Answered3 years ago
Can you open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption and what documents are needed?
Has anyone had any recent success with opening Thai Bank account, on a visa exemption, at any particular branch? Hoping to find a way to get money into Thailand through Wise so that I don't incur ridiculous bank fees while travelling.
Answer summary
Expats have shared varied experiences regarding opening Thai bank accounts on a visa exemption. Successful account openings were reported at banks like Krungsri and Bangkok Bank, with required documents typically including a passport, proof of residence such as a lease agreement, and occasionally a letter from their home embassy. It's advised to visit multiple banks as policies may vary, and patience is key. Some suggest utilizing services from visa agents for assistance, while others recommend preparing a solid case for account opening that includes intent to invest in property.
27 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Glyn **********
I went to immigration with proof of residence and paid 500baht for a letter. Opened an account at the Bangkok Bank. To open a wise account I needed to be in my home country.
Meaw **********
PM me
Tracey *******
Went to bangkok bank today (i'm also on visa exemption) they need
1. passport original
2. drivers license
3. document signed from your embassy (see photo)
The specific branch I went to:
1. passport original
2. drivers license
3. document signed from your embassy (see photo)
The specific branch I went to:
*************************************
Tracey *******
Yeah they gave it to me, she said the embassy needs to confirm/notarize your address in Thailand and passport (doesn't have to be that exact same format as the document she gave me but needs the same info)
Josh **********
OP@Tracey ******
you got this document directly from the branch ?Josh **********
OP@Tracey ******
thank you so much
Michael ********
Krungsri (yellow one)
Just copy of lease and
Passport required
Just copy of lease and
Passport required
Ricky ******
You should have a Chase or Starling current account to avoid UK bank fees. That just leaves you with 220b atm per transaction, but I expect you already know this.
Ron *********
Bangkok bank, "all seasons place" branch. I printed out a blank affidavit from my embassy and wrote where I was residing and swore to it at the embassy lol. Worked fine at the branch.
Robert **********
@Ron ********
US and I think British embassy stopped doing residence certificatesRon *********
@Robert *********
just telling you what I did in February.Robert **********
@Ron ********
they are stopping June 1, I got mine recently also.Ron *********
I was on tourist visa
Mark *********
I opened one on Visa Exempt with just copy of lease + passport. I tried 3 banks, 3rd one was a charm - Krungsri @ Central.
Before you go the visa agent route - just spend a day going to as many locations as possible. Expect to hear ‘No’ many times but eventually someone will say yea. Make a day out of it.
Also maybe try non-foreigner locations like in Thai neighborhoods etc.
Before you go the visa agent route - just spend a day going to as many locations as possible. Expect to hear ‘No’ many times but eventually someone will say yea. Make a day out of it.
Also maybe try non-foreigner locations like in Thai neighborhoods etc.
Josh **********
OP@Mark ********
Thanks! By copy of lease. Do you mean a formal lease of a property you were renting out, or an agreement drafted by a short term rental of the place you were staying at?
Mark ********
@Josh *********
I opened an account at Krungsri with a 3-month lease copy and my passport. Also mention that you are going to buy a condo sometime and will be transfering the $$ from abroad to your new bank account. Lay it on thick. Also tell them you will be needing insurance..lots of. They will bend right over for you.😏Mark *********
@Josh *********
It was a formal lease as I was staying there for 2 months. But I would think they're one in the same. They just need a real looking, signed, addressed paper in their hands.
Michael ***********
I opened mine at Kasikorn. Needed wife’s id, blue and yellow books and original wedding cert
Brian *******
Get a wise card and preload it
Chan ******
@Brian ******
Whay it means please？ Thank youJosh **********
OP@Chan *****
not possible from anywhere I will ever be.Brian *******
@Chan *****
*****************************************
Chan ******
@Brian ******
Thank you so much.
Noel *********
Richard ******
Just go to a visa agent and pay them to sort it for you
Josh **********
OP@Richard *****
oh interesting. So this is the current standard procedure ? Any idea what an agent would charge for this ?
Bob **********
@Josh *********
about 5000 and maybe 5999 for accident insuranceActivity
16 joined16
people
Related
25Which Thai bank is best for transferring money for visa purposes?
6.2k53693mo
Why can't I open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption?
20.4k1572823mo
Why can't I get the QR code to receive money with my Thai banks?
2.8k25273mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
6.7k52811y
What is the best bank to open an account with a Non-O Visa in Chiang Mai?
1.2k981y
What are the issues with transferring money from Wise to Bangkok Bank and other Thai banks?
9.3k65761y
What are the requirements for foreigners opening a bank account in Thailand, particularly regarding the yellow book issue?
9.7k571011y
Can I use Wise to transfer funds for my Non O Visa extension in Thailand?
2.5k14331y
Where can I open a bank account in Thailand on visa exemption?
1k652y
What are the best options for opening a bank account in Bangkok without an agent?
3k21202y
What are the requirements to open a Thai bank account as an expat?
3.2k3192y
How can I open a Thai bank account without using an agent or paying for insurance?
6.2k39872y
Which banks in Thailand can DTV holders use for insurance and what is the residency certificate?
2.7k20252y
What are the recommendations for opening a Thai bank account in Bangkok and what documents are needed?
5.1k39412y
Can tourists open a bank account in Thailand, and what are the requirements?
9.9k781023y
Is it better to have my Social Security deposited in a US bank and transfer funds to Thailand as needed?
5.7k49413y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with an ED visa, and what bank is the easiest to use?
1.3k493y
What are the requirements for a foreigner with a tourist visa to open a bank account in Thailand?
2.3k16183y
How can I successfully open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?
14.6k1281443y
Which banks do expats in Thailand prefer for opening an account?
9.2k90604y
How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand with an O-A visa?
12.1k1121015y
Can you open a Thai bank account without a work permit?
17.9k1711396y
Which Thai bank is the easiest for foreigners to open an account?
8.4k81566y
What agents or banks can help expats open a bank account in Thailand?
3.8k33246y
Can I open a Thai bank account with an ED visa?
2.3k20108y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served