Using an Australian credit card in Thailand

Want to take your Australian credit card with you on a trip to Thailand?

Australian credit cards work in Thailand, but there are fees to be aware of. The information below will help you to understand how they might apply.

Save up to 3% per transaction

Credit cards with no Thailand currency conversion fee

On website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months (2% BT fee, 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases (reverts to 12.99% p.a.)
Up to 55 interest-free days.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months.
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

There is no rewards program on this card.
There is a 2% BT fee.

On website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

No annual fee.
0% p.a. for 28 months on balances transferred (3% balance transfer fee applies). Reverts to 14.99% p.a. thereafter.
No foreign transaction fees and complimentary international credit card travel insurance.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

No annual fee to pay — ever.
Very long interest-free balance transfer offer.
No fees on purchases in a foreign currency.
Complimentary international travel insurance.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers.
You can't earn rewards points.

Thinking of hitting the shops?

Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in Thailand

When shopping in Thailand with an Australian credit card, remember that there may be conversion and transaction fees on top of the price paid.

Currency conversion fee. Due to the conversion from Thai baht to Australian dollars, you could be charged up to $9 in currency conversion fees if you spend the equivalent of $300 on your credit card in Thailand.
Merchant’s currency conversion fee. Choosing to pay in Australian dollars means you may be charged an additional fee for dynamic currency conversion. This makes paying in Australian dollars more expensive than paying in Thai baht.

Need to pay with cash?

Using a credit card to get cash in Thailand

Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand. However, it can be quite expensive to withdraw cash from an ATM with a credit card. Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network may charge you a fee if you use your Australian credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand.
Cash advance fee. You'll typically be charged a one-time fee of between 1%-3% when you withdraw money from an ATM or bank overseas with your credit card.
Cash advance rate. If you withdraw cash from your credit card, you’ll be charged interest at the rate for cash advances, which is usually higher than the purchase interest rate. Most cards have no interest-free period on cash advances either.

Want more help?

FAQs

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to Thailand?

Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.

Is it safe to use a credit card in Thailand?

Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in Thailand. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.

What credit cards are accepted in Thailand?

Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.

Is it better to pay in Thai baht or Australian dollars in Thailand?

It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Thai baht or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Thai baht.