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Can you open a bank account in Thailand on a visa exemption without additional requirements?
Thailand Bank AccountVisa ExemptionTravel Accident InsuranceExpat BankingOpening a Bank AccountPattayaBank ScamsThai Immigration
Jul 29, 2022
4 years ago
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTEROn my last day in Thailand, I decided to try to open a Thai bank account, I just walked into a Bangkok bank in Pattaya. I was expecting that I will be rejected as I entered Thailand on 30 days visa exemption. I have no any type of Visa, no lease agreement, no fixed address, I just live in a hotel. To my surprise, the guy said Ok, I just need to purchase a one year travel accident insurance. It costs 5900 baht. I decided to go for it,. I think this is the money that worthy spending. It saves me a lot of hassle. So, I paid, after about one hour,. My first Thailand Bank account was opened!! Online banking is also set up. Just wanted to share with you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience of opening a Thai bank account on the last day of a 30-day visa exemption. Despite concerns about not having a visa or a lease agreement, the bank allowed them to open an account after purchasing a one-year travel accident insurance policy for 5900 baht. While the user felt this was a worthwhile expense, many commenters expressed skepticism, labeling the insurance requirement as a common scam. They highlighted that it isn't legally necessary to buy insurance to open a bank account as a foreigner in Thailand, especially on a visa exemption.
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John *******
This is question for the bar girls they have all the answers
Mike ********
The one year insurance seems like a good deal price wise, way cheaper than what I’ve been researching,.
Steve **********
@Mike *******
look at coverageReply to
Steve **********
Reply
Michael *******
I did the same! They just refunded the 5500 baht. They said I don’t need it! Lol. Excellent!
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
what did you do to get the refund?Reply to
XI ****
Reply
Jackie ***********
I'm curious if a direct bribe to the bank employee pushing the insurance policy would be a shortcut in this situation. Obviously the employee is going to make a commission for selling the policy. Perhaps a 1000 baht note in your passport might make the insurance requirement disappear
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jackie **********
I thought about that too. 🤣. But I was a little afraid that they may put me in jail, or kick me out of the door. it is not worthy it. We are foreigners in that land.Ian *********
@XI ***
they are very used to TEA MONEY in thailandReply to
Ian *********
Reply
Steve **********
You got conned. Opening an acct is free. There is a 200 to 300 baht for debit card...zero requirement to buy insurance.
Have half dozen accts, know the employees, they are coaxed into selling ( or trying to sell ) say no ! They will open account reqardless. Its a scam !
Have half dozen accts, know the employees, they are coaxed into selling ( or trying to sell ) say no ! They will open account reqardless. Its a scam !
Martin **********
@Steve *********
Got mine on visa exemption, going with the right person. Tried to sell me their insurance too. Now I am expat and they try to sell me insurance, which by the way not cover much.XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *********
You did not read my post carefully. You did not get the point of my post at all. I know opening an account is free IF I have all the required documents, including rental agreement. If I have everything, why would I bother buying the insurance?! Of course not! The thing is that I only have a passport! No anything else. The purchase of the insurance is just right for person like me. It is a great option.Steve **********
@XI ***
diff banks and indiv. have different reqs. PP or DL usually enough if live with friend or hotel, their lease is suff.Sorry for lecture, insur cos are a plague on society, they give banks ..commission to sell, but covers nothing.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Charlie ************
What bank mate??
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charlie ***********
It is Bangkok Bank.Stephen ************
He’s happy paying the money scammed or not “Leave him alone”
Reply to
Stephen ************
Reply
James ******
Why would you join on your last day?
Terary **********
I did the same thing. Its all good and dandy except if you need a bank statement, then you have to go back to that bank. Choose your bank wisely.
Devrim ******
Good deal. Normally Thai banks never open account without visa and adress.
Luis ***********
Could anyone provide information on what is needed to open a bank account in Thailand as a TOURIST?
I need to do it urgently to try to set up my SS, USA retirement benefits deposits in Thailand.
I live and will stay in Cambodia and it is easier for me just to cross the border get my money when I need it and return to Cambodia, clarifying the american government does not make deposits in banks where I reside.
I need to do it urgently to try to set up my SS, USA retirement benefits deposits in Thailand.
I live and will stay in Cambodia and it is easier for me just to cross the border get my money when I need it and return to Cambodia, clarifying the american government does not make deposits in banks where I reside.
Steve **********
@Luis **********
Bankok Bank says they have branches in Cambodia, don't know if they have reciprocity for dep. or withdrawalHarry ********
I'm told that this insurance has a week 'cooling off' period.
So you can buy it,open your account, cancel it and be refunded.
So you can buy it,open your account, cancel it and be refunded.
Steve **********
@Luis **********
google. Or ask the farang next to you at a barClarissa *****
@Luis **********
your passport and a residence confirmation you’ll get it at the immigration:) costs 300 bahtDanny *****
@Clarissa ****
residence certificate is freeLuis ***********
@Danny *******
Dear fellows sorry for the misunderstanding. I live in Canbodia the country on the other side. But in Cambodia the United States government does not deliver SS monies to those banks however they do to Thailand. Clarissa *****
@Danny *******
no pattaya Immigrantion charged us 300 baht hahahaDanny *****
@Clarissa ****
Any money you paid went in someone's pocket. All residence certificates are meant to be free in ThailandClarissa *****
@Danny *******
I guess hahah but it’s done now 🙈 it was on the counter at the pattaya immigration so of course we thought it’s normal.Luis ***********
@Clarissa ****
Danny Bassin Dear fellows sorry for the misunderstanding. I live in Canbodia the country on the other side. But in Cambodia the United States government does not deliver SS monies to those banks however they do to Thailand.Reply to
Luis ***********
Reply
Matthew ********
Scammed.
Sean *********
I used vip cost 3000 picked up from condo in a car, took to bank,
*****
minutes to get account sorted, then dropped back to condo. Well worth itโจเซฟ *********
@Sean ********
sent you a DM 🙂โจเซฟ *********
@Sean ********
hey, which service did you do this with? My partner is coming in and needs to have a bank account openedSteve **********
@Sean ********
could have walked, dpent 300 for visa card, opened account and had 2700 left. Thats one hell of a night in any Thai City
Reply to
Steve **********
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Stephen **********
Well done, you paid the bribe which encourages them to force others to pay it 👏🏼
Oliver **********
Health insurance to open a bank account? Next you'll need overdraft protection to see a doctor
Ian *********
@Oliver *********
the boss will get comission he will get nothing when someone just opens an account,few yeats ago a friend bought two brand new motorbikes,his local dealer WOULD NOT sell them cash,the owner told him he had to take out finance,the owner was too stupid yo see he will lose the mark up on the bike.he went elsewhere paid cash then went back and showed the boss and said CASH ,and they lost out on servicing 7 family bikesReply to
Ian *********
Reply
Tipsda ********
That's awesome! Congratulations! Amazing thailand,Full of surprises...
Michael *******
Well done! I agree. Congratulations 👍👍
Paul *********
Thought they gave FREE insurance?
Maxim ***********
The 5.9k baht fee is a common scam, you do not need to pay anything to open a bank account while on visa exempt, especially in a touristic city like Pattaya. One thing that most newcomers don't know is that Bank, Hospital, etc, will sometimes try to pull stuff like this if they perceive you as naive (new). You seem unwilling to listen to people who have posted so far that have been here for 10-20-30 years, so I won't even try to convince you that you are wrong. All I can say is... you will probably get scam again in another context. People like you tend to never learn due to their ego getting in the way.
Jean-kristophe ***********
@Maxim **********
or maybe not everyone is as broke as you are and don't give a shit about 6k baht. Though about that?Maxim ***********
Who said to bring nothing? Nobody ever said that.
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Maxim **********
and I succeeded with the purchase of an insurance. Without the insurance, I will be kicked out of the door in one minute. It is a good option for people like me who just have a foreign passport.Maxim ***********
@XI ***
You paid a bribe as insurance. Not saying that it's fake but the amount of profit they make out of this insurance is insane. You are not supposed to open a bank account with nothing but a passport. Usually, your rental contract is enough.Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Maxim **********
I brought nothing except my passport!Reply to
XI ****
Reply
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTERMaxim Thibodeau You seem know a lot. You tell me: Have you yourself ever walked into a Thai bank and opened an account successfully with just a passport?! No visa, no lease agreement, no fixed address, no work permit, no anything?! If your answer is yes,. then I believe you. By the way, why do you think an insurance is a scam? Are they not paying you when you have an accident in Thailand?
Daniele ***********
@Maxim **********
so how do you convince them to open an account if they don't want?Steve **********
@Daniele **********
Dont ! Walk 50 meters to next bank..they will open.Occasionally theirs an enterprising clerk wanting to nail a commissions
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
@Maxim **********
regardless of visa, no charge for account.A debit card, to access your funds is from 200 to 300 bt depending on staff.
Make sure card is visa or mastercard. They try to get you to accept Union ( china ) many airlines hotels and atm's won't accept.
Andy **********
@Maxim **********
Totally agree and with 10+ accounts I might know the truth from fiction.No insurance bought at any time.
Michael *******
@Maxim **********
what bollocks😂😂Steve **********
@Michael ******
uh uh, very true.Maxim ***********
Or you will see people like Michael who also got con, who can't accept what happened to them and try to denied that they paid for something they didn't have to.
Michael *******
@Maxim **********
. It’s totally up to the individual. I knew I did not need to pay for accident insurance . You don’t no me or my circumstances in phuket. It cost me a a miserly 5000 baht. Job done! Leave it at that!👍😀Michael *******
@Maxim **********
more bollocks😂Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Michael *******
I did the same with Bangkok bank👍
Michael *******
@Steve *********
address and visa. I opened on the last day of my 30 day visa. As in November when I return for retirement visa. 👍Steve **********
Michael *******
@Steve *********
👍 that’s Thailand for you!Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
Never heard of having to buy insur as prerequisite to opening acct at Bkk. Have 3. Took pp, address, visa.
Only in Pattaya, can you get *ucked in a bank .
Only in Pattaya, can you get *ucked in a bank .
Steve **********
Bank tellers are bonused for selling a policy...NO ! It's not a requirement, but this is Thailand
Go to next counter or desk or just go across the street to another branch.
Everyone's got a scam. TIT
Go to next counter or desk or just go across the street to another branch.
Everyone's got a scam. TIT
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
John **********
I hear horror stories but I opened a bank account that took about 10 minutes to do my first day after that long ass mandatory quarantine about 16 months ago
Ronald *********
Ya gotta love Thailand
Russell *******
Same for me , first bank I went to was Bangkok Bank and they straight away offered to open account for 7000 including insurance. I wouldn't except that . I later got a Bangkok Bank account opened for free in Chang Rai .
Ian *********
Insurance is not required BUT its so difficult to open an account now I wouldn't care
I've had account with kasikorn for years,I have non o visa,extension to stay,the idiots at my local scb branch six months ago told me I can't open an account without a work permit,my visa does not allow me to work FOOLS
I've had account with kasikorn for years,I have non o visa,extension to stay,the idiots at my local scb branch six months ago told me I can't open an account without a work permit,my visa does not allow me to work FOOLS
Zenja ****************
@Ian ********
siam commercial is the worst...Reply to
Zenja ****************
Reply
Steven *********
I was once asked to purchase a 1 yr. travel accident insurance while opening an acct. at BBL. I refused and they opened it anyway.
Ronald *****
The bank staff happily earned 5900 that day..🤣🤣🤣
Isaac *****
Why open a bank account if U don't live there ?
Ekkehard *******
@Isaac ****
For example, he can send money to the Bangkok Bank account from abroad and use his ATM card to withdraw money while being back in Thailand.Isaac *****
@Ekkehard ******
yes but nowadays virtual banks like Revolut and Wise allow you to have a milti-currency account of up to 25 currencies (THB included) with a Visa card. The FX rates are much better than international TT rates - plus there won't be any fees when U use the visa card in the country.Ivan ************
@Is***
the fees on the card for local ATM use are substantial. Revolut it's 3-4% to withdraw THB. Local card is free.Arturs ***********
@Isaac ****
But with Thai account you can withdraw money no fee. Just send THB from Wise to Thai account. There still is place and situation where you need cash, for example you can’t pay for street food as they have QR code but not POS for Visa/MC.Francesco **********
@Isaac ****
exactly… for non residents it’s the absolute best solution. i also use it more than the thai bank/card… i use the thai accounts just to pay the rental and recurring fees, that tourists don’t have…Reply to
Francesco **********
Reply
John *********
@Isaac ****
so you can send money here , before you return . I didTony **************
@John ********
John is clever..be like John.John *********
@Tony *************
cheers palReply to
Tony **************
Reply
Chris *******
That’s nice
I opened mine free of charge
I opened mine free of charge
Joe *********
I fell and really bruised my back, went to ER and got xrays. My Bangkok bank insurance paid it all. Turned out to he worth it.
Jorge ****
You are now insured!
Edgar ************
All accounts get closed after 1 year of inactivity and the money is stolen
Tom ********
@Roderick ************
get a time deposit and redirect the money to your active account, very simpleIvan ************
@Rode****
this is not true. If you have over 2,000B in the account, it doesn't matter if it's completely inactive, it stays like that. If you have under 2,000B, after a year of zero transactions, they can start charging you 50B a month until it is drained (which would take over 4 years).Dylan *********
@Ivan ***********
is this the case for bangkok bank?Ivan ************
@Dy***
yes. It's the same for all of them as the rule is set by the Bank of Thailand, not the individual banks.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ****************
Yes. Our money flies away so quickly in Thailand! This 5900 baht has the best value for me. All other money flies with the wind ☺️Reply to
XI ****
Reply
Michael ******
Just ring up and cancel policy it has a cooling off period, you get the credit back in bank account
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *****
Really? Have you ever done it yourself?Michael ******
@XI ***
I read a post yesterday about same topic and it was stated on there just search in fbReply to
Michael ******
Reply
Mark *******
@Michael *****
really?Reply to
Mark *******
Reply
David *******
I used a agent for 3000 baht. Bangkok Bank
Bill **************
@Dave ****
....what was the name of the agent ?David *******
@Bill *************
Mots services. You can find her on fb.Reply to
Bill **************
Reply
Nick ****************
Years ago I had the same with Bangkok Bank. Paid 4300 baht for insurance. A few days later I tripped in the street on the pavement. I broke a tooth and grazed and bruised other bits. Was all covered by the insurance no questions asked. I think the tooth replacement alone was 35k. So maybe it’s worth having!
Peter *******
@Nick ***************
....do you remember who the insurer was?XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ***************
Lucky you! You got your money back in just a few days. I guess the insurance company will cry.Reply to
XI ****
Reply
Daniele ***********
Or you could have gone to yellow bank and saved 5900thb
Todd *********
@Daniele **********
the problem there is the 50,000 baht transaction limit. If buying a house or condo, it's useless.James **********
@Todd ********
Ive made many Transfers from the UK over 200K Baht . The last one was only 3 days agoTodd *********
@James *********
with which bank? As the rule is govt imposed, and many transactions sent back, it seems dubiousReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Daniele ***********
@Todd ********
hmm never heard of that, I've been using it for 5 years, not sure what's the biggest transaction I've made, not enormous but more than 50kTodd *********
@Daniele **********
you can no longer receive transactions over 50k baht at Krungsri. Wise won't even process that transaction. Pensions were turned back. It's a problem.Daniele ***********
@Todd ********
oh damn, it's a limit for foreigners or what? Have you asked to remove it?Todd *********
@Daniele **********
there is definitely no removing it. Only the govt banks can receive over 50k. Yes, limit for all foreigners.Barry **********
@Daniele **********
the Thai government put the restrictions in place to do with money laundering. I think only Bangkok Bank SCB and Kasikorn can now accept over 50k bahtReply to
Barry **********
Reply
Michael ********
"Travel insurance" what countries is it valid for be interesting to know. Is it travel in Thailand ? Or outside of Thailand
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
it is valid within Thailand. They gave me a card for that.Reply to
XI ****
Reply
Simon **********
Excellent!
David ****
Congrats on your new account. What’s the accident insurance for? Also for how long is the supposed coverage?
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ***
The insurance is for travel accident insurance. It is valid for one year.David ****
@XI ***
I assume only within Thailand. So does it cover medical costs and possibly accidents on motorbikes? I would think notGeorge *************
@David ***
If it's PA (Personal Accident) 1st Smart or VIP plan it covers accidents on motorcycles. I get this insurance every year (Smart plan). It was not required when I opened an account 10 years ago. It's a shame they won't open an account without that, but at least this way you get something of value, which you don't with an agent.Anthony *********
@David ***
yeah it's come personal accident cover stuff like that, your bank in your country most likely offers some kind of bank account plus kind of thing, tbh the covers isn't that bad tbh with, not great but not completely crap eitherReply to
Anthony *********
Reply
Danny *******
If you are leaving Thailand why do even need one?
Bob *******
@Danny ******
you can transfer money to other Thailand accounts fee freeXI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Danny ******
I will go back for sure.Reply to
XI ****
Reply
Brandon ************
This isn't any kind of special "hack."
It's basically a known con that many banks try and pull. The teller got commission off you.
It likely would've cost less for you to use an agent to open a bank account.
There's nothing in law that prevents someone on visa exempt from opening a bank account.
It's basically a known con that many banks try and pull. The teller got commission off you.
It likely would've cost less for you to use an agent to open a bank account.
There's nothing in law that prevents someone on visa exempt from opening a bank account.
Ross ********
You dont need a long stay visa or BS insurance to get a bank account... You just have to find a branch willing to do the paperwork and maybe a certificate of residence
Bobby ********
@Brandon ***********
Correct. I opened my first Thai bank account on visa exempt, no insurance, no agent, total cost zero, amount of hassle zero. Bangkok Bank Silom Branch. To this day I cannot understand how people experience so much difficulty. I did have a lease and my passport of course.Dominique **********************
@Bobby *******
you are a real hero !!!Bobby ********
@Dominique *********************
Just trying to stop people being ripped off by banks. Thanks for recognising my contributionDaniele ***********
@Bobby *******
most bank won't do, there's not much you can doBobby ********
@Daniele **********
Possibly, but certainly not my experience.Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
you have a lease? I don't even have that, I live in a hotel. They didn't ask me for lease agreement.Bobby ********
@XI ***
They needed proof of address. I had a lease so I provided that. I've heard people paying for embassy statements confirming address. I didn't need that. I've opened five accounts over the years, never had any hassle and never cost me a cent.XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
but, I lived in a hotel in Thailand, they didn't even ask my hotel address. I used my address in my home country.Bobby ********
@XI ***
Not sure what point you're making. It cost you 5900 baht, it cost me zero. I had a lease anyway.XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
you have a lease, that is different story.Bobby ********
@XI ***
Exactly! Didn't cost me a cent. The insurance is an "upsell". It's a bit of a con, as Brandon has pointed out, the officer you deal with gets the commission. Every account I've ever opened comes with the invitation for insurance, which I've always declined as I have my own comprehensive insurance. The insurance the banks offer is too expensive for what it is, you can get comparable through Luma or AXA for about 1500 baht. Some banks were also offering covid insurance at the start of the outbreak, which was also an overpriced product. Banks are the same the world over unfortunatelyReply to
Bobby ********
Reply
David *******
@Brandon ***********
thats what I did, used an agent, Bangkok bank tryed real hard to get me to buy insurance., nope.Leszek *********
@David ******
£62 for one year travel insuranceAlan ********
@Leszek ********
Would take that up for sure. , just been quoted £570 for travel insurance !! Coverwise ukLeszek *********
@Alan *******
OMG. MoneySuperMarketReply to
Leszek *********
Reply
XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
but, I heard you need long term visa in order to open a Thai bank account.Ross ********
@XI ***
where do you get this terrible info from?XI ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ross *******
From people's experiences with other Banks in Thailand.Maxim ***********
@XI ***
The people you spoke to have zero experience, sorry to say.Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
@XI ***
you don't.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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