Best Travel Money Cards for Southeast Asia (UK 2025 Guide)
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Planning to explore Thailand, Vietnam, or Bali? Choosing the right UK travel card can save you over £100 on ATM and FX fees. In this 2025 guide, we compare the best travel debit cards for Southeast Asia, including Starling, Monzo, Wise, and Revolut, and show you how to avoid hidden fees while backpacking.
What’s the Best Travel Card for Southeast Asia in 2025?
Starling Bank is our top pick for UK travellers. With £300 daily ATM withdrawals, zero FX fees, and a secure app, it’s ideal for long-term backpackers. We also look at Revolut, and Monzo - each offering different benefits.
Best Travel Debit Cards in 2025 - A Comparison
🏆 Starling Bank
- No foreign transaction fees
- Uses Mastercard rate
- £300/day free ATM withdrawals
- No multi-currency accounts
- No virtual cards
- Best for UK travelers who rely on cash
🌍 Revolut
- No foreign transaction fees
- Uses Interbank rate (Mon–Fri)
- £200/month free ATM withdrawals, then 2%
- Supports 30+ currencies
- Includes virtual cards
- Best for digital nomads & multi-currency users
💳 Monzo
- No foreign transaction fees
- Uses Mastercard rate
- £200/month free ATM withdrawals, then 3%
- No multi-currency accounts
- No virtual cards
- Best for occasional card-based travellers
1️⃣ Starling Bank – Best Overall for Travelers & Backpackers 🏆
⭐ Best for: Travelers who frequently withdraw cash abroad.
✔️ Zero foreign transaction fees (pay in local currency at no extra cost).
✔️ Unlimited free ATM withdrawals worldwide.
✔️ No monthly fees & excellent customer support.
⚠️ Limitations:
- Only available to UK residents.
- No multi-currency accounts (uses GBP).
💡 Why It’s the Best: Unlike Monzo and Revolut, Starling has no ATM withdrawal limits, making it perfect for countries where cash is king (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia).
2️⃣ Revolut – Best for Multi-Currency & Digital Nomads 🌍
⭐ Best for: Travelers who need multi-currency accounts and a mobile-first banking experience.
✔️ Hold & exchange 30+ currencies in-app.
✔️ Interbank exchange rates on weekdays.
✔️ Virtual cards for extra security.
⚠️ Limitations:
- ATM withdrawals free up to £200/month, then 2% fee.
- Weekend currency exchange markup (~1%).
💡 Why It’s Great: If you travel across multiple countries, Revolut makes it easy to manage different currencies without extra fees.
3️⃣ Monzo – Best for Budget Travelers 💳
⭐ Best for: Casual travelers who mostly pay by card.
✔️ No foreign transaction fees.
✔️ Great budgeting tools – Track spending in real time.
✔️ Instant card freezing & unfreezing via app.
⚠️ Limitations:
- Free ATM withdrawals only up to £200/month, then 3% fee.
- No multi-currency support.
💡 Why It’s Great: If you mostly pay by card and just need an easy-to-use travel card, Monzo is a solid choice.
👉 Here is my personal referral link for Monzo where we both get a reward if you sign up. You just need to make a payment with your card within 30 days and When you do, we will both get a mystery 🎁 reward of £10, £20 or £50.
Avoiding ATM Fees in South East Asia
Thailand: Most ATMs charge 220 THB. Use Bangkok Bank or Aeon for reliability.
Vietnam: MB Bank and TPBank often have no or low fees.
Indonesia: BCA and Mandiri are solid options. Withdraw large amounts less frequently.
Tips for Using Travel Debit Cards
✔️ Always pay in local currency – Avoid bad conversion rates from "Dynamic Currency Conversion."
✔️ Withdraw cash in larger amounts – Fewer transactions = fewer fees.
✔️ Use airport ATMs only in emergencies – They often charge higher fees.
✔️ Carry a backup card – ATMs can sometimes reject your primary card or worse it can get stuck in the ATM. At Tribe Feel we actually carry all 3 (Revolut, Monzo, Starling) with us when we travel!
Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag – Compact Organiser
Keep your grooming essentials organized on the go. This waterproof hanging toiletry bag is a must-have for hostels, campsites, or hotels. Lightweight and space-saving for backpackers.
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Microfiber Changing Robe – Quick-Dry & Lightweight
Change discreetly after a swim with this microfiber towel robe. Quick-drying, compact, and perfect for beach trips, surf camps, and cold showers during backpacking adventures.
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Universal Travel Adapter – All-in-One with USB-C
Charge anywhere in the world. This all-in-one universal adapter works in 150+ countries and includes USB-A and USB-C ports. A travel essential for digital nomads and backpackers.
Shop Now →What to pack for Southeast Asia and FREE DOWNLOADABLE PACKING LIST
Now that you have chosen your Travel Card, start shopping Travel Accessories for your trip on Tribe Feel.
Check out our GUIDE ON WHAT TO PACK FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA
Here is our FREE PACKING LIST for Southeast Asia
At Tribe Feel we have Travel Accessories for every destination:
Eye Mask – Sleep Better on Flights
Perfect for long-haul flights and hostel stays, this lightweight travel eye mask helps backpackers sleep anywhere. Blocks light, soft fabric, and fits all face shapes.
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8-Piece Packing Cube Set for Backpackers
Stay organized with this 8-piece packing cube set. A must-have for every backpacker—fits easily in your rucksack, separates clean from dirty, and saves packing time.
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Foldable Water Bottle for Backpackers
Save space in your pack with this foldable, leak-proof water bottle. Lightweight and perfect for hiking, city exploring, or airport security. Reusable and eco-friendly.
Shop Now →FAQs on Using UK Travel Cards in Southeast Asia (2025)
Can I use Starling Bank in Southeast Asia?
✅ Yes. Starling Bank works seamlessly across Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and Indonesia. It offers zero foreign transaction fees, competitive Mastercard exchange rates, and unlimited free ATM withdrawals — making it the best option for long-term UK backpackers.
Is Monzo good for UK backpackers in Southeast Asia?
✔️ Monzo is a solid choice for casual travellers. It has no FX fees and great budgeting tools. However, free ATM withdrawals are limited to £200/month. After that, a 3% fee applies, so it’s better suited for those who mainly pay by card.
What’s the safest way to use UK debit or credit cards in Southeast Asia?
🔒 Always withdraw from bank ATMs inside malls or branches, avoid isolated ATMs at night, and enable spending notifications. Carry a backup travel card and protect your money with an RFID-blocking money belt or passport holder for extra safety.
Do UK travel cards like Starling, Monzo, and Revolut work worldwide?
🌍 Yes, all three are backed by Visa or Mastercard and are widely accepted worldwide — not just in Asia but also in Europe, North America, and South America. They are excellent for multi-country trips.
What happens if my UK travel card is stolen abroad?
⚠️ If your card is lost or stolen, you can instantly freeze it via the mobile app (Starling, Monzo, and Revolut all support this) and request a replacement to be sent abroad. Keeping a portable power bank ensures your phone is always charged to access these apps securely.
Should I use cash or card in Southeast Asia as a UK traveller?
💳 Cash is still essential for street food, local markets, and tuk-tuks. But using a UK travel money card to withdraw cash from ATMs ensures you get the best exchange rates while carrying less cash on hand.
Which ATMs in Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali charge the lowest fees?
🏧 In Thailand, use Bangkok Bank or Aeon ATMs. In Vietnam, MB Bank and TPBank often have low or no fees. In Indonesia, BCA and Mandiri are the most reliable. Tip: withdraw larger amounts to reduce overall fees.
Can I top up my UK travel card abroad?
✔️ Yes, Starling, Monzo, and Revolut all allow instant top-ups through their apps. All you need is an internet connection, so carrying a universal travel adapter to keep your devices charged is a smart move.
What’s the safest way to carry money as a backpacker in Southeast Asia?
🛡️ The safest method is to split your money across different locations: keep some in your hidden money belt, a backup card in your hostel locker, and emergency cash in your backpack. This way, you’re never left stranded if one method fails.
Are travel card fees up to date for 2025?
📅 Yes, this guide reflects the most accurate information as of May 2025. Always double-check official websites before travelling:
Backpacker Essentials to Pair with Your Card
Don’t forget these money-protection must-haves:
Hidden Pouch Travel Money Belt
Secure your cash, passport, and cards with this slim, breathable waist wallet. Perfect for UK travellers heading to Southeast Asia.
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RFID Travel Passport Holder
Protect your identity and documents with this waterproof RFID-blocking wallet. Lightweight and essential for travel in Thailand & Vietnam.
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Ultra-Compact Mini Power Bank
Don’t run out of battery abroad — this compact charger keeps your phone alive so you can access mobile banking and navigation apps.
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