Hi, could anyone tell me if i will be able to use my Visa Electron in Thailand? if yes, everywhere? Thanks.?

Question

I am going there in March and would like to use my card instead of bringing cash. Please let me know! Thank you very much!

Answer 1

I live here in Thailand, and I use my Visa card just about anywhere. However, I don't know if you are aware that because of a big surge in the value of the baht, and Thailand's subsequent attempt to control the baht, they have switched to a two-tiered currency exchange system. They have now what they call an off-shore rate and an on-shore rate, the off-shore rate was about 33.4 baht to the dollar compared to an on-shore rate of about 35.7 baht to the dollar last I checked. Credit cards will be subject to the off-shore rate plus any service charges as well as foreign currency exchange charges by the bank your Visa card is associated with. You could be looking at a 7-9% difference as opposed to bringing cash or traveler's cheques.
If you don't mind carrying cash, it's the best way to go, I believe that traveler's cheques cashed here will get the on-shore rate as well, but there is usually a service charge to cash them. There is talk of a convergence of the two rates in the long term, but for now, I would use cash, and bring the Visa for back-up. Sorry to tell you the bad news and have a good trip.
VERY SORRY! I think I may be wrong about the off-shore rate being used for credit-card transactions in Thailand. I was just checking my statement online, and for a recent purchase, the on-shore rate was the rate I was given through an American bank. Probablly best to call your bank to verify the rate. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Answer 2

Wow! I can't believe the answers so far. I live and work in Thailand. Visa electron is typically accepted everywhere they accept visa. The restaurants and retailers who accept Visa also accept Visa electron. I have never had a problem with my information being stolen. Even in the off chance that it is, you are protected under your card agreement and are not liable for any purchases you did not make or authorize.

Answer 3

Yes, you can use Visa Electron in most of the ATM machine; i.e. for Siam Commercial Bank, UOB Thailand, KBank, and Bangkok Bank. At point of sell, there are smaller number that accept it, but surely in big department store and convenience store like 7&11 you can.

Answer 4

Everywhere including millions of ATM's--of course you get Thai Baht from ATM's but it's easy to learn and you often get better prices. Not a problem. One thing to be aware of is that in many foreign countries ATM's only accept a 4 digit password so you might want to change yours before you leave home so you don't have a problem.

Answer 5

You can use the card anywhere visa is accepted. Be warned that many businesses will charge you an additional 3-5% for the privelige...

Answer 6

Hi you can use it at most of the shops there. Should not be a problem.

Only local wholesale supermart like Makro, which works on membership and local bank cards, will be a problem. Otherwise, your card is good anywhere else.

Bring your ATM card for cash if necessary.

Answer 7

Yes Yes Yes
I use my visa electron all places here. Both in banks and ATM's

Answer 8

Yes definitely, what i know is UOB thailand electron visa gives you the best exchanging currency so far. ;)

But be careful of fraud.

Answer 9

yeah i normally take my switch and my credit card will convert it to baht while your there though, so your bank may charge you for converting

however i would mention to your bank first that you are going, as my friend went and he drew out 10000 baht and they blocked him after that, as a lot or fraud goes on, best to be safe

hope that helps

Answer 10

yeaa u should be able to but find out from your bank just to make sure you dont wana get their and be stuck for cash... the other option if to take travellers cheques