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Using Amex in foreign countries...

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by arnaget, Dec 22, 2006.

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  1. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #1 arnaget, Dec 22, 2006
    Hey all,

    I am visiting in Asia right now, and haven't made use of my Amex card (yet). Specifically, I have an Amex corporate card. Are you aware of the details surrounding the fees/surcharges (if any) that Amex may levy on one for using its card outside of the US?

    This question would be specifically for using a US based Amex Corp card in Hong Kong. Hopefully it's just the pegged conversion factor (7.8hkd : 1usd)?

    Thanks..
     
  2. TURBOQV

    TURBOQV Formula Junior

    Mar 6, 2003
    838
    NV and Utah
    #2 TURBOQV, Dec 22, 2006
    I use mine all over the world and always find their customer service very helpful for such questions.
     
  3. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #3 arnaget, Dec 22, 2006
    Paul,
    While I appreciate your response, I do not have ready access to a phone where I am now (in Taiwan). darn CDMA. Otherwise, I would have checked w/ amex CSR. I also tried extensive googling, not with much luck. Perhaps you can expand on your experiences using the card "all over the world?' Thanks.
     
  4. TURBOQV

    TURBOQV Formula Junior

    Mar 6, 2003
    838
    NV and Utah
    #4 TURBOQV, Dec 22, 2006
    I have a world phone that works in all countries. I call the number on the back of the card when I have a question. I have used it in over 100 countries and have had no problems. I recommend the Amex Black Card. It has many benefits. Their website is helpful too.

    https://home.americanexpress.com
     
  5. Modenafan

    Modenafan F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 19, 2004
    12,069
    Moorpark
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #5 Modenafan, Dec 22, 2006
    I'm not sure if this will answer your question, but I've also used the card all over Europe and I've always found the conversion factor was pegged at the current rate. When I checked this morning, it looked like 1 dollar was 7.75 HKD. I also found using an atm in foreign countries was better than the exchange booths, say at the airport, as far as exchange rates and fees.
     
  6. Dopplemax

    Dopplemax Formula 3

    Jun 13, 2003
    1,112
    Washington D.C Metro
    #6 Dopplemax, Dec 22, 2006
    I used mine extensively last month in Australia and Japan. No problems, constantly updated conversion rates. I did find that many places tacked on an additional 2% fee to use the card in order to offset the vendor fee to AMEX.

    DMAX
     
  7. Seth

    Seth Formula 3

    Feb 8, 2004
    1,551
    Texas
    #7 Seth, Dec 22, 2006
    if you use the online services amex tells you the rate at which "they" are trading at "**Foreign Currency conversion rate is base rate plus 2%" where they get the base rate from though i dunno... for the £ though the rate they gave me a few days ago was $1.00 = £0.501, right now rates are at $1.00 = £0.514
     
  8. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #8 arnaget, Dec 22, 2006
    Thanks to everyone for your replies. I was able to confirm that amex does use the spot rate conversion (not sure as to what their source is), and beyond this -- at least in HK -- a 2% surcharge per dollar of spending (after the spot conversion) is also applied.
     
  9. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #9 arnaget, Dec 22, 2006
    The amex black / centurion card is by invite only, as far as I understand. Varying sources seem to suggest that spending must be in the area of a few hundred thousand per annum in order to land one. I can't say that my spending pattern is like this, so I don't think a black card is a consideration at this point. however, i am aware of its benefits, and if one is a frequent international traveler, it certainly might make sense to have one. glad you like yours.
     
  10. Modenafan

    Modenafan F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 19, 2004
    12,069
    Moorpark
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #10 Modenafan, Dec 22, 2006
    To qualify for the black card, you now have to spend $250k. You only have to spend that once in a 12 month period to qualify. After you qualify there's no minimum, just pay the yearly fee.
     

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