Answered4 years ago
How can I access money in Thailand after losing my bank card and facing visa issues?
So I’m very much Stuck in Bangkok
I only had one bank card that worked here (capital one) and it got lost in an atm now I cannot access any money for over a month now waiting on a new card cause the mail takes forever and maybe something happen to the replacement
and my visa is running out I tried to PayPal I’ve tried almost every app none of them work or sends it to me I need to send money to my self and it’s a hassle I can’t do anything litteraly stuck can’t access the ATM or anything i need help I tried to open a Thai bank account can’t do that either I’m screwed I can’t find a western union and i need to send money to myself
Cash app doesn’t work chime acts dumb Paysend doesn’t work, Xoom either, PayPal acts dumb, wise won’t let me open an account, citi bank wont either neither Bangkok bank without a work permit, I call the embassy they need money to write a letter so I can get a bank account none takes card or Apple Pay and I’m SOL
Any help would be a life saver
I only had one bank card that worked here (capital one) and it got lost in an atm now I cannot access any money for over a month now waiting on a new card cause the mail takes forever and maybe something happen to the replacement
and my visa is running out I tried to PayPal I’ve tried almost every app none of them work or sends it to me I need to send money to my self and it’s a hassle I can’t do anything litteraly stuck can’t access the ATM or anything i need help I tried to open a Thai bank account can’t do that either I’m screwed I can’t find a western union and i need to send money to myself
Cash app doesn’t work chime acts dumb Paysend doesn’t work, Xoom either, PayPal acts dumb, wise won’t let me open an account, citi bank wont either neither Bangkok bank without a work permit, I call the embassy they need money to write a letter so I can get a bank account none takes card or Apple Pay and I’m SOL
Any help would be a life saver
Answer summary
The user describes a dire financial situation in Bangkok after losing their only bank card in an ATM. They are awaiting a replacement card, unable to access funds for over a month, with their visa soon expiring. They have tried various financial apps and were unsuccessful in opening a Thai bank account due to not having a work permit. Comments suggest options for sending and receiving money, like contacting friends with Thai bank accounts, using Western Union, or reaching the nearest bank for assistance. The discussion also questions the user's account and suggests alternative money management methods.
182 repliesnewest first
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Karim ****
western union yourself money via your online banking
buy usdt via cc on binance and use a local exchanger in bangkok
buy usdt via cc on binance and use a local exchanger in bangkok
Graeme *******
If you have access to your bank back home just transfer money to a friend's thai bank account and have them withdrawal it and give to you, or if you have a credit card do a cash advance then pay it off right away via your online banking.
Wayne *******
Hasnt anybody heard of Cash . Why have you no cash reserve on you . Plastic cards, what will everyone do when one day they wake up and their cards are useless
Rob ******
Western union can pay it to any nominated centre . You just pick it up in cash from any transfered bank account .
Oliver ***********
Open a wise account, download on App Store (used to be transferwise) speak to a Thai friend and send money to their account and goto atm and draw out cash, pretty easy
Jo **********
i have back up cards
Charlotte ********
Revolut sends cards worldwide quickly. Free to set up. They also give you a virtual card to use whilst you wait.
Brian **********
Wise will work
Richard *******
I lost my card in an atm and the bank said they cannot get it back for me. It was tough. I had to wire money to a friend who cashed it for me.
Native ****************
If yo lost your bank card in the ATM, simply contact the Bank who owns the ATM and they will gladly return your card to you... Having said this, doing this at the time you lost it would have helped quite a bit, but depending on how much has past, banks usually hold some a period and destroy for your safety. Try giving them a call and hope this helps
James ***********
@Native ***************
this has not been my experience. I’ve had my bank debit card eaten by 2 different ATMs at banks. I wasn’t able to get the card back in either case. Always take a back up.
Shane ********
Have friends from home western union you money
Tim *******
Send via western union to yourself
Mark *********
If there's some problem with Western Union try Moneygram. Similar service and similarly widely available.
Ios *****************
Skrill you send
Tez ******
Be a good reminder to know your passwords and google pay as a last resort
Karim ***************
@Tez *****
can’t use Google pay in Thailand. Or Apple Pay…Tez ******
@Karim **************
interesting to know. Good thing I dont need to
Kevin ********
trade
Kevin ********
Any bitcoin. We could yrade
Stephen *****
I smell scammer….I’ve been in a similar situation after having everything stolen….WesternUnion is all over the place, and I used a computer in the hotel lobby. There are so many ways to go about it with the other apps. Also the bank can retrieve a card stuck in an atm no problem.
Davy *******
@Stephen ****
I lived for months in SEA without a card after losing it in Thailand. Just see building manager or receptionist and bank transfer via wise so they can get it out. Ends up being cheaper than using the atm's. Lesson learnt anyway, always use a bank atm where they can get it out for you.
อ้วน *********
@Davy ******
just out of curiosity, you mean to transfer money to another person that you trust? Then they will give you the money. I don't need to do it, just want to understand what you mean. I use wise for transfers already but I usually just change cash when I arrive Bangkok.อ้วน *********
@Stephen ****
that's tough, glad it worked out on for you though. Honestly I've never used western union in my whole life, I've always moved money various other ways because WU always seemed crazy expensive to me. So if that happened to me before I heard these stories probably would never cross my mind. So thanks for sharing your story. I actually keep some big bill cash tucked between my phone and case for any country I'm in. And a few other places. For exactly these situations.Stephen *****
@Trash ******
I was in bkk….about 3 years ago. I do not have a Thai bank account, so I WesternUnion’d myself $500 US…I had to show an ID and answer a few security questions but was able to get the cash no problem. If that didn’t work I would have sent it to someone else I trust, yes. I was leaving in a few days so all was good. Originally my hotel room safe was stolen with my credit cards, but I had my passport and some cash on me.
อ้วน *********
@Stephen ****
it is remote freestanding atm in a mall so no bank employees on site. He posted pics.Stephen *****
@Trash ******
fair enough….I didn’t see the pics…..I live in bkk 6 months a year and there are more WesternUnions than there are ladyboys in Nana plaza, even outside of the city…that’s what doesn’t make any sense.อ้วน *********
@Stephen ****
yeah I don't get the western union angle on this at all 555
Jim ********
I heard Charles Schwab only takes 3 days to get you a new card. You should have brought an extra card... Like PayPal debit.
Dave *********
@Jim *******
great idea. I also got a Schwab One account and I’m gonna look into getting me another backup card/Account.
Mike *******
Troll
Daniel **********
You need to look harder for Western Union. They are out there. Paypal works fine here.
James *****
@Daniel *********
western union is near sala deng
Jim *****************
You should be able to get your card back from the bank that owns the ATM. It's quite easy to do, just go in with I D and proof i.e. time and date you lost it. I usually keep photographs of my cards in my phone to aid in such situations
Daniel **********
@Jim ****************
it's not easy to get back. Most ATM's here are serviced by a 3rd party company and they destroy them. I've been through it twice.Jim *****************
@Daniel *********
I never had a problem. I have had it happen twice, went in with the wife and recovered it.Kate ************
I did a google search and the comment was all Thailand post office u can withdraw money from western union, make sure you bring your passport, have a local phone number, your sender's full name and address too
Kate ************
It’s better to use ATM that doesn’t swallow your bank card some ATM the bank card sticks out
Kate ************
Either way you will be fine
Kate ************
There is also a number that you can call and ask to retrieve your card.
Kate ************
If you have a banking app for your bank.
You can send western union money to yourself? Can’t you?
You can send western union money to yourself? Can’t you?
Leszek *********
@Kate ***********
definitely. Done it many timesKate ************
Mike ********
Its all gone quiet !,.. we have all just met the first man in thailands history to ever loose a bank atm card,.
Karim ***************
@Mike *******
it’s 3:00 in Thailand. What you trying to get at?
Robert ***********
@Karim **************
He lost it like 20 days agoKate ************
@Mike *******
I replied
Sri ***
Western union simple, let ur family member send money or you can send to urself with online transfer click of a button, u can choose wU close to you to get money
Paul *******
WesternUnion. Bank transfer or send cash to yourself
Srini ******
Something doesn't add up here.. especially not finding a WU location
Dave *****
Set up account with transfer wise you.can.send money direct from your bank to another account. Very simple
Lisa ********************
Take the identification number of the ATM and go to their nearest bank. They should be able to retrieve your card for you
Joe *********
Try western union
Maxim ***********
Brah, it happen to me before. You must be awful at talking to people. Grab any janitor, bring him to the ATM and mimic what happened to your card. There is a number you have to call and they will come retrieve your card.
Dave *********
This is so simple to solve. Have one of your family members send Western Union. Then grab a motorcycle taxi and tell him u need to go to a Western Union. (Google the address and call to make sure). Then when the motorcycle taxi drops u off he is to wait for you while u pick up the money. Then he takes u back and u pay him. Simple.
I don’t buy the notion that Western Union offices r all “confused”. Most speak English. And with Google u can search WU nearby thru the WU app. Then find one and call. Simple
I don’t buy the notion that Western Union offices r all “confused”. Most speak English. And with Google u can search WU nearby thru the WU app. Then find one and call. Simple
Edgar ************
Easily solved. Western Union. You can do a direct bank transfer from account in your home country. Dont need card.
Chris **********
OP@Roderick ************
Ima try hopefully I can just pay them and get cash or baht in this case
Don ********
I have bank of america. Lost my card and they had one shipped. Had it in a week. Maybe try your credit card company again
Jos *********
Most ATM machines in Thailand do cardless withdrawals.
Garrett ***********
@Jos ********
For Thai banks...Jos *********
@Garrett **********
okay. My mistake thenChris **********
OPRight only Thai banks
Karim ***************
That’s for Thai bank cards.
Deanna *******
Western Union app!
Chris **********
OP@Deanna ******
gonna try again in the am wish me luck 🍀Chris **********
OPI was wondering tho should I send it to myself using my Thai number and temp address I have here cause it did ask for a bunch of info and all the apps I named had a problem and stopped it, plus I hear people getting banned from WesternUnion I can’t take another problem lol
Deanna *******
@Chris *********
Best of luck!! I have not used it, but my daughter has. I hope it works for you!Chris **********
OP@Deanna ******
I hope 🤞🏾 so too
Mike ******
Western Union
Chris **********
OPGonna try again in the am wish me luck 🍀
Arnie ************
Bullshit scammer!
Chris **********
OPAgain for the Slow and impaired what am i Scamming??
Rich *****
Keep checking your e mails, you never know, you might of won the Nigerian lottery!
Chris **********
OP@Rich ****
I’m waiting for the rest of the joke!Karim ***************
You can open a Thai bank account with a resident’s permit. You pick that up from thai immigration. With that and your tm30, you should be able to open a thai bank account. Not all banks will do it for you so keep trying different bank branches until one says yes.
Karim ***************
Where are you. I will tell you where your local western Union is. It’s a pretty easy Google. Literally everywhere has western union options and it’s often in banks. Because that’s how Thai girls are picking up money from their bf’s
Chris **********
OP@Karim **************
bang phli right outside of Bangkok country sideKarim ***************
@Chris *********
you have many around you.Robert ***********
@Chris *********
So start walking. You have nothing else.Something is wrong with your story dude. You are still in a hotel 20 days later. Still eating.
Start walking or stop crying
Steve ********
@Chris *********
Excellent exercise!Chris **********
OPI really don’t I’m litteraly stuck here and the closest is the airport
The other 3 are 50+ mins from me Walking
The other 3 are 50+ mins from me Walking
Jay *********
If true emergency, go to U.S. Embassy and they’ll likely help.
Chris **********
OP@Jay ********
I definitely did they said they couldn’t help with my situation and proceeded to ask for the money I told them I couldn’t access via atm
AK ********
try palawan
Tony *********
Why didnt you get owner of the ATM that swallowed your card to retrieve the card for you from the machine ??
Chris **********
OP@Tony ********
the mall that I went to was closing at the time when I lost my Card, I didn’t realize till I got back to my hotel, I went back to the mall and asked if they seen it or had a lost and found and everyone was confused and said noTony *********
Most banks have western unions .
Well Kasikorn bank my missus used to go to had one
Well Kasikorn bank my missus used to go to had one
Kevin **********
I think I got an email from your neice once
Simon **********
I smell BS
Sam *******
DHL 3 days
Chris **********
OP@Sam ******
the bank sent it through FedEx and I’m not sure if it’s in customs
Martin *********
Grifters gonna grift.
Chris **********
OPI didn’t expect y’all to be so judgmental I’m not asking for money I’m asking for help I can’t access my money that’s why I asked for help
Allan **********
Sounds very 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
Ryan ***********
Ishmael Erace smooth brain boomers are born just after WW II only he isn’t old enough to be called a boomer
Mark ******
Ishmael Erace Not a boomer!
Jon **********
@Chris *********
please contact your embassyAllan **********
@Chris *********
over 6000 wester unions and you can’t find one yes you need help, again it’s an observation, it’s NOT racist.Allan **********
No it sounds like scam that’s what it sounds like…
Chris **********
OP@Allan *********
sounds very racistMark ******
@Chris *********
I have absolutely no idea how you came up with that remark as "racist". Do you always see things as racist if that person's colour is different from yours? What if that person had been Black also....or Thai, or Indian......Would you have responded the same? Or is that just an automatic defensive mechanism....and does it work for you?You should just grow up!
If a White person had made that same remark he or she would have gotten the same responses! Truth be told....no one looks at the photos of those who write here....I still have not looked at yours but just took a cursory look at your name above when I came across your remark! Your last name seems to be of African origin (but I could be wrong). But with Chris in front (also the name of my brother) I would make a wild guess and say that you are Nigerian....but I am likely wrong.
Here is the thing...Most expats that I know have left the West to get away from the stress and chaos there...including every conceivable thing being labelled as racist. Please do bring it here....leave it at home. Do not destroy paradise! No one here cares about the colour of your skin and the Thais will have little patience with it!
Jonathan *******
I think every Central department store has a Western Union
Steve ********
@Thai *****
I should have kept quiet! His excuses were wearing very thin, was waiting for the trip upThai ******
@Steve *******
hahaThai ******
@Steve *******
guess he got the message lolSteve ********
Is this a genuine post? Sounds like BS to me! I think he's bored so he's entertaining himself. As soon as he said he can't find a WU I thought "troll". And only one card in Thailand? And he's now at the Airport? 🤣🤣🤣. Wait! I'm just going to grab some popcorn. This is funtime!! 🤣🤣🤣
Phillip ********
@Steve *******
wondering when somebody was gunna speak out about his bs, a dead set scam😂
John *****
Yr best bet, go back to your bank and chase them for the card
Thai ******
@Chris *********
Convenient. You can use Bangkok Bank's Western Union money transfer service via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking, Bualuang iBanking, Bualuang Western Union RING, branches and FX booths. LolChris **********
OP@Thai *****
I can’t get an account with them cause I don’t have a work permit I stated in the original post I’m trying to get one but the embassy only takes cash for acceptance letterChris **********
OP@Steve ******
ok I’ll keep that in mind, they know when you’re desperate you’ll pay a Farrang price I’ll definitely check into it
Steve *******
@Chris *********
the cost of a certificate should be 2 - 3 hundred baht, certainly not $50.Chris **********
OP@Steve ******
yeah I asked immigration to help but they charge about $50usd for one I told them I would pay when I could get access to funds they litteraly said they couldn’t helpSteve *******
@Chris *********
you don't need a work permit. You just need a certificate from the immigration office. Then you should be able to open a bank account.Thai ******
@Chris *********
they are an agent for western union lol. U dont need a bank account to collect from western union lol And believe me you don't need a work permit to open a account with them hahaJohn *****
How about credit cards?
Chris **********
OP@John ****
I don’t have any other cards that can use hereChris **********
OP@John ****
they sent one but idk where it is it looks like it got lost in the mail they can’t track it once it leaves the states I been waiting on it since the 14th of July
Steve **********
@Chris *********
I had one sent from America. I tracked it to BKK. It got to BKK in 9 days. It took 23 days from BKK to Pattaya. So there’s still a chance.อ้วน *********
@Chris *********
I think he means go back to the bank that the atm took your card. You can usually get it back. I installed atms for over 10 years and gave people their card back daily.Chris **********
OP@Steve *********
right that’s why I didn’t cancel yet cause customs might hold itThai ******
Western unions in Thailand: With over 6,100 locations in Thailand, it's easy to find one nearby. From Google lol
Chris **********
OP@Thai *****
I’m looking they’re either closed not a real money gram or everyone is confused and doesn’t know where one is, Thailand is huge I can’t keep traveling to places that’s not a real WesternUnion I call the WesternUnion location number and ask an no one knows what a WesternUnion is or the number doesn’t workThai ******
@Chris *********
or not looking hard enough?Chris **********
OP@Thai *****
I’m just repeating myself atp
Russell *******
Have you tried going into the bank with the card you have and asking to withdraw money with it ? I have been told that you can do this to avoid the ATM fee .
Shaun *********
Who comes to Thailand with one card. I bring more cards for this reason in case the ATM swallows the card or I forget to take out.
Chris **********
OP@Shaun ********
I have multiple cards they just can’t be used outside the USShaun *********
@Russell ******
he ain't got a card the ATM swallowed it.Russell *******
@Shaun ********
oh yes sorry I just read again
Steve *******
@Russell ******
You can do that but you dont avoid the fee. The bank will charge the same fee as the ATM.Steve *******
Why cant you find a Western Union or Moneygram in Bangkok? They are everywhere all over Thailand, even in the smallest of towns!
Chris **********
OP@Steve ******
can’t find any here and all of them are either closed or staff is confused and can’t helpSteve *******
@Chris *********
Where are you staying? Under a rock? Western Union all over Bangkok.
Stefan *******
@Chris *********
then how do you get food if you not even have small money for a train ticket?Chris **********
OP@Bobby *******
again I don’t have any access to my money or any physical moneyChris **********
OP@Steve ******
early
Bobby ********
@Chris *********
Get the train. It's about 40 bahtChris **********
OP@Steve ******
closedSteve *******
@Chris *********
Go to the airport, there's Western Union there.Thai ******
@Chris *********
which airport lolChris **********
OP@Bobby *******
I’m not by the city I’m in the country side by the airport and I can’t move around too far because that requires money that I can’t accessChris **********
OP@Steve ******
I keep saying I’m by the airport, the airportBobby ********
@Steve ******
Something not quite right here!
Michael ********
Loads of western unions
Chris **********
OP@Michael *******
can’t find any either closed or no one knows what’s going onMichael ********
@Chris *********
i had same problem recently in Indonesia according to google maps and western union there were 10 in the town. After searching there was only actually 3 a lot of the ones closed down were money exchange places which closed during covid and never re-opened. The ones that were open were part of banks.But i saw one open near sala daeng bts few months ago near patpong
Chris **********
OP@Michael *******
I appreciate it man!Michael ********
@Chris *********
if someone sent you money you will have the MTCN (tracking number) just walk till you find one.Bit late now today you can also send western union customer services a mail asking updated list confirming which ones are open.
Chris **********
OP@Michael *******
I don’t have any access to money to move around, I’ve seen a couple too before I lost my card and they were shut down alsoThai ******
@Michael *******
exactly 100 + in Bangkok, so not sure why he can't find one. Also card replacements normally are send by air courier not in the post.Thai ******
I think very haha
Russell *******
When I say (why ) I mean double check, should be easy
Russell *******
Why won't wise let you open an account . I thought it was all online. Have you tried revolut I understand that works similar if not the same.
Chris **********
OP@Russell ******
heard of it I’ll try they won’t let me get a physical card i need a card to access an atm I can’t open or get a card outside of the United States
Brett **********
@Chris *********
revolute will dhl a card worldwide, got mine in 2 days. Also, there are western unions all over the placeRussell *******
@Chris *********
if you download wise you can install ' tap and pay' on Google play . Then you can make contactless payments and I think I have seen contactless signs on ATM s . You can also send money for collection at outlets like
****
,I am not sure if that is available in Thailand but worth checking , it is in other countries .
John **********
Just google where in bangkok western union
John ******
I have similar issue. I lost all my bank cards from my country that is connected to my payroll. What I do is send money to ky friend in my country and asks him to send it to me via Western Union.
John ******
Hi
@Chris *********
all Krung Thai Bank carries Western Union. Hope that helps.Chris **********
OP@John *****
thanks John I’ll keep this in mind I just gotta figure out the process of how I’m gonna send it to myself it’s all confusing
Andreas **********
use wise app like people b4 too some 1 you can trust deposits in seconds
Chris **********
OP@Andreas *********
wise doesn’t work I gotta be in the us to get a card and send moneyChris **********
OP@Andreas *********
it wont work I don’t have a physical card to access atmAndreas **********
*****************
try thereAndreas **********
@Chris *********
dont need a card just bank details and wise app on mobileChris **********
OP@John *********
I did and it kept sending me to places that aren’t WesternUnion and then I went to the one in the airport and it’s closed
Darren *******
@Chris *********
there's a Western Union branch in CentralWorld, can't remember which floor but I think 4th or 5th. There's also one inside the post office by BTS Phra Khanong.Chris **********
OP@Darren ******
so now I’m Sol I didn’t know one was there and was there yesterdayChris **********
OP@Darren ******
i wasted what little I had trying to go down there yesterday cause citi bank lied to me and said I could open an account and I went there and couldn’t cause the work permit thingJohn **********
@Chris *********
ring them up firstChris **********
OP@John *********
I did they’re confused and don’t knowJohn **********
@Chris *********
in pattaya beach road next to bangkok bankChris **********
OP@John *********
I’m in Bangkok and it’s showing a bunch of them but I go to the location and there are no WesternUnion and everyone’s confused I also call before I go and no one knows what it is or how to help
Stuart *********
Do you have a friend Thai or foreigner with a Thai bank account? You could wire them money. You don’t have to be with them they can set up a cardless atm withdrawal and send you the code.
Chris **********
OP@Stuart ********
I’ve been waiting on my bank card from capital one more than 20+ days now I can use it on line (for now) but other places won’t let me send money or receive, you can’t do anything in Thailand without cashChris **********
OP@Stuart ********
no bro I don’t have anyoneActivity
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