Answered5 years ago
Can an extended stay Airbnb confirmation be used to open a bank account in Thailand?
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.
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.
31 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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.
Tony ***********
@Ivan ***********
great info... 
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.)
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).
Chris ****
@Dana ******
it’s a lot harder now.
Garrett ***********
@Samu****
No it's not. 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. Garrett ***********
@Samu****
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. 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.
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.
Carsten ************
Since airbnb is illegal in Thailand, no landlord will be that stupid to provide some documents.
Benjamin ******
@Carsten ***********
SHORT TERM AirBnB is illegal. If it operates on a month or longer contract, it's legal. 
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.Carsten ************
@Oscar *******
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. Tony ***********
****************************
This is what worked for me.
Tod *********
@Tony **********
and while that video might be anecdotally interesting, the O/P says they're in Bangkok not Pattaya Tony ***********
@Tod ********
like i said "what worked for me" perhaps some of the info will help. Ohh well can just ignore it.Chris ****
Suggest you ask your host before you do that.
Eliane ****
OP@Samurais ***********
One host agreed to complete the TM 30 form, so I pull trigger to reserve the unit.Chris ****
@George *****
I always try to do the same.
Matthew ********
Try Bangkok Bank main office Asoke
Bob *******
@Matthew *******
that’s where I opened mine
Bobby ********
Matthew Darpli. Head office is in Silom
Matthew ********
@Bobby *******
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. 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.
Chris ****
@Tod ********
yupMichael *********
@Tod ********
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? Bob *******
@Mike ********
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)Ivan ************
@B**
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.Michael *********
@Bob ******
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 lolMichael *********
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.
Activity
16 joined16
people
Related
25Is there an unofficial age cut-off for obtaining an education visa in Thailand?
1.1k7162mo
What do I need to know about obtaining a DTV visa for settling in Thailand?
2.8k24285mo
How can I stay in Thailand for a year to experience all seasons before applying for a retirement visa?
6.1k40977mo
How can I stay permanently in Thailand at 69 with insufficient funds for a Non-O visa?
6.1k201467mo
What documentation do I need to provide for proof of funds when renewing my Thai visa?
6.6k241438mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand before applying for a retirement visa?
4.1k29539mo
Can I frequently visit Thailand for short stays on a tourist visa as a US airline pilot?
11.5k8914510mo
What are the steps to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand after being on a tourist visa for three months?
6.8k60621y
What are the steps for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen to transition from a tourist visa to a retirement or marriage visa in Thailand?
6k52541y
What should expats in Thailand do if there's a coup?
11.8k821741y
What are the costs and risks associated with using an agent for the Non-O visa extension in Thailand?
8k70761y
How can I obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand without any connections?
5.8k41731y
What should I do with my passport after moving permanently to Thailand on a retirement visa?
10.5k601852y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a retirement visa?
7.4k57432y
How can I import my 13 cats to Thailand for retirement while ensuring their safety and finding suitable accommodation?
24.4k1753542y
How can I open a bank account in Thailand to apply for a retirement visa since banks require a visa to open an account?
10.6k83932y
Are expats on a retirement visa required to pay taxes in Thailand?
30.7k2862602y
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
13.4k1031682y
What steps do I need to take to move permanently to Thailand from the USA?
25.8k2282562y
What should I do to prepare for opening a bank account in Thailand on a retirement visa?
5k33673y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day visa while planning to apply for a retirement visa?
2.5k2564y
What business opportunities exist in Thailand for a family with a budget of 200,000 baht, and what are the visa requirements?
23k1732814y
How can I obtain a long-term Non-O retirement visa in Thailand if I'm over 50 and have a 30-day visa exemption?
1.8k12175y
What should I consider for returning to Thailand with a retirement visa after being stuck in Malaysia?
3.2k24316y
What do I need to renew my NON-OA visa for Thailand while living in Finland?
3.2k32137y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served