Department 02 · Travel Money
Updated May 2026 · 10 min read
I've spent months at a time in Thailand and tried every card going. The difference between the right card and the wrong one is easily £100-200 over a two-week holiday. Here's what actually matters.
Card Comparison
| Card | FX Mark-up | ATM Fee | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ~0.3% | Free to £200/mo | Free | ⭐ Best overall |
| Chase UK | 0% | Free | Free | Simple, no fees |
| Starling | 0% | Free | Free | Solid banking app |
| Revolut Premium | ~0.1% | Free | £7.99/mo | Great features |
| UK Bank Debit | 2.5-3.5% | £1.50-3 | Free | ❌ Avoid |
Wise Card — The Best Overall
Hold THB alongside 50+ currencies. Exchange rate within 0.3% of mid-market. No foreign transaction fees. Top up in GBP, convert to THB when the rate is good, spend directly from your THB balance.
Chase UK — The No-Brainer Backup
Zero foreign transaction fees, zero ATM fees worldwide. No monthly charge. The Mastercard rate is very close to mid-market. Tap, pay, done.
ATM Strategy for Thailand
- Withdraw larger amounts less often. Take out 10,000-20,000 THB at a time.
- Every Thai ATM charges 220 THB (~£5) for foreign cards. Non-negotiable.
- Always choose THB, not GBP when the ATM offers DCC.
- Pay by card wherever possible — avoids the 220 THB fee entirely.
My Personal Setup
- Wise card — primary for everything
- Chase UK card — backup and ATM withdrawals over Wise's free limit
- UK bank card — emergency only, locked in hotel safe
Planning a Trip to Thailand?
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