Cashless in Chiang Mai: A warning about banking apps while traveling

I was in Chiang Mai for a month, working from cafes. One day, my bank app forced an update and logged me out. To get back in, I needed a code sent to my US phone number, which I hadn't brought. No access to my money for a week. I had to cancel client calls because I couldn't pay for internet. My friend lent me some cash, but it was embarrassing. Now I use a digital bank with better travel features. Always have a backup plan for money when you're a nomad.

3 comments

3 Comments

morgan5123mo ago

I never really worried about my banking app before reading this. Your situation sounds like a total nightmare and it completely changed my view. I just assumed my phone was enough for everything. Now I'm checking what my own bank needs if I get logged out overseas. I'm definitely setting up a backup plan before my next trip, maybe a second card with a different bank kept separate. You really can't rely on just one method.

gavink953mo ago

Seriously, morgan512 hit the nail on the head. I used to be the same way, just trusting my phone for everything. Reading about these kinds of stories totally shifted my perspective. Now I see how risky that can be, especially if you get locked out abroad. Setting up a backup plan is SO important, like having a second card from a different bank.

diana8292mo ago

Maybe it's just me but I've always found carrying extra cards and planning for every possible tech failure adds more stress than it's worth. Phones are pretty reliable these days, and banks usually have ways to help you out if you're stuck. I'd rather keep things simple and deal with a problem if it actually happens. Constantly worrying about backups takes the fun out of traveling.