Answereda year ago
Do I need to show cash for the 20k baht proof of funds at the airport in Thailand?
This proof of funds "20k baht" at airport is very popular lately.
Do I need to have cash or bank statement will be enough or even better just show to them my bank APP?
Do I need to have cash or bank statement will be enough or even better just show to them my bank APP?
Answer summary
When entering Thailand, it's advisable to carry cash as proof of funds, specifically 20,000 baht, as showing cash is currently the only accepted method by Thai immigration. Although the likelihood of being asked for this proof is low, if requested, other forms of documentation such as bank statements or banking apps will not be accepted. Travelers are encouraged to withdraw or exchange the needed funds in advance to avoid issues at the airport.
118 repliesnewest first
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Kevin ********
I arrived yesterday no questions asked
Pui *****
@Kevin *******
the chances of being asked are astronomically small, just like the chances you'll get searched for contraband. But that doesn't mean rules don't exist.
James ************
@Kevin *******
its random. Ive never been asked either.Kevin ********
@James ***********
been that many times over the years never been asked but I always have some Thai baht on meJames ************
@Kevin *******
you can carry any currency. Just has to be equal to 20,000 baht. I keep 1000 usd just in case. But 20 ish times through on visa exempt, never once been asked
Jesper *******
There's a report on someone being denied entry and did not get the chance of withdrawing cash from the nearest ATM ....do what ever you want to take the risk of being denied
Radost **************************
@Jesper ******
there are ATMs before immigration in bkk
Ralph *******
Cash only.
Phil ******
@Michał **********
cash in any currency mate and they will let you through. Don't forget the other 2 things
Andrew ********
It was the one time cause the tourist was abusing the exempt but cary cash anyway
Ivan *******
Every day Thai government is setting and thinking what to do with farangs,and how they can reduce the garbage that is coming for only one reason! But in order to do that, they should fix their " garbage" first! If there is always supply, it always will be a demend
Peter ******
@Ivan ******
idiot
David *****
Troll or Russian Bot
Yo***
@Ivan ******
how Thailand fix the garbage of farangs? The farang countries are the main to do this in own countries. thailand never produced such garbage farangs. they just come to Thailand in mass. 🤣🤣Ralph *******
@Ivan ******
Tourists spend money everywhere. The government collects the tax.Ralph *******
@Ivan ******
That isn’t the garbage they are trying to stop. Those visitors are very good for the economy. They are trying to stop those that try to stay long term on what is basically intended for short term stays. Also, the people working illegally. They are certainly not worried about prostitution or their customers - it’s good business!
Ivan *******
@Ralph ******
Good business for who? For the government? What is the government getting from the prostitutes- taxes?? Don't be ridiculous!!
Tony ******
@Ivan ******
this has been always the case *****
bIvan *******
@Tony *****
Use your intelligence please! Even if you have lots of money, and you are not working, you can still stay, and brake the rules, overstay.. What this have to do with this *****
bth.??? Who is going to live with *****
bth. In Thailand?? People that can work illegally, are not westerners. Those are people from Cambodia, Laos, Birma. They know that! If they want to control that, they can do it differently!Tony ******
@Ivan ******
Use yours all you mentioned are the labours that do all the work lazy Thais won't do . Especially building industryIvan *******
@Tony *****
Who is the crazy person that will pay $1000 ticket , and come with no money in his pocket?? Do you know somebody like that? I don't think so. I would say it's more possible opposite situation - COMING WITH MONEY, AND GOING OUT WITH NO MONEY, then the previous!!
Malcolm ******
@Ivan ******
not from india its not £1000, probably couple of hundred quid, and would most of them coming to Thailand, would have 20k?
Sean **********
@Ivan ******
if you have not noticed there are more companies going cashless now. Went to Mega the other day. IKEA HAD TO PAY 15 BAHT FOR MY HOT DOG WITH A CREDIT CARD. ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS.Ivan *******
@Jay ***********
Everything is cash in Thailand bud! They don't want your cards! Everything is monkey business there! And the government closes their eyes! As long as they DONT SUPPORT anyone, don't give social assistance - Do whatever you want to make some money! I know some people would not like my comments, but that's the truth! It's good for the westerners coming with money, and get for what they come for, but for the poor Thai people is not! They are pushed to do whatever they do, to do it to survive! The truth hurts!
Graham ******
@Jay ***********
because it's the law for entry maybe but if you know better
Jay ************
@Ivan ******
, why would I wander around with $600 to $1,000 in cash when I can hit an ATM once I'm in the country and not having to worry about running around with all of that in my pocket. I can hit up any ATM machine, and then take out 30k in Baht and keep it in my room, hidden. That's how I do it in every country I go to. I have a Charles Schwab account so I don't have to worry about ATM fees, they are reimbursed to me at the end of every month.Tony ******
@Ivan ******
The people that use plastic card's I'm 💯 it's the equivalent of
*****
b in any currencies
Louie *********
And here I thought the land of smiles welcomed tourism
Peter ******
@Louie ********
they do you numpty
Mauro *********
I'm so surprised.. really people travel without same cash for emergency??
🤔🥴🫢
🤔🥴🫢
Tania **********
@Mauro ********
My thoughts ; anywhere we go, we should have cash .
Garett ******
@Tania *********
100%. I don't feel comfortable without having a certain amount. I've had a couple times in the past where my Bank has randomly decided to freeze my card or there be a major blackout.Mauro *********
@Tania *********
agree.Mauro *********
@Tania *********
for my experience.. cash in emergency can save your life .!! 😉I see I bring some cash also when I just go in swimming pool in condo.. ahahaha (sometimes swimming with cash ) 🤣😂
Tania **********
@Mauro ********
Yes 😊Phil ******
@Mauro ********
law is you will have cash in your pocket. People are being denied on no visa
Raymond *********
For the life of me, I don't understand most of the people here. If Thaï law says you have to have
*****
thb, forget the equivalent, simply get it,Andrew *******
@Phil *****
Well it’s a regulation that was changed from cash to cash or equivalent. And as you well know most people are never asked for any of these things.
So yeah if they are looking for an excuse to stop you entering then its probably wise to limit their reasons :)
Mauro *********
@Phil *****
why you tell me that ..I have always cash. I don't pay fee to bank actually normally I'm worried to don't Exide maximum limit of cash 🤣😂
Jay *****
@Phil *****
True, I have meet people without cash and use only card, but they did not activate the card for overseas use or some lost their card and they are helpless. I don't know why some people can't have some cash on them. It's only 20k Thai baht. 😂Andrew ********
@Phil *****
it was 1 personPhil ******
@Mauro ********
here mate good luck "Thailand's official entry rules require foreign tourists to provide evidence of sufficient financial means.Travelers entering under a tourist visa or the visa exemption program must show proof of at least 20,000 baht (US$628) per person if requested, The Thaiger reported.
Other required documents include proof of onward travel, such as a paid airline ticket, and accommodation details.
Consular officers may request additional documentation if deemed necessary."
Mauro *********
Isn't one.
It's just one who make news rampant but have many case !! .
Don't think is one because you know "one"
It's just one who make news rampant but have many case !! .
Don't think is one because you know "one"
Phil ******
No its over 5000 people at the moment and usually applies to people entering Thailand without a visa exempt for the 3 requires immigration needs from you.
Andrew ********
@Mauro ********
this day and age debit cards are go to i never carried cash till I got to thailandYo***
@Andrew *******
yes right. Not many cash needed. Just 20,000 THB around 500 something Euro only in cash. Is this so much?Tania **********
@Andrew *******
In EU, i live in very touristic place, and many of us just accept cash ; we are always amazed how, some can come without cash… so they need look for a ATM and take it .Easy life is having , cash and cards !
Andrew *******
@Tania *********
I don’t care Tania. I’m just right on this point. I’m happy to flick your details thru to the Spanish authorities though and have them check out your cash business, you good with that? 🙂
I mean you being a stickler for the rules and all that 🙂
Ciao
Tania **********
@Andrew ******
In your dreams…good night !Andrew *******
@Tania *********
That you live amongst tax avoiders and money launderers isn’t really relevant to much of the developed world Tania 🙂I mean there’s a reason the laws there have been increasingly tightened around cash but obviously it’s the type of place, with the type of visitors and business that still attracts a lot of cash. The Spanish govt will continue to tighten the screws and as has been the case for years the non cash sector of the event will continue to be a larger part than cash 🙂
Tania **********
@Andrew ******
Where i live, a very famous touristic place, we in many business accept only cash nowadays; last summer season increased number of business wanting cash only .Mauro *********
🤣🫢🤣
Hei mate... So generic.. but try go in my hometown or in same part of south Italy and tell me how much more you will pay without cash 😉
Hei mate... So generic.. but try go in my hometown or in same part of south Italy and tell me how much more you will pay without cash 😉
Andrew *******
@Tania *********
I’ve lived in Europe and traveled there a lot. You really don’t need cash in Europe.Chris *********
For sake of easy life I dont understand why people dont withdraw the equivalent in their currency or exchange 20,000 baht before coming, rather than worry about it and ask if its required or not. Just take the safe option and carry it. Seems people are making a bit of an ordeal about something thats not really that important. Just my opinion.
Jo **********
@Chris ********
over 20 years I entered Thailand approximately 120 times and never been asked I know if no one who has been asked. It’s only enforced for people coming from very poor countries that appear not to have money. the average tourist will not walk around with 20,000 baht in their pocket. especially since everything is electronicTania **********
@Chris ********
*****
baht is kind of pocket money , here on holidays ; i never been asked either, but having a good amount of cash to spend nicely is not a big deal !Yo***
@Chris ********
Agreed. It is not *****
Euro or USD, it is just 500 + Euro about. If someone does not have this in cash, how can he come to Thailand or other foreign countries???Andrew *******
@Yo***
I’d be reasonably confident I’ve got more money than most in this thread and I can’t remember the last time I carried cash of more than a couple hundred bucks. I haven’t used cash here in Australia in 7 years. You do need some cash in Thailand although you can generally do 95% of stuff there without it too. It’s not so much that it’s much money it’s just that carrying it in cash rather than just showing a balance is dinosaur age policy.
Chris *********
My comment has went a bit far to be fair, my point was just carry the cash rather than moan about it and risk being denied 🤣🤦
Chris *********
@Yo***
yeah agreed. It doesn't matter how anyone values 20,000baht if it is 1 days spending or 1 weeks, its still a low amount to take for a holiday/ travel anywhere.
Trav **********
@Chris ********
Because that requires common sense, which half the people coming to Thailand don't have.Chris *********
@Trav *********
thats the answer i was looking for. People would rather take the chance then moan about it.
John ********
It's another nail in Thailand tourist coffin. They have some strange rules but it is there laws so just obey or like a lot now go elsewhere.
John ********
@Chris ********
People do not use cash nowadays. I never carry cash just cardsTania **********
@John *******
In EU, touristic places, we have many business accepting cash only; Japan as well .It saves in emergency.
It makes feel comfortable that you can pay whatever and wherever.
Andrew *******
@Tania *********
If you run a business and haven’t embraced digital it’s either a pissy little business or one with a troubled future :)John ********
@Tania *********
Agree but people coming from Europe would rarely have 20.000 baht in cash on them to bring into Thailand, also poor rates exchange, and worry of it being stolen, imo it is a outdated requirement, in 28 yeas I have never once been asked by the ioTania **********
@Andrew ******
backwards in your opinion, not ours ( owning business in EU ).Andrew *******
@Tania *********
It is true that some systems remain quite backwards :)Chris *********
@John *******
I also rarely use cash but if I felt I needed to carry 20,000 baht to get through, I wouldn't think twice about it. Fortunately I have a long term visa and dont deal with this border bouncing fiasco 🤣Chris *********
@John *******
dont really think its a nail in the coffin, its not a massive issue really. I've never ever been asked to show cash (or had any other questions at immigration) in 10 years living there, but then again I have always had a proper visa to live there and before that always stayed well within the visa exempt limits.Chris *********
The stamped in days, extentions etc without border bouncing and basically living without a visa is what I mean. Before living in thailand I always stayed less than 30 days on a stamp, when moved there I got a correct visa to live there. Hence ive never personally experienced any issues that others are raising
Andrew *******
@Chris ********
The visa exempt limits?
Bigd **********
@Chris ********
its only a little over $625 USD, SHEESH! 555Andrew *******
@Bigd *********
I haven’t used cash here in Oz for 7 years, taking $700 out just to carry it on a long haul flight and then convert it at the other end makes not much sense. Also the fact I’ve never been asked for any of the “requirements” in over 20 years of extremely regular travel to Thailand tends to make one pretty blase about this
Ilia *********
@Chris ********
because from my experience if you are traveling to several countries, let's say you are coming from the Philippines or Laos, you will not be able to withdraw us dollars from ATM. Moreover, you will have to withdraw from the ATM many times as the machine will not allow *****
baht equivalent in one withdrawal, that will charge more commission. Then when arriving to Thailand you will be stuck with this foreign currency. In case of money Laos that's even a bigger pain in the ass as no change will agree to exchange them to baht. Believe me that's very annoying (speaking from experience). Hope now you understand. Not everyone comes directly from their home country. But yeah rules are rules and it is what it is.
Carlos *********
@Ilia ********
in Laos you can withdraw dollars no problemMichał ***********
OP@Carlos ********
where? Can you show me where?Chris *********
@Ilia ********
fair point never considered that situation I suppose.
Ilia *********
@Simon *******
i know and use those. But that's inside Thailand. Read what I wrote.
Robert ******
@Chris ********
i agree, I usually arrive with 50-80k baht and more in my own currency
Lisa ***************************
@Robert *****
same
Martin ********
@Robert *****
weekend trip ? 😅Robert ******
@Martin *******
yeah of course!! :pTania **********
@Robert *****
Same here ; i have a good amount , to spend as i wish; do not understand those without nothing !Robert ******
Because everyone takes cash and its easy, I never use a card except for ATM to get more cash
Andrew *******
@Tania *********
Why carry cash?
Bobby ********
Obey the rules, you’re good 
Brandon ************
It's only popular because of a headline. The chances of actually being asked are very, very low. You should know if you are at risk because you have been abusing tourist entries trying to stay in Thailand longer than a tourist should.
IF you get asked to show proof of funds, it must be IN CASH ONLY. They will not accept credit cards, debit cards, bank statements, banking apps, or anything that is not cash. The only reason they ask this question is if they already want to deny you entry. So they are not going to bend over backwards to let you meet the requirement when the law specifically says cash only.
IF you get asked to show proof of funds, it must be IN CASH ONLY. They will not accept credit cards, debit cards, bank statements, banking apps, or anything that is not cash. The only reason they ask this question is if they already want to deny you entry. So they are not going to bend over backwards to let you meet the requirement when the law specifically says cash only.
Anthony ***********
@Brandon ***********
is it the same for a Non O Visa holder?Brandon ************
Anthony ***********
@Brandon ***********
thank you
Matt *********
@Brandon ***********
per the Thai embassy website it’s “cash of or equivalent” (what they mean by “equivalent” they unfortunately don’t define). ******************************************************************
Andrew *******
@Matt ********
correct and on various MFA documents they note cash or credit cards/bank statements. But of course “or equivalent” could be interpreted narrowly or broadly depending on what the IO is trying to achieve.
Ollie ******
@Brandon ***********
it isn't cash only that is a complete lie, they did this recently to someone I know and bank app was fine.
Chuck **********
@Brandon ***********
immigration is at the UdonThani airport! It’s a international airport!
Greg ***********
@Chuck *********
there are NO flights from abroad arriving at Udon Airport. Even Ubon Ratchathani is classified as an "International Airport" however not a single flight from abroad lands thereChuck **********
@Greg **********
how much you know! Flight from DaNang came in couple days ago!Brandon ************
@Chuck *********
the officers at the immigration office have nothing to do with the ones at the airport. Whatever they tell you is irrelevant. It's 100% up to the person you are standing in front of. And the law says cash only for tourists, not bank books.
Andy ********
@Chuck *********
I asked the guy who was selling watches on the streets of Pattaya if it was legal. He said it was.Do you think the seller had my best intensions when he gave me that answer.
Greg ***********
@Chuck *********
how would they know because nobody arrives at Udon Airport. NOBODY enters Thailand at the Udon Airport as there are ZERO flights arriving from abroadChuck **********
@Brandon ***********
I asked at airport and they said ok!Chuck **********
@Brandon ***********
I asked udon immigration and they said Thai bank book ok.Greg ***********
@Chuck *********
Udon Immigration does not handle a border. HOW would they know? Only the officers at the border booth in Nong Khai can tell you what they prefer. You would be surprised. It is CASH and only cash
Rob **********
@Chuck *********
no use asking Udon immigration office as they are no stationed at the International airports in Thailand, it is up to the discretion of the official at your arrival destination.Robert ******
@Brandon ***********
can the cash be another currency you haven't changed to baht yet though?Brandon ************
@Robert *****
It's 20,000 baht or equivalent in any major currency.
Rodger *******
@Doug ******
Just barely. Check out the exchange rate trend versus the baht. 😐
Doug *******
@Brandon ***********
Is USD still “a major currency“? 😂
Lye **********
@Brandon ***********
it's actually being done randomly by IO. So it is better to be safe than sorry, no?Andy ********
@Lye *********
after working at an airport I can say that nothing is done randomly in immigration. Everything is done on evidence. Why would you create work for yourself for nothing?Brandon ************
@Lye *********
You should always meet every legal requirement to enter a country, every time. It's fine until it isn't.Lye **********
@Brandon ***********
Yup, 100% agree.Greg ***********
@Greg ********
you don't need to exchange before you fly. Just take the equivalent of 20,000 THB with you in Euros or US Dollars
Darren *******
@Greg ********
unless it's changed it can also be the equivalent in a foreign currency too
Greg *********
@Brandon ***********
it's a pain in the ass, I suppose do a currency exchange at a stop if you have time before arriving. You will lose money probablyActivity
50 joined50
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