We have out Starling Bank cards for our trip in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. It is supposed to work anywhere in the world, with free ATM cash withdrawal up to £300 a day at Mastercard rates, with no fees. This seemed to be the best thing on offer to get money when travelling. Has anyone already used this? Any issues? Thanks

The banks in the country you visit may impose an ATM fee for any amount you withdraw. I know that in Thailand the fee is now 200-220 baht per withdrawal.

I use cash (local currency) for all cheap purchases overseas in this part of the world. I do not use cards for cheap purchases in stores, restaurants and bars. My opinion, too much opportunity for credit card fraud. When I do need cash from my cards I use an ATM and take out the maximum I can at one time.

I have debit cards from my credit unions. No annual fees, they pay interest on my balance, they pay ATM fees up to $10 per month for non CU ATMs. I have MasterCard and Visa credit cards in case of some sort of emergency - motor vehicle accident, get hit by a bus, get sick, buying plane tickets, etc.

Have back up cards in case you lose or damage a single card. My advice is to bring cash too. Large denomination bills that are not dirty, old or have writing on them. No problem changing UK pounds in Thailand. For Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia US dollars USED to be recommended. Maybe things have changed since I was last there.

Can't personally comment specifically for Starling Bank cards and they may not charge an ATM fee on their end. (None of my debit or credit cards have annual fees too.) But - when I use ATMs overseas an ATM fee will be figured in the amount that comes out of my checking account.



I wish you good luck on your holiday.

I assume, like me, you are UK based? . I have been looking at changing cards. I currently use FairFX travel debit cards denominated in £$ and € which in these volatile BREXIT days can be an advantage. I did look at Starling but what concerned me was the fact that it is a startup business and is purely mobile phone based. The security aspect does concern me as I am not confident of mobile phone companies ability to maintain security. That said, thesecurity of mainstream banks is questionable too!

There rates and charges are excellent and the feature such as being able to stop and start cards etc. Are useful. I woud also have a look at Halifax Clarity Credit Card which has similar fees but is a with an established mainstream provider.