Answered9 months ago
Do I need to show 20,000 baht in cash when entering Thailand on a Non-O visa?
I've heard that at immigration in DMK they require 20,000 baht in cash, and that the equivalent isn't accepted. I have to go through customs in three days and I'm wondering what the situation will be. I have a non-O visa... Thanks for any feedback from those who have been through this recently!
Answer summary
The requirement for cash proof of 20,000 Baht (or equivalent in major currencies) seems to be mainly enforced on tourists entering Thailand. However, many expats with a Non-O visa report that they have not been asked to present cash. Several commenters suggest that while the cash requirement exists, it is seldom enforced for those who hold a valid visa, especially if they appear presentable. It's advisable to carry some cash, as there are instances where immigration may ask for proof, but the likelihood is reduced for Non-O visa holders.
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Gene *****
It’s almost like they don’t want completely broke people entering their country.
John ********
“Equivalent isn’t accepted”? Huh?
$10k won’t work?
$10k won’t work?
Will *********
doesn't apply to holders of nonO visas
PeacefulRe**********
Accepted for real
Chad **********
They likely won't ask unless you look or act suspicious. I have been through entry customs there 3 times and never been asked.
จอห์นนี่ *******
You need to have the equivalent to ฿20,000 cash in foreign currency or or minimum ฿20,000. Not everyone gets checked, but if you appear to to be a little bit dodgy, you stand a good chance of being checked. After all timeline is after quality tourist. 
Angelo ***********
You already have a visa. So you have a stamp showing you fulfill all requirements. The 20k rule is for people without visa.
The likelihood they ask you to show cash is approximately minus 9.9% or so, perhaps even minus 11% 😛
Worst case: there are ATMs before passing immigration.
Well, as I said above the likelihood that one with a visa get asked to show cash is extremely slim.
The likelihood they ask you to show cash is approximately minus 9.9% or so, perhaps even minus 11% 😛
Worst case: there are ATMs before passing immigration.
Well, as I said above the likelihood that one with a visa get asked to show cash is extremely slim.
Ish ********
I just went thru they asked nothing about accommodations , return flight , or ch cord my money ! All depends who’s working I guess
Anthony *******
ive never been asked,but always have the equivelent in sterling
Tammy *********
They just want to know that you can finance your travel. During Covid, many foreigners got stuck with no money, and can’t afford to go back home. Thai people had to feed and house them. It’s only fair that when you travel, bring enough money.
Terry *********
I been coming thailand for 26 years and never been asked till 2 month back after going for quick trip to phillipines luckily i hadthat on me cash so yes they have been asking !
Christopher ********
Did not need to show in January at DMK nor my family at BKK. We brought it in cash just in case.
Paul *******
They can at any time ask for this proof, it's the law and always has been, not many get asked for this proof tho, you must have it if asked.
Nanthakumar ***********
As tourist yes you need to show the money if asked for . With Non O visa it should not be a problem
Christopher **********
Equivalent: non-cash (bank statement, limit on credit card, etc) not accepted
Equivalent: non-baht (major currencies like EUR or USD) accepted
That is my understanding at least but I could be corrected.
Equivalent: non-baht (major currencies like EUR or USD) accepted
That is my understanding at least but I could be corrected.
Jan **********
you've "heard" wrong.
Steven *******
You need to be more careful who you get advice from.
Tony **************
You. Have. A. Visa.... Duh...
Cynthia ******
I had my American bank order Thai Baht before I left. It takes 3 days and you can just go and pick it up. This kept me from having to stop anywhere, except for the ride to my hotel.
Deepak *******
Cynthia Moss You can bring 700 US dollars in cash and a Fidelity/Schwab/E*Trade ATM card.
Cynthia ******
@Deepak ******
The whole point is not to have to take anything out at the airport. Half cash and half THB. I didn't have to start exchanging my US currency until after 4 months.
William ***********
Every country can ask about funds to support yourself during your stay. Show up looking presentable and you probably won’t be asked. But if you look like a bad lemon they will look for things to boot you.
Duane *************
I carry 700 USA all the time just in case. Where you get 20,000 baht to enter Thailand. That's dumb
David ******
Never on 20 years have i been asked.
Michael *********
Go to Cambodia $300 a yr retirement visa no backround check nothing !
Ghiss *********
If you have a non O you already gave proof to embassy in your country that you had funds or salary to get it
Martin ********
Someone's telling you porkies.
Colin *********
Why aren't most that are commenting, reading the original post in full, not just what they want to see?
20k Baht in cash is only asked of tourists, if it is asked for by Immigration upon entry.
Phiippe Bourret has a Non-O Visa, so the cash isn't required.
Also, the 'equivalent' applied to applications for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate, but for tourist entries into Thailand, it must be Thai Baht
20k Baht in cash is only asked of tourists, if it is asked for by Immigration upon entry.
Phiippe Bourret has a Non-O Visa, so the cash isn't required.
Also, the 'equivalent' applied to applications for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate, but for tourist entries into Thailand, it must be Thai Baht
Atrustwor*********
Colin Boyland tourist entry does not have be in baht it can be ones own currency
Mpd *******
I arrived last month no questions at all
Phil ******
All do
CaringJa********
I have never been asked about finances when entering Thailand through DMK.
Ross ********
CaringJaguar7214 Other people have and were turned away
Alan **********
Only once ever entered at DMK and I'm sure I wasn't asked to show cash. That was from Cambodia - wouldn't think that would make a difference though.
But I wonder if anybody knows ? Apparently, there are ATMs before hitting immigration. If you don't like carrying that much cash around during the beginning of your trip, I suppose you could withdraw it right before Immigration.
I also wonder, if the IO demanded it, if s/he'd allow you to leave the line, go get it at an ATM, and get back on line ??? 🤔
But I wonder if anybody knows ? Apparently, there are ATMs before hitting immigration. If you don't like carrying that much cash around during the beginning of your trip, I suppose you could withdraw it right before Immigration.
I also wonder, if the IO demanded it, if s/he'd allow you to leave the line, go get it at an ATM, and get back on line ??? 🤔
Jim **********
Alan Rothwell there have been posts wherein people have said that it happened to them, and the IO refused to let them go to an ATM. Personally, I am sceptical of such reports, but that is what they posted.
Alan **********
Jim Flanagan Interesting. Doesn't make much sense to me, especially since Thailand is trying to INCREASE tourism, but I'm very familiar with "TiT". 🤣
Rene ********
No atms
Christian ********
*****
is required everywhere.Alan **********
Christian Vogler Required, but seldom asked for - at least not at BKK. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Christian ********
Alan Rothwell it doesnt matter. it is requierd and I have them with me. where is the problem ? A couple of hundreds are also in BKK denied. they do not ask but if something is not ok they start asking everything.
Jacques **********
Christian Vogler well I guess if you look scruffy and dodgy they will ask.
Robert **********
I entered Thailand by air 5 times in the last 2 years. They never asked for it...
Rene ********
So wot?
Farang *********
I was asked to see 20,000 in cash. Produces a wad of notes in Baht, £, €, $, UAE dinar about 26,000 in all. Just looked at it and said OK.
Bob *********
Farang Walking Yes, the same happened to me!
Scott *******
You will spend $600 dollars anyway so you might as well bring it. No big deal
Todd *********
You have no worries as a regular tourist. Especially with a visa. Have a nice flight
Fe ******
I got in three weeks ago with non immigrant o. They asked nothing.
Dana *******
What you heard is wrong...
Gordon *******
Fake news, always needed 20,000 Thai baht or equivalent.
Betty *********
20 000 baht in équivalent euros pounds or US $ , any major currency. They might not ask to see it, but if they do and you havent got it they can deny entry.
Jay *******
Is this a joke? It's required to enter Thailand anywhere, it's just seldom asked for.
Jay *******
Jacques Slabbert just because you have never been asked doesn't mean its not a requirement. If you've been coming for 16 years, you should know by now.
Jacques **********
@Jay ******
why a joke. I cone to Thailand every year for about a month. Been doing it fir 16 years. Not once have I been asked proof of funds. I never get Baht upfront in my country (you can't actually). Hence ATMs with my cards is my going option. It is anyway foolish to travel with that amount of cash on you.
Russell *******
If you're coming in on a Non O or re-entering on one with a re-entry stamp you probably won't be asked anything. As long as it takes to take your fingerprints and photos and stamp your passport.
Andrew *******
They selectively enforce the 20k cash requirement
Todd *********
Andrew Moore extremely selective
Gordon ************
Yeh yeh , shut it , yeh 😂😂😂😂
David ******
You should probably have that on general principal as a tourist. What is the concern exactly?
It is on the embassy website.
Travelers entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme must possess adequate cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.
It is on the embassy website.
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Travelers entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme must possess adequate cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.
Johan ***************
David Earl That is helpful. The Washington embassy appears to be the only one explaining that it has to be in cash (at least for visa-exempt) - good job.
Alan **********
David Earl Do you walk around town with $600 USD on you ?
I certainly don't.
I certainly don't.
David ******
Alan Rothwell let me ask you how long does $600 last you in Thailand? Or should I say for the average person? I don't think it last week as a TOURIST. Now as non immigrant resident maybe $600 cash can last 4 months, especially if you have prompt pay.
David *******
David Earl better to change cash there though. Better rates
David ******
Alan Rothwell yeah I usually enter a country on holiday with that kind of cash in large denomination for money exchange. But now when I enter Thailand I do have a Thai bank account but I suppose out of habit I typically do carry $400 or $500 on me. Also if I guess if I don't spend it, it stays in my wallet. So yeah I do. 😃
Brandon ************
@Alan *********
If it's a requirement to enter a country, you certainly should. But no one said you have to walk around town with it. Put it in your hotel safe. Or exchange it for the local currency.
Simon *****
Equivalent is accepted. And if you have a non O visa, you will be fine even if you can’t present 20,000 Baht as the rule applies to tourists only.
Andreas *********
on a Non-O visa or an extension out of it, nobody is gonna ask you for proof of 20,000 THB equivalent
Paul ******
Andreas Mueller immigration are asking for proof of financial in baht or the equivalent in cash not card
Atrustwor*********
First I have heard of this rumour. Sounds like BS
David ******
AtrustworthyJaguar
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Atrustwor*********
David Earl yes and whats your point ?
I know all that.
The post says has heard can not use equivalent currency to 20k baht which is as i said BS
I know all that.
The post says has heard can not use equivalent currency to 20k baht which is as i said BS
Jamie ******
You can have the equivalent in most major currencies ,,ie ,usd ,gbp ,euro ,jaoanese yen …no idea or experience of other currencies
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