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Can I open a bank account in Hua Hin on a tourist visa without mandatory accident insurance?
Hua HinBanking in ThailandBank AccountTourist VisaBangkok BankInsurance RequirementExpats in ThailandVisa Regulations
Nov 10, 2023
2 years ago
Rick ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs there a bank branch in Hua Hin that will open account on only TV. Don't really want to pay for accident insurance to open one
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion focuses on whether individuals can open a bank account in Hua Hin using a tourist visa without the need to buy accident insurance, which some banks require. It highlights experiences with various branches, particularly Bangkok Bank, where some users reported success in opening accounts without purchasing insurance, while others faced difficulties. The conversation also mentions agents who can help with opening accounts, albeit sometimes at a fee. There's a recurring theme of dissatisfaction with mandatory insurance requirements and varying bank policies, especially post-March 2023.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
YT ********************
You need work permit.
John *******
Either way you are going to pay in some way the insurance thing is just a con but I assure you there is a fee with a agent
Kev **********
Don't fall for the insurance scam with Bangkok bank. I checked with head office you are not required to have it to open account. UDAN THANI branch good bank but clerk lied.
Bill *********
@Kev *********
Hi Kev, you mentioned Udon Thani, could you recommend and good visa agents in that area to arrange a retirement visa.Reply to
Bill *********
Reply
Robert ***********
Good luck with that. Things have changed with banking in Thailand. I can tell you this...There are 11 bank offices in Phuket that won't do anything with a tourist visa even with immigration residence cert, condo lease, and a large sh*tload of baht in my hand. Its a no go after March of this year.
I will bet that all the people here that say "Yes" did so before March or some miracle happened. 😉
I will bet that all the people here that say "Yes" did so before March or some miracle happened. 😉
YT ********************
@Robert **********
I opened acc on visa exemption this year 😁😁Robert ***********
@YT *******************
When this year and where?YT ********************
@Robert **********
September, Bangkok Bank, but this is not usually possible. I went many times and many branches.Reply to
YT ********************
Reply
Andrew ***********
@Robert **********
maybe that applies to Phuket and we probably all know the reason why. But definitely not the case everyway in Thailand.Robert ***********
@Andrew **********
BTW...I was shown a memo from Bangkok Bank main office that said no more accounts for tourist visas. It specifically said the shortest visa allowed would be an education visa with 3 months validity. That memo was dated April of this year. It had nothing to do with location. Today Bangkok...same answerAndrew ***********
@Robert **********
I understand what you are saying, but every bank and branch has its own set of rules and not all go by that memo lol. If you really want one that bad pay an agent.Robert ***********
@Andrew **********
Well to date I have tried 15 bank branches, 4 different banks and the common denominator preventing me from getting a bank account is a tourist visa.Robert ***********
@Andrew **********
I have talked to 3 agents. 2 said they couldn't do it at this time and the third wanted 9,000 baht and I needed to go to Pattaya for 4 days and give them my passport. And when I asked what bank they couldn't answer. That's a no go. Travel, 4 days hotel, giving up my passport and 9k. I dont think so.Reply to
Robert ***********
Reply
Robert ***********
@Andrew **********
Feel free to tell me where in Thailand I can get a guaranteed bank account with a tourist visa and I will travel through there. I am presently in Bangkok and went to 4 different banks today and was stopped again because of a tourist visa.Dave *******
@Robert **********
PattayaAndrew ***********
@Robert **********
I would suggest Pattaya or Hua Hin.Reply to
Andrew ***********
Reply
Julie **********
Yes,in Bluport . Had to go to immigration first to get the correct paperwork but all completed within a couple of hours.
Cliff *********
Pay or don’t get the account….
Andreas *********
not in Hua Hin, however in Pattaya
@Stefan *******
and his agency will open a Bangkok Bank account for you even on a Tourist visa. NO mandatory insurance!Mick *********
@Andreas ********
Hua Hin Bluport Bangkok Bank will open an account on TV with proof of residency and not taking their insurance. Maybe depends if you're with a Thai person or alone. Dunno. But it is possible.Andreas *********
@Mick ********
thank you. I opened a bank account in Hua Hin with the SCB Bank, in 2003, on a SE Tourist Visa. A Thai friend accompanied meReply to
Andreas *********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Andreas ********
What's the difference between paying an agent 5000 baht or paying the bank 5000 baht for insurance? At least with insurance you potentially have some personal benefit.Mick *********
@Brandon ***********
With an agent, it's your choice. With the bank, you are bullied. All about principles, most Thais don't understand that.Brandon ************
@Mick ********
it's literally the EXACT same thing. A business offering a service for a fee.Steve ********
@Mick ********
Never been bullied by a bank. You must be going to the wrong place.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Brandon ***********
That's true. Although the insurance they sell you is pretty useless there are benefits. For example the one showed me at my last visit to get statement for extension promised 100,000 baht to my beneficiary if I was killed by a violent act.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Andreas ********
No such thing as mandatory insurance. It's actually "sucked in insurance"Andreas *********
@Steve *******
a "coupling transaction" which is often claimed to be mandatory, by the bank employee.Steve ********
@Andreas ********
And only bought by gullible naive farangs. I've opened four bank accounts in Thailand, never once was I conned into buying useless insurance. 😂Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Bunny *****
Anyone tried opening from Bangkok bank on TV in Bangkok?
Phil ******
@Bunny ****
yes meBunny *****
@Phil *****
how did you manage to do it? Which branch pleasePhil ******
@Bunny ****
main branch opposite soi 11Bunny *****
@Phil *****
thank you!Phil ******
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Stuart ***********
The Bangkok Bank branch that would open an account for me without accident insurance was the Boonthavorn branch. I tried several others and they insisted on the insurance, so I looked elsewhere.
Mick *********
Bangkok Bank will open account on a TV, but you will need proof of residency from immigration office outside of city, not Bluport. Also, just say you have insurance already and don't want theirs. Worked for me.
Reply to
Mick *********
Reply
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