Answered9 years ago

Do I need to show cash when entering Thailand under visa exemption or SETV, and what are the requirements regarding proof of funds?

Thailand visa exemption SETV Proof of funds Entering Thailand Cash requirement ATM withdrawals in Cambodia

Álvaro **********

asked Oct 12, 2017

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So, I've other doubt about my next trip to SEA. It's not specifically visa related, but a "show me the money" issue at the border :D

If traveling around SEA, after some time in Lao and Cambodia, the plan is to come back to Thailand, spend just a few days (3-5) in the beach and then fly back home. As that will be at the very end of our trip, we won't carry 500€ in cash (we'd spent it by that time! :D)

In that scenery, should I show 20.000baths in cash when entering Tailand under visa exemption? what about under a SETV?

Is it mandatory to show cash, or can I show a bank receipt or inform with (more than) enough funds?

Is there any difference regarding the proof of funds when entering by plane or by land border?

My main concern is: OK, I can withdraw enough cash from an ATM at, i.e. Siem Reap, just before go to Thailand. But... what I need is THB or US$, so, how can I get THB or US$ while in Cambodia, if it's mandatory to show cash in the border? Can I just walk into a cambodian bank and get US$ over the counter?

If I need to show the cash, it's not a problem at all, it's not a matter of having money, but of have to carry so much cash - I wouldn't like to travel around SEA with 1.000€ in cash, just to be able to show 500€ when entering Thailand just for a few days...

Answer summary

The necessity to show cash when entering Thailand can vary. Under the visa exemption, travelers are generally expected to show proof of sufficient funds, which can include a cash amount (20,000 THB) or equivalent in other currencies. However, in practice, many travelers report that border officials rarely ask for proof of funds, particularly at land borders. If you plan to withdraw cash before entering, you can use ATMs in Cambodia, which often dispense US dollars, or inquire about currency exchange at banks. Whether entering by air or land does not seem to significantly affect the strictness of this requirement.

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Philip *********

At Siem Reap ,when I was there last year , many ATM gave out dollars .

9 years ago

Álvaro **********

Thank you Philip! :)

9 years ago

Philip *********

@Álvaro **************

I was in main part of town and the 3 machines I tried all has USD . Everyone wants dollars !!

It was on screen .

9 years ago

Álvaro **********

Good news. How do you know what ATM gives dollars? Do the machine have any visible sign, or something in the welcome screen?

9 years ago

Tod *********

At the land border crossings with Lao there are no verified reports that people have been asked for proof of funds. There were a couple reports when people entered from Cambodia but those people had an extensive visa history. The real borders that are hard core about this are the southern land crossings.

9 years ago

Tod *********

Well, at least it's not an out-in. (y) I'd have at least the 20K cash just in case though.

9 years ago

Tod *********

Mike, that is likely to raise a flag and you certainly could be questioned by passport control at Don Mueang.

I would have 20K baht, proof of onward travel in 30 days and a hotel booking just in case because you can be asked for ALL of those things if they want to ask for them. The out-in bounces for a 30 day visa exempt entry can garner attention.

9 years ago

Steven ***********

It can be any currency and they seldom ask for you to show it.

I’ve never been asked since 2010 but I’ve started to carry the 20,000 baht equivalent of whatever country I’m flying in from.

9 years ago

Álvaro **********

@Tod ********

I think I didn't explain well. That's my doubt, in fact: if I'm in Cambodia heading to Thailand, it's a bad idea to get riels because they're worthless in Thailand, so I must get dollars, but, where can I get US$ in Cambodia? Any ATM? Over the counter in a bank? Withdraw riels and then go to a exchange house?

9 years ago

Steven ***********

@Álvaro **************

usually Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirhams, UK pounds etc

9 years ago

Tod *********

@Álv***

, why would you carry currency that's nearly worthless in thailand? You can't hardly GIVE Lao kip or Cambodian riel away in Thailand and both those countries accept USD anyway.

9 years ago

Álvaro **********

BTW, I'm not exactly a suspect of "nomad beggar" :D I'm 38, from an EU country and while using a backpack, I don't look like a classic backpacker (not tattoos, not dreadlocks, not Hawaiians, not Chang tank top...)

Last visit to Thailand, 4 years ago, never asked me to show cash, but I'm reading that nowadays it's a more common issue at some borders.

9 years ago

Álvaro **********

Thanks Steven :)

So, my doubt is: what currency are you carrying? I think you can't exchange some currencies outside their countries, so you can't carry Lao KIP or Cambodian Riels to Thai and then exchange it to THB, can you?

Are you getting 20.000 bath in US$ while in any of those countries? Or can you exchange KIP or Riels to THB in Thailand?

9 years ago