Debit/Credit Cards
 

I have a Bank of America debit card and credit card. I will be traveling in both Thailand and Japan. I would like to use the debit card to get cash throughout the four week trip. I know ATMs are plentiful in Thailand, and at PO's in Japan. I am just wondering if anyone has experience in using the Bank of America cards in these locations? Customer service hasn't really given me a definitive answer. These two cards are my only option, though I will certainly begin the trip with US cash to change. I have used the same debit card in China with no problem.

We use Bank of America Visa when we travel (credit) and have never had any trouble. I recommend to tell them you are going to be traveling to those countries and give them the window in which you're traveling (extend it by a few days in case something happens and your flight is delayed). Shouldn't be an issue.

Getting cash from an ATM with a BofA debit card is expensive: $5 per withdrawal plus the ATMs charge, nearly $5 at most Thai ATMs plus a 3% foreign exchange fee. For your credit card, there is the 3% foreign exchange fee, which is pretty standard. You might want to open an account at a credit union or a small bank that has more favorable terms for getting money from an ATM.

As mentioned above, do inform your bank of where you are going or they may turn off your access.

Hard to believe anyone still uses BofA. They are the fee-craziest bank around! I dropped them about 30 years back.

Some institutions will even reimburse any ATM fees assessed from other banks.

The Thai Banks' ATMs assess a 150 baht transaction fee. Because it is not a "bank", AEON ATMs do not. Unfortunately, they are somewhat difficult for the casual traveler to find.

Any "foreign transaction/exchange fees" will be charged by your institution, not the Thai bank.

If you do open a new account, keep the BofA as a back up, in case they do put a stop on any other accounts.

Good info. I have managed to avoid about 95% of BofA fees in the past 25 years, and knowing the fees for foreign ATMs at the moment, I will do my best to minimize the damage. Unfortunately, no time to research and acquire another card before I leave, so will make do. Just glad to know I won't have serious issues using the BofA debit card when needed. Will look into a better option for the next trip. Past asian trips have been much shorter and more cash fluid, so the fees seemed less of an issue. Thx.

Does BofA charge for travelers checks? They only carry a 33 baht transaction fee in Thailand.

I use free travelers checks from my credit union. I get high denominions as the 33 b fee is per check. You can exchange them at any bank so it's very easy. At times, have used debit cards, which sometimes work and sometimes not. I do call the companies to let them know I'm in Thailand so they don't but a hold on them, but sometimes they still but a hold on them.

Debit Card theft"skimming" machines are made in BKK
I only use Visa CC 0% liability to me
as opposed to debit cards a good thief
can clean you out.

No fee foreign exchange capitalone.com
Venture double miles on everything best.
My wife has a BOA card we do not use abroad
3% foreign fee so $3/100 of charges avoid.

ATM inside big banks only.

ihg.com spg.com marrott.com ne no fee Visa CCs
get up to 6 nights each on points with first use.
on some.Might try to snag some of those if time.
I just did 150000 points or so.

It will work if it has 'VISA' written on it. But do inform your bank before you travel