Hey everyone,

With all the recent headlines about bank accounts for foreigners being shut down, I thought it might be helpful to share how I’ve set things up personally here in Thailand.

I’m currently living in Thailand on a DTV visa and have a Thai phone number (super easy to sort—just head to any big mall).

I’ve started using the TrueMoney app and honestly, the setup couldn’t have been easier. As an accountant, I’m big on tracking personal expenses, and TrueMoney’s built-in statement feature is perfect for this. It lets you clearly see money in and out—really handy for monthly reviews.

The app itself is incredibly fast and user-friendly. I’ve yet to find a place that doesn’t accept it—7-Eleven, malls, petrol stations, markets—anywhere with a QR code scanner seems to work flawlessly.

How I top up my account:

I use the TrueMoney kiosks, which are dotted around all the major cities. You can deposit up to 20,000 THB per transaction.

As a UK national with a UK bank account, here’s my process:

1. Find a major bank ATM.

2. Withdraw 20,000 THB using my Wise card (decent exchange rate + 220 THB ATM fee, which is about 1.1% of my withdrawal—not too bad).

3. Head to a TrueMoney kiosk and deposit the cash.

4. Use TrueMoney as my ‘day-to-day bank account.’

It’s technically not a bank account, but it gives me everything I need—no need to carry cash, easy digital payments, and everything’s trackable for budgeting purposes. The convenience and speed of QR payments make everyday spending a breeze.

Hope this helps a few of you out!

*I'm posting anonymously as i'm quite a private person and don't like the idea of people looking at my profile haha! But happy to help out any questions as and when needed.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently applying for the DTV visa online in Indonesia and was hoping to get some advice or insight from anyone who’s recently been through the process.

I submitted my online application on the 20th of May, but as of today (the 29th), I still haven’t received any update or had my initial document check completed. Is it normal for this part of the process to take over a week? Just trying to get a sense of the current timelines.

I’m also unsure about my current accommodation—I'm due to check out on the 31st, but not sure whether I should extend my stay here or if it's okay to move to a new place in Bali while the application is being processed. Does changing accommodation affect the application in any way, or as long as I stay in Indonesia, should it be fine?

Any advice or shared experiences from those who have applied online in Jakarta recently would be hugely appreciated—thanks in advance!

Can I change the Muay Thai gym associated with my DTV?

Hi everyone! 🫟🎼

Been reading about the DTV process and a bit unsure how this would be done in USA with my wife. We are currently in Thailand for 2 months and very interested to move here 🤩

1.) I apply first with bank statements then do we have an interview process? Do we notarize and get everything translated first before submission? ❤️

2.) I wait for DTV approval then apply my wife under same dtv how do we correlate the two — just to make sure, it’s not done simultaneously? 😵‍💫

3.) I own an agency online with 50K followers on IG how do I show the proof of “work portfolio” it’s a modeling agency that provides models for brand designers for their clothing line (big and small brands). The IG account with screenshots doesn’t seem like an official medium to submit as evidence.

Thanks!

Saw a few people approved in 7 days is it purely case by case? Or just having everything ready to go and translated etc? I speak Thai would that help in the application or interview process ? —not sure there is interview…

Again thank you all here 🙂

Hi all, I will apply for a DTV out of HCMC in July. Anybody knows how long it takes once you submit your application online? Should I submit my online application before going to Vietnam in case of a delay?

Also, once I receive my DTV, do I have to leave the same day to get my Thai stamp?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Can anyone recommend a DLT(driver license) location that allows walk-ins? The online appointment queue is full for the next two months. Aside from Chatuchak, are there any other DLT offices where walk-ins are accepted?

If Chatuchak is the only option, what’s the best time to go to increase the chances of getting a same-day slot? Thanks! 🙏🏻

Can you guys please guide me. I heard that immigration officers sometimes ask for showing 500k Thai baht when doing border run.... On dtv it is not allowed to open bank account, then how will I show that I have 500k Thai baht? Can I show my funds in dollars in PayPal or wise or payoneer? Will they accept it?

Is there any agency that can do DTV visa and open bank account?

To apply in Taiwan, do you need original contract or copy is good enough? Thanks!

Any reminders for application in Taipei is very much appreciated! Wish you all got it! :)

I have a question and I hope someone in thr group has had a similar situation. My daughter, granddaughter, and myself are moving to Bangkok next month. I do not work, but am in school wrapping up my Masters and plan to teach. My daughter does work and is also wrapping up her Masters. My grandbaby is only 3. I am her other primary parent since my sil was murdered before she was born.

With that said, can we apply for a family dtv using her work and my savings? If so, do we each need to have 500k baht in the bank? Can she still be listed as a dependent at 32? Can I be her dependent?...not sure which route to go since she has the jon, but I have the funds