How to pay for product in Thai baht from America?

[hawaiijohn]

I know this sounds naive but I received a quote of 30,000 baht for a painting from an art gallery and would like to know what is the best (cheapest?) way to pay for this since they want to charge me 2% extra for using a credit card. Suggestions?

[dean]

2% actually isn't bad. It would be in the $15-16 dollar range, versus wiring the money to their bank account. That usually cost me $25 with Bank of America. I buy furniture in Thailand and usually just wait until I am visiting Thailand and then take out 20,000 B per day until I have the correct amount. If you don't know the person selling the painting very well, I'd pay the 2%.

[Guest]

If you use a credit card, the credit card may provide some protection in case it arrives damaged or does not arrive at all. As for the 2%, as far as I know, the merchant agreement does not allow merchants to tack on an extra charge for using a credit card. If the merchant says he gives a 2% cash discount and that is the price posted, that is a different thing.

 

If you want to dispute the 2%, do it after delivery. Make sure invoice/bill states price of item and 2% extra for using credit card. If you contest it, the disputed bill will probably not show up on your card until the bill is resolved.

[OCgringo]

are there any Thai banks in the USA that can do a bank check in baht ?

 

I need to pay for a couple things too,

I screwed up and put the wrong name on a 12,000 baht bank check I got in BKK and the company cannot cash it !

I can get my money back next time I am in BKK,

but I need to send the 12K to get them working on my parts,

its not a retail business so they do niot take credit cards

 

Any ideas ?

 

OC

[pe7e]

Simply refuse to accept the surcharge, tell them you will seek quotes elsewere, the 2% will almost certainly disappear. You realy should use your credit card for the protection it gives you.