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Can I use a Wise account to show proof of funds when entering Thailand on a visa-on-arrival?
Visa on ArrivalThailand ImmigrationProof of FundsTravel RequirementsVisa RulesExpatriates in Thailand
Jan 30, 2026
3 months ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust a quick question,when entering Thailand on a voa if I do get asked for proof of the 20,000 can I show the funds using my wise account (converted to Thai baht)
Or will I need the cash ?
Thanks in advance
Or will I need the cash ?
Thanks in advance
TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers entering Thailand on a Visa on Arrival (VoA) are often required to show proof of funds, typically in cash, amounting to 20,000 THB (or equivalent). While some have successfully entered without being asked for proof, the consensus in the discussion is that having physical cash is strongly advised, as there are no guarantees that a traveler will not be asked to show cash. Some users reported incidents of being turned away when they didn't have the required amount in cash. Using bank statements or digital funds from a Wise account is generally considered insufficient as proof. Thus, it is recommended to carry cash to avoid potential entry issues.
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Clay ******
I was wondering this same question but for using wise as the bank account for the DTV application. If you park funds in wise for 3 months etc will that be accepted?
John *********
You only need to show proof of funds if you appear to be a destitute person.
Joe **********
If you havnt got 20,000 what you doing here?, and by the way this rule applies in most countries not just Thailand!
Lanny *****
For everyone saying they've never been asked, that's great for you! However, if you are unlucky enough to be asked to show proof of funds, those funds would need to be in physical currency. Hope this helps!
Colin *********
John Bartle here's what Mr Google says, which is correct and provides good information
Robin **********
Airport is fine. Richexchange. Basement level.
Tongjun **
Cash is king
Murray ********
I've never been asked in 20 years of coming here.
Nongnuch ********
Murray Odgers here we go, again 😠😡 You can't give anyone any guarantee that they won't be asked just because you have never been asked.
Murray ********
Nongnuch Kamdee, cool down petal. I wasn't giving any guarantee. Just giving my experience. Take a chill pill!!
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Murray ********
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Braulio *********
cash
Jacques **********
Braulio Escobar no
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Jacques **********
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Nigel ********
Cash, but it doesn’t matter in what currency.
Phil ******
Better with cash but there's no VOA ENTRY please elaborate. Is it the form Ionline you mean?
Özgür **********
I saw a man got turned away because he had not enough cash with him this week Tuesday morning. I met him on my returning flight, he seemed nervous, I asked him why, he told me the story. And when I entered two weeks ago the officer asked me hotel booking and return ticket. Last year's they didn't ask anything.
SunnyChe*********
There is a plethora of bad and ill informed advice on this thread.
It’s simple the “rules” are you need the equivalent of 20k in cash (any currency).
Whether “in 20 years of trips” or “20 trips” you’ve never been asked is moot - the Immigration Officer CAN ask you for proof of funds and use it as a reason to deny entry.
PLUS there are no ATMs before Immigration at Bkk Airport.
It’s simple the “rules” are you need the equivalent of 20k in cash (any currency).
Whether “in 20 years of trips” or “20 trips” you’ve never been asked is moot - the Immigration Officer CAN ask you for proof of funds and use it as a reason to deny entry.
PLUS there are no ATMs before Immigration at Bkk Airport.
Nongnuch ********
SunnyChestnut4369 You are WRONG! There are ATM's before Immigration. You will find them in the area where citizens of some countries must buy their 15-days "visa-on-arrival" for 2000 Baht
SunnyChe*********
I don’t believe I am “WRONG” 😂 Are you sure they are not currency exchange machines? The same as in departures? Never seen one in twenty years and half a dozen flights arriving in Bkk a year. Show me a pic.
Nongnuch ********
SunnyChestnut4369 and I don't need to show you any pic, just because you won't believe in facts. OPEN YOUR EYES. The point but is, if Immigration asks you for the cash proof, they won't allow you to walk back
SunnyChe*********
Nongnuch Kamdee my eyes are wide open unlike your mind. No ATMs 🏧 before Immigration. I’ll be back in a week to prove it (or eat humble pie 🥧) 😂
Nongnuch ********
SunnyChestnut4369 look for the light blue ATM across from the VOA booths
Nongnuch ********
SunnyChestnut4369 since OVER ONE YEAR. You need to open your eyes
Nongnuch ********
SunnyChestnut4369 there are working (!!) ATM's for those citizens, so they can withdraw the 2000 Baht they need to buy the VOA
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Nongnuch ********
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Robert **********
I travelled 5 times into the country (flying into BKK) in the last 2 years, I have never been asked for financial proof... (1 time tourist visa, 4 times exempt).
Paul **********
Its only £500. Youre not going to be asked unless you look like a down & out.
Ian **********
First, you don't qualify for a VoA, so I expect you are referring to a visa-exempt entry. The cash requirement is only demanded if you are selected for secondary screening, and that only happens if the IO suspects you are not a genuine tourist. If you have a recent history of staying long-term in Thailand using visa-exempt entries/border bounces etc, then expect to be selected for secondary screening. If you are a genuine tourist, then the chances of being asked for the cash are minimal.
Colin *********
Ian Morrison you've provided the best answer to the question and information provided by John Bartle.
Many base their answers on what's been the case more than a year ago, some up to 40 years ago. Certainly, cash is the requirement if asked, as most say.
Many base their answers on what's been the case more than a year ago, some up to 40 years ago. Certainly, cash is the requirement if asked, as most say.
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Colin *********
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Dee ********
Who carries 20,000 baht on them while traveling. !!!!
Bri *******
Dee Marvin who doesn't carry a slack 500 quid lol 🤦
Narong *******
Dee Marvin I always have between 1-2k us dollars with me.... Lots of people do.... Is not a lots of money
Dee ********
Narong Paris it is to Thai people. No one carries cash in Thailand. They all use scanning. I go to Thailand every year.
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Dee ********
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Dee ********
I guess I’m one of the few people who do not carry that much money when I travel because when I arrive in Thailand I go to the bank and get money from there. Also I can always show them my bank info on my phone.
Lynnette *******
Dee Marvin I carry cash and cards. I bring my home currency and change as I need it. I'd not want to arrive and have to searching for an ATM.
Jacques **********
Lynnette Munoz unless you travel to a very remote part of Thailand, I doubt that you would search for an ATM displaying the Cirrus sign. ATMs are almost available like 7 elevens.
Lynnette *******
Jacques Slabbert I've no intention bothering to look for one and pay fees, because I bring money. I really don't care if others have empty pockets and only use cards or they get annoyed when they hear people use cash. There are many places I go where cash is best and appreciated. I wouldn't ever rely on only paying by card when on holiday.
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Lynnette *******
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Peter ********
Dee Marvin always. For multiple reasons this being one of them.
Lynnette *******
Dee Marvin lots of us. I'd never travel without money.
Jacques **********
Lynnette Munoz no your answer should be ... you never travel without cash... If you travel without money means you don't have a cent on you or in your bank account either.
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Jacques **********
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Richard ********
Ithink they would need to see
*****
baht in cash.Tom *******
Cash is king
You’re gonna spend it anyway
You’re gonna spend it anyway
Neil ********
As long as you have a card to withdraw the cash from an ATM that’s your fall back.
They will not turn you around if you offer that
They will not turn you around if you offer that
SunnyChe*********
Neil Fowell apart from there are no ATMs before Immigration at Bkk Airport.
Nongnuch ********
SunnyChestnut4369 . .You are WRONG! there are ATM's before Immigration. You will find them in the area where citizens of some countries must buy their 15-days "visa-on-arrival" for 2000 Baht
Gary *****
SunnyChestnut4369 I arrived from Saigon 3 weeks ago..and there definitely is an ATM before Immigration..I was upset because I bought the Equivalent of 20,000 THB in Vietnamese Dong which you don't get the best of exchange rates with in Thailand..
If course no guarantee that it is operational at all time s..
If course no guarantee that it is operational at all time s..
SunnyChe*********
Gary Joe did you use it because there are currency machines which look like ATMs! There are no ATMs before Immigration Officer- the first ones are in baggage reclaim!
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SunnyChe*********
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Nongnuch ********
It's always the same . . . . there are those guys who claim they have never been asked, but they cannot give you any guarantee that you won't get asked. Blimey!
Roman **********
Nongnuch Kamdee Immigration are not even consistent with their own rules!
No one can guarantee anything with Thai immigration.
Like most countries: If you look presentable and are white, problem free. If you look like a hobo, from a poor country or are a shade of brown, be sure you have hotel bookings, return tickets and cash available.
All my experiences with Thai immigration have been very fair.
No one can guarantee anything with Thai immigration.
Like most countries: If you look presentable and are white, problem free. If you look like a hobo, from a poor country or are a shade of brown, be sure you have hotel bookings, return tickets and cash available.
All my experiences with Thai immigration have been very fair.
Nongnuch ********
Roman Greenway that's why I got a very good picture at hand which fits the situation
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Nongnuch ********
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Ant ***********
It’s been a long standing requirement
With all the people doing many continuous trips to Thailand the spotlight is on them
With all the people doing many continuous trips to Thailand the spotlight is on them
Bruce *****************
If you are polite and well dressed you will breeze through ...thais admire well dressed and clean people ....
Brian *********
Been to Thailand many times. Never been asked
Bruce *****************
Cash but unless you present as a real problem to them they almost never ask...
Paul ****
Cash
Roy *********
You probably won’t be asked but if you’re unlucky to get an immigration officer who decides to ask then you need cash equivalent in any currency , plastic isn’t always guaranteed to work
Dave *********
Bring cash and exchange here u will get better exchange rate ( obviously not at airport)
Bob ******
Dave Shutlar why not at airport ?
If you go down to level where trains Are then they have super rich etc with decent rates of exchange
That helps for people that arrive and then flying domestic without going into bangkok pattaya etc.
If you go down to level where trains Are then they have super rich etc with decent rates of exchange
That helps for people that arrive and then flying domestic without going into bangkok pattaya etc.
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Bob ******
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TrustworthyHu*************
2-3 times a year post covid, there now, never been asked to show cash
Wayne ********
I noticed if you are dressed nice they usually leave you alone.
Leigh *****
Ive never been asked to show money last i entered via phuket immigration officer asked to see a hotel booking ,thats the fistt time in 20 years coming to Thailand 😁😁
David ***********
You shouldn't have a problem. It's mainly young men in their 20s who look like their going to sleep on the beach they are after. Guy rocks up already with elephant print pants, that sort of riff raff
Lee ********
I have seen videos of woman and men in the 30s who was going to use card likes Revolut etc for to withdraw cash. No1 really likes to carry to much cash these days.. if ya have cash in bank it should not be a problem anywhere. But i see why they do it. So cheapskates cant get in
Graham ******
Lee Murphy "it should not be a problem" but it will be if asked to show the equivalent of B20k in CASH which is the law
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Graham ******
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Ross ********
David Henderson bad advice it could be anyone
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Ross ********
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Gary *********
I have been in and out of Thailand, many times over the years and I have never been asked to show cash equivalent
Patrick ***********
It seems ypu not follow anny news amd it seems ypu Dont know about entree rules . Thd 20 k money need to show is arils fof manny years allready and now a days imigration police ask to it wheb wat to cross the border
Graham ******
Gary Camboni bravo
Phil ******
Gary Camboni changed in November. They now ask and have denied people entry over this
Gary *********
I re-entered from Vietnam and was not asked this past January.
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Gary *********
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Robbi *******
Gary Camboni same -:never
Gordon *******
Gary Camboni Same here,never
Si ******
Gary Camboni never been asked, 40 years Thailand
Ross ********
Gary Camboni But other people have and they where turned away
Tongjun **
Ross Calder
If they were turned away because they didn’t have it,
Well spotted by the IO
they must have looked like homeless
If they were turned away because they didn’t have it,
Well spotted by the IO
they must have looked like homeless
Ross ********
Tongjun They had the money in there bank account but we're not allowed to go to the ATM They just didn't have it in cash.
John *********
Ross Calder there is some important piece of this story missing. The Immigration Officer only digs deeper if there is an immediate obvious reason to do so.
Ross ********
John N Kwan Personally I would not trust that statement at all .
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Ross ********
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Roman **********
It depends how much the immigration dislikes you. The vast majority are never asked, the only time they want to physically see cash in that instant is as a convenient excuse to refuse entry.
Ross ********
You need to have baht or equivalent in other currency .
Raymond *********
Cash is what you need
Reply to
Raymond *********
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