atms failing in Bangkok
 

been in Thailand for a week, and used atms both in bkk n chiang mai with no problems til today. all of a sudden no atms will work! they take the card, recognize the pin, but when i try to make ANY transaction, i get a message saying the transaction is invalid! then it asks if i want another transaction! what's going on? would appreciate any insight into what is the problem.
just to clarify again, have used my card in banks, AND street atms (even in places like
7-11, with NO problems until today. HELP!!

Another reason why I carry cash and a credit card just in case. cash always works- never a problem!

I know, i brought cash too, but im here for another week (actually off to Cambodia then back to BKK) and dont wanna stress about having to budget the rest of the way, know what i mean? anyway, hope it's just a temp thing.

I think it's because your card is from a foreign bank or offshore bank(not located in Thailand). Most offshore cards have limits for foreign cash withdraw especially for cash advance from credit cards.

I use local ATMs daily and today is no exception - my ATM cards works.

btw, just spoke to a friend who's also here, n he has the same problem, not to mention a group of tourists down at the front desk of the hotel who are complaining about the same.

thanks hanuman, but i think it's smthn else cause my friend just got here n he has the same problem, so prob not a limit thing.

From what you've described it's a problem with foreign cards only. Perhaps you can check with your local bank and ask them why. I can confirm that local cards work normally today, my cards are from Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial Bank.

Did you inform your bank at home that you would be using your card in Thailand? If not, they will turn off your card. You bank has a number you can call from anywhere in the world (collect), so call them and make sure they are allowing transactions on your card.

I agree with BillT. Computers can have glitches. Cash lets you avoid the possible headaches of a problem w/your ATM card.