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Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a retirement 90 visa while staying in a hotel?
Thailand bankingexpat bankingretirement visa90-day visaimmigration proceduresresidence certificateThai phone numberforeigners in Thailand
Oct 31, 2025
6 months ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi
I am arriving next week with retirement 90 visa,my question is can I get a bank account and how do I do it if I am staying in hotel till I find a rental thanks.
I am arriving next week with retirement 90 visa,my question is can I get a bank account and how do I do it if I am staying in hotel till I find a rental thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you arrive in Thailand with a retirement 90 visa and are staying in a hotel, you may still be able to open a bank account. To do so, you typically need a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai phone number registered in your name, which must not be a prepaid number. It's advisable to visit multiple banks, as requirements can vary significantly between institutions. Once you secure a long-term rental, you can update your address and obtain the necessary documents to facilitate the account opening.
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Dennis *********
I checked into an Airbnb my 3rd day here and went to get my Thai Cell Number in my name shown on passport. Then I went to immigration to get the certificate of residence, which took 8 days. I opened two bank accounts the next day. Fairly easy just have to be patient waiting on immigration to send the certificate.
Kim *********
@Dennis ********
incredible - I've got several c.o.r (tm7) and I waited no longer than max 30 minutes every time. Udon Thani immi.Dennis *********
@Kim ********
I’ve heard every immigration office is different but it is just practice in teaching me patience!!🤣😂🤣😂John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kim ********
that’s good to know I will be staying in udon and need to get bank account and residence certificate also Thai sim registered in my name asap thanks.Reply to
John ********
Reply
Pertti *************
You go immigration and get letter to open bank account and recidency certificate. Go sim provider and ask receipt to bank.
Kim *********
@Pertti ************
they residence certificate - tm7 with the purpose specified - in this case opening a bank account - IS the "letter" - no additional "letters" needed.Reply to
Kim *********
Reply
John *********
I have this dilemma so decided to use an agent. I only need a hotel booking.
Once we move into a rented accommodation i will chane my address with the certificate of residence
Once we move into a rented accommodation i will chane my address with the certificate of residence
Tom ****************
@Pavichaya ******************
can answer that and help youPavichaya *******************
@Tom ***************
Thank you Tom 😊🙏Reply to
Pavichaya *******************
Reply
Andreas *********
Regarding the addressed Thai phone number. It must not be a prepaid card but an official phone number in your name, your place of residence is. The telephone company checks completely Exactly your data before you issue the confirmation for the bank. This was also a reason for many account closures, prepaid tariff, or SIM card in the partner's name or similar. The rules are very strict here. And without this confirmation from the cell phone provider, no bank account.
Andreas *********
@Andreas ********
it can be a prepaid SIM card . . . . . .I use an AIS prepaid 1-2-call SIM card which is registered connected to my SCB bank account. I even top up money to my SIM card using my SCB bank account . . . The SIM card actually isn't even registered in my name but in my partner's name. I have the SCB account since 18 years, no problem, early this year I gave them my new passport number plus confirmed to them I still use the same prepaid phone number 😃Jesper *******
@Andreas ********
it can be a prepaid Sim as long as its registered under the OPs nameReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Ossie *********
You will be lucky to get a bank account on a 90 day visa as it’s classed as a tourist visa you need to convert it to an O Visa !
Pete *******
@Ossie ********
nonsenseAndreas *********
@Ossie ********
you could not be more wrong. The "retirement 90 visa" he wrote about, is the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, and it is not a tourist visa but a long term visa, and enough to get a bank account opened. He doesn't need to already be on the 1-year Extension of the Stay Permit to get a bank account openedOssie *********
@Andreas ********
yes sorry I misread having said that and having held a retirement visa for 19 years the Kasikorn froze my account last month it took two weeks to have it re instated had to go to AIS to get them to certify my phone number which I’ve had for 19 years the problem seemed to be my current passport which is about to be renewed again I had not registered with the bank they still had my old passport details ! Lesson learned when I get my new passport in December I will be giving the Kasikorn a copy ! Having said that my SCB bank which I opened more than 20 years ago still has a copy of my original passport every bank seems to have different rules by the way I do have a yellow house book and Thai issued pink ID card which I use most of the time !!!!Reply to
Ossie *********
Reply
Tony **********
You'll have about 30 days to secure a long term rental (most likely it will take you less than a week). Then go to immigration and get a residence certificate. Bring copy of your lease, passport pages and a passport photo. Then go to the bank bringing copies of the above . Would no longer recommend Bangkok bank give the recent account freeze issues over the past several months. Easy, but sometimes feels tedious. Thais love paperwork, rubber stamps and endless signatures...
Sasikarn *********
If you hold long term visa you can open bank account
Stuart ***********
As Jay said it should be possible with a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai phone number. If one bank refuses, try a different one until you find one that will open an account for you. I am with that bank you are referring to, but if I was starting now I would choose Kasikorn.Good luck.
Jay *******
You may have to get a residence certificate from immigration. Every bank and branch has different requirements. You may have to visit several to find one that makes it less difficult. Or you could hire a person to do it for you. But that is getting more expensive every day. Best bet is visit a few banks and see what they require. Just avoid that one bank that is having issues
Matthew *********
@Jay ******
just say it BANGKOK BANKJohn *********
@Matthew ********
like it's defendable 😁Jay *******
@Matthew ********
im tired of even saying the name. Still having trouble with themMatthew *********
@Jay ******
I understand you and its weird the ones come on here and say I don't have a problem. Wish you luckReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ******
thanks I know the bank your talking about lolAndrew ***********
@John *******
exactly what Jay Eusey said as every bank will be different. But you will 100 % need a resident certificate from immigration, and it may be best to visit them and ask what they need to get one.Tom ********
@John *******
Krungsri (yellow bank) or Kasikorn are better banks and you will need a residence certificate form from immigration to be able to open one. good idea to have several passport sized pics to hand, you will need them.Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
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