Getting cash from a credit card in Thailand?

[DutchCowboy]

Evening,
Quick question on the eve before departure. I dont have the pincode to my credit card, can I still use it inside the bank to withdraw money, i.e. through signature?
Also, will my normal maestro bank card work?
Cheers, DC

[katoeylover]

No, i think you need Pin numbers now, but could be wrong

[rxpharm]

Check your CC policy before using it to draw cash. North American CC will treat it as a cash advance and charge interest immediately instead of after the next due date.

Also many companies will not accept charges if you do not inform them you will be in Thailand, due to the high incidence of credit card fraud.

Much better to use your regular ATM card - however be careful the ATM you use has the flashing green light around the slot. Cases of skimming have happened (magnetic reader installed in the ATM slot to get your account information) and a reader to record your pin - your account is emptied later.

So be careful and aware while you're in LOS.

[DutchCowboy]

Thanks RX,
Ill look out for the ATMs with flashing green light.
Just checking , my regular ATM card is a Maestro, can I use it in LOS?
I am assuming I can use CC and sign off with signature in Hotels? Or do I have to use pin there too?
Thanks, DC

[rxpharm]

Maestro card will work in many ATMS, just look for the symbol. Credit card in hotel or shops with signature ok - no need for PIN. Just be sure your CC company knows dates you are in Thailand.

[DutchCowboy]

I was just reading a forum where i read several posts re. a regular bank card being blocked because of using ATM... how is this possible? and what is the best way I can go about ensuring my bankcard wont be blocked... thanks

[katoeylover]

Get the number of your Bank's fraud department, and call them the minute payments are stopped.

I have mine stored in my mobile. even asfter so many trips, they always stop my card when they see cash withdrawals in LOS

a quick phonecall to tell them its me gets it turned back on immediately

[great_shape]

is it safe to travel to Bankok now given whats happening with the current protests on the streets?

[Snick]

safe yes -- just avoid the idiots; and never wear a red or yellow shirt.
annoying - very. Obviously the airport is now closed, and traffic is a mess.

[daveduke007]

Never had a problem with my Capital One Card.
I pre-book and pay for my accomodation in with it each trip with the likes of Asiarooms.com so they probaly know Im going in advance  

[marshal]

A lot of hotels and shops are still accepting signatures for purchases, also restaurants!

[dummy_plug]

I've never had problems with credit or debit card in LOS, just be sure to use it at bank ATMs only and at reputable vendors (e.g. chain hotels and restaurants). Just be smart and you should be ok!

[lemontree26]

(DutchCowboy @ Nov. 25 2008,23:00) I am assuming I can use CC and sign off with signature in Hotels? Or do I have to use pin there?

I guess you live there high on mountain. Didn't know there were mountains in the Netherlands.

[thaibound]

(daveduke007 @ Nov. 26 2008,03:44) Never had a problem with my Capital One Card.
I pre-book and pay for my accomodation in with it each trip with the likes of Asiarooms.com so they probaly know Im going in advance  

just to show how uncertain things can be -- capital one is the only CC with which i have had trouble in the LOS.
they unexpectedly refused my charge as i sat online in koh samui trying to book my return to bkk -- and that took several *expensive* phone calls to correct -- and one week later they refused me again, as i stood in the lobby of the Majestic Grande in bkk
unfortunately, capital one is also the only CC i have found which charges NO foreign exchange fees! Amex and other Visa and MC cards charge from 1-3% on every transaction.
so if *anyone* knows *any* other CC that has no foreign exchange fees, i'd love to hear about it!

[daveduke007]

I actually tell a lie come to think of it.
On my last trip I went to pay for Flights from BKK to Lampang at PB Air's desk in BKK Airport and it was refused
I asked them to try again and fortunately it was then accepted