Should I let Centrelink pay my pension directly to my Bangkok bank account or use a private transfer service?

An Australian expat inquired whether to have Centrelink deposit their pension directly into a Bangkok bank account or use a private transfer service like Wise for better exchange rates. Responses indicated that while Centrelink uses a fixed exchange rate likely set by the reserve bank (lower than market rates), private services like Wise can offer significantly better rates. Additionally, if the pension is needed to meet financial criteria for a retirement visa, managing the transfer personally was advised. Community members shared personal experiences and recommended Wise over traditional banks due to better fees and flexibility.