Travelling to Bali - What card to use?

It's been way too long since I've last travelled and I'm a bit confused as to what card is best used overseas.

I used to always use 28 degrees card for purchases that accept mastercard, and Citbank Debit card for Withdrawing from ATMs (even if there's no Citibank ATM)

I now have an HSBC Everyday Global Account that is supposed to be able to be used overseas too?

Does anyone know if I can use the 28 degrees card for Visa on Arrival?

Also, which card would be best for ATM withdrawal? I read HSBC has some sort of limitation, but not sure. Citibank doesn't seem to have changed, but there's only 1 ATM in Bali

If any suggestions, can you please let me know :)

Comments

  • -2

    Travelling to Bali - What card to use?

    They take most cards in Bali.

    • yeh i would have guessed that, but more of what would be the best in terms for fees/withdrawal/conversion..

      • -3

        bitcoin

  • if ur white play the race card (unless caught with drugs)

  • +1

    Was just in Bali/Indonesia for 5 weeks.

    The ING Everyday card worked very well for me. It has no transaction fees and a competitive rate.

    Wise, btw, is no longer a good option. I'm a long-time user of Wise (formerly Transferwise), but they've steadily jacked up their fees and I found the ING card to be cheapest.

    I actually have an HSBC Global Everyday card. It should work fine as long as you notify the bank (via online/app/call) before you leave for Bali. (This pretty much applies to every major debit and credit card).

    Visa on Arrival - I paid cash. I seem to remember there being card machines there, but they charged a hefty fee for cards payments (3-7% if I remember)

    • Can I ask how much is the visa?

    • The ING Everyday card

      was this using paywave?

      • +1

        No paywave there, had to enter my pin

    • +1

      How have you worked out ING is cheaper than Wise? Since both don't have currency conversion fees I assume ING has lower margin on their conversion rates but have always found it difficult to find the conversion rates CC providers use

      • Based on a comparison of multiple transactions, e.g. pulling out the exact same amount from the ATM, or by dividing purchases into two halves and paying with each of them.

        Wise advertises low exchange rates, but
        a) they also charge a fee, and over time this fee seems to have increased.
        b) the exchange rate isn't much better than that offered by ING/Visa

        No fee on the ING (assuming you've met the conditions to qualify for free intl transactions and ATM)> I believe ING uses the exchange rates set by Visa, you should be able to find that online.

        interesting thing is that 3 years ago i did the same comparison, and Wise had worked out so much better, and until this trip I was constantly recommending it people.

  • Was in Malaysia about a month ago and used my ING card the whole time, was fantastic. I wasn't sure if I met the criteria of enough transfers in the account but was able to call them and they let me know on the spot.

  • +2

    Sounds like you're across it mate! Only addition would be to purchase some of the holiday on a Credit Card that gives you complimentary travel (even health) insurance.

  • +1

    Used my Citibank debit card on all ATM's in Bali in August.
    No fees and good rates.

  • Thanks everyone!

Login or Join to leave a comment