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How can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa?
Mar 20, 2025
a year ago
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, does anyone know how to get a Thai bank account ? What is needed ? I saw some lawyers offering it as a paid service, but was interested to know if I needed to use one or not, I’m entering on a normal tourist visa.
ps. I have a family members address I could use for the account address if needed.
ps. I have a family members address I could use for the account address if needed.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a Thai bank account as a tourist can be challenging since most banks now do not offer accounts to individuals holding tourist visas. Some responses suggest that it might be necessary to hire an agent for assistance. If the individual has a Thai family member or is over 50, entering Thailand on a NON-O Visa could significantly ease the process of opening a bank account. It’s also recommended to bring a Thai family member when attempting to open an account, as this might make the bank more favorable to approve the application. Alternatives like Wise for managing money while traveling are also mentioned.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Shaughn ***********
Wise is a good option to have for a tourist to avoid those sort of problems with card skimming. You can disable card settings on your phone so it can only be used in ATMs and chip transactions. Turn on and off the payWave and magnetic strip as needed.
Ralph *******
@Shaughn **********
The issue is that you incur fees. With a Thai bank account ATMs are free and also you can use the QR code system for paying.Shaughn ***********
@Ralph ******
yea i know about the fees etc, have both a Thai account and use wise. For a regular tourist doing 3 months it’s not really worth it after considering the annual fee for bank account. I did some comparisons a couple years back on fees of having just wise vs both and having a Thai bank account becomes cost effective after spending 3-5 months in country. There is a monthly cash allowance that wise allows which is free. And can avoid fees just by using the card at supermarkets and malls. It’s the cash withdrawals over the monthly limit last that is when the fees start to eat into savings. But if have Thai friend or family then can avoid fees by sending from wise to their bank account and then they withdrawal cash out for you.Ralph *******
@Shaughn **********
Yes, I use Wise all the time and have done for a few years. The free ATM allowance is quite low though - mine is probably the equivalent of about US$200 a month, which goes nowhere. I do deposit funds into my girlfriend’s account and the Wise fee is only ฿44.70. But somehow I seem to pay far higher fees than any bank account when getting my money back😂
Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Graham ******
If you have Thai family (wife or child) or are over 50 why not enter with a Non-O Visa to make opening a bank account much easier?
Dave *********
@Graham *****
You mean an OA obtained in home country?Graham ******
@Dave ********
No, a Non-O is also an option as well as the Non-OA and little used Non-OX, all available now only online ************************
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Steve *********
@Graham *****
I live in Upstate NY, planning on moving to Thailand soon. Can I apply online for a Non O visa, or do I need to go to Thai Embassy in NYC, yo apply?Reply to
Steve *********
Reply
Anna *********
Most banks are now not opening accounts for people with tourist visas at the moment - you may find it is possible if you take a family member with you to their branch ( I am guessing they have a bank account) as a sort of backup as this may make the bank see you more favourably Good luck
Albert ********
What type of visa do you hold?
Braulio *********
A question to consider is why would a tourist need a Thai bank account ?
Cash is easily exchanged at a Superrich booth. ATMs , with a conveniences fee, are widely available and a cash advance on a credit card can be processed at most banks.
Cash is easily exchanged at a Superrich booth. ATMs , with a conveniences fee, are widely available and a cash advance on a credit card can be processed at most banks.
Anna *********
@Braulio ********
Why not I have had a Thai Bank acct for the last 8 years but still do not live there. Its very handyBraulio *********
@Anna ********
If having a Thai bank account is critical , follow the banking rules of your host country .......Anna *********
@Braulio ********
I did obviously 🙄Reply to
Anna *********
Reply
Wayne *******
@Anna ********
Same here. @Bra****
doesnt seem to comprehend that others may wish to do things more safely than himself!Ralph *******
@Anna ********
Yes, because you got it 8 years ago. Things have changed.Anna *********
@Ralph ******
The ease of getting the account has changed The reasons for wanting/having one have not which is what I was responding toRalph *******
@Anna ********
Yes the reasons are obvious but the availability almost non existent for the tourist. I spend 4 months a year in Thailand, I could really use a Thai bank account but I don’t qualify.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Braulio ********
last time I had cash stolen and credit card skimmed the tone before that , I want to use the QR codes for paying stuffMatthew *********
@Graham ******
the QR codes is the only way in Thailand. You point is dead on.Erik ***********
@Matthew ********
BS! Cash is still king here.Sean **********
@Erik **********
I don't know if you know this or not but going to the mall more and more stores are going cashless payment only.went to a McDonalds at Mega. Could not go because Cash was not allowed. Then Dairy Queen also Cashless payment as well. This was at Mega BangNaMatthew *********
@Erik **********
not even close. So many small shops in the village and they don't caring enough to make change. My local ATM gives 1000 baht bills. Rarely can someone make change. Cash is not king. A true expat would know that. QR is kingErik ***********
@Matthew ********
You obviously know a lot more than I can fathom. But I take ofens to your comment about me not being a true expat. Does 47 years in the Kingdom count? With accounts both on- and off-shore. Get a life, cash still rules, all you need is a pocket full of change. And by the way: what is a «true expat»? You?Matthew *********
@Erik **********
well shit , you do look about 100 years old. Dementia must have already kicked . You probably do have a pocket of change and nothing more.. you would be too old to learn QR scan.Erik ***********
@Matthew ********
I scan when needed. You never answered «what is a true expat» Someone like you? Dementia has not kicked in yet, but of course I worry, 72 by the way. What makes you so uptight? Cheers anyway, delighted to be acquainted, and none of us really knowing if we are «true» or not seems like a good ending?Jason ******
@Erik **********
let's hope people keep cash going and don't become phone QR code sheep 🙄Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jason *****
at least if you have a Thai account you go to the bank and withdraw some cash as and when needed , if you pay on card at a restaurant many don’t accept card or charge you 3% on top of the bill.Jason ******
@Graham ******
exactly ,at ATM I pay a Thai bank 220 but withdrawal fee,which is fine but my UK bank Barclays are awful now and on top then charge another 2.99% ,they never used to do this but seems to be falling apart which makes using my ATM card when travelling expensive 🙏🏽Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jason *****
also be careful if card skimming , I had 2 cards done but luckily I saw the notification and blocked any other transactions and got Barclays to refund me. If you pay on card use Apple Pay its the safest way.Reply to
Graham *******
Reply
Brandon ************
No bank will offer a tourist a bank account. You will have to pay an agent to assist you in opening one.
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
will do thanks!John *********
@Graham ******
sure you can do it, but why???Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
cash gets stolen and cards get skimmed , happed 2 times , paying with QR code lien the Thais is so much more convenientJohn *********
@Graham ******
that’s valid.Reply to
John *********
Reply
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