Best way to access cash overseas

[JohnK]

I use a mixture of cash and credit cards for cash overseas. It all depends on where you go.

Places like Thailand now charge ~$7 for cash withdrawals from ATMs and you will more than likely get a much better rate at exchange booths. Same goes for Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia etc.

 

[Warks]

Regarding marketing materials from Wizard, I saw this in the T&C.

Direct marketing opt-out
If you do not want to receive direct marketing information about other products or services, you may call 1300 552 079.

I note they want information about your employer, as I'm self-employed (but only for the last 10 months) I was wondering about how much they want to know. Will work my way through it.

 

[Fifa]

Places like Thailand now charge ~$7 for cash withdrawals from ATMs and you will more than likely get a much better rate at exchange booths. Same goes for Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia etc.

Wow - we are going on a cruise departing from Bangkok and visiting Singapore as well as other ports on its way to Sydney. I was planning on using my Wizard card to withdraw cash at ATMs as I have done in many other countries.

Now I'll have to rethink my plan. Maybe just take cash and change it over there?

Of course I can still pay for hotels, tours, cruise incidentals (US$) etc on the card so all is not lost!

 

[RB]

Wow - we are going on a cruise departing from Bangkok and visiting Singapore as well as other ports on its way to Sydney. I was planning on using my Wizard card to withdraw cash at ATMs as I have done in many other countries.

Now I'll have to rethink my plan. Maybe just take cash and change it over there?

Of course I can still pay for hotels, tours, cruise incidentals (US$) etc on the card so all is not lost!

I am not sure that the $7 John is mentioning is actually for the Wizard card- could be wrong though

 

[serfty]

I am not sure that the $7 John is mentioning is actually for the Wizard card- could be wrong though

... 'tis all non-Thai credit/debit cards. They are subject to 150 Baht surcharge on ATM withdrawals. Press release from the Thai Bankers' Assocation (all of the major Thai banks are members).

 

[odysseus]

Actually, the 100 points in these situations is no longer a legal requirement and has not been since the end of 2007.
See here:

... Changes to identification requirements under the AML/CTF laws

Interesting, though a lot of other entities still apply that check.

 

[JohnK]

I am not sure that the $7 John is mentioning is actually for the Wizard card- could be wrong though

All foreign ATM cards although with current exchange rates the 150 baht fee is somewhere between A$5-6.

Also note if wanting a printed receipt some ATMs charge 20 baht for the privilege....

 

[Warks]

I just applied online and was approved instantly. Goes to show. Self-employed and all with another couple of cards with a total credit limit of over $30 000. Don't run a debt on the cards though, pay them off every month and never go close to the credit limits. Also have a small mortgage.

But maybe a dog would get approved. Who knows?

 

[kelix]

ANZ Travel Card <-- anyone tried these?? comments?

 

[serfty]

ANZ Travel Card <-- anyone tried these?? comments?

There's little enough comment here:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/general-credit-card-discussion/anz-travel-card-15216.html

You do pay ANZ forex rates, currency conversion fees etc. when obtaining/topping up. It's similar to travelex's travel money.

I would not go near it personally.

 

[Travel Guru]

I just applied online and was approved instantly. Goes to show. Self-employed and all with another couple of cards with a total credit limit of over $30 000. Don't run a debt on the cards though, pay them off every month and never go close to the credit limits. Also have a small mortgage.

But maybe a dog would get approved. Who knows?

I just did the same, if it'll give me free access to my cash overseas with a good forex rate then I want one.

Though can't help you on the question of whether a dog would get approved, i'm not one, but GE aren't known for knocking too many back...anyway, look fwd to getting it now, won't help for the trip next week to Vegas, but might do for the Europe trip in Sept.

TG

 

[Cocitus23]

I had a bad experience trying to access cash or credit in Paris last month. I have a Commonwealth Bank Platinum Mastercard, which was rejected at numerous merchants during my first four days there with the message "Credit refused by your bank." Likewise when I tried to withdraw cash using my CBA Key Card, for four days I received the message "Your withdrawal limit for today has been reached." I had informed the bank before I travelled that I was going to France. My accounts were in good standing. Since returning, I have complained to the bank and their Mastercard people tell me that they cannot explain it, and infer that they don't believe me or else that it is in some way my fault (I've never had trouble before, and I didn't do anything different.) Their Key Card people have acknowledged receiving my complaint and have promised to investigate it, but so far no word. I guess they are just contempalting how they are determined to be different!!
Luckily, my travelling companion had cards from a different bank which were accepted with no hassle.

 

[Diesellife]

I had a bad experience trying to access cash or credit in Paris last month. I have a Commonwealth Bank Platinum Mastercard, which was rejected at numerous merchants during my first four days there with the message "Credit refused by your bank." Likewise when I tried to withdraw cash using my CBA Key Card, for four days I received the message "Your withdrawal limit for today has been reached.".........

Does your platinum card link to your saving?
In major Europe countries, those ATMs do not allow you to withdraw funds from other accounts. And some machines will randomly make up some decline messages for that reason. (E.g. Daily withdrawal limit, insufficient fund etc)

You should have no problem so long your credit card does not attach to your saving. Therefore, in Europe...it's much easier to use one card, one account.

 

[ellen10]

WE are going to Franc and the UK.
I have a Visa debit card though our credit union (actually 2 cards 2 different credit unions). I am hoping this will be ok for withdrawing cash. Apart from taking some Euros with us initially this was to be my means of obtaining cash. Do you think this is a risk.

We will also have Earth Plat and Visa credit cards.

 

[Diesellife]

Is your debit cards have chip in them?? - For UK.
Otherwise, try to take out some money once you arrived. At least that way you will know whether your card works and avoid unnecessary late minute problem.

 

[serfty]

... I have a Visa debit card though our credit union (actually 2 cards 2 different credit unions). I am hoping this will be ok for withdrawing cash. Apart from taking some Euros with us initially this was to be my means of obtaining cash. Do you think this is a risk. ...

Do check how much they charge for Forex transactions.

There may be an ATM fee as well as a currency conversion fee.

 

[ellen10]

Yes the debit cards have a chip in them. I will contact the providers before I go and check that they can be used overseas.
I have heard that people often have problems in France.

Yes I will try early on to withdraw money, just in case, a good idea.