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Can I live in Thailand for a year on a tourist visa without a bank account by using transfer services like Wise or Western Union?
Thailand visa rulesTourist visaLiving in ThailandBank account in ThailandATM withdrawalsVisa runsForeign transaction feesImmigration questions
Nov 26, 2024
a year ago
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTERRelated to my last post, can I get by for 1 year without having a bank account in Thailand? Use a xfer service like Wise or western union?
My money goes to my Philippine bank and is in pesos..
I'll be on a tourist visa and will rent.
Thank you
My money goes to my Philippine bank and is in pesos..
I'll be on a tourist visa and will rent.
Thank you
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether it's feasible to live in Thailand for one year on a tourist visa without a bank account, using services like Wise or Western Union instead. Comments clarify that staying for a full year on a tourist visa is problematic, as it could raise suspicions with immigration. Individuals may use ATM withdrawals but are limited to THB 20,000-30,000 per transaction and could incur transaction fees. Visa runs are suggested as a way to extend stays, but it's cautioned that frequent border crossings could attract attention from immigration officers.
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Michael *******
You run the risk of being pulled, once a pattern of border hops appear, additionally Thailand is looking at implementing Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) next year, similar to Sin and Malaysia this will allow them to screen out folks gaming the system before they even arrive. Better to break the pattern by spending time between both countries, not a long flight, otherwise crack away until you get stopped….and have a plan B
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
'both countries'..... Is Thailand and Cambodia ok, say 3 weeks in Cambodia during the 1st visa run by bus ?Michael *******
Hard to know immig officers are certainly more vigilant now, I have a few friends who have been challenged for the first time and they are just visiting 2 or three times a year from NZ
Reply to
Michael *******
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Jazz *******
When you first enter Thailand you will be granted a 60days stays and you can extend for another month and that will give you 90 days in total. If you intend to stay longer like one year your best option is to do visa run and enter again with 60days and extend (another 90days) However the tricky part here if you do it again and they could see a pattern. You dont need a bank account but then again you will rely with ATM withdrawals of maximum of 30k baht plus 220baht fee or bring some USD with you that you can exchange once in a while.
Colin *********
Living in Thailand for one year on tourist visas? Or Visa Exempt entries? There's no visa that will allow you to live in Thailand for a whole year. If you use Visa Exempt, you might be questioned by Immigration Officers in the second half of that year. If using Tourist Visas obtained outside Thailand, you might be a little luckier, but they might refuse you entry at some point.
Jo **********
@Colin ********
??? what I have visa that lets me live in Thailand for 10 years. And there are many moreColin *********
@Jo *********
Maybe my third sentence confused you, but can't you see from reading my comment, that I was referring to short term tourist options, not long term visas?Jo **********
@Colin ********
ok it was not clear but now I understandReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Bob **********
Your not going to stay a year on a TV
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
Ya.... I'll figure something outReply to
Michael **********
Reply
Colin **********
ATM option would work, but they only allow for 20kthb to 30kthb per withdrawal, depending on the bank.
Stephen ********
@Colin *********
We are finding the banks here in phuket won't now pay out more than 10k to foreign cards in Phuket. It appears somethings changed recently.Stuart ***********
@Colin *********
if he goes inside Krungsri bank and withdraws using his card and passport he can withdraw larger amounts and avoids having to pay the 220 Baht fee.Colin **********
@Stuart **********
good pointReply to
Colin **********
Reply
Steven *******
@Colin *********
True. The yellow Krungsri Bank ATMs dispense up to 30K baht for the standard fee.Reply to
Steven *******
Reply
Ken ***********
Will you have employment in Thailand or just rely on funds from The Philippines?
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ken **********
rely on funds... I'm retiredKen ***********
@Michael *********
and not to get too personal but what visa will you use to stay one year in Thailand ?Todd **********
@Ken **********
Border runReply to
Todd **********
Reply
Ken ***********
If you live for a year using ATM withdrawals, you will be charged THB 220 for every withdrawal and you should check with you Philippine bank if they charge a foreign transaction fee.
Andi ***********
Sure.. 📱 and 🏧
Braulio *********
ATM
Reply to
Braulio *********
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