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How much cash should I bring to Thailand for a 2-month stay?
cash requirementsThai bank accountsATMs in Thailandimmigration cash requirementsexchanging currencysafe travel tips
Oct 31, 2021
5 years ago
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTERHey all, How much cash is best to arrive with, keep safely, while planning to open a Thai account for a 2 month stay?
TLDR : Answer Summary
When planning a 2-month stay in Thailand, the amount of cash to bring varies based on personal needs and preferences. Many expats suggest arriving with no more than 10,000 baht to avoid carrying large sums, as ATMs are widely available and offer withdrawals, albeit with a small fee. Some suggest carrying cash for essentials while using an international debit or credit card for larger expenses and ATM withdrawals. It's also noted that cash can be exchanged locally at favorable rates, and having a backup card is advisable in case of loss or issues. Importantly, immigration regulations may ask for proof of funds, recommending around 20,000 baht upon entry, though it is rare for this to be enforced.
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Bob **********
You can bring $20,000 US and should be enough for two months probably could stretch it a bit longer
Max *********
Have to declare over 20k USD
Wannikea *********
Immigration requires you carry 20,000 baht ($600usd) or equivalent currency upon entry but it's rare they ask to see it. That said depending on your tastes and lifestyle $100 a day and up.
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
thanks hadn’t heard this Reply to
Jason **************
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Carl **************
Use an atm. There are a lot
Nicky ******
As much as you can possibly roll up, wrap in cling film and buttplug where the sun doesn't shine!
Should be safe up there! 🙄
Should be safe up there! 🙄
Rob **********
Be aware that immigration can, and sometimes do ask you to show proof of funds, can be up to 20,000 baht or equivalent in cash. If asked you must show cash money, not a credit card or ATM, also must have proof of onward travel
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *********
great advice, thank you 🙏 Reply to
Jason **************
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Nathan ******
I always keep 200 dollars rolled up in my shoe or other hiding spot for an emergency.
It's enough to get you into a hotel food and buy a cheap phone while you figure out how to deal with whatever problem happened. Have a plan for if your card gets eaten by an ATM or lost.
Never had to use it, as I never had a problem.
ATMs everywhere but currency exchanges can be a bit dodgy in the boonies. Sometimes they won't take old bills or ones with marks or writing on them. Bring new ones.
And not more than 10 thousand.
It's enough to get you into a hotel food and buy a cheap phone while you figure out how to deal with whatever problem happened. Have a plan for if your card gets eaten by an ATM or lost.
Never had to use it, as I never had a problem.
ATMs everywhere but currency exchanges can be a bit dodgy in the boonies. Sometimes they won't take old bills or ones with marks or writing on them. Bring new ones.
And not more than 10 thousand.
Nathan ******
@Bob *********
is that just Thailand ?Because if so, don't get caught going through a US airport screener with that much undeclared cash or they may take it and make you fight to get it back.
Or did the amount change?
Bob **********
@Nathan *****
you can bring in $20,000 without declaring it Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nathan *****
great advice, thank you 🙏 Reply to
Jason **************
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Anthony ********
Depending on your life style and budget. Thailand may appear cheap but you can still go through a fair amount. A bank account is easy to open if you have a Thai friend that can help you. Once you have a thai debt card it is much easier to budget.
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Anthony *******
great advice, thank you 🙏 Reply to
Jason **************
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Axel ********
I recommend get familiar with costs of exchange. Cash expensive and risk to get lost or stolen, Travellerchecks cheaper and safe, Creditcard cheap and safe...
Terary **********
Well how much can you spend?
Thailand is a pretty safe place if you're not doing unsavory things. Bank accounts can be difficult to open.. Its doable but requires searching for a bank that will do it.. Wouldn't you rather do other things? If you are only here temporary - you are only going to save a few dollars on exchange and transfer fees. I wouldn't bother with the Thai bank account, just transfer lump sum as needed. I have had issues with Western Union so plan unreliable transfers.
Thailand is a pretty safe place if you're not doing unsavory things. Bank accounts can be difficult to open.. Its doable but requires searching for a bank that will do it.. Wouldn't you rather do other things? If you are only here temporary - you are only going to save a few dollars on exchange and transfer fees. I wouldn't bother with the Thai bank account, just transfer lump sum as needed. I have had issues with Western Union so plan unreliable transfers.
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
great advice, thank you 🙏 Reply to
Jason **************
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Benjamin ******
I don't know, where are you living and what's your lifestyle?
Ivan ************
I'd agree you don't particularly need a bank account for a short stay. Get a card that doesn't upcharge on foreign ATM withdrawals. You can then do bank counter cash advances to avoid the Thai-side fee.
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Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
great advice, thank you 🙏 Reply to
Jason **************
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Exit **********
If you don‘t have long stay visa and address in Thailand the bank will not allow you to open an account. For 2 month it is absolutely not necessary at all. Bring no cash with you, but at least 2 cards for ATM. In case one is lost or is make troubles, you might have a backup. Visacard is also accepted by ATM.
Exit **********
@Rich *****
I always carry cash - but in local currency which I take from the first ATM on the airport. I don´t move out of the airport without local cash. Home-currency I only need for a taxi or train ticket in my home-country. So why bring in USD or € or whatever, when you have to change it anyway at your destination country? Change and change back costs money and one needs to take care of such huge amount. Rich ******
@Exit *********
Why would you go anywhere without some cash ? I use cards most of the time, but still carry greenbacks.Andy *********
@Exit *********
fake newsIvan ************
Tourists can open accounts, it's up to the branch. You don't need a long stay visa.
Reply to
Ivan ************
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Steve *******
There are ATMs on every corner. The TMB ones let you withdraw 30,000 at a time for a 220 baht fee.
You don't need to bring cash, unless that's the only form of money you have.
You don't need to bring cash, unless that's the only form of money you have.
Jeffrey ************
Up to you..
Duncanc **********
Not more than 10 grand
Glen ********
I came in on an STV in March, and it was Mid to late May before I found a bank to say yes ( with a bit of back up paperwork)😄
Wyn **********
The least amount so you dont loose it use ATMs and open Kasikorn with 1000 bht.
Jeff *********
Kasikorn don't exchange US dollar for baht, at least they don't where I'm at.
Phill ******
why just for a 2 month stay ? it could take you that long just to find a bank to open an account with .
Dror *********
@Phill *****
bullshitReply to
Dror *********
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Bonnie *******
Why go to the trouble if you are only here 2 months?
Scot *******
Many are
*****
.Bill ***********
@Bonnie ******
Agreed. You can get 20,000 baht at a time from thousands of ATM's.Reply to
Bill ***********
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Jim ********
I opened a thai bank account with a 1000 baht cash deposit. You dont need a lot. Then you can do Internet banking to do any large deposits therefore not needing to carry large amounts of cash.
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
thank you Jim ********
@Jason *************
I'm kasikorn and opened the account in BuriramJason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
which bank?Kev **********
@Jim *******
ime with kasikorn mate top account and my card won’t work in ****
😂😂😂Reply to
Kev **********
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Garrett ***********
Safe to carry? As much as you need if you leave it in your hotel. Don't bring it out to the bar with you. I normally take atleast a months worth, it's cheaper to exchange cash in person that ATM withdraws or bank transfers (granted not that much cheaper though). Also, keep a little bit of your home currency with you for when you leave.
Jason **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
great advice, thank you 🙏 Reply to
Jason **************
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