very convenient if I have to tap an emergency fund or an "envelope budget" I've set aside- bills, travel, college fund, fun money, etc.).
I've probably written less than 10 physical checks not involving from me, to me in the past two years (online billpay that generates a check is different).
As such I don't bounce checks (that I don't write) and I know roughly what I have to spend in my "envelopes" (pretty precisely if I go online and check balances). That plus online account access + budgeting software and you don't bounce checks or overspend.
So for me, ATM cards are fine for "well, it's Thailand, I'll need some cash". I've usually already set aside the travel budget for cash I expect to spend into the correct account/"envelope" that has no-fee ATM withdrawals.
Last edited by eponymous_coward; Jan 31, 2017 at 1:20 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
I have an irrational fear of having an ATM problem while abroad: losing a card, using a fake ATM or having my PIN stolen. In my mind, someone will access and drain my account. We left my mom's bank account open after she passed away. Prior to leaving the country, I put money into that account and use that ATM card. We still have a card in her name, which gives me a second card to have with me. If something happens, I'll only temporarily lose my spending money, not the money I use to pay bills or my cushion. Plus: She banked with BOA, which saves me the fee.
Yes, I know something could just as easily happen in the US, but my fear is only for when I'm out of the country.
One more thing I learned the hard way... check your daily withdrawal limit before traveling. My limit was $750/day. When in Thailand, I tried to take out 20k baht and was denied. I tried 15k. Same thing. 10k. Same. At this point, I was in a complete panic, thinking something happened. I ran back to the hotel and checked my balance online. There was more than enough money. Still in a panic, I Skyped the bank. Turns out, I had not taken more than $200/day out of an ATM in a long time, so the bank had lowered my daily limit without notice. They put the limit back to $750 immediately, but now I check before traveling. While I do not take out much cash when in the US, I tend to take out larger amounts while traveling.
#18
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
Having an account which reimburses fees is probably not an available option for most people. The first choice in this case appears to be to take the card into the branch and withdraw at the counter. Same Visa/MC rate and no fee.
#19
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Obviously you have to utilize a bank branch which is open and queue (bring your passport; plan to spend a bit of time), they may or may not require that you have an account with them as well, they may or may not charge their standard ATM fee, they may or may not offer DCC only - I'm pretty sure SCB is in this category, they may or may not collect an interchange fee. The staff may or may not be capable of successfully executing your request. Your home bank may or may not apply an interbank or international fee. They may or may not re-direct you to their ATM machine.
If you've had success it might be good to share the exact bank, branch/location and additional details?
There are a few other hacks that people have said work: some people do a cash advance (at the counter with no fee) and then immediately, on-line cover those funds before any interest is applied. If you miss a day or two the interest might still only be $1.00.
#20
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
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My flight was delayed and arrived at BKK around midnight. Many of the ATM's at the airport had signs that they are closed from 11pm to 5am (or maybe it was 6am?)
That said, I still found a working ATM. I took out 10,000 which mostly lasted me the whole trip. I did take out 2,000 from an ATM in my hotel lobby the day before i left and had just a few hundred left at the end.
I use a credit union, which gives some of the best exchange rates out there, and reimburses any bank fees.
That said, I still found a working ATM. I took out 10,000 which mostly lasted me the whole trip. I did take out 2,000 from an ATM in my hotel lobby the day before i left and had just a few hundred left at the end.
I use a credit union, which gives some of the best exchange rates out there, and reimburses any bank fees.
#21
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
When checking out of the hotel, I put aside a little bit more than I'll need for the taxi to the airport and put the rest towards the hotel bill. That's the best exchange rate. Yes, I lose some Marriott points by not paying for everything on the card, but it beats taking a hit converting the money back to US currency. I try to leave enough to get to the hotel on the next trip to avoid paying excess fees at the airport. I've got a drawer full of currency from Europe, Canada, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. I've had neighbors email me asking for currency and they bring back about the same amount after returning.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
My flight was delayed and arrived at BKK around midnight. Many of the ATM's at the airport had signs that they are closed from 11pm to 5am (or maybe it was 6am?)
That said, I still found a working ATM. I took out 10,000 which mostly lasted me the whole trip. I did take out 2,000 from an ATM in my hotel lobby the day before i left and had just a few hundred left at the end.
I use a credit union, which gives some of the best exchange rates out there, and reimburses any bank fees.
That said, I still found a working ATM. I took out 10,000 which mostly lasted me the whole trip. I did take out 2,000 from an ATM in my hotel lobby the day before i left and had just a few hundred left at the end.
I use a credit union, which gives some of the best exchange rates out there, and reimburses any bank fees.
I guess I would be surprised if SCB and TMB ATMs were regularly "closed" each day for 6 - 7 hours? Perhaps one or more ATMs was temporarily out of cash? Or this was a one-day occurrence - SCB did just recently close their network overnight for an update?
Typically the ATM card's network (VISA, MC, etc.) sets the rate, rather than your credit union.
#23
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What I use to exchange, and have never had a problem, not once, is bills in good condition, nothing more, nothing less. And this is based upon a sizable exchange, multiple times, on a yearly basis - mostly at Superich (green).
#24
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
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I'm personally not interested in having to deal with bank personnel in a foreign country (and possible language barriers) every single time I want cash, so I choose options where I can use ATMs and not pay penalties outside the USA. I suppose other people have different standards of what is convenient.
Last edited by eponymous_coward; Feb 1, 2017 at 6:57 am
#26
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA *G 1MM LT United Club & Global Entry
Posts: 2,756
If your aim is traveling to Myanmar than I agree, but for exchange in Thailand pristine condition bills are totally overkill.
What I use to exchange, and have never had a problem, not once, is bills in good condition, nothing more, nothing less. And this is based upon a sizable exchange, multiple times, on a yearly basis - mostly at Superich (green).
What I use to exchange, and have never had a problem, not once, is bills in good condition, nothing more, nothing less. And this is based upon a sizable exchange, multiple times, on a yearly basis - mostly at Superich (green).
One more thing I learned the hard way... check your daily withdrawal limit before traveling. My limit was $750/day. When in Thailand, I tried to take out 20k baht and was denied. I tried 15k. Same thing. 10k. Same. At this point, I was in a complete panic, thinking something happened. I ran back to the hotel and checked my balance online. There was more than enough money. Still in a panic, I Skyped the bank. Turns out, I had not taken more than $200/day out of an ATM in a long time, so the bank had lowered my daily limit without notice. They put the limit back to $750 immediately, but now I check before traveling. While I do not take out much cash when in the US, I tend to take out larger amounts while traveling.
SL
#27
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
(Un)fortunately not, as I opened a local account a couple of years ago as my visits increased in frequency and the effects of the charges increased. I now do a combination of bringing cash and international transfer in advance.
#28
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
I thought these accounts were primarily available in the USA only, with a smattering of credit unions elsewhere. Without US residency or a workaround then obtaining one is just not possible for most, unless I'm missing a trick here?
#29
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATM_usage_fees
#30
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
"Having an account which reimburses fees is probably not an available option for most people."
but you seemed to disagree and indicate it was not insurmountable.