Quick Answer
Wise works well across Southeast Asia for ATM withdrawals and card payments. The main variables are local ATM fee policies, currency conversion costs, and a few country-specific restrictions. Generally expect 0.35–0.65% conversion fee on currency exchange, plus any local ATM fees (varies by country and bank).
Country-by-Country Guide
Thailand
ATMs: Thai ATMs charge a flat THB 220 ($6.10) fee per foreign card withdrawal regardless of amount — this applies to all foreign cards, not just Wise. Withdraw larger amounts (THB 20,000+) to minimise the fee impact. Bangkok Bank ATMs are often fee-free or lower-fee for Wise — check the Wise app's ATM finder.
Cards: Wise Visa/Mastercard accepted widely at hotels, coworking spaces, malls, and restaurants. Less accepted at markets and smaller shops — carry cash.
Conversion fee: ~0.44% for GBP/USD to THB.
Tip: Get the ATM fee rebate by using the Wise card in the Wise app's preferred ATM network.
Vietnam
ATMs: Vietnamese banks charge VND 22,000–66,000 ($0.87–2.60) per foreign withdrawal. Techcombank and BIDV ATMs tend to have lower fees. VietinBank often charges higher fees.
Daily withdrawal limits: Vietnamese ATMs typically limit single withdrawals to VND 3–5 million ($118–197). You may need multiple withdrawals for larger amounts. Daily limits depend on your Wise verification level.
Cards: Widely accepted in cities (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang). Less so in smaller towns and rural areas — carry cash.
Conversion fee: ~0.44% for GBP/USD to VND.
Indonesia (Bali/Yogyakarta)
ATMs: Indonesian banks charge IDR 25,000–50,000 ($1.55–3.10) per foreign withdrawal. BCA and Mandiri ATMs are most widely available. Maximum withdrawal per transaction typically IDR 1,250,000–2,500,000 ($78–156).
Cards: Accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses. Cash essential for markets, warungs, and local transport.
Conversion fee: ~0.57% for GBP/USD to IDR.
Note: Some Indonesian ATMs have been involved in card skimming historically — use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls where possible.
Philippines
ATMs: Philippine banks charge PHP 200 ($3.50) per foreign withdrawal. BDO and BPI are the most reliable networks. Avoid independent ATMs in tourist areas (high fees and security concerns).
Cards: Accepted in Manila and major cities. Cash-dependent elsewhere and on smaller islands.
Conversion fee: ~0.57% for GBP/USD to PHP.
Malaysia
ATMs: Malaysian banks charge MYR 5–12 ($1.10–2.70) per foreign withdrawal. Maybank and CIMB ATMs are widely available. Generally lower fees than Thailand or Indonesia.
Cards: Widely accepted across Malaysia, including in smaller cities. Good card acceptance infrastructure.
Conversion fee: ~0.44% for GBP/USD to MYR.
Tip: Malaysia is one of the most card-friendly countries in Southeast Asia — you can often travel with minimal cash.
Cambodia
ATMs: Cambodia is largely dollarised — ATMs dispense USD. ABA Bank and Acleda Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards. Fees: $5 per withdrawal is common.
Cards: USD accepted everywhere alongside or instead of Khmer Riel (KHR). Wise USD balance works seamlessly — no currency conversion needed for most transactions.
Conversion fee: Near-zero when spending from USD balance in a dollarised economy.
Tip: Cambodia is the easiest Wise country in Southeast Asia — keep a USD balance and spend directly.
General Tips Across Southeast Asia
Free ATM withdrawals: Wise provides 2 free ATM withdrawals per month up to £200 equivalent. Batch your withdrawals to minimise fees.
Hold local currency: Convert to local currency in the Wise app before spending to avoid real-time conversion fees at point of sale.
Verification: Complete full Wise identity verification before travel to ensure the highest withdrawal limits.
Backup card: Always carry a second payment method. ATM networks go down, cards get blocked for unusual spending patterns.
Bottom Line
Wise is the best card for Southeast Asia travel. Set it up before departure, hold balances in the currencies you need, and use the ATM locator in the app to find fee-minimising machines in each country.
*Last updated: May 2026*