Answered7 months ago
Can I use Wise for transferring 800,000 baht for a Thai visa?
Hi everyone can you transfer the money for Visa 800,000 baht? Can I use Wise? If so how do you do because I believe it has to be an international transfer? I know this is not a Visa related but maybe someone can help.
Answer summary
This post discusses using Wise to transfer 800,000 baht for fulfilling Thai visa requirements, alongside various community insights on the practicality and reliability of different money transfer methods. Many participants share their experiences with Wise, noting it can be a straightforward option if labeled correctly as an international transfer. However, some recommend using traditional SWIFT transfers or services like Remitly for larger amounts, emphasizing the importance of ensuring proofs of foreign remittance for immigration purposes.
90 repliesnewest first
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Austin *******
I did this transfer to SCB a few months ago and didn't have any problems. Took a week or so for the full amount to post but other than that it worked fine for my Thai visa needs.
Tony ************
Can I arrive,with a cashiers check,for the 800,000 baht requirement???
Lin ******
WISE has new features Local Regulation: Wise will officially move to a locally regulated entity under the Bank of Thailand.
• New Features: You will finally be able to send THB out of Thailand to other countries and use PromptPay (the local QR payment system) directly through the Wise app.
• The Downgrade: Because of local laws, Thai-registered accounts will no longer be able to hold foreign currencies like USD or EUR. Any incoming foreign currency will be automatically converted to THB.
Additionally, the Wise card will not allow ATM withdrawals within Thailand for these local accounts.
So if you have not set up a Wise account do it BEFORE you get to Thailand so you can use your home country address and you won’t be locked in to these new changes
• New Features: You will finally be able to send THB out of Thailand to other countries and use PromptPay (the local QR payment system) directly through the Wise app.
• The Downgrade: Because of local laws, Thai-registered accounts will no longer be able to hold foreign currencies like USD or EUR. Any incoming foreign currency will be automatically converted to THB.
Additionally, the Wise card will not allow ATM withdrawals within Thailand for these local accounts.
So if you have not set up a Wise account do it BEFORE you get to Thailand so you can use your home country address and you won’t be locked in to these new changes
Tim *******
2 million baht limit to K bank isn’t a problem for me
Steve **********
Wise transfers presently ask if this needs to be tagged as an international transfer.
Emerald********
No penalty to read about wise on wise website it explains everything
Emerald********
Open up wise and look how it works . Simple
Wendy ***************
I spoke with Wise and asked them the best way. Without make 3 or 4 transfers of $9999. Wise sets up an account via Chase Morgan I your name. Then you transfer from that account as an international transfer for the full
*****
0. If you contact them they will assist you.
Michael **********
Wendy Cope-Hutchins So since it's through Chase, are you charged the Chase rate for the international transfer or Wise's rate? I only ask as I already have a couple of Chase accounts and if Wise charges you the Chase transfer rate, then I wouldn't need them to set me up a Chase account as I already have one and I can can transfer it myself as I have in the past without having to go through Wise. Thanks
Thrilling*********
I used wise, no issues. Once you setup a wise account, just transfer money to that account then send it wherever you want. The charges are much smaller than using your own bank.
Jo ********
How do you open tia bank what documentation do you show and money
Jo ********
Drive
Austin *******
Jo Davies In my experience, I had to have a Thai drivers license and Thai phone number to open an account with SCB. Took about 3 weeks for the process once I had obtained the drivers license and phone number. I believe you will also need a TM 30 which proves your residence address.
Jo ********
Okay 👍 I have a Thia number but don’t have drivers licence I don’t dry
Author ****************
Thanks John S.
Jean ************
Wise is only for limited transfers unfortunately.
Milan *******
Jean Pacquement Random comment. I don’t use Wise, and my funds are handled correctly for visa requirements. No limitations, no questions from the bank—because it’s done right.
Reg ***********
I transfered 2 million baht via my uk bank direct to bkk cost 25 pounds ,would have cost a lot more with wise ,but since I sent money via my bank in the uk i have had to provide information to my uk bank twice in 2 years ,however my wife's money i transfer into my uk account so she has never actually made an overseas transfer and has had no problems 😊
Glyn **********
Reg Wilkinson if you consider the exchange rates Wise works out to be a better deal...
Reg ***********
Glyn Williams you are right glyn unfortunately I wasn't aware of wise when I first came to Thailand 😄
Rok ********
I always used Wise - for the purpose of long term residency in Thailand
Sean *********
Wise asks if you want it recognised as a foreign transfer. Also the money doesn't need to be, as long as the 800.000 is in for the required time
Todd *********
Wise is the way to go for sure. Up to 2 million baht per transaction. Best rates. Fast movement. Low fees.
Everyone in Thailand should have Wise.
Everyone in Thailand should have Wise.
Max****
Swift from your bank at your home country
Tim **********
Max9378 More expensive, poor exchange rate and takes longer by bank transfer than Wise or Revolut
Bill *********
Tim Costello It costs $6, so not expensive. The exchange rate difference is not that big and I'll accept a hit on that in order to get the transfer done properly. And of course I'm always doing advanced planning so I don't need to have it transfer in 5 minutes, even 3 or 4 days is perfectly fine. Bottom line, SWIFT is the answer!
Max****
Tim Costello You're right, but I preferred to use Swift for this kind of amount. If one day I need to wire it back so no need to clarify the source of that money to my bank at home. I use Wise only for my monthly transfer.
Steven ********
I just transferred 500kbaht into my girlfriend’s Kasikorn bank account to buy a Car. Did it in seconds. When it came to transferring to the sellers bank it was a nightmare. Couldn’t send more 75k so had to go to a local bank in Udon Thani to make it with all involved.
What’s the international transfer option about on wise now ?
What’s the international transfer option about on wise now ?
Trevor *********
Steven Hoxton do you think she has to now pay income tax . As it's like a wage to her .. over 150k Thais have to pay tax, or no one ever checks
Scott *******
You can do by wise. It asks you if you wish it to be shown as an international transfer.
Dennis *******
You might need FET documents to show where the money came from
I’m learning about this myself
I’m learning about this myself
Ah ********************
I did it by using Wise
Greg ***********
if you apply for the Non-Imm-visa inside Thailand, the 800K must be coded as coming from abroad. If you entered Thailand on a Non-Imm-visaclass, the 800K do NOT need to be coded as having come from abroad
Ian **********
You can use Wise. When you get to the part where you have to give a reason then scroll down the list and choose 'Funds for long term stay in Thailand' This can take a little longer than a normal transfer but it will ensure the transfer is recorded at your bank as international
Wannikea *********
Bulk 800K visa funds don't need to show as international, only the 65K funds used for the monthly transfer method
Trevor *********
Wannikea Wanblee that's good to know .cheers
Milan *******
You can use Wise, but just be careful — not all transfers show as a proper international remittance in the way Thai immigration/banks expect. Sometimes it comes through as a local transfer, which can cause issues when they verify the source of funds.
A better option in my experience is Remitly. It’s fast, reliable, and clearly shows as an international transfer into your Thai bank, which is exactly what you want for the 800,000 baht requirement.
Just make sure:
• The money goes directly into your Thai account in your name
• You keep the transfer receipt showing it came from abroad
• Ideally transfer it as a lump sum, not multiple small ones
Bottom line: Wise can work, but Remitly is cleaner and safer for visa purposes.
A better option in my experience is Remitly. It’s fast, reliable, and clearly shows as an international transfer into your Thai bank, which is exactly what you want for the 800,000 baht requirement.
Just make sure:
• The money goes directly into your Thai account in your name
• You keep the transfer receipt showing it came from abroad
• Ideally transfer it as a lump sum, not multiple small ones
Bottom line: Wise can work, but Remitly is cleaner and safer for visa purposes.
Trevor *********
@Milan ******
friend of mine got dragged over the coals as wize came from Thailand, not his country, he did transfer it from England.Milan *******
Trevor Rickard That’s exactly the problem.
People keep focusing on whether Wise is cheap or fast, when the real issue is how the transfer is classified on the Thai side. If it lands looking like a local transfer instead of a clean foreign remittance, immigration or the bank can start asking questions — and that’s the last nonsense you want with visa funds.
For the 800,000 baht requirement, this is one of those times where cheapest is not always smartest. I’d rather pay a bit more and have a clean trail than save a few dollars and end up explaining myself to an officer who doesn’t care about fintech theory.
In Thailand, proof matters more than intentions.
People keep focusing on whether Wise is cheap or fast, when the real issue is how the transfer is classified on the Thai side. If it lands looking like a local transfer instead of a clean foreign remittance, immigration or the bank can start asking questions — and that’s the last nonsense you want with visa funds.
For the 800,000 baht requirement, this is one of those times where cheapest is not always smartest. I’d rather pay a bit more and have a clean trail than save a few dollars and end up explaining myself to an officer who doesn’t care about fintech theory.
In Thailand, proof matters more than intentions.
Milan *******
Kim Nielsen Kim, that’s not entirely accurate.
Yes — the 800k method doesn’t legally require international transfer classification. But in practice, Thai banks and immigration absolutely care about source traceability and consistency, especially when funds are scrutinized during renewals or audits.
If the money lands looking like fragmented domestic transfers or pooled routing (which Wise can sometimes do depending on the path), it can raise unnecessary questions about:
• origin of funds
• continuity of balance
• and whether the funds actually came from abroad
That’s exactly why many people still use direct SWIFT transfers or request proper documentation — not because they have to, but because it avoids friction later.
So no, it’s not “irrelevant.” It’s just one of those things where people who’ve been through the system know it’s smarter to keep it clean the first time than argue about it later.
Yes — the 800k method doesn’t legally require international transfer classification. But in practice, Thai banks and immigration absolutely care about source traceability and consistency, especially when funds are scrutinized during renewals or audits.
If the money lands looking like fragmented domestic transfers or pooled routing (which Wise can sometimes do depending on the path), it can raise unnecessary questions about:
• origin of funds
• continuity of balance
• and whether the funds actually came from abroad
That’s exactly why many people still use direct SWIFT transfers or request proper documentation — not because they have to, but because it avoids friction later.
So no, it’s not “irrelevant.” It’s just one of those things where people who’ve been through the system know it’s smarter to keep it clean the first time than argue about it later.
Kim *********
@Milan ******
it's irrelevant whether the 800k are an international transfer or not. Only the monthly deposit method requires thatDennis *******
@Milan ******
Remity more expensive? And what is the max amount per transfer?Wise told me the max was 50k (USD) per transfer
Todd *********
Dennis Eyler Remitly offers the same service for worse exchange rates
Kim *********
Todd McGowan yes but lower fees as you probably know but chose not to tell in your usual wise promotion.
Milan *******
Dennis Eyler Dennis Eyler you’re overthinking it.
Remitly isn’t “more expensive” in any meaningful way — especially for what you’re trying to do. What matters is speed, simplicity, and getting a clean foreign transfer record for Thai immigration.
Wise telling you there’s a $50k cap is exactly the problem — you now have to split transfers, deal with timing, and risk messing up your paperwork trail.
Remitly? Send it in one shot, lands fast, done. That’s why people use it for the 800k requirement.
Both work, but Remitly is just more practical for large transfers. Wise is great for smaller, regular transfers — not ideal for this situation.
Focus on what actually matters:
• money from abroad
• into your Thai account
• clean transfer proof
Everything else is noise.
Remitly isn’t “more expensive” in any meaningful way — especially for what you’re trying to do. What matters is speed, simplicity, and getting a clean foreign transfer record for Thai immigration.
Wise telling you there’s a $50k cap is exactly the problem — you now have to split transfers, deal with timing, and risk messing up your paperwork trail.
Remitly? Send it in one shot, lands fast, done. That’s why people use it for the 800k requirement.
Both work, but Remitly is just more practical for large transfers. Wise is great for smaller, regular transfers — not ideal for this situation.
Focus on what actually matters:
• money from abroad
• into your Thai account
• clean transfer proof
Everything else is noise.
Kool *******
It is much better to do a bank to bank SWIFT transfer. There is never a question of where that money came from by doing a SWIFT transfer.
Scott *******
Much more expensive, poor exchange rate and takes longer by bank transfer.
Bill *********
Scott Blair It costs $6, so not expensive. The exchange rate difference is not that big and I'll accept a hit on that in order to get the transfer done properly. And of course I'm always doing advanced planning so I don't need to have it transfer in 5 minutes, even 3 or 4 days is perfectly fine. Bottom line, SWIFT is the answer!
Scott *******
If you are happy with poorer service then you fill your boots. From experience exchanging more than you can imagine. I know what the better service is 😉
Tim **********
Still more expensive, poor exchange rate and takes longer by bank transfer than Wise or Revolut
Kool *******
Scott Blair depends where you do it from.
Ben *******
£
*****
transferred with WISE a year ago had a transfer fee of £116.00. Just FYI.
Keith ************
Ben Steel I transfer close to that amount for less than $20 with Wise.
Todd *********
Ben Steel that’s 0.58%. Insanely cheap.
Ben *******
Todd McGowan .... Was it ... I don't know .... Just saying how much I was charged for the transfer.
Simon *******
Wise now ask you if you want the transfer to show as an international transfer.
Martin *********
Personally for a large sum I would prefer a international bank transfer via my u.k bank for such a large amount. I know its more expensive but I wouldn't feel happy going through a third party. I use wise every week for smaller transactions.
Chan *******
Martin Backham exactly mate I am totally agree with you .also most of the back now have the restriction not allow people transfer that big amount of money out from your back account bro Wise only allow use the SWIFT transaction
Geoff **********
Martin Backham You are lucky to have a UK bank. If you move abroad permanently, they will close your account. Ask me how I know. Wise works for everything. I get my UK pension paid into it.
Donald **********
Martin Backham Your choice but not mandatory for people less cautious.
Scott *******
I bought a villa using wise. It was cheaper, quicker and more smooth than any bank transfer I have ever done.
Martin *********
Ok my concern was if the money never arrived in your thai bank. If its a u.k bank its come from then if you had problems I would rather deal with a u.k than wise. But yes its cheaper
Tony ********
I did it two weeks ago into bkk bank after advice from here.
Wise gives you the option of stating it’s for long term stay and that you need proof of overseas transaction
Wise gives you the option of stating it’s for long term stay and that you need proof of overseas transaction
Noel ********
It doesn't need to be international transfer
Stephen *********
Noel Mackin i agree with you noel as far as i am aware it does not matter as i have mine ready in Thai baht,also i have 16 yrs of saving it with my Wife to remove the Drama for when i come .
Adam ******
Not sure if Wise are still routing all transfers via Kasikorn Bank. This was an issue a few months ago where, if your destination bank was for instance, SCB, then it was logged as an international transfer from Wise to Kasikorn, then a domestic transfer to SCB. Immigration like international transfers. As I said, this was an issue that flagged up last September and may well have been resolved by now. If your bank here is Kasikorn then all is well.
Mick *****
Adam Thom Wise is not a bank so it needs to use a local bank as a clearing house. It used to be Bangkok Bank and changed a few months back to Kasikorn. So yes all transfers via wise to a Thai bank account are still routed via Kasikorn. There was an initial issue with Kasikorn not passing on the reason, evidently it was a language issue with Kasikorn's clearance software not forwarding anything in non-Thai characters. I heard this had since been rectified.
Tom *******
I opened account with K bank and did a 1000 bath test transaction from Wise when it was in account I transferred the
*****
0 bath all good and immigration was no problem for 1 year extensionMichael **********
Tom Whyte And that is exactly what I am going to do. Small test transaction and then if all is well I will send the 800K Baht Thanks for the info
John *****
Tom Whyte It is Baht NOT Bath If you are planning a long stay you need to get the Currency right ( Thais as well as Farangs will laugh at you if you keep saying BATH instead of BAHT )
Tom *******
John Cat what an RSole you are if you’re going to pick fault with spelling are you so bored out your mind that is all you have to do
Me am going to bed to shag the wife
Good night
Me am going to bed to shag the wife
Good night
Ester *************
John Cat Really that’s the only advice you can offer. Obviously you don’t know the answer to his question & you think by correcting his English makes you look smart. It doesn’t, makes you look a smart ass.
Amg ******
Tom Whyte Hi is the no max cap value?
Todd *********
Amg Hulk 2 million baht per transaction
Tom *******
Amg Hulk
*****
0 was no problem
John **********
Yes you can use Wise. Very straightforward. You supply details of your home bank account and your thai bank account and specify how much you want to transfer, then Wise asks you to send them the money. Use the option "Funds for long term stay "
Chan *******
@John *********
is not that easy as you say mate 1st .how do you open the the Thei bank account first .it's very difficult .
2nd your home land back they will have the restrictions for you to transfer that much of money into wise .
Greg ***********
@John *********
while there is a box to tick "funds for long term stay", what has changed is that WISE now explicitly asks you if you want the transfer been coded as a foreign transfer coming from abroad. You just chose between YES or NOWannikea *********
@John *********
there is also an additional option now that asks if you want to have the transaction show as international transfer
Mario *********
@John *********
That's right John, and the cost is much lower than a " swift transaction" between 2 banks!Activity
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