Looking for an agent that can help with opening bank acount in Bkk
I don’t have work permit and also not permanent adress yet.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges of opening a bank account in Bangkok without a work permit or permanent address. Various suggestions are provided, including going to specific banks like Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn, using bilingual friends for assistance, or seeking help from agents. It's noted that different bank branches may have different policies regarding requirements for foreign applicants, and many participants share their experiences. The discussion highlights the need for documents like a passport and potential minimum deposit requirements, while also addressing the common difficulty of being caught in a bureaucratic loop when trying to secure necessary documentation.
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Try baansmile.com. I made the bank stuff myself but they helped me finding my first condo
Andy ********
Ive only used an agent once and that was to open a bank account. I used Thai Visa assist. best 1k baht ive ever spent after wasting days getting the run around from several banks
I have one but unclear how this works exactly - so I transfer money from my foreign account into my THB account all within Wise, then if I use my Wise debit/visa card to withdraw funds at local ATMs is this subject to the typical 220 baht fee or not?
it's not explained fully there, at least I cannot find it. Plus, the "Visa" credit card use isn't clear either for me. Are funds withdrawn from your other foreign currency Wise account if you don't have in THB? Haha I'm sure it all works but if you're not smart about how it works you'll pay pay pay for stupid fees
it will take from whichever other currency and convert it. Besides the conversion fee you pay 2% ATM fee plus the 220B Thai side fee. It's usable in a pinch, these fees are still lower than many banks, but better to get a local account if you live here, then no 2% and no 220B fee.
their support is pretty good, they should be able to answer your questions
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Philippe *****
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Stuart *********
Stock answer as asked many many times on here.
Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.
There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.
If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.
Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.
Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.
Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.
Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.
Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.
Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.
It's not easy to open up a ban account, regardless of what people may say
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Gordon *******
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Ashley ********
I ask myself this are there more foreigners working here or foreigners who are retirees ? The reason I ask is they say a work permit is required . Well hang on what happens if you are retired. Makes no sense
Nick ************
Sent you a PM.
Tom ********
Get an embassy letter with any address will do, bkk bank
neither an embassy letter nor a certificate of residence, nor insurance is necessary. Just your passport and a ฿10K minimum initial deposit at Kasikorn.
certificate of residence and copy of blue book. Passport. Go Ito immigration first. Get certificate of approval and visit your bank. I used Bangkok bank. Took a 1 hour appointment. It helps if you take out insurance. Gesture! Accident insurance.? And your right. Take thai friend to help. Makes life easier.
More complicated than I expected. I used Krung Thai when employed by a Thai university (KTB required by the university for direct deposit of pay). Then *after* that job ended I opened a second savings account at Bangkok Bank, and I think they requested only Passport and nothing else (but, then, I speak fluent Thai, and sometimes people give me a "pass" on the more normal details, so other people's experiences may be different.
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Edwin ********
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Michael *******
Key visa
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Michael *******
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