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Can an extended stay Airbnb confirmation be used to open a bank account in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Rules Retirement Visa Bank Accounts Expat Life Residency Airbnb Immigration Proof of Residency

Aug 22, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone used extended stay (6 months) airbnb confirmation email as proof of residency to open a bank account? I am in Bangkok and plan to get Retirement visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around using an extended stay Airbnb confirmation as proof of residency to open a bank account in Bangkok for a retirement visa. Many users suggest that experiences vary significantly by bank branch, with some banks more flexible than others. While one commenter points out that Airbnb rentals can be legally tricky in Thailand, others advise getting a proper rental agreement from the host. It is also mentioned that alternatives like a residency letter from immigration or a letter from one's embassy can facilitate account opening. Overall, it's noted that bank policies differ, and one may need to visit multiple branches to find one that accepts the required documentation.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Ivan ************

I believe Bangkok immigration won't issue a residence cert until after first 90 day report which means not possible in Bangkok on a tourist visa. (It is in other provinces.) An alternative is to get a letter from your embassy, the US one charges $50 for this. Some banks may open without either, but one or other of these is commonly needed.

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Tony ***********

@Ivan ***********

great info...

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Tony ***********

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Thomas ********************

Another way is to get a "letter of reference" from your embassy. That made it smooth for me (on a tourist visa at the time. But don't think he checked that.)

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Dana *******

I openened one at Bangkok Bank Kao San Road branch in 2014, on a tourist visa. I mentioned that my intention was to retire in Thailand. Took 5 minutes. Needed my passeport and any other official document proving my ID (i had my Swiss divine licence).

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Chris ****

it’s a lot harder now.

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Garrett ***********

No it's not.

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Chris ****

@Garrett **********

I went to each bank in Phuket and was told no until I had a 1 year lease. If I could have opened with just a drivers license believe me I would have.

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Garrett ***********

You need some type of residency for a resident account, most banks accept a condo lease. You can also open a "foreign baht account", a Thai bank account specific for non residence. You don't get a debit card, but you can transfer money into the country and withdraw it.

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Chris ****

@Garrett **********

that’s what it seemed like. I was going for the retirement visa. But got the debit card which has turned out to be awesome. Plus being able to instantly transfer money to landlords, businesses has been great too.

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Chris ****

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Terary **********

I think you can get residence letter from immigration.. I did for my Driver's license. As far as banks. You will have to shop around to find a bank manger that is flexible. Bank rules vary depending on bank branch manager.

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Carsten ************

Since airbnb is illegal in Thailand, no landlord will be that stupid to provide some documents.

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Benjamin ******

@Carsten ***********

SHORT TERM AirBnB is illegal. If it operates on a month or longer contract, it's legal.

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Oscar ********

@Carsten ***********

According to the posters in condos, renting short term(daily/weekly) is “illegal”. Renting month to month with written contract is fine. Airbnb is just a middle man. OP said 6 months. No legal issues there. However, Airbnb contract may not be honored by the bank. Better to have an actual rental agreement filled in by the host/guest.

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Carsten ************

offering rooms on Airbnb means you need a Hotel license. Non of those who offers his room there has a Hotel license. That's why Airbnb is in Thailand banned/ illegal.

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Carsten ************

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Tony ***********

****************************

This is what worked for me.

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Tod *********

@Tony **********

and while that video might be anecdotally interesting, the O/P says they're in Bangkok not Pattaya

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Tony ***********

like i said "what worked for me" perhaps some of the info will help. Ohh well can just ignore it.

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Tony ***********

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Chris ****

Suggest you ask your host before you do that.

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Eliane ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Samurais ***********

One host agreed to complete the TM 30 form, so I pull trigger to reserve the unit.

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Chris ****

I always try to do the same.

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Chris ****

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Matthew ********

Try Bangkok Bank main office Asoke

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Bob *******

@Matthew *******

that’s where I opened mine

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Bobby ********

Matthew Darpli. Head office is in Silom

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Matthew ********

Thats great. I opened my account easily at Asoke. Seems to be a large branch. Best of luck to the guy that needs to get this handled.

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Matthew ********

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Tod *********

you just plain and simple didn't try enough bank branches yet. It usually takes about 5 or 6 branches before you find one that will let you open an account with just your passport.

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Chris ****

yup

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Michael *********

I’m thinking about opening a Thai bank account. What benefits does that give me opposed to just keeping my home country bank account. For example can I transfer money to it and take money out cheaper than an atm?

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Bob *******

no atm fee with any Thai bank. Can top of your cell, transfer money fee free to other Thai banks and Bangkok bank has US routing number, easy to transfer money or direct deposit. (Might not be as useful if you don’t have US bank account)

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Ivan ************

most US banks can't transfer to Bangkok Bank New York any more. This is due to US financial regulations. Can still receive social security that way.

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Michael *********

thank you. Ya those atm fees sure add up. Works out to be about 5% I’m paying total with exchange etc. Lets go Bitcoin lol

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Michael *********

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Michael *********

I have a temporary Thai drivers licence and certificate of residency. Which just says in thai I’m here on a tourist visa lol with my Thai address.

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Michael *********

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