How can I pay rent and utilities in Thailand without a bank account?

Jan 8, 2025
11 days ago
Without a Thai bank account, I'm curious how are people paying rent and utilities?

I've done a one-month rental before paying up front in cash and they deducted utilities when giving the deposit back.

For a year lease, what do you do to send money to the landlord as well as the utilities? I plan on getting a year lease in Chiang Mai for several years and leaving during the burning season. I suppose I could pay up front for 2 months before leaving the country, but what about utilities?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Expats living in Thailand can manage rent and utilities without a Thai bank account using various methods. They can pay their landlord in cash or utilize services like Wise for transfers. Some expats ask friends with a Thai bank account to handle transfers. Utilities can often be paid at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, through apps like Lazada, or prior arrangements with friends or the landlord to settle bills in their absence. For longer stays, obtaining a Thai bank account is highly recommended.
Mo ******
I pay cash and withdraw money at ATM to deposit again at the landlords bank account. Same bank so easy.
Marks *********
Schwab debit card. Free ATM in Thailand, actually they reimburse you at the end of the month for any fees, no minimum balance, no monthly fees, you can do wire transfers to your landlord‘s bank account, I believe you can set up bill pay online also. 24 seven live customer service. And you can customize it for whatever country you live in. Can’t say enough good things about them.
Cameron ***********
Wise
Carlos *********
I pay rent via bank transfer with Wise, electricity in cash at any 7-11 and water in cash in my condo’s juristic office. But yes a bank account makes everything easier
Angelo ***********
As far as I know you can register a foreign Credit Card with a Thai Banking app. Then use QR code payment.

On the other hand: just try several bank branches and open an account.
Baptiste *******
Revolut
Damian ******
Go to 711. For normal transfers you can go to bank and do manual one. For ex. For water you can try to pay on juristic office in your condo.
Marta *************
Simple bank transfer
Maik ************
Enough possibilities.

I transferred money to Revolut, transferred to TBH, and then send it to the landlord via SWIFT payment.
Dany ********
Your thai girlfriend can pay with her bank account ;) besides that paying cash is always an option. i usualy pay every 3 months upfront. Wise is another option. For utilities you could ask a friend or neighbor or the landlord and leave them some money. shouldnt be much when you are not there
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dany *******
I'm a lady with a boyfriend of the same nationality but I do want some Thai girl friends! I'll look into these options, thanks!
Somchai ********
I ask 1 of my friends who has a Thai Bank to make the transfer for me. I give them cash, they transfer the money, they send me the transfer receipt, and I forward it to my agent/landlord for proof.

As for for Electricity and water you can ask a friend to stop by and get the bill to pay it while your gone. I haven't tried it but maybe you could pay an extra 100 baht or so on your next electricity and water bill to see if it stays on as credit. If it does and you plan on being gone for 2 months put a little extra on it before your trip and don't worry

Hope this helps
Anonymous ******************
Utilities can be paid at 7 eleven
Maurice **********
Cash
Ken ********
Just add the cost of an agent to the visa cost approx 5000 bt then your bank problem is solved thank you face book for thinking for me
Connie **********
You can pay utilities on Lazada app
John *********
@Farang ********************
can help you get a bank account open
Peter ********
Just get a Thai bank account. Best thing I ever did.
Viktor **********
@Peter *******
need residency?
Viktor **********
Peter ********
@Viktor *********
no you don’t, I got a Thai bank account while being a tourist. I filled in my address in the Netherlands
Jestine ******
Western union app
Kevin *******
Download TrueMoney
Wannikea *********
Get Wise, get the landlord's Thai bank info, send to the landlord every month.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
thanks! Is there a fee with wise to do that?
Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant Wise has tiny fees.
Viktor **********
@Wannikea ********
was just checking if it’s possible. Thanka for confirming 🙏🏻
Wannikea *********
@Viktor *********
save yourself a lot of future grief pay 5,000 baht and get an agent in Pattaya to get you a bank account within hours
Martino *******
@Wannikea ********
there are not agents in Bangkok that does the same thing?
Wannikea *********
@Martino ******
same thing for 10,000 more, shop around
Dom ********
Cash
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dom *******
What about when I'm overseas for 2 months to escape burning season?
Dom ********
Anonymous participant pay an agent to get a Thai account opened for you 🤣