Answered6 years ago
Is Azimo a good choice for transferring money for an O visa in Thailand?
I'm moving to Chiang Mai next month from the UK. I normally use TransferWise for my money transfers but for sending 40k gbp for my o visa, anyone used azimo? Good rates free for first 2 transactions
Answer summary
The conversation discusses money transfer options as the user prepares to move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a focus on transferring £40,000 for their O visa. Comments caution against using unfamiliar services like Azimo for such a large amount, recommending established providers such as TransferWise or bank transfers instead. Various visa and money transfer insights are shared, with concerns about visa requirements and the origin of funds raised. The importance of maintaining safe transfer practices and ensuring compliance with visa regulations is emphasized.
53 repliesnewest first
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Geoff ********
I have a great option for you. PM me and I will give you details.
Joe ******
Starling give a better exchange than transferwise if your sending 40k
About 1400Thb extra.
But Azimo 5k Thb better than transferwise. Obviously the first two transactions are free which helps
About 1400Thb extra.
But Azimo 5k Thb better than transferwise. Obviously the first two transactions are free which helps
Christina *********
Have you asked the bank how much, for large amounts it might be safer and easier to use them?
I transferred for my house using the bank in 2008, I can’t remember their charges but don’t think it was crazy.
I’m with NatWest and get better rate using my card then transferwise.
Transfer-wise I would trust completely. But will costs hundreds in charges.
I transferred for my house using the bank in 2008, I can’t remember their charges but don’t think it was crazy.
I’m with NatWest and get better rate using my card then transferwise.
Transfer-wise I would trust completely. But will costs hundreds in charges.
Simon **********
@Chri*****
I would be extremely surprised if your bank offered a comparable exchange rate to TransferWise. My bank offers free international transfers but they just sting you on the exchange rate instead.
Stephen **********
Somebody is not giving you a reach around. That is corruption OMG
Terary **********
There used to be issues with using Transferwise for visa related stuff. Something to do with proving the funds are of a foreign origin. Something like, Transferwise uses a local account to transfer to your local account and that causes issues with immigration.
Honestly I do not have first hand information but it is another dimension for you to consider.
Honestly I do not have first hand information but it is another dimension for you to consider.
Nigel *********
@Terary *********
this doesn't appl to the *****
0thb needed for non o marriage. Just monthly income
Metty *******
Non -immigrant Visa category 'o,
Never cost that much money 40.000 pounds lots of money.
You be careful.dont get done mate.
Never cost that much money 40.000 pounds lots of money.
You be careful.dont get done mate.
Neil *********
OP@Cagneys *******
I'm not saying the visa is 40k its just the amount I'm bringing with me visa needs *****
0btKen ********
@Neil ********
bring it with you just declare it 
Steve *******
@Cagneys *******
Yep, they're 2000bt, about £50.
Jeff ********
Why not just send it as Sterling and let your Thai bank exchange it spot rate on the day its received...this should not cost you more than £10.00 from yous UK. bank...
Ken ********
I'd bring 10k with me if I was you or bring the lot and fill in the declaration
Andy ********
@Ken *******
you need to show that money coming from outside of Thailand if its for his Visa and not sure if hand carry will show that.Ken ********
@Andy *******
that's only if you do the monthly payments if you do the lump sum in your account just keep a copy of the declaration form you fill out pretty sure that's proof isn't it?Andy ********
@Ken *******
that's good to know. I had to send more funds as the first lot didn't show on the statement that it came from overseas and all of it sent via Transferwise. Next time it's a visa extension so maybe slightly different.👍Ken ********
@Andy *******
I'm speaking from experience I sent 20k by bank transfer to my Thai bank account then I brought 30k over when the AUD was 27 went straight into my bank 3 years ago only had to show declaration once first year I opened my account Andy ********
@Ken *******
I don't think so. When you have the 800k ti get your visa they check bank statements and it has ti show it coming from overseas. Transferwise doesn't always show it as coming from overseas either unless you say the reason is for extended living allowances........Simon **********
@K**
then what do you do with the GBP or AUD, change it on the street?Ken ********
@Simon *********
there's still a good exchange place in Phuket town not sure about Chaing MaiKen ********
@Simon *********
one I go to best rate on the island my Thai friend that's owns a hotel and hires bikes put me onto itSimon **********
@K**
I have never used themChristina *********
@Ken *******
yep you can bring 10k either £ or $ please check, that is completely legal and aloud. You might have questions at the airport, but nothing too problematic. Ken ********
@Christina ********
under 10k no forms to fill in over 10 K you just fill in a declaration formSimon **********
@K**
I would definitely NOT do that!Ken ********
@Simon *********
I've brought 30k from Australia filled out the declaration Not a problem
Tom *******
Turn it into crypto and transfer to a local exchange wallet in Thailand. Then turn it into local currency when you get to Thailand e.g. Thai baht. It’ll save you tons.
Richard *******
You are a U.K. citizen using a U.K. registered bank, you get a government backed £85,000 guarantee your money is safe with TransferWise...
Right now , leave it in £ , it’s rising steeply 😊
Right now , leave it in £ , it’s rising steeply 😊
Neil *********
OP@Richard ******
yes I know thinking now just to transfer enough for visa leave the rest
David ***********
I would stick to who you know to be safe
Peter *********
Continue transferwise
Shari *********
World remit app if going to bank account..first couple of transactions free.
Neil *********
OP@Shari ********
yes but crap rates
Gooddy *******
I wouldn’t transfer it all in one go. Maybe transfer the 10k plus 2k over first then do a regular transfer of small amounts
Steve *******
Get the Non Imm O in the UK. Transfer £10k for the yearly extention of stay based on marriage or £20k based on being over 50.
Neil *********
OP@Steve ******
not got the marriage papers yet had to come home for family reasons before I could it. 
Bobby ********
£40,000!!!????? Please tell me you're not using a visa agent!
Neil *********
OP@Bobby *******
no doing it myself. 10k visa rest living etcBobby ********
Neil Hanslow. The visa is 2000 baht.
Neil *********
OP@Bobby *******
10k for 2 months I mean
Robert *******
Azimo is highly recommended and instantaneous
Ted ********
Don’t use REMITLY.
Daniel *********
@Ted *******
Have you had issues with Remitly?Ted ********
@Daniel ********
yes
James *******
@Ted *******
I used Remitly last week and it was the quickest and best rate ive had in over a year.
Steffi ******
Use TransferWise is safe
Neil *********
OP@Steffi *****
I know just looking at the charges and a better rate with azimo thanks. Steffi ******
@Neil ********
I understand but would try it first before sending a big amount. Simon **********
Sorry but why do you need £40kGBP for an O visa?
Neil *********
OP@Simon *********
I know only 10k for marriage o visa but for living and extrasSimon **********
@Ne**
ah ok, I thought I was missing some “new” rule 🙂 Just as an aside, any single transfer over £*****
will attract anti money laundering checks
Bruce *****
For that amount I wouldn’t use a service I haven’t used before
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