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Do UK expats in Thailand face issues using their UK bank accounts?
Oct 31, 2025
6 months ago
Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTERQuestion for UK expats re bank accounts. Anyone have any issues using their UK accounts while living in Thailand?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Many UK expats in Thailand report generally positive experiences using their UK bank accounts. Several comments confirm that there have been no significant issues, with some users maintaining their accounts without difficulties for over 20 years. However, it's noted that certain UK banks may close accounts if the holder is no longer classified as a UK resident. Nationwide appears to be one of the few banks accommodating expats with a Thai address. Some expats also mention needing alternatives for receiving one-time passwords (OTPs), as some banks require UK mobile numbers for verification.
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Gary ********
Wise! Cheap no hassle.
Julian *******
HSBC. No issues
Stuart ***********
Really? Over what period and which account?
Julian *******
@Stuart **********
regular account. Over ten yearsReply to
Julian *******
Reply
Sally ********
The only bank that will let us have an account with a Thailand address is Nationwide. Barclays closed our account and Santander as our address is in Thailand.
Dan ********
@Sally *******
yes you should always keep a UK address, or access to, or permission to use an address, like a good friend with a steady/stable home situation, at the very least. And DONT TELL THE BANK YOU LIVE ABROAD.Sally ********
@Dan *******
We no longer use a UK address of any kind. We couldn't keep asking friends to post bank cards etc. Nationwide accepted our Thai address so we keep a very small amount there & the rest is in an offshore bank account!Dan ********
@Sally *******
I guess each persons situation is very different and unique. I'd feel uneasy without a UK property to fall back into if I needed. Although the equivalent value in cash, in offshore funds wouldn't be the end of the world - a 2 bed ground floor maisonette in south London/Surrey border is pushing past £500K. But I feel like my 3 bed seaview villa on Samui, at half that value, is the liability. Funny to have all this stuff 'on paper', and then to think I changed name by deedpoll 5 yrs ago, it all feels very detached, that I am just floatingSally ********
@Dan *******
interesting that you feel "detached". Do you not feel settled here?Sally ********
@Dan *******
our "fall back" money is in offshore funds & has gone up in value more than any property & we can access it pretty quickly. The offshore bank account is just a basic account if we ever need Pounds. We didn't want the hassle of looking after a UK property whilst living here. We are lucky that this will buy us something elsewhere if necessaryReply to
Sally ********
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Pete **********
Several uk banks will automatically close your account if you are not classed as a uk resident,
Jonnie *******
I’ve just recently started getting requests from my uk bank for the first time in the 17 years I’ve been here, although I ensure I’m less than 180 days in thailand each year, the rest of the time in mid east or Taiwan, haven’t been back to UK in over 5 years.
Bank continually asking via my online application to confirm my tax residence
Bank continually asking via my online application to confirm my tax residence
Reply to
Jonnie *******
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Lynnette *******
I use Nationwide, they have options for verification other than text message. I don't use my Lloyds account cause they only use texts. So I log in as usual and do banking with Nationwide.
John *********
I have the Lloyds App hope thats OK for use in thailand.
Lynnette *******
@John ********
no idea. I don't use banking on mobile phone. It probably works ok on an app. Not sure if it still requires text confirmation.John *********
I spoke to Lloyds last week and they said do it all on the app
Reply to
John *********
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Ant ******
@Lynnette ******
is a card reader the only option for logging into nationwideLynnette *******
@Ant *****
No. There's a special Pass number. But I take my card reader with me. It's your usual way of logging in on line same as you do at home. But if you make payments that need a text confirmation you click "didn't receive it" and it gives option of email instead.Ant ******
@Lynnette ******
can you give me more details about that. I'm looking for another way to log into my internet bank without my card reader while I'm abroad
Lynnette *******
@Ant *****
when you log in it gives option of using card reader or pass number. But you have to have been given one. I was sent one but always use card reader. I take 2 with me when travelling.Sally ********
@Ant *****
you should have a passcode or something...when you Google Nationwide it asks you how you want to sign in..Reply to
Sally ********
Reply
Simon ********
Never had an issue
Phil ********
Nope. Only issue is some UK banks wont allow a Thai number for OTP etc so I use Swytch VOIP for £6 a month for a UK number.
Steve ********
None whatsoever
Terry *******
if you keep paying their fees they love you
Andi ***********
@Terry ******
True, Santander international just started charging fees for their account 40 quid a month or account closed.Terry *******
@Andi **********
sounds like santander all over , have a business account and when they’re short they just bang your rate up every month until you move the debt. absolute thievesAndi ***********
@Terry ******
yeah, its greed, execs get millions in salary...Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Henry *********
Been in Thailand 20+ years and never had an issue with my UK bank.
Andy *******
@Henry ********
same here! Nationwide living overseas not an issue although I have UK addressSally ********
@Andy ******
and that's why you haven't had a problem, though Nationwide lets you have a Thai address also ...Paul *********
@Andy ******
interesting. Im with Nationwide.Andy *******
@Paul ********
they know I live overseas/ or at least travel a lot but are happy with UK addressPaul *********
@Andy ******
Nice to know cheersReply to
Paul *********
Reply
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