Answered2 years ago
Can you open a bank account in Bangkok with a residence certificate?
Has anyone managed to open a bank account with a residence certificate in Bangkok?
Answer summary
The ability to open a bank account in Bangkok with a residence certificate varies based on the type of visa held. As of August 2024, many users reported that it is indeed challenging to open a bank account on a tourist visa, with some banks having policies against it. A long-term visa such as a Non-O increases the chances of account approval. Users also noted that while a residence certificate seems valuable, it may not be accepted if issued under a tourist visa. Proof of accommodation, such as a lease, appears to be more effective for most banks.
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John-Paul ******
Go to Bangkok Bank. They have an office in NYC, so it is easy to transfer funds. Do take no for an answer. Just try a different branch, time of day, day of the week, a different person... you know the usual Thai way.
Henrik *****
A residence certificat has no value for the banks, if it is issued on a shorttime (tourist) visa and with a stay shorter than 3 months.
They may lift an eyebrow, and think you are a person who cuts corners to your own benefit, and that is not the kind of customers they want.
They want customers with a permanent adress, who stay in Thailand most of the time, and that is what you have to convince them, that you are such a person.
They may lift an eyebrow, and think you are a person who cuts corners to your own benefit, and that is not the kind of customers they want.
They want customers with a permanent adress, who stay in Thailand most of the time, and that is what you have to convince them, that you are such a person.
Jim ********
@Henrik ****
Correct. I've had (and still have) accounts with Bangkok Bank and SCB and they always wanted to see my lease (which proves I'm a bona-fide resident) and my passport. That's all. Never asked for certificate of residency, which as you say, doesn't really prove anything
David ****
OPThank you all. From your comments and my current experience, I've come to the conclusion that, as of Aug 2024, opening a bank account on a tourist visa is impossible, at least in BKK, unless you pay an agent. The banks claim it's their policy to refuse tourist visas, while Immigration claimed to know nothing about bank policies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I should have applied for a long-term visa before arriving, instead of trying to convert a tourist visa to a non-O. But then, there are still agents to resort to.
Phil ******
@David ***
get an agent in pattaya day or overnight trip and from ฿3500 you have a Bangkok bank account
Billy ******
@David ***
yes I have been told that has changed recently, I opened my Bangkok bank account 3 years ago, and they didn’t even ask about visas, just a passport and proof of accommodation.
Chris *****
@David ***
I suggest you go through an agent to get things done for your convenience. Your choice. No right or wrong way.David ****
OP@Chris ****
when push comes to shove...
Graham ******
@David ***
Yes, arriving on a 90 day Non-O gives you a much better chance of opening a bank accountJim ********
I did it with Aussie passport and Lease.
Phil ******
@Jim *******
visa and when?Graham ******
@Jim *******
and what Visa?Jim ********
@Graham *****
First was on a visa exempt, two others on OAGraham *******
@Graham *****
Last I heard was no possible with tourist stamp.Graham *******
Don't need a residents certificate. TM30 will do.
Phil ******
@Graham ******
not anymore
Kool *******
@Graham ******
not in Bangkok it won't. Other provinces yes, but Bangkok requires a certificate of residency, which you can only get after you've done at least one 90 day report.Graham *******
@Kool ******
i.c down here in Jomtien you do not need.Phil ******
@Graham ******
when did you do this?Kool *******
@Graham ******
read the post. He is specifically asking about Bangkok, not Jomtien.
Brian *********
@Graham ******
mine required a proof of residence from immigration. So not entirely true.
Nigel ********
@Brian ********
residents certificate is needed in PhuketGraham *******
@Brian ********
But to get that you need a TM30! When I did mine, I needed a letter of consent from Immigration. You only need residents certificate for driving licensee.
John ********
@Graham ******
making things up again are you? Different bank branches have different requirements and a residence certificate is a common one and immigration issues them for bank accounts, drivers licenses etc. The certificate has the reason on itBrian *********
@Graham ******
nothing new. People have been coming here totally clueless for decades, nothing new. 😉
Kim *********
@Graham ******
not correct - proof of residence is issued for several purposes - among them getting a bank account - getting a drivers license - buying a car etc. The purpose is stated in the documentGraham *******
@Brian ********
Agents can usually resolve a TM30 issue. I never rented in TH! I just wonder what is going to happen with all these Nieve digital knobs heads who will soon descend on immigration and the banks.Brian *********
@Graham ******
yes. I’m trying to tell you that’s not entirely true! Different places, different reqs, mine required a proof of residence. I know this as at about the same time I also needed one for a DL (can’t reuse them) and the people I rent from were too dense to complete there own TM30 requirements so the whole process was like pulling teeth. In turn fairly hard to forget. 😉It seems prudent to express all possible outcomes for people, not the least.
Carsten ************
@Graham ******
nope, Banks want to see a certificate of residence. Maybe not all, but all I have dealt with.
Phil *******
I have an account with Bangkok Bank, my address is in Australia
Ken ***********
@Phil ******
when did you open the account ?Phil *******
@Ken **********
yes I used an agent in Pattaya
Lena *******
@Phil ******
Good idea.Ken ***********
@Phil ******
ok. Thanks for sharingPhil *******
@Ken **********
when I was there in April on 30 day visa exemptionBilly ******
@Phil ******
I done similar 3 years ago on a 60 day tourist visa.Ken ***********
@Phil ******
what bank and city and did you use an agent. Interested to know
Brandon ************
The type of visa you have also plays a huge part, and you left that out of your post.
David ****
OP@Brandon ***********
I'm trying to convert a tourist visa to a non-O.
Eddy *******
@David ***
any idea if there is an agent to do this in Udon Thani ?Henrik *****
Don’t get dependand of an agent.
Control your own life.
Control your own life.
Greg *********
@David ***
Getting a bank account without a long stay visa is hard. If you’re only on a tourist visa, many banks will say no. Best bet is to get an agent to grease the wheels.Activity
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