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Can I use my Philippine bank account in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
Philippine Bank AccountThailand Tourist VisaBanking Regulations ThailandATM Withdrawals ThailandUSA Pension AccessKYC RegulationsOnline BankingVisa Requirements
Apr 16, 2026
14 days ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI understand that someone on a tourist visa can’t open a bank account here. It’s the same as the Philippines.
Is there any problem using my Philippine bank account here?
Also, in order to access my USA pension, I will have to fly to the Philippines and make a transfer from one bank account to another. Crazy.
Is there any problem using my Philippine bank account here?
Also, in order to access my USA pension, I will have to fly to the Philippines and make a transfer from one bank account to another. Crazy.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around the banking options available to an expat in Thailand, particularly focusing on the limitations of using a foreign bank account (specifically from the Philippines) while on a tourist visa. Users discuss the inability to open a local bank account as a tourist, confirm that a Philippine bank account can be used for ATM withdrawals albeit with fees, and suggest alternatives such as online money transfer services (like Wise or Schwab Bank). The discussion also touches on issues related to accessing pensions from the USA and makes mention of typical touristic financial practices in Thailand.
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Nongnuch ********
Get your pension transferred to a SCHWAB USA bank account, and just use a SCHWAB Bank Visacard to withdraw at an ATM. Schwab even reimburses the 250 Baht ATM fee in Thailand
Peter **********
What happened to the due diligence before travelling to Thailand?
Just noted you are from USA, that explains it.
Just noted you are from USA, that explains it.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo it looks like Thailand is infected with MAGA filth.
Daren ********
John Feldman Looks like the Philippines is infected with America hating commies.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDaren Liebig OMG. The Philippines is infected with old, ugly, overweight MAGA cult members who couldn’t get a wife back home so they moved to the Philippines and flashed their money around to attract a girlfriend.
Is this true of Thailand? Asking for a friend.
Is this true of Thailand? Asking for a friend.
Reply to
John *********
Reply
Karl *********
Jeff Hoffmeister politics in the USA have no business here. Take it back to where you came from.
Paddy *****
Jeff Hoffmeister you just exposed yourself. Lol
Reply to
Paddy *****
Reply
Robert *********
Online banking is not available to you?
Robert *********
It’s the same as any country ie one needs to be a resident to have a bank account. KYC regulations etc
Graham ******
"Is there any problem using my Philippine bank account here" - you cannot use for Immigration purposes (proof of funds for visas & extensions) but can be used for ATM withdrawals for a fee.
Peter *********
You can do it by
Mail
To the us embassy in Manila.
Send form SSA-1199-OP107
To:
US Embassy Federal Benefits Unit
1201 Roxas Blvd
Ermita, Manila,
Philippines 0930
I used Bangkok bank and they gave me all the forms which they signed
I did it 2 months ago
To the us embassy in Manila.
Send form SSA-1199-OP107
To:
US Embassy Federal Benefits Unit
1201 Roxas Blvd
Ermita, Manila,
Philippines 0930
I used Bangkok bank and they gave me all the forms which they signed
I did it 2 months ago
CoolBun*******
As a ‘tourist’ there is no reason for you to need a bank account.
As a ‘Tourist’ to Thailand, just bring enough THB with you from Philippines, or exchange your pesos in Thailand.
As a ‘Tourist’ to Thailand, just bring enough THB with you from Philippines, or exchange your pesos in Thailand.
John **********
Are you asking if a Philippines ATM card will work in Thailand? If not why would you think a bank account in the Philippines could be used in Thailand?
Graeme *******
Why not use Wise do it all on your phone if eyesight ok or like me do on laptop. When you say Philippines bank acc do you mean go to a ATM here in Thailand.
Ant ***********
Where do you live long term ?
Mark *********
why don't you direct deposit to a USA Bank then use wise to transfer funds to your Asean bank?
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTERMark Schultz I closed my USA bank account 7 years ago. To open one would require proof of residency in the USA.
Reply to
John *********
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