Answered9 years ago
Do I need to carry 20,000 baht in cash for a visa run to Thailand, or can I show my bank book instead?
hello there :-D im looking for some advices based on experiences.... next month i have to do a visa run to malaysia (kuala lumpur by plane) for the 2 month tourist visa.... now: about the 20k that i have to show.... i travel alone....so i don't feel very comfortable to have all the money in my pocket...and.... i have only a bangkok bank card which i can't use at atms outside thailand.... do i really have to take the 20k cash with me or can i show them my blue bangkok bank book what shows the 20k on it ? thankful for every advice ! have a lovely day !!!!
Answer summary
The community provided varied advice on whether to carry 20,000 baht in cash for a visa run to Thailand. Many emphasized the risks of not having the cash as immigration officers can request proof of funds upon entry, with stories of travelers being denied entry for not having cash on hand. While some argued that it's uncommon to be asked for the funds, especially if not on back-to-back tourist visas, others insisted that banks statements or debit cards are not acceptable substitutes for cash. The consensus leans towards erring on the side of caution and having the cash readily available.
39 repliesnewest first
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Ron *******
I'd be afraid not having it. It's about enough for a decent hotel and a night out in Bangkok or Pattaya!
Jeremy ********
It all comes Down to the IO who is at immigration
M **********************
It's only 600$ why you afraid 🤣🤣🤣
Steve ********
It is far less comfortable being refused entry and sent back home.
Jeremy ********
I’d be afraid especially at night in bars....I could all my money disappear
Marina *****************
OPi can't remember that i mentioned to be afraid..... i said i feel not comfortable... thats another thing... see the difference? i just ask..maybe its about the language i don't know...lol....
Ricky **************
An American in my last run group only had the equivalent in US dollars. He was refused at first but showed the officer a current exchange rate through a website on his phone then was accepted. This was at Sadao border.
Tod *********
the southern borders are some hard core people >:( , and are about the only land borders asking for proof of funds.
Tod *********
I agree with
Most "real tourists" aren't asked, BUT I'd say err on the side of caution and have it on you when you fly back..
@R**
, anecdotal stories about how this or that person wasn't asked for proof of funds does not negate the need that you have to be able to show the funds IF you're asked. Most "real tourists" aren't asked, BUT I'd say err on the side of caution and have it on you when you fly back..
Tod *********
If you are not living here on back-2-back 30 day visa exempt stamps or tourist visas you are highly unlikely to be asked to show proof of funds when entering the country. However it is totally within the right of an immigration officer at passport control to ask to see your 20K baht (or the equivalent) in funds and not having it can be a reason to be denied entry.
You cannot use a credit card, an ATM card, your bank book or even an online banking statement to show you have sufficient funds to enter thailand. :/ It's cash or traveler's checks.
You cannot use a credit card, an ATM card, your bank book or even an online banking statement to show you have sufficient funds to enter thailand. :/ It's cash or traveler's checks.
Steve ********
Aussie dollars are fine for me for the bulk of my cash.
Tod *********
@St***
, I'd carry USD instead because at least we have 100 dollar bills instead of the 30 dollar bills like thai baht.Steve ********
Thanks. I am heading back to Australia today and have put 20k baht cash in with my travel documents for my return in a couple of months. It has been a nuisance because, as my girlfriend laughingly said, I am a farang with no money. :) She has been paying all our bills the past few days.
Tod *********
@Steve *******
, the immigration officer at passport control have been quoting an imaginary rule about not being in thailand more than 6 months out of a year. There is NO rule like that but they sure believe there is.It can be in any currency (or traveler's checks) as long as it equals 20K baht.
Steve ********
Just a couple of questions regarding your comment. What is considered back-to-back visa? If there is a 2-3 month gap between 6 month METVs would this still be back-to-back? Does the 20k have to be in Thai baht or can it be in equivalent Australian dollars. Last time I entered, I had $15,000 on me but only a few thousand baht left over from my last trip.
Robert *******
30 million tourist a year, we know of several reports, specially from people using back to back Tourist Visa and/or Visa Exempt entries that money is asked to be shown. It is the law and for all those be happy that the Immigration is not applying this rule to all 30 million visitors. If they did you will stand a few hours more in line before you get stamped in.
Abhishek ******
its depends on the officer tbh
Julinhio *********
To answer the question, no, the bank book wouldn't work. I saw it again in Vientiane today, it specifically says "cash" or "travellers check".
Julinhio *********
The sixth player no longer has a mouth ! :)
Andy ********
the sixth player has a speech impediment
Julinhio *********
I never had to show the money... But that's pointless! 5 out of 6 russian roulette players will tell you it's safe. Most likely they won't ask, but if they do, better to have it. I wouldn't risk it, especially it's not such a big deal...
Marina *****************
OPthanks.... i wan in vientiane 2 months ago but i didnt have to show money
Joe ***********
If the Bangkok Bank ATM / Debit card is labeled Visa it will work at ATMs in neighboring countries. If it is labeled Union Pay it will only work in Union Pay ATMs - and there are some Union Pay ATMs in neighbor countries
Jim *******
I lost my BKK bank visa debit card and my branch told me the bank no longer issues them and sold me the Union one. Basically useless. Called head office and was told my branch was wrong, and now have a new visa debit card. Don't take the Union card.
Fra *****
Pm sent
Andy ********
If you don't have the cash when they ask to see it they WILL refuse entry and send you back to where you came from. AT YOUR COST. The rules seem to be quite clear. Or you could take a chance.
Robert *******
As a tourist with back to back tourist visa and only a Thai bank account I guess it will raise some questions at Immigration.
Andy ********
At immigration. Where you come into Thailand. You may have seen on this FB group that it has happened recently. On other groups it is happening fairly regularly now.
Ron *******
Why do people feel the need to post that they wasn't asked to show the money? It's totally pointless and a waste of time. The law says you have to have it on you. If your asked and don't have it, 99.99% of the time they will refuse you entry.
Take it or leave it.
Take it or leave it.
Ken *******
Sorry won't post again getting a bit like TV on here... grumpy old men..
Kari ********
What's even more annoying are those that weren't asked to show it are just so sure others would be fine and not asked to show either.
Ken *******
My son arrived from KL into Don Mueang 2 weeks ago he wasn't asked to show proof of funds and super quick immigration too
Lorry *********
For what it's worth, we did a visa run, return from Chiang Mai to KL at the beginning of August. We had the baht but we weren't asked for it upon our return to CM.
Robert *******
Here is the check list of the Thai Embassy in KL, which you need for application, no money required on that list.
*****************************************************************************************
************
*****
329-*****
8-*****
5.pdfRobert *******
Financial requirements for Tourist Visa in KL is only for passport holders for listed countries, here is the list:
*****************************************************************************************
************
*****
329-*****
9-*****
0.pdf
Amornrat **********
@Marina *********************
may be for entry into Thailand the IO require you to show THB20k in cash, onward ticket and a booked accomodation.Marina *****************
OPthank you
@Robert ******
! the girl from the travel agency sent me a link too before and there was it listed :-(Activity
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