WARNING: YOUR ATM CARD MAY BE BLOCKED

[Sailfast 503]

After several years of using my Peoples Bank ATM card, last year Peoples Bank would not permit me to withdraw money in Thailand. This caused me a bit of stress, but Paypal came to the rescue. I transfered funds from Peoples to Paypal and withdrew funds from Paypal using Thailand ATMs.

 

This year I decided to call around to find a new bank that would permit me to withdraw funds in Thailand.

 

Most say that Thailand is on a list of "blocked" countries.

 

WARNING: Don't trust the idiot you are talking to. Make them get the list and read it off to you. Last year they told me everything would be fine, both on the phone and in person at my local branch. It was not fine.

 

75% of the banks I have called so far have told me that my ATM would work anyplace. I insisted that they read me the list, some tellers or call center idiots didn't even know that there was a list, and Thailand came up on those lists.

 

BEWARE

[frostfire 1,279]

Did they say why it was blocked in Thailand?

 

Mine was originally, but they were able to unlock it for Thailand with a simple phone call... and its worked fine since (but is having problems for 2 weeks now on a unrelated issue - at least I think unrelated lol)

 

Frosty

[joekicker 53]

Mine was originally, but they were able to unlock it for Thailand with a simple phone call... and its worked fine since (but is having problems for 2 weeks now on a unrelated issue - at least I think unrelated lol)

 

Starting to sound like you're going to have to get with the ATM machine people -- the bank. That will be a major project, I'm sure. I don't envy you that. Meanwhile, my wife's Bangkok Bank ATM card works like a champ in the US, no hiccoughs for several years, not a bit of a problem.

 

.

[Sailfast 503]

Did they say why it was blocked in Thailand?

 

Mine was originally, but they were able to unlock it for Thailand with a simple phone call... and its worked fine since (but is having problems for 2 weeks now on a unrelated issue - at least I think unrelated lol)

 

Frosty

 

Well sort of. Other countries on the lists included some like: Myanmar, Somalia, Cuba, Iran, etc.

 

I got answers that ranged from "fraud", to "terrorist watch list",s to "communism", to "I don't know".

 

I'm guessing the real answer is fraud protection, but, the under trained asshats on the line didn't really know so they made some shit up.

 

So your bank didn't do business in Thailand, but, they changed that just for you? Sorry, but I highly doubt that, probably more like they unblocked your account after they verified that it was really you who was making transactions.

 

I'm still calling Banks and Credit Unions in New England and it's not looking good. For the record, I'm trying to avoid HUGE banks like Bank Of America, etc. I don't like giving them my business.

[Sailfast 503]

And the hits just keep on coming.

 

The more I call the higher the % gets. Probably more like 90% of smaller banks have blocked Thailand.

 

The last bank I called also had the PI and Malaysia on the list of blocked countries.

[gimmble 144]

Hi Sailfast,

 

How do you withdraw money from an ATM with PAYPAL?

 

Thats got me interested because I have money in my PAYPAL account and always withdraw to my bank account.

 

cheers

Rodney

[Sailfast 503]

Hi Sailfast,

 

How do you withdraw money from an ATM with PAYPAL?

 

Thats got me interested because I have money in my PAYPAL account and always withdraw to my bank account.

 

cheers

Rodney

Order a Paypal ATM or debit card

[frostfire 1,279]

So your bank didn't do business in Thailand, but, they changed that just for you? Sorry, but I highly doubt that, probably more like they unblocked your account after they verified that it was really you who was making transactions.

 

No, not at all.

 

I think maybe you are getting bad info on what that list actually is. Its not a "We will never let you use ATM's in these countries" list, but rather a list that, if the country you visit is on it, you will need to contact your bank and let them know to unlock your card for that country, if you take my meaning.

 

Thats what it was for mine... When I first got here, my very first trip, my cards did not work. I called the bank and got the usual run around for about 5 minutes, but the debit card department (different number) told me that all will work now and how long will I need the card to work in Thailand... I told them forever lol, and she said ok, no problem... will note your account. From then on it has worked just fine.

 

I think EVERY debit card is restricted from certain countries by default, but that you can remove those restrictions with a simple phone call - so long as you get the right department of the bank - or the sub-contracted company that does debit card transactions, as it is with my bank.

 

Anyway - you may want to check on that, because I know for a fact that 90% percent of banks (by your calls) do not restrict Thailand - if that were the case people would be bitching up a storm on here.

 

Frosty

[Sailfast 503]

No, not at all.

 

I think maybe you are getting bad info on what that list actually is. Its not a "We will never let you use ATM's in these countries" list, but rather a list that, if the country you visit is on it, you will need to contact your bank and let them know to unlock your card for that country, if you take my meaning.

 

Not getting bad info and how could you possibly know what that list actually is? I'm not even telling them where I'm going, they are reading me the list over the phone. THEY are telling me that THEY will not do business in these countries.

 

Thats what it was for mine... When I first got here, my very first trip, my cards did not work. I called the bank and got the usual run around for about 5 minutes, but the debit card department (different number) told me that all will work now and how long will I need the card to work in Thailand... I told them forever lol, and she said ok, no problem... will note your account. From then on it has worked just fine.

 

That's because your bank would have shut down your card in any other country, Canada, UK, Mexico, etc., if you had not warned them of your travel plans.

 

I think EVERY debit card is restricted from certain countries by default, but that you can remove those restrictions with a simple phone call - so long as you get the right department of the bank - or the sub-contracted company that does debit card transactions, as it is with my bank.

 

Yes, North Korea, Cuba, etc are restricted "by default" it's called OFAC, and you won't get those restrictions removed with a phone call unless your last name happens to be Obama. SOME banks add to that list on their own. These are the banks that are restricting Thailand, PI, Malaysia, etc.

 

 

Anyway - you may want to check on that, because I know for a fact that 90% percent of banks (by your calls) do not restrict Thailand - if that were the case people would be bitching up a storm on here.

 

How could you possibly know what banks I have called prior to this post? Coming from the guy who's ATM won't work, that has to win the silly statement of the day award.

ANYWAY - what I'm telling you is that my bank did not restrict ATM use in Thailand until 2009, recent calls, as of today, are turning up some interesting information that I thought I would share with board members.

 

 

Frosty

 

Here is just a few of the banks I have called today that WILL NOT do business in Thailand;

Peoples Bank

Citizens Bank

Newport Federal Savings Bank

Chelsea Groton Bank

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union

Connecticut Community Credit Union

 

As I stated in my original post, these are NOT huge banks. My point, to other board members was to check with your local bank before you travel. And dig deep because I had to push to get answers in some cases.

 

I even called Bank Of America. They told me they will do business anywhere in the world. I pushed and got transfered to another asshat who told me the same thing. I asked if I could withdraw money in N. Korea and Burma and the idiot said sure, no problem. After 20 minutes on the phone I gave up. Now, Bank of America just might do business in Thailand, but their stupid answers would not make me feel very comfortable if they where my bank and I was going to Thailand for a month.

[sailingbill 1,034]

Got hit with this couple of years ago. Credit union said no problem when i called to let them know i would be in Thailand and Japan. Sure enough blocked. When i finally was able to talk with them. 'Use of card not allowed in Thailand".

They later rescinded this.

I opened a Thai account at SCB which seems to be the best backup.

Bill

[ServiceMan78 0]

Got hit with this couple of years ago. Credit union said no problem when i called to let them know i would be in Thailand and Japan. Sure enough blocked. When i finally was able to talk with them. 'Use of card not allowed in Thailand".

They later rescinded this.

I opened a Thai account at SCB which seems to be the best backup.

Bill

seems like that would be a good investment. i'm guessing it would be rather easy to open an account in thailand. not that i would think i would need one for only being there for 30 days.

[piglet_j 0]

all ozzie banks credit cards are ok in thailand but let the banks know you are going

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

B of A

 

Wells Fargo

 

Chase

 

All atm cards work. All I need do is inform them of my travel dates.

 

Tried and tested multiple trips.

 

I had one problem ever. I went onto online banking and transfered funds from one account to another and my card got blocked. An international phone call fixed the problem.

 

I also wire money in advance from Wells Fargo to Kasikorn and no problems.

 

Thailand is not on any US govt list of restrictions like Cuba or Iran or North Korea. If a bank chooses not to do business there it is simply a business decision.

 

One thing. I do not have the figures at hand but the exchange rate was lower and there was a 150 baht fee for my foreign atm cards. If you plan to go there a lot or stay for long periods, open an account in Thailand and wire money to it.

[yankee99 1]

All my banks work in thailand

 

regions

 

tdbank

 

BofA

 

TIB

 

Hsbc

 

i always call ahead with my itinerary.

 

My kasikorn card works like a champ in the usa

[lovedog100 1,372]

No, not at all.

 

I think maybe you are getting bad info on what that list actually is. Its not a "We will never let you use ATM's in these countries" list, but rather a list that, if the country you visit is on it, you will need to contact your bank and let them know to unlock your card for that country, if you take my meaning.

 

Thats what it was for mine... When I first got here, my very first trip, my cards did not work. I called the bank and got the usual run around for about 5 minutes, but the debit card department (different number) told me that all will work now and how long will I need the card to work in Thailand... I told them forever lol, and she said ok, no problem... will note your account. From then on it has worked just fine.

 

I think EVERY debit card is restricted from certain countries by default, but that you can remove those restrictions with a simple phone call - so long as you get the right department of the bank - or the sub-contracted company that does debit card transactions, as it is with my bank.

 

Anyway - you may want to check on that, because I know for a fact that 90% percent of banks (by your calls) do not restrict Thailand - if that were the case people would be bitching up a storm on here.

 

Frosty

 

I had two cards that would not work in Thailand last year. When I tried to make my first purchase the card companies called my contact number to see if the transactions were authorized. Of course, I was in Thailand, not home, and the cards were blocked. I called the banks and asked what the problem was. Thailand, like Ukraine, and Nigeria are high on the fraud list. Had I informed the bank of going to Thailand before going, the cards would have worked. As it was, over the phone worked, I just had to give them a Thailand contact number. They did call to confirm. Never had a problem after that.

[bigdelta 46]

What's the big deal?Open an HSBC account in person or online.

[agogogaran 0]

I had two cards that would not work in Thailand last year. When I tried to make my first purchase the card companies called my contact number to see if the transactions were authorized. Of course, I was in Thailand, not home, and the cards were blocked. I called the banks and asked what the problem was. Thailand, like Ukraine, and Nigeria are high on the fraud list. Had I informed the bank of going to Thailand before going, the cards would have worked. As it was, over the phone worked, I just had to give them a Thailand contact number. They did call to confirm. Never had a problem after that.

 

about the informing the bank thingy, i told my bank i was going to LOS on my holiday dates 21st of this month, and to put a note on my file that i will be using my card there.

 

i was told the system is automatic and more than likely be blocked even if they put a note on my account.

 

but they did give me an international freephone number to contact them if it did.

 

last year wasd the first time they blocked my card and a quick call swiftly sorted it out........natwest plc if your interested

[wetwillie 12]

B of A

 

Wells Fargo

 

Chase

 

All atm cards work. All I need do is inform them of my travel dates.

 

Tried and tested multiple trips.

 

I had one problem ever. I went onto online banking and transfered funds from one account to another and my card got blocked. An international phone call fixed the problem.

 

I also wire money in advance from Wells Fargo to Kasikorn and no problems.

 

Thailand is not on any US govt list of restrictions like Cuba or Iran or North Korea. If a bank chooses not to do business there it is simply a business decision.

 

One thing. I do not have the figures at hand but the exchange rate was lower and there was a 150 baht fee for my foreign atm cards. If you plan to go there a lot or stay for long periods, open an account in Thailand and wire money to it.

 

 

 

I informed Chase before I left and this morning I used my card for the first time since arriving. It worked fine but I did get the 150b. fee. No big surprise. I'm not sure what the exchange rate was.

[Sailfast 503]

Yes, it appears that most, if not all of the big banks will work fine.

It's the smaller banks that are the problem. Sadly, I do my business with smaller local banks (another topic, I know). I did find a small bank in my area that will work anyplace (except in OFAC countries).

[JONPAT 222]

Here is just a few of the banks I have called today that WILL NOT do business in Thailand;

Peoples Bank

Citizens Bank

Newport Federal Savings Bank

Chelsea Groton Bank

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union

Connecticut Community Credit Union

 

As I stated in my original post, these are NOT huge banks. My point, to other board members was to check with your local bank before you travel. And dig deep because I had to push to get answers in some cases.

 

I even called Bank Of America. They told me they will do business anywhere in the world. I pushed and got transfered to another asshat who told me the same thing. I asked if I could withdraw money in N. Korea and Burma and the idiot said sure, no problem. After 20 minutes on the phone I gave up. Now, Bank of America just might do business in Thailand, but their stupid answers would not make me feel very comfortable if they where my bank and I was going to Thailand for a month.

 

 

My BAC ATM card works in Thailand. HOWEVER they rake you over the coals when it comes to charges for using it.

[torrenova 644]

99.99% of these problems are with Mickey Mouse USA banks. Get a proper bank with a worldwide (aka past USA borders) presence.

 

Never had a problem with HSBC, Citibank or a number of Japanese banks anywhere in the world in around 3 decades.