Using Am. Express in Thailand
 

We'd like to use our American Express credit card in Thailand for hotels, larger purchases, etc. Is Am. Express readily accepted? Thanks.

yes no problem....some places may ask for a visa/mastercard but i have not had that on my two most recent trips...

just to make sure ask your hotel via e mail or look on their web site....all major hotels take most cards....no in the country side you may encounter cash only....but in the major towns you will be fine...

no problem.

some places.. NOT too many

while many shops offer NO charge visa/mastercard purchases. AMEX/dinners card members still have too pay the 4% +-service fee for charging.

I've yet to figue why anyone would ever use AMEX internationaly, if at all.

visa is probably most accepted card. You can even use them in some burger kings

Accepted in major establishments like major hotels and top restaurants but outside of that it's realy Visa/Mastercard, Visa being most widely used as it the one most have on their cards localy.

Note that vendors also have to pay between 2 and 4% to card companies, that % off their net profit is a lot so do not be surprised to see signs charging and extyra % for use of some cards ( or all ).

i did not encounter one request for an additional payment of 2-4% on my latest trip, even from the jeweler....maybe that signals a change...???

by the way, i would not only bring an amex, also bring visa or mastercard or both....

I encounterr that chargge all the time. the deep discount electonic guys tend too charge since they have such small margins too beggin with.. but if you buy in bulk or at a more expensive place they will not chargee ya..

Yes, my experience is similar. Large hotels and hotel restaurants accept AmEx. Some large stores (Jim Thompson, large jewelers) accept AmEx. Small restaurants are less likely, and few smaller shops accept AmEx. Visa is most widely accepted. I have run into places (outside of Bangkok) that don't accept MC, but do acccept Visa.

I use Mastercard with no problem all over and prefer it since I get ff miles with my MC, BUT, I also carry Visa just in case. I don't use Amex because it's the most problematic. Smaller establishments don't seem to like it because they(Amex) charge the vendors 2-3% more than MC and Visa do. Do not rely exclusively on Amex. Always best to cover all your bases.

Thanks, everybody. We'll take the AMEX, but will also have a Visa and MC as well. Only 4 more days until we leave for Thailand. I'm ssssoooo excited!!

That's all I've used since going there in the 90s and have had no problems. Happy Travels!

I take my AmEx platinum card and go to AmEx office to cash a check! It's a nice way to get extra cash in-country.
That said, I like my United Visa card for hotels and big purchases so that I get my miles.
Carol