How can I transfer 800K THB for my O-A visa and what are the cash limits when traveling to Thailand?

O-A Visa Thailand Visa Rules Bank Account Opening Money Transfer Wise Cash Limit Expat Banking Retirement Visa

Jun 16, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Have a banking question in regards to the O-A visa. I understand that I have to have 800K THB in the bank account. From what I have read, it all depends on the bank and bank branch on the ease of opening the account. 

My questions is, how long and hard was it to get the 800K transferred? I am not concerned with how long it has to be in the account. I just want to know if I open the account will I be able to get the 800K moved within the first 30 day? I will likely be using Wise to transfer the money. 

How much money can I take with me on the flight. I know there is a limit but I have not been able to find it on the Thailand embassy site.

Thanks for you help

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the requirements for transferring 800,000 THB for an O-A visa in Thailand, highlighting that the transfer duration can be around 3-4 days if using a reliable bank. It suggests using Wise for transfer as it allows for quick transactions, and mentions that the cash limit for declarations when flying into Thailand generally stands at $10,000. The conversation includes advice on bank account options and emphasizes choosing a bank that accommodates foreigners.

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.

Luis ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for you comments. It was very informative. It will make my move easier and less of a headache.

3 years ago

Ivan ************

The max single transfer with Wise is 2,000,000, so you'll have no issue transferring 800k. You would actually get a slightly better rate if you brought cash and converted at an independent money changer like Super Rich (NOT a bank) but the difference is small enough these days, I think I'd just transfer it.

3 years ago

Anthony *********

I use wise to transfer money every week and it's in my account instantly. I bank with ktb, once your account is open you should be go to transfer money into it straight away and I remember correctly you need to put something in anyway for them to open it, thinks it anything upwards of 1000thb

3 years ago

Christopher *************

Oops western union

3 years ago

Christopher *************

Use weston union

3 years ago

Ben ********

LOL, apparently you guys have never heard of “civil asset forfeiture”. Never travel with more cash anywhere in the US then you are willing to lose. Airport included. Any local or federal police can take it from you at any time with very little recourse. They basically allege you are drug dealer or makeup anything they want and poof the money is theirs.

3 years ago

Mark ********

You can take as much as you want, but generally if it's over $10,000 you need to declare it at the airport. It's not a problem. This rule will be slightly different for each country, but this is a fairly common rule. It's to stop money laundering. When you transfer money through the bank this is done automatically.

3 years ago

Brian ***********

Better to open foreign currency account and keep in your home currency, also open a baht account and you can transfer easily using either a bank transfer from foreign currency account or home country. We use Krungsri, they are very good and have internet banking which makes things even easier :-)

3 years ago

Andy *******

I'm from USA, we can travel with up to 10,000 USD

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Andy *********

actually you can travel with much MORE than 10K USD you just need to declare it when you fly out.

3 years ago

Garrett ***********

@An**

You can travel with any amount of money....

3 years ago

Reply to

Garrett ***********

OA visa can only be obtained in your home country, not in country. For the initial OA, the money can be from a bank in your country, doesn't need to be a Thai bank.

A Non-O based on retirement (90 day visa) needs to be in a Thai bank. It's really not hard to open a bank account, you just need to use a bank that works with forigners often. Money shouldn't take more than 3-4 days to transfer.

3 years ago

Reply to

Garrett ***********

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What forms of funds can I deposit at Bangkok Bank aside from cash, and what is the maximum amount I can bring into Thailand without declaring it?

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