Answered2 years ago
Can I open a bank account in Chiang Mai with a DTV visa?
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it is almost impossible to open a bank account with DTV visa in chiang mai. Yesterday a friend tried to open it and visited six different bank branches yesterday but they all answered NO! DTV is not allowed to open because its maximum period of stay upon entry is less than 1 year.😨
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it is almost impossible to open a bank account with DTV visa in chiang mai. Yesterday a friend tried to open it and visited six different bank branches yesterday but they all answered NO! DTV is not allowed to open because its maximum period of stay upon entry is less than 1 year.😨
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Answer summary
Opening a bank account with a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Thailand can be challenging, as many banks require a longer-term visa or additional documentation. Users share experiences of both successes and failures, often recommending the use of an agent to navigate the banking system. A residency letter from immigration and proof of a long-term lease can aid in the process. Some users report being able to open accounts with a DTV or other short-term visas, particularly if they establish a relationship with the bank.
176 repliesnewest first
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David ****************
Same in BKK my mate did 5 banks with DTV...it was.. no no no no
Clubho******
For yr info.
One of my guests with DTV made hostel booking for 3 months, went to immigration office to apply for certificates of residence, one was for opening a bank account and other for buying a motorcycle. He was successful.
One of my guests with DTV made hostel booking for 3 months, went to immigration office to apply for certificates of residence, one was for opening a bank account and other for buying a motorcycle. He was successful.
Graham ******
@Clubho******
Which Immigration Office as different ones have different requirements?
Tee *****
Lol
6 branches is nothing. I’ve spent 3 days and about 40 different branches in Pattaya 10 years.. On another visa tho.. Keep on trying 😄
6 branches is nothing. I’ve spent 3 days and about 40 different branches in Pattaya 10 years.. On another visa tho.. Keep on trying 😄
Stu **********
I'm not sure how it works in Chiang Mai. A couple of banks knocked me back too at first. Then I walked into the head office and they didn't fool around at all. I had to ask my condo staff for a new 12 month lease and had that with me. The smaller branches make up their own policies. I recommend this one
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Robert **********
I am in hua hin and have exactly the same problem, tried 5 different places before i gave up. Going through an agent seems to be a must to open that bank account
Ruby ***********
Ridiculous
Roland ********
@Ruby **********
Utterly Preposterous!
David ********
@Ruby **********
Diculous and Gusting
Randy **********
I'm looking to retiring to Thailand as soon as my passport arrives.
Do I need to put $23,000 in a Thai bank, seriously? And do I need to get a visa before leaving the U.S. or can I get a visa when I get there?
Do I need to put $23,000 in a Thai bank, seriously? And do I need to get a visa before leaving the U.S. or can I get a visa when I get there?
David ********
Mot agency , pattaya opening my account and supplying address
Terary **********
Not "impossible" but certainly a pain in the arse.
Martin *****
Get a agent or go to Bangkok bank and tell them you will buy there insurance for 5k they will soon open one for you
Kirsten *********
It’s the same in most countries. Also it’s not just that visa that’s tricky just now. Banks are getting stricter generally. There’s more than one reason for this and one of the reasons is money laundering
Billy ******
I opened my bank account on a 60 day tourist visa only 3 years ago, they didn’t even ask to see my visa, I got a form from the bank, took it to immigration, paid a small fee, brought the document from immigration back to the bank, and my account was opened within days, 3 of my friends done the same thing.I do believe they have tightened up considerably since then.
Matthias ********
If I don't have a Thai bank account, I can't transfer money to Thailand, and only the money that is transferred needs to be taxed. Very convenient.
Ian *********
@Matthias *******
easy to use a non thai card to avoid tax.with wise u can keep several currencies on your card .yep there is a charge but prob cheaper than paying 30% tax.dont think the new tax has kicked in yet anyway as if u put cash in bank before it starts that aint taxable
Sam *********
@Ian ********
it started this january and spending on your wise card will count as remitted and taxable assuming you are here 180+ days and above the tax free threshhold. will they catch you or chase you? probably not, but you would be liable as far as i know.Hartmut ********
@Ian ********
Wenn Sie in Großbritannien steuern zahlen müssen Sie das nur vielleicht beweisen , wenn sie über 180 Tage in Thailand sindIan *********
im still resident in uk and pay tax there ,i dont live in thailand but i did used to stay 6 mth now and then.not any more
Sam *********
@Ian ********
this works and what i plan to do too, but being non tax resident anywhere gets complicated too when home banks/investment platforms askIan *********
@Sam ********
im cutting thai trips to 5 mth a year so no issues there. already booked for phils for my last 2 mths this coming winter.why wuld any 1want pay tax twice when u have already paid in your own country haha,Hartmut ********
@Ian ********
hört sich gut an. Es werden aber auch Ausländische Karten registriert.Hartmut ********
@Matthias *******
klarMatthias ********
@Hartmut *******
Schaun mer mal, dann sehn mer scho! Ich zahl meine Steuern sowieso in D. Da die Thais ja explizit ausgeschlossen haben, dass es zur Doppelbesteuerung kommt, dürfte ein übersetzter Steuerbescheid aus Deutschland in der Sache dienlich sein!Hartmut ********
@Matthias *******
die Behörden arbeiten an dem Problem. Ich würde mich nicht darauf verlassen.Matthias ********
@Hartmut *******
That may be true. But the law clearly states that only money transferred to Thailand is taxed. The bank account linked to my card is not in Thailand, so nothing is being transferred.Ian *********
@Hartmut *******
read the next line.im staying thailand 5 mths from now on .plenty other places in asia spend a mth or 2.i already pay tax on my pension.ther is no way im paying twiceMatthias ********
@Ian ********
Yes, that's clear. But if I'm not officially allowed to open an account at all, then there's no need to even worry about taxes in any way. 🥳🥳🥳Ian *********
im keeping my trips in thailand below 6 mths from now on . phils is nice and cheaper in march april and 75 to the £ mmm,its thailands loss not mine
Tobben ********
He,he i was turist with 60 days tourvisa and had no problems opening a account in Bangkok Bank in Phuket and one account in Pattaya. I even have internetbanking and visacard . The only thing i needed was my passport and a thai telephone number !
Ian *********
@Tobben *******
amazed as you usually need a proper address .Tobben ********
@Ian ********
I used the adress where I rented room !Tobben ********
@Ian ********
This was in year 1999,but I got my internetbanking in july 2024 without any question at all ! I had the accounts for 25 years !Ian *********
@Tobben *******
they didnt ask for proof?.it is easy if u get hotel make u a lease for 6 mth or more . i stayed hotel when i first got 1 but was more easy bk then
Martin *****
Just use an agent.. around 5000 baht
Greta *****
What made you think you could open a bank account with that visa? It never said so anywhere. Just open an online account and use a debit card
Greta *****
@Ami ****
Or use online account and debit card
Ami *****
@Greta ****
+ its a Tourist visa , just take an agent for 7000thaiB
Todd *********
Your visa has little, or nothing at all, to do with whether or not you can open an account
Geir ********
Why can an agent do it and not yourself? Does he bribe the bank manager?
Hartmut ********
@Geir *******
genau, das macht er
Khun ******
pay an agent
Richard ******
Pay an agency
Graham ******
@Chris ****
You can transfer >50k at any bank if your account is verified using facial recognition
David *******
Use XE app. Transfer cash to Siam Commercial Bank for cash pick-up. Costs 100 baht. If you do it less than 48 times it's cheaper than opening a bank account.
Graham ******
@David ******
You mean cheaper than using an agent because opening a bank account costs around 300B for the debit cardDavid *******
@Graham *****
without a one year visa Banks refuse request to open account. Rather strangely it's possible to open account using an agent. Seems the RULES don't apply provided the agent receives approx 5000 baht. Banks obviously complicit. My point is that for many people wishing to transfer money into Thailand and avoid the extortionate ATM fees it is much more economic to use XE app and use cash pickup option from Siam Commercial Bank. That way the agent and the bank don't profit by breaking rules and we still avoid the ATM scam.
Dan *******
I had copy of passport at Bangkok bank..yeah, you need the real.
Today I'm going back just to aggravate them. How You Like Me Now punta.Banks worldwide
Suckass. ( just playing...always always be respectful) banks do suck
Today I'm going back just to aggravate them. How You Like Me Now punta.Banks worldwide
Suckass. ( just playing...always always be respectful) banks do suck
John *****
@Dan ******
😂 you actually expected them to open it with a copy?Dan *******
@John ****
rookie move,eh #DuhWent somewhere else today with passport,then they want to know where your staying too. It's all good
Dan *******
@John ****
there's a learning curveIt's wild turning a couple hundred U.S. into thousands, Fun Times!
John *****
@Dan ******
jeez a financial institute doing KYC. What are the odds
Irina **********
but last year even with the 2 month tourist visa you could open a bank acct.. I take it that also changed
Henrik *****
The banks want you to have a long term visa, and have stayed at a fixed adress for 3 + months.
Same as banks everywhere else.
Bankaccounts are not for tourists, and the international definition of a tourist, is a person staying less than 3 months in the country.
The added corcern about traceability of the moneyflow, is making it less profitable to have tourists as customers.
Same as banks everywhere else.
Bankaccounts are not for tourists, and the international definition of a tourist, is a person staying less than 3 months in the country.
The added corcern about traceability of the moneyflow, is making it less profitable to have tourists as customers.
John *****
@Irina *********
really depends where you go and the mood of the staff
Garrett ***********
@Irina *********
Nah nothings changed
Mike ******
Simple.. don’t keep your money in a Thai bank
Phil ******
@Dean ****
there is an agent in Chiang Mai that can assist.
Brook ********
The paperwork process, just to open an account, for foreigners is about an hour long due to Thai and international regulatory requirements.
Then, there are additional ongoing reporting and compliance costs.
No for profit business is going to commit those necessary resources for a begpacker with ฿300 and a 60 day visa absent some other incentive(s).
It’s just not profitable.
Then, there are additional ongoing reporting and compliance costs.
No for profit business is going to commit those necessary resources for a begpacker with ฿300 and a 60 day visa absent some other incentive(s).
It’s just not profitable.
Roland ********
@Brook *******
Or a Limpbiscuit !
Alan *******
Yes, (3 Pensions paid into same a/c every month).
Alan *******
@Brook *******
How things change! Different times now. 7 years ago I Went to K Bank with my (then) girl friend, on my 30 day visa and Passport, . Account opened in about 30 minutes. Been married 5 years now same a/c and same wife!
Michael *******
@Alan ******
do you still have money in your account though 🤔😊😊Brook ********
@Alan ******
You can thank the globalist’s new KYC laws and the World Economic Council for this and the new Thai tax laws.They want your money because they think they are entitled to it because they know how to spend it better than you do.
Brian ********
Get an agent.
Henrik *****
Try again in 4 month, when you have a permanent adress you had been staying at, and a long term lease agreement.
Henrik *****
Banks in Thailand are like everywhere in the world, interested in having good stable custormers, that have a permanent address, a steady easy traceable income, and use the account all year round.
That is why the banks are reluctant to give accounts to people on short time ( read: tourist ) visas, and who only spend part of the year in Thailand.
Furthermore the added attention on whitewashing of money, is an added burden on the banks, so even depositing large amounts isn’t a guaranteed way to open an account.
The value of a resident certificat, had gone down, since Immigration Officers are giving them to people that are not on a longterm visa, or have stayed severel months at 1 adress in Thailand, so even if it is a formal requirement, the bank make up their own assesment of the stability of the want-to-be customer.
That is why the banks are reluctant to give accounts to people on short time ( read: tourist ) visas, and who only spend part of the year in Thailand.
Furthermore the added attention on whitewashing of money, is an added burden on the banks, so even depositing large amounts isn’t a guaranteed way to open an account.
The value of a resident certificat, had gone down, since Immigration Officers are giving them to people that are not on a longterm visa, or have stayed severel months at 1 adress in Thailand, so even if it is a formal requirement, the bank make up their own assesment of the stability of the want-to-be customer.
Darren ********
get an agent, no problem
Jens *********
Tel your friend to do what most of us do and go to immigration and apply for a letter to open a bank account then he won't have any problems......!!
Phil ***********
just take some cash with. i was refused when asked with documents, when I put some money and asked to deposit it with a view to buying a condo, they were happy to open a savings account and give a kind of basic atm card.
Sean *********
@Phil **********
some cash to buy a condo? You mean 2-3 millions in cash haha?Phil ***********
@Rachid ******
no like i just took 50k baht (about 1000gbp ish) and said hi er um i want to pay lots in soon so i can pay for the condo, um er, friendly, smiling, baffled, dummy... errrrmm.. where does it go um er, and they said no problem, were friendly and opened a savings acc. Wish i had millions in cash laying around! LOL
Tim ********
Did they try this branch: Bangkok Bank (Sanpakoi Branch)
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Jason *******
I was able to open an account with education visa. My advice is to find a bank that you can utilize for some reason other then opening an account. Go there a few times so they start to recognize you. Then after you do that. Ask if they can help you open an account. I did this at a krungsri location in Bangkok that I know regularly turns people down.
Michael **********
@Jason ******
I tried to go a few times to a bank to buy durian and having some beer watching go go dancers but they called the cops and they transpass meGarrett ***********
@Jason ******
education visa is a non immigrant visa...
Philip ********
You cannot but an agent can. Your call!
Neale *********
@Philip *******
I was quoted 4500 by an agent to open a bank account
KruPat *****
@Neale ********
can I have the agent’s contact? I need this service.Neale *********
@KruPat ****
i don't know it sorry. I was in Pattaya in April and just walked in to a visa office near my condo. There's loads of agents everywhere
Rok ********
@Neale ********
absolutely. Thai QR system: priceless (for us who do not carry cash).Rok ********
@Neale ********
between 4000 and 5000 usually. Some other nationalities 13,000.Philip ********
@Rok *******
divided by 20 year stay, cheaper than chicken feed.
Dale **********
You just need year long condo lease I only have 3 month ED visa and opened with Bangkok bank
Thelittle ************
@Dale *********
which branch ? Dose it need and letters?Dale **********
yeah I took residency cert for bank account, for that particular bank, lease, passport, central mall pattaya
Robert ***********
@Dale *********
ED visa was on the approved list I saw at a Bangkok bank branch in PhuketDale **********
@Robert **********
oh yeah probably just need to wait for banks to catch up. They were scratching their heads a bit when I did it. But I had everything. Also had a residency certificate for opening bank account.
Graham ***********
I went to Bangkok bank yesterday and opened my account within 45 minutes
Passport driving license 2 year lease on house proof of address from immigration all done no fuss no problem
Happy days
Passport driving license 2 year lease on house proof of address from immigration all done no fuss no problem
Happy days
Paul ********
@Graham **********
Chances are the two-year lease and DL made the decision easy for them. You were worth their effort.Robert ***********
@Graham **********
With what visa?Graham ***********
@Robert **********
veryGraham ***********
@Robert **********
60 dayRobert ***********
@Graham **********
Pretty lucky
Dean *****
OP@Graham **********
congrat!! can i know which bank it was?Graham ***********
@Dean ****
Bangkok bank at blueport hua hinDean *****
OP@Graham **********
thank you 😀
Jon ********
Banks want to see a long term lease...
Rok ********
@Jon *******
and a letter of residency from immigration - Some immigration offices charge 100 baht and some 0 baht but the letter is addressed and valid for one bank only (Kasikorn etc)Hartmut ********
@Rok *******
Falsch, der Brief ist allgemein. Ich kann mit dem Brief zu jeder Bank gehenRok ********
@Hartmut *******
the letter i am picking up on Monday addressed to only one bank i had to nominate. The letter however free (but it takes 5 working days). Different IO do things differently.
Wayne ******
Get an agent save the running around
Wayne ******
Put it on expat of thailand groups, they are all over
Sheikh *********
@Wayne *****
where do i find agentDavid *******
Use XE cash pickup option. Avoid greasing any wheels. 100 baht allows you to avoid three or four ATM fees at 230 baht. So it's cost effective and nobody gets greased at your expense. Value for money not free cash for those in positions of power.
Wayne ******
@David ******
ill check it outDavid *******
Just transfer cash into Siam Commercial Bank using “cash pickup” option in XE app. Costs 100 baht. Opening a bank account costs 4800 with agent bribe. So that's 48 transfers with Siam Commercial Bank before you would be better off paying the bribe to an agent！
KruPat *****
@David ******
can I have the agent’s contact? I need this service.
David *******
@David ******
you mean a facilitation fee, I’m sure. The agent will not work for no rewardMichael *******
@David ******
yip and in some locations like Phuket agents now have to go through channels to facilitate, no more direct interaction with their ‘connections’ to ensure happiness is evenly spread amongst all staff same system has worked in cop shops for a whileMichael *******
@David ******
not true, they grease the wheels at the bank or immigration, or any other govt agency like Driving License office - just makes it harder for us who want to avoid feeding the trough as a dependency at these govt offices is created. A good example is Phuket DLT, without a fixer it’s a 3 month wait for an appointment , so a ride to Phangnga secures it same day we just learn to work around it…and not compound the problem.David *******
@David ******
get real. Daily wages are like 300 baht. So the reward is 15 days wages or more than that. It's a payment to circumvent the rules. “we break the rules for money”. Tolerated practice cos those at the top are getting most of it.David *******
@Wayne *****
yep - I just think it’s wrong to refer to the agents fees as a bribe (@David ******
). It’s a fee to services providedWayne ******
@David ******
agent will cost a bit but save a huge Hassle in the endDavid *******
@Wayne *****
bribery and corruption works! Sawadee ka
Corey *******
@David ******
lol, immigration at a certain border told me I needed to pay them to enter, or I have to get married. Now my local amphur is telling me they don't know how to do foreigner marriages, and for me to wait a few months..Wayne ******
@David ******
I had a he'll of a time getting an account open, bangkok bank wany me to pay 40k tb for an insurance policy, guess where that wentDet *******
Banks should not be immigration enforcement
Dennis *********
they are not enforcing anything. Thai government has no regulations on this. it is strictly up to the bank. every bank and every bank location is different. however if you look from their point of view. not making a lot of money off a totally free account. yeah you can show up with a fist full of cash, but you and they know you could just withdraw most of it the next day. some will want to sell you some insurance policy so at least they get something out of the deal. either get an agent to help you, or spend your vacation going from bank to bank.
Det *******
@Dennis ********
I don’t think that you are correct.American laws require foreign banks to report on Americans. That is one government.
Roland ********
@Det ******
Exactly, It is the overarching meddling of the US that is the driving force behind this.Det *******
@Dennis ********
The W9 is not a Thai requirement, that is US.Signing a copy of an ID is completely useless.
Dennis *********
@Det ******
thats anywhere for anything. refuse to sign required paperwork, and nobody going to work with you. buy an airline ticket and refuse to do what they tell you, you'll be denied... this is just nuts converso. done with this, and you make no sense.Dennis *********
@Det ******
why and who is going to refuse a W9 piece of paperwork. What conspiricy rock you crawling out from under dude?? you laundering money or something, or think US going to send a Interpol Red Team to bust down your door in the middle of the night?Det *******
@Dennis ********
Your next action at a Thai bank, refuse to sign the copy of your ID that they make. You will be refused service.Det *******
@Dennis ********
As an American, try getting an account while refusing to sign the US paperwork requirement, a W9 I think.Dennis *********
@Det ******
Thai banks don't turn a person down for that.... just rubbish.Det *******
@Dennis ********
The comment is relevant to the prior irrelevant response.Thai banks that want access to American controlled banking systems. That access requires Thai banks to report activity by American account holders. A Thai bank says “no” to a US citizen trying to open an account, to avoid reporting requirements.
Dennis *********
@Det ******
Just re-read your comment, and still don't get your point, about reporting your bank activity to America.... that's just irrelevant to the topic.Det *******
@Dennis ********
I made a “should” statement. Then others talked about irrelevant BS.Dennis *********
@Det ******
what if anything does that have to do with opening a bank account in Thailand?? Nothing!! And of course you can't use the account for laundering so reporting is nothing special. Years ago I got a Bank account on a 30 day tourist visa,.sure the IRS knows about it, and then what?Michael *******
@Det ******
it’s the same in many parts of the world, I was forced to close accounts I had in Dubai, Hong Kong and South Africa once I became non resident, only have UK and SIN as still I have address there - I was told it was govt policy due to money laundering - blame the crooks not the banks I couldn’t open an account here untill I got my retirement visa easy way round it use lawyer or agent, money shouts here 🙂Det *******
@Michael ******
Being the same doesn’t make it right. Money laundering, is an inalienable right not a crime. People should not be forced to disclose the source of money.
Frank **********
@Det ******
they are not, they are just cautious. I do believe, however, that all branches of the same bank should have the same standard for opening a bank account and the branch manager should not be able to add any other requirements.Paul ********
@Frank *********
Not the Thai way. For example, each immigration officer has the right to decide your fate on the spot, with no appeal. Two different officers, deciding virtually identical cases, may make different decisions, and that's acceptable here.Western ideas of fairness don't always apply here.
Det *******
@Frank *********
The bank managers that I have talked to said “I have no choice” and when pushed they say bank policy to comply with government rules. Without a government rule, banks would be happy to open accounts for most everyone, they could easily make a profit.Det *******
Frank **********
@Det ******
yes but each bank manager can add additional requirements and it should not be that way. It should be the same requirements for all branches.
Dennis *************
@Gray *****
nothing to do with that, try to be a turist in most any country in Europe and try to make a bank account, good luckDet *******
@Dennis ************
Banks in Europe should not be immigration enforcers.
Paweł ************
@Dennis ************
you miss lead people, i have bank account in: Poland, Belgium, Germany, Lithuania, UK, USA and Thailand. I believe it depends of what passport you have.
Tim *********
@Gray *****
More likely they are risk-averse to opening an account for someone with no intention of making their home in Thailand.
Xjwhudkwhry ********
@Tim ********
yeah, they're risking of people bringing their money and keeping them in their new bank accounts...not worth it really, that's not what banks are for right?Tim *********
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
obvs you have all the expertise of a 👂 bankerPaul ********
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
The horror!Det *******
@Tim ********
I’ll bet it is a government banking rule.
Sandro *********
@Hartmut *******
Besser zu Hause bleiben 😉Hartmut ********
@Do***
leider.
Donny *****
@Hartmut *******
Bribery makes the world go 'round, unfortunately. Such is the way of life. Especially here in South East Asia.Hartmut ********
@Ivan ***********
genau eigentlich
Ivan ************
@Har****
one of the stated criteria for opening a bank account is a reference letter from a trusted individual such as an existing bank customer. I wouldn't be surprised if money is involved but it's *possible* that agents are merely providing this and don't actually have to pay for it, as this is an official criteria.Hartmut ********
@Paul *******
Sie erzählen ein Mist. Sie sind bestimmt AmerikanerPaul ********
@Hartmut *******
Take your arguments to the Thai police and government. I'm sure they will be amazed and grateful for your crack detective work. Surely you will receive at least some sort of medal for your amazing expose of this previously unknown practice!
Hartmut ********
@Paul *******
Sie geben dem Agenten Geld, der Agent gibt dem Bank Mitarbeiter davon vielleicht die Hälfte, und das ist Bestechung. Das was Sie geschrieben haben, mit dem Makler, Anwalt usw. Das sind normale Geschäfte. Das können Sie mit einer Agentur die für Sie ein Bankkonto, unerlaubter Weise, eröffnen soll nicht vergleichen.Paul ********
@Hartmut *******
An agent who assists in opening a bank account does not inherently break any laws or banking rules. They simply help the bank internally justify the considerable cost of opening an account for a customer whose stay in Thailand might be so short as to be unprofitable. This is not illegal in Thailand.
When you sell a house, and employ an estate agent to assist, is that a "bribe?"
Do you call it a bribe when you pay a lawyer to help set up a business and navigate the regulatory system? Or when you pay an accountant to file your taxes? Or you pay a concierge to get you unattainable theatre tickets or a table at a popular restaurant?
Or you employ a lobbyist to help you make your case before the government?
Banks are breaking no laws when they allow tourists to open a bank account, nor if they deny it.
Hartmut ********
@Paul *******
das ist nicht richtig. Das ist illegal Personen mit Geld bestechen. Ist das in Amerika legal???Paul ********
@Gray *****
You'd lose. No such rule or law, and has nothing to do with immigration enforcement.Especially with Americans, opening an account is just a pain in the a** for the bank. Why bother if they're here for a couple months than they're gone? Money loser.
But ultimately, this is the individual bank's decision.
An agent can definitely grease the skids, and there is nothing wrong or illegal if you use one.
Brandon ************
That's not surprising. Opening a bank account without a non-immigrant visa has become almost impossible. The DTV is classified as a "special" tourist visa. You would likely need to use an agent to assist in opening a bank account.
Michael **********
@Brandon ***********
I opened one at Bangkok Bank in Central Pattaya in an hour on a 60 day tourist visa. Easy peasy
Erik ***********
@Brandon ***********
To use an agent equals bribery. Not everyone would appriciate this. And honestly; what the f… Why the complaints? As you say, it is a tourist visa, at the moment a good one at that, and if they later choose to stay longterm they will of course be able to open an acct. But at the moment they are just water under the bridge. Why bother letting them have alle the fringes and avoid the costs? Suggesting bribery is perhaps not the right thing to do.Erik ***********
Yes I am fully aware of the reality here. I have worked on quite a no of projects here in Thailand, also countries like China and Russia and bribery-wise you dont´t get away from that unscathed. What bugs me are all those entitled persons who assume that everything should be lined up for them. Unfortunately they are often proven right. Which was my point; why bother pointing them in that direction? I know I am a grumpy old geezer and feel entitled to being so.
Roland ********
@Erik **********
You'll get over it.Brandon ************
@Erik **********
you either pay an agent or you don't get a bank account. That's the reality of the situation
Inigo *********
@Brandon ***********
any idea how much an agent would charge for this?Brandon ************
@Inigo ********
4-5k
Al**
@Roland *******
True kinda but if your foreign bank decides to cancel your account you can be in big trouble.Roland ********
@Inigo ********
Yes just live of your foreign ATM card. A Thai bank account isn't worth it.Brandon ************
@Inigo ********
The ability to pay with QR scan alone is worth itInigo *********
@Brandon ***********
that's quite a few foreign card ATM charges before it becomes worth it
Zev *******
@Brandon ***********
moving to Thailand before the end of the year on a DTV the Visa agency I’m using to process my visa also helps with other things such as bank accounts. It was a huge reason why I picked Thailand there a lot of affordable help for expats
LaMechelle ********
@Zev ******
May I ask what agency please. I'm looking to move back next year. Definitely need help with it as well. 🙏🏼Activity
80 joined80
people
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