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How much cash can I bring from the United States to Thailand, and can I open a bank account there?

Jan 19, 2026
3 months ago
Jeffrey **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can anyone tell me how much cash you can bring in from the United States? I wanna open account when I get there or do I have to travelers checks?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling from the United States to Thailand, you can bring as much cash as you wish, but amounts over $10,000 must be declared when leaving the US, and over $20,000 when entering Thailand. It is recommended to bring larger denominations of US currency without markings for better exchange rates and to consider opening a Thai bank account, although proper visa status is required for that. Additionally, travelers should be mindful of customs regulations to avoid complications.
Jo **********
as much as you want if you declare it
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Bill *********
I personally would feel uncomfortable carrying a large amount of cash. I would just open an account with a minimal amount and then use SWIFT to do electronic transfer from US to the Thai bank.
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Jim *******
@Bill ********
Deposit into what account? You have to have it first.
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Jim *******
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Jim ********
Let me Google that for you……
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Jeff *************
You need to get the proper visa to open a bank account, tourists are not allowed to open a bank account
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Bob **********
$20,000 anything over that you’ll need to declare it
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Jeremy ********
I haven’t heard of travelers checks In 20+ years 🤣🤣🤣
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Richard ********
If you bring cash, make it 100 dollar bills, no markings, no tears, no drastic creases, and the newer style bills. Exchange at TT Exchange booths as they give you the best exchange rates. Also they will photo copy your name page on your passport. If you photo copy the first page of your passport I would fold it up and carry it with you at all times while there, just in case something happens.
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Jan ******************
As I’ve understand, you’ll need to declare more than 10K USD leaving US and 20K USD into Thailand.
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Richard ********
You have to fetch in at least 20,000 baht.You would be refused entry if you dont.
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Andy ********
Richard Wilson absolutely not true. In 36 years of visiting and living in Thailand I have NEVER been asked to prove I have 20k Baht.
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Pui *****
Andy Oswald have you not been following the tremendous number of posts lately in the various Thai travel and visa related Facebook groups discussing that immigration is increasingly checking people for this? It's still quite rare though, and mostly for people they are thinking of denying entry to, but to say it isn't true is simply wrong.
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Graham ******
Andy Oswald but some are asked ;)
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Graham ******
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Brandon ************
There is no limit to how much cash you can bring. But you have to declare to customs over a certain amount, both for leaving the US and entering Thailand.
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Brandon ************
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