for small items of cos cash lah
but if u need to pay for big items then card loh.
the exchange rate suxx but then bo bian lah.....

or u can use credit card to go ATM machines (cirrus) to withdraw cash
got some surcharge but i think maybe SLIGHTLY better than bank's exchange rate?

if u are bringing a lot of cash, pls store them separately
like 25% on u, 25% in the big luggage, 25% in hand luggage, 25% in your handbag, pouch, in your socks or underwear or what

so that if u do lose something, u dun lose all.

ya...that's what i intend to do too...seperate my cash into different places...

but if comparing the exchange rates between banks and indian money exchanger, how worse can it go? is it really a big difference?

i know nothing about foreign exchange...

The disadvantages/risks involved with using credit cards overseas are:
i) double (or even triple!) conversion charges on currency
ii) losing your card
iii) fraud: people cloning your card

In some countries it's really safe and better to use your credit card! Especially if they give you perks and benefits there. HSBC cards have plenty of offers in KL, UOB as well.

I'd say it's a must have for overseas travel for emergencies, and it's safer than carrying too much cash around. Use cash for small cafes, snacks, tipping, or when you simply have too much =)

And FireIce, my pal travelled to Europe , split his cash 50-50 into 2 wallets. And on the first day he lost half the cash. Buy travel insurance and keep some spares that's for sure.

are there any benefits for using UOB card in BKK?
flying there tonight...

back from BKK...
used the card for hotel charges and paying for some jewels...

it's ok...
because i will be back in bangkok in december again!!

have a question regarding credit card...
if currently i have a credit card instalment in place, and i pay my bills through axs station, how would i be able to pay for my bills if i am overseas for more than 2 months?

i am paying my credit bills by axs so that i can monitor my spending more easily, rather than through GIRO, where it deduct automatically and i cannot monitor my spending...

and getting my family members to pay for my bill is out of the question... are there any ways whereby i can inform the bank about it and ask them to defer the payment by that period of time when i am not in singapore?

i pay for my UOB cards using my UOB savings account
through internet banking

but mine is citibank...

Qwerty, I'm like you, I pay thru AXS too, so that they wun deduct before I get the chance to check. But even my UOB, i also use internet banking to pay thru savings but I get the chance to see the bill too before click on PAY. Citibank also can pay your bills by internet banking ma, but of coz only if you have savings account also in citibank then can do the transfer.

I was overseas I din pay the bills too, but by the time I returned, I just told the customer service that I was overseas, usually you ask, they will waive. But that is only one month, for your case, long term not in singapore, they will ask you to switch to GIRO for sure. Some banks have "payment holiday" or bill deferment, but need to pay small fees for that, if you dun mind, you can use that. If you feel not worth it to pay them such interest or fees, then you better switch to GIRO for 2 months.

Unless you can talk to the bank to let you not pay card bill payment for 2 months or more while you away for FREE, but i think, that is IMPOSSIBLE man! If not, all those bad debts ppl, near bankrupt ppl, credit counselling recipients will be so happy siah, always paint sob-story.

Used different credit cards overseas coz of the % discounts (although 90% of the time I used Cash), I received my bills and convert, only lugi 0.02% difference from money changer la haha. Shld have been more daring to use card la. BUT ONLY in the shopping malls ah. Those shady shops, better not, plus, these smaller retail prefer cash then card la.

Will definitely be more open to use cards overseas whenever I can in future. Cash of coz, is a must but keep it mininal. Was so damn scared carrying a thousand bucks around!

i think i gotta call the bank tml to see what solutions they can provide me with...
thanks for the reply, goldribbons~

i tink informing the bank before u go away is more convincing and they should be able to give some concession lah, compared to those who neber pay then later cook story say, oh! i was overseas....

i was told to make payment for the card instalments first before i leave...that's the only solution...hmmm....jialatzz...means i need to go rob someone or banks soon....hahaha

haha
cos this instalment is used to pay for my lasik surgery...lol
the other instalment that i have is for a purchase of a tv...lol
but aiyah...just pay first...i will get back my money when i get to australia

look at wat instalments are getting us into

im oso considering whether to instalment or not for an EEE PC

i received an sms recently by diners club, saying that my application for the $500 limit card is approved...
but the problem is, i have never applied for the card before!!!!
how did they get my number and particulars?

i think it's quite advisable to use credit card now in aussie...the rates seem quite good liao...hehe