Paying with a PIN in Thailand and common mistakes
Paying with a PIN in Thailand and common mistakes
Paying by card in Thailand for tourists is relatively simple and comparable to the process in many other countries. In Thailand you will find automated teller machines (ATM) in many accessible places, such as in big cities, tourist areas, banks, shopping centers, supermarkets and airports. Many of these machines accept international debit and credit cards, allowing you to withdraw Thai Baht without much hassle.
An important aspect to take into account in Thailand is that with every... pin recording transaction costs are charged. This fee is usually around THB 220 per transaction. Therefore, it may be more beneficial to withdraw larger amounts at once to reduce these costs.
Follow the on-screen instructions, and don't forget to take your card with you after the transaction, as ATMs in Thailand will return the card after dispensing money.
Which Belgian and Dutch bank cards are accepted in Thailand?
In Thailand, a variety of debit cards are accepted at ATMs. As long as the ATM shows your card's logo, you can usually use it. The following cards are accepted at most ATMs in Thailand:
- American Express
- Visa and Visa Electron
- cirrus
- Union Pay
- Mastercard
- JCB
- Teacher
- ATM Pool
- More
- AEON
- MEPS
- UMAY+
This means that both Dutch and Belgian bank cards that fall under these networks, such as Maestro and Visa, are generally accepted in Thailand. For specific banks and cards, it is always advisable to check with your bank in advance whether your specific card can be used in Thailand without any problems.
Set your bank card to 'World'
If you travel to Thailand with a Dutch debit card, it is important to ensure that your card is set to 'world'. This means that the pass is activated for use outside Europe. A Dutch bank card is usually set for use within Europe for security reasons. Before you leave for Thailand, you can usually easily adjust this via your bank's online banking environment or mobile app. In some cases you may also need to contact your bank to change the setting. By setting your card to 'world', you prevent problems with pins or payments in Thailand. Don't forget to reset this setting after your trip if necessary for your safety.
If you have a credit card, it may also be useful to inform your credit card company that you are going to Asia. Sometimes transactions outside Europe are seen as suspicious, causing your credit card to be blocked for security reasons.
(Editorial credit: Yaoinlove / Shutterstock.com)
ATMs in Thailand
- Availability: ATMs are widespread in both urban and tourist areas in Thailand. You can find them at banks, shopping centers, and often near tourist attractions.
- Costs: Most Thai ATMs charge a fee for transactions with foreign cards. This fee may vary, but is usually THB 220 per transaction.
- Limits: There is often a withdrawal limit per transaction, which can vary depending on the bank, but is usually around THB 20.000.
- Withdrawal Without Conversion:
- This refers to choosing to carry out the transaction without exchange rate conversion by the Thai bank. In other words, you choose to have the transaction processed in the local currency (THB), and your own bank will determine the exchange rate.
- This is often cheaper because your own bank usually offers a better exchange rate than the Thai bank.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC):
- DCC is a service offered at ATMs and merchants that gives you the option to have the transaction processed in your home currency instead of the local currency.
- If you choose DCC, the exchange rate is set by the Thai bank or the merchant, which is often higher than the rates your own bank would charge.
- It is usually advisable to avoid DCC and opt for payments or withdrawals in the local currency.
In short, when using ATMs in Thailand it is usually better to opt for 'withdrawal without conversion' to benefit from better exchange rates offered by your own bank, and to avoid DCC where exchange rates are often less favorable.
ATM screen texts are in English
When using a payment terminal in Thailand, you may encounter the following English commands and options:
- Insert Your Card: Here you enter your payment card into the machine.
- Enter PIN: Enter your personal PIN code.
- Select Transaction: Choose the type of transaction, usually “Withdrawal” for cash withdrawal.
- Withdrawal: This option is for withdrawing money.
- Select Amount: Choose the amount you want to withdraw.
- Conversion/Currency Conversion: With this option you choose whether you have the currency conversion done by the Thai bank or by your own bank. It is often better to choose “Without Conversion” for a better exchange rate.
- Confirm: Confirm the transaction.
- Take Your Cash: Take the withdrawn money from the machine.
- Remove Your Card: Don't forget to get your card from the machine.
These commands are intended to make using the machine as simple and clear as possible for international visitors.
Paying with a PIN in Thailand and common mistakes
Thailand is a top destination for tourists, and using automated teller machines (ATMs) is part of the travel experience. Here are some common mistakes, and timely tips for using ATMs safely and efficiently in Thailand in 2024:
- Not aware of standard transaction costs: Most ATMs in Thailand charge a standard transaction fee of 220 THB (approximately EUR 6 or USD 6,50) per withdrawal. AEON Banks charge a lower rate of THB 150. so withdrawing small amounts via an ATM is relatively expensive. Therefore, withdraw a large amount.
- Not aware of bank charges: Travelers are often unaware of the additional fees their bank may charge for international transactions. This can lead to unexpected costs with every cash withdrawal.
- Not knowing the difference between 'withdrawal with conversion' or 'withdrawal without conversion': Always choose “Without Conversion” for a better exchange rate. If you are given the option for the exchange rate, choose “withdrawal without conversion”. This will give you a better exchange rate and can help you save on costs.
- Not knowing that in Thailand you first get the money and then your debit card: This often goes wrong because Thailand is one of the few countries in the world where you first get your money and then your return. In Belgium and the Netherlands it is exactly the other way around, which is why many tourists forget to take their bank card out of the ATM. Use the following steps to ensure you don't leave your card in the ATM:
-
- Enter your payment card.
- Enter your PIN code.
- Select “Change Language” and switch to English.
- Choose the amount you want to withdraw.
- Take your money and possibly a receipt.
- Don't forget to take your card with you, as ATMs in Thailand will return the card after the transaction.
What if something goes wrong?
It may happen that something goes wrong when using a debit card in Thailand. For example:
- Your pass isn't coming back.
- The card will be returned, but you will not receive any money (it may happen that the ATM is empty)
Take a photo of the ATM and write down the exact date and time of your withdrawal. Then contact both the Thai bank and your Dutch bank and report the problem. In almost all cases this will be corrected and compensated, so don't worry.
It is best to withdraw money in Thailand from ATMs of well-known banks such as:
- Kasikorn Bank (K Bank), with green ATMs
- Bangkok Bank, blue with orange ATMs
- Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), violet color
- Krungsri – Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), with yellow ATMs
It is therefore important to always have additional payment options with you, such as a credit card or a debit card from another bank in addition to your bank card.
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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This is all correct, but just a comment: it is best to withdraw money at the Krungsri {yellow machines}, there is often a better rate and you can withdraw 30.000 baht there.
Unless you agree to the - unfavorable - conversion, the rate is, I believe, determined by your bank in NL//BE?
Years ago, when I still had a European bank card and I had to withdraw a few larger amounts, the card was blocked by my bank at the time and I therefore had to contact my bank (by telephone).
I also missed a pass in the beginning, on a Friday evening of all days and the next Saturday I had to go to Suvarnabhumi in the morning. No way to get my card back anymore. I immediately called the bank and had the card blocked.
A month later I returned to Hua Hin and was able to collect my ticket.
A small additional note: pinning with a regular bank card is cheaper than pinning with a credit card
I have a Wise payment card. Are there any problems with pinning?
Paying by card with wise always costs money, at 20000 it was 573,85 baht, this includes the 220 for the machine
Was an emergency. I always transfer money to my girlfriend at a cost of 31,70 bat, and she can withdraw the amount from her bank free of charge. So saves 542,15 bath. I just deposit money to wise and if I think the rate is favorable I transfer it to my Thai account
If you use Wise, you must make sure that there are baht in your account because then you only pay 220 baht.
So if the exchange rate is favorable, convert baht into your account.
Wise does charge fees for debit card payments and this can be found in your account. People also sometimes want to charge interest when paying bills (it is almost impossible to see that it is a debit card). I refuse that and just walk away (0,3%) it is on the card under visa.
Moderator: You now realize that reader questions should be sent to the editor, right?
Paying by card is really not cheap. Recently a relatively large amount was withdrawn...costs 22 euros. So not recommended. Just take enough money with you, it will be cheaper.
How do you do that? If you had followed the story above, you wouldn't have had to. Recently withdrew 30.000. 30220 written off, rate 37,65. Bank charges total 220 baht and €11,40. I haven't seen a better rate for cash. I think that's not too bad for the total amount. 1,4% My boss can't pay me with such a percentage...
If you are staying in Thailand for a longer period of time, it is much more convenient to open an account with a Thai bank. I personally work with Bangkok Bank, which gives you a debit card that allows you to withdraw money from most ATMs without fees. You do not have to pay high amounts by debit card to save costs.
Peter, how do you do that, because I thought you couldn't get a bill as a tourist... I had a Thai bill myself, but it had expired when I got back to Thailand, I wanted to extend/replace it, but even that didn't work...
It was quite easy at the Bangkok bank. You have to sign the necessary papers, dozens of copies of your passport. Then after about 10 days I received a phone call that I could only pick it up. Pass is valid for approximately 6 years. You will receive a notification from ATM when it is about to expire. I recently received a new pass that is also valid for 6 years.
But if you transfer money from Europe to a Thai account, costs will also be charged. It is about half cheaper than if you pay by pin.
What also works well is to take cash (euros) with you and exchange it in the basement upon arrival at Bangkok airport. Where the train to the center also departs. You will get the best rate there. Please note, you are allowed to take a maximum of €10.000 with you to Thailand.
If you transfer money from the Netherlands to your Thai bank account via Wise, it is much cheaper than paying by debit card with your Dutch bank card.
If you take more cash with you, you run the risk of a high fine.
to Thailand as long as you report this to customs. You do not have to pay any costs for this. If you don't indicate it
Wiso, that is incorrect. First of all, you must already declare 10.000 euros, the limit is a maximum of 9.999 euros. But you can safely take more money with you as long as you declare it before passport control at the airport of departure and in some countries also on arrival. You can download the form online. Please note that it will be passed on to the tax authorities.
Bank card with V-pay is not accepted by every ATM. Fortunately, at Krungsri Bank
In addition to the 220 bath they charge here in Thailand, you also pay approximately €6,75 at your own bank in the Netherlands, so in total you spend €12-14 per debit card.
This is also stated in the article: Not aware of bank charges: Travelers are often unaware of the additional fees their bank may charge for international transactions. This can lead to unexpected costs with every cash withdrawal.
For someone who is staying in Thailand for a longer period and cannot store their cash safely, withdrawing money is often the only safe option.
You can keep your money in a hotel room safe, but most hotels have regulations in their safe that they are only responsible for a certain amount, for example 3 to 5000 Baht.
The incorrect idea that the entire contents of a room safe will be reimbursed in the event of theft is certainly not true in most cases.
For people who want to bear the risk for a normal holiday of 2 to 3 weeks, I personally think bringing cash in large notes is the most economical solution.
Affordable because you can save the PIN costs for each transaction (220 Baht), etc., and you also often get a better rate than at most ATMs.
I have had good experience with the exchance agency "Super Rich", which has its offices everywhere in Thailand, including in the basement of the BKK Airport.
You can download their app on your mobile and see exactly what their daily rate for the euro is.
If I compare this today with many ATMs of the well-known banks, which you can also find on the internet, the rate for 1 Euro is sometimes more than half a Baht lower than that of, for example, Super Rich.
If you exchange 1000 Euros, this means that with your PIN costs, which are already higher for an amount of 1000 Euros than the one-off PIN costs of 220 Baht for lower amounts, you already have at least 8 to 850 Baht more in your money purse.
The only disadvantage is that it can be lost in the event of theft or loss, but don't you also have this risk with money already withdrawn from an ATM?
There are about a dozen companies across the country with “Super Rich” in the name, and they have absolutely nothing to do with each other. In and around Bangkok, for example, there are three: the 'green' (Super Rich Thailand), the 'blue' (Grand Superrich) and the 'orange' (Super Rich 1965). Then there's Linda, Vasu and a bunch of others. The competition is strong, the prices are close to each other. Sometimes one is slightly better, sometimes the other.
If you prefer not to use your debit card but want to know more about exchanging money, the editors have written a piece with the title: Exchanging money in Thailand, read our tips
Personally, I use Super Rich in 2 places, namely at the BKK Airport, and at our place in Chiang Rai (near the Bus Station).
Usually check their App first, and then get exactly the rate it states.
I once forgot to take my debit card back from a K-Bank ATM.
The machine swallowed my card.
At the K-Bank branch I was told that they had destroyed my card.
That was the start of major money problems.
This happened to me too. Solution: be frugal with the money you received from the. Contact your bank asap and have it blocked. Request a new card (went smoothly at ING). Have the card sent to someone you trust (family perhaps), who will send your card to e.g. a post office in Thailand (registered etc. Costs approx. 25€). Within 10 days (incl. weekend days) I was able to pick up my new card at the post office in Bangkok. With tracking# you can see exactly where your card is. Activate the card and continue living resp. enjoying
I once had my Dutch bank card swallowed. Luckily it was at a branch and I walked in straight away. 2 ladies walked out with me, opened the ATM and took out my card. So neat. I have to say that I didn't notice it after some time. So perhaps a tip is to always use your debit card at an open bank branch if possible.
Useful and informative article.
At my regular ATM, it regularly happens that there are one or more bank cards on top of the ATM.
Busy busy busy also with the Thai.
If the ATM swallows it, that's the end of the exercise, I have sometimes understood.
I always print out my withdrawal/balance and use that receipt to slightly protect the magnetic stripe of the debit card so that it lasts longer in the wallet.
Kind of a thoughtless act so I never forget my pass.
Nowadays you can adjust your bank card to worldwide coverage via your bank's app (at least at ING). The card can then be used immediately at ING.
You can then make the adjustment when you have to withdraw so that you run less risk in the event of a loss.
Also withdrew money next to a factory just outside the center of Udonthani. I wanted to withdraw the maximum amount of 50.000 THB, but no money came out in a bundle, only a few notes, the rest remained stuck. I push my fingers in as far as possible to get all the bills out. I could no longer reach the last one and had to hold the flap up with my fingers so that it did not close, and with a stick I removed the rest until I had 50 notes of 1.000 THB, in the meantime someone came to see what I was doing with the machine! He said that this happened more often in this machine. Exciting but fortunately it ended well.
Suspect you mean 30k? Never seen an ATM/bank where you could withdraw 1k in one go. Well in 50 times of course.
Just be careful which ATM you use to withdraw money! I once had to withdraw 10k from a small ATM on Soi Buakhao (Pattaya).
Normally I always withdraw money at a bank (4th floor) in Central Festival Mall -which is also open on Sundays!- or at the banks Central Road.
I knew that! That little bitch kept rattling around, spitting out a receipt...but no money. And straight to “Temporary Out of Service”! It was a Krungsri machine, so I went into the branch in CFM.
I had a copy of my passport, Wise Card and the receipt made and got my money back a week and a half later.
So I will never, ever use those types of machines again!
Best regards,
I have 2 ing passes.
1 with maestro and 1 with vpay
The card with vpay on it does not work in Thailand.
It is advisable for people to use the ing card with vpay
to be replaced at your bank with maestro..
I don't know if this is the case with other banks
I borrowed money in Chiang Mai a few years ago. I was counting my money and my card was quickly withdrawn. So keep a close eye on this! Fortunately, the bank employee was cooperative and after consultation with the manager and proof of my bank app, I got my debit card back. So pay attention! Debit card, take your money, then your card and then count
I understand that someone as a tourist has to pay with a physical debit card. But I don't understand why users of a Thai bank still do that. I myself have a BKB app and no debit card because the app has a QR code option for “debit card payment”. My wife has an account with SCB, which was recently closed. She was no longer given a debit card, but the bank employee walked outside with her and showed her how to use the app to withdraw money from the ATM via QR code. Why difficult when it can be easy?
I'll try that later. But you will still need your debit card for travel abroad. I mean: when I go on holiday to Malaysia again, I can use my card to pay. Don't think the phone is working yet. Would be useful. However, you need (mobile) internet to do that. And not everyone has that either.
I assume that almost everyone has a smartphone and mobile internet. In Thailand the costs are minimal. But indeed, there are those who only continue to bank online and with a passbook and update this booklet at the bank once a month. Everyone has their own taste. There are also those who correspond with their homeland authorities, while this can all be done digitally via an app, online. For example, I came across someone who sent his life certificate to the Netherlands by post, and did not know that he could upload this proof to the SVB by scanning. He had heard of it, but had been doing this for years. Here too, everyone has their own preference.
Depending on the bank, e.g. BKB, the app generates a QR code. In the app you press the 'cardless cash' button and have the ATM scanned. At SCB bv you press the 'cardless cash' button in the app, but then a QR code appears on the ATM screen that you then scan with your mobile phone. In Thailand too, various methods and systems must first be developed in order to jointly switch to one and the same method in a few years.
As for Malaysia: a physical debit card can always be requested from the bank for 300ThB per year.
Many people think that the bank provides a debit card for free, but that is not the case. Good luck!
Well, I just did it. Worked well.
I can leave my bank card at home. That's how slowly I pay for everything with my phone. Whether it's the tires for my car or the cat food I bought today. And you can immediately see whether I need to send some money to my Wise account again.
Times are changing and I'm fine with it that way.
However, when I am abroad, I still need that pass.