Answered3 years ago
Is it better to open a Thai bank account in the city where I apply for retirement or can I maintain my account after moving?
Hi folks , if I opened a Thai bank account
In Udon Thani or Korat but then moved to a beach area to apply for retirement would I be able to do internet banking , money transfers ,access statements,use ATM in the new location or is it best to open account in the city where I apply for retirement.
Thanks 🙏
In Udon Thani or Korat but then moved to a beach area to apply for retirement would I be able to do internet banking , money transfers ,access statements,use ATM in the new location or is it best to open account in the city where I apply for retirement.
Thanks 🙏
Answer summary
The conversation highlights the pros and cons of opening a Thai bank account in a different province than where one plans to reside. Many users recommend opening an account where you live permanently, as this can simplify processes related to immigration and personal banking. Users report varying experiences with managing accounts across provinces, mentioning fees, issues with ATM access, and account management, particularly concerning visa letter requirements. The general consensus leans towards establishing a local account in the area of retirement for ease of access and reduced complications.
37 repliesnewest first
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John ********
Why would you open an account in Udon or Korat if you intend moving?
Tong *****
My Bangkok bank account was opened in Silom. Lost my card in Jomtien where I now live and local branch wouldn't replace it. They would rather go to the bother of opening a whole new account 🤷
Greg ***********
My account is in Hua Hin. Was in Bkk and deposited cash (thai baht) into my account. Was charged a deposit fee because not my home branch
Keith ************
My bank is in a different province than where I live and I have had no issues. There is a 30 baht charge of you use a bank card at an ATM , but I just use the phone to withdraw and there's no charge. I can print any records I need for immigration from the phone, and go to the local branch to get the letter immigration needs.
Marty *********
I opened a Kasikorn account in Bangkok. Last year I moved to Sisaket province. The Kasikorn branch here just changed my mailing address. My branch is still in Bangkok. Fortunately I do little business inside any branch. If I withdraw money using cardless withdrawal I don’t get charged the 15 baht fee.
Ruth *******
@Marty ********
have you needed to do a visa renewal? I’m with kasikorn and I’m wondering what will happen if/when I move.Marty *********
@Ruth ******
I think that in order to change branches they have to open a new account at the new branch. It’s a lot of work but offered to just change my mailing address. I still have the original Bangkok account and branch. If you were to open a new account at Kasikorn or another bank I imagine they might want to examine your visa but not for a mailing address change.
If I was still applying for one year extensions of stay I wonder if I would have had to go to the Bangkok branch for the bank letter and yearlong statement. I never got a chance to find out since I had already switched to a 10 year pensioner LTR so I have no need to visit an Immigration office.
Michael ********
You also get charged each time by your bank when out of the Province of your home bank.
Steve *******
@Michael *******
only 15 baht if drawing cash, so withdraw 30k as I do each time. 15 baht is nothingRoberto *********
@Steve ******
Or use QR code for payments. No fee at allRoberto *********
@Michael *******
If you use contactless process there's no feeMarc ********
@Roberto ********
Yes but you pay 30b for every month being able using said serviceSo it works out the same if you withdraw once in a month
Roberto *********
@Marc *******
No I don't. The app works fine, but I don't get any text messages. I do get an email each time I login to online banking.
Wayne *****
@Marc *******
You can tell Bangkok Bank you don't want to receive the text message.Marc ********
@Roberto ********
You don't get messages when there is a transaction on your account?The app only works if you give them your phone number
Roberto *********
@Marc *******
Maybe that's it. All I know is I've made about ten out-of-province ATM withdrawals using contactless and haven't been charged, and I don't get any text message.Marc ********
@Roberto ********
yes I pay that too. 30b it is for the text messaging service.Anytime you make a transaction you will get a text message.
Not sure if you can say you don't want messages a d don't have to pay
Roberto *********
@Marc *******
Never happened to me. Must be a different type of account. I pay 300 baht per annum for card/online etcMarc ********
@Roberto ********
I use BKK bank too. If you have online service using phone with the app, messages it costs 30b a month.you can see it in the text message they writeRoberto *********
@Marc *******
I use Bangkok Bank. I don't pay a 30b/month feePaul ********
You also need to get a letter from your bank for your visa on the day you go to immigration
Hensch ***********
@Paul *******
here in Phuket you only have to proof the *****
0And if you have the statement from your embassy you don't need that anymore
Contact your immigration
Nicholas ******
@Hensch **********
Nor AustraliaPaul ********
@Hensch **********
England don’t do statements from the Embassy any more
Rok ********
@Paul *******
i believe it is the book which needs to be updated on the day of the visa application and can be done on the ATM machine while the letter cannot be more than a week old.
Ken ********
@Paul *******
printout of account on day you apply letter can be 7 days oldPaul ********
@Ken *******
not at JontiemKen ********
@Paul *******
can in Phuket
Kev *********
@Paul *******
I have my Bangkok Bank account in Bangkok but can get the necessary visa letter from Bangkok Bank in Rayong. I opened a second account in Rayong to use for monthly expenses.
Mick ********
Recommend open your account where you live permanently. My bank is up country, bank book is full, local bank won't renew it, says I have to go to home branch. Bonkers crazy but TIT.
Graham ******
@Mick *******
I don't have that issue with Kasikorn as I can get new books and cards out of province from my branchMick ********
@Graham *****
lucky for you. I can only go by my experience
Damien ********
OP@Mick *******
thanks , thought that might be the case .Absolutely pathetic banking system in the land of smiles ??
Brian ********
@Damien *******
Depends on your bank. I opened my SCB account in BKK and moved to Kanchanaburi a year ago. I went into the local Kan branch and transferred without any problem. Altogether it took about 20 minutes, I took bank book, debit card and passport with me
Paul ********
@Damien *******
Far from pathetic, just different.Mick ********
@Damien *******
the online system works very well though, with Kasikorn you can access statements, online banking etc with no hassle. It's only when you walk through the door the fun starts
Neil *********
@Mick *******
is absolutely right. If possible open it where you love the system here is even the same bank but different branches will treat you completely differently they’re almost run like completely different businesses so absolutely save yourself a lot of hassle and stress and open where you live if possibleActivity
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