Answered3 years ago
Should I open a new bank account in Pattaya for my Non-O visa needs?
Glorious afternoon everyone. A bit of a dilemna. I am 3 months into my second year of non o visa and I live in Pattaya. When I first took out my original visa I lived and banked in Phitsanulok then I moved here. So two things; firstly I have to pay charges to put in and take out money from my bank in Pattaya because it's not my home registered bank. Am I better off closing my account and opening an account in Pattaya to avoid these irritating costs (cheap Charlie). If I close my account I would probably change bank type. Secondly, what would happen to my status regarding my bank account if I do change banks or branch, when it comes to renewing my non o in December, as I would only be able to show statements for the next 8 months rather than full 12 months they ask for. TIA. Barry
Answer summary
The user, currently residing in Pattaya on a Non-O visa, is considering opening a local bank account to avoid fees associated with withdrawals from a non-resident bank. They also seek advice on how changing banks might affect their bank statement requirements for visa renewal, as they would not have a full year of statements with the new account. Community members suggest keeping the old account while opening a new one to manage expenses and reduce fees, emphasizing that having multiple accounts can be beneficial.
20 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Jim ***********
Use Bkk app at ATM no fees pay. Saves a massive 15 baht . 😅
Barry ********
OP@Jim **********
holy moly I need this now 💰
Henry *********
Thai banks don't like people closing accounts. Just open a new one in Pattaya. Having more than one account is a good idea anyway.
Andy ********
@Barry *******
I agree with @Stuart ********
in opening a new bank account where you are living. My advice would be to give the ATM card back on the original account, this will have the effect of reducing the annual fee for that account to zero. Get a new ATM/Debit card with the new account this will reduce your ATM fees. Leave the 800k in the original account and use the new account for living expenses. This will mean when you extend next time your 12 months statement will be reduced to a single page (maybe 2) saving you more money on bank charges for printing the statement.Barry ********
OP@Andy *******
thanks Andy greT advice on here I'm pleased I asked nowChristopher *************
Cheap being the operative word I assume? My Atm card works all over the WORLD AND IT COST ME ALL OF THB 100. Open another account cheapskate if you can find a a bank in Pattaya that will take you on?
Barry ********
OP@Christopher ************
enjoy your beersChristopher *************
@Barry *******
Go to the Main branch Bank of Ayuddha on Pattaya Klang, if you have all the paperwork and meet the criteria ther should be no problem.Barry ********
OP@Christopher ************
cheers 🍻 m8Christopher *************
I do.
Kool *******
Why all the drama? There is nothing stopping you from having two bank accounts from different areas. It actually works much better for other things by having more than just one bank account. Get another account, but don't close your old one. You can eliminate the yearly charge by not renewing your ATM card when it comes due, and simply use the account for e-commerce, which has no out of zone charges. Everyone does promptpay now/bank to bank, scan the qr code, payments almost everywhere. That eliminates the cheap charlie out of zone withdrawal fees.
John *****
Yes, keep immi $ in this acct, open new acct for yr use
Barry ********
OP@Kool ******
no drama just feeling my way but I love your idea on this, very helpful thanks. I assume if I wish that I can take out a lump of my money from my initial account and put in the new account. CheersKool *******
@Barry *******
just do a bank to bank transfer online. It is very easy to do now. No charges for doing them.Barry ********
OP@Kool ******
thanks a lot this I'll do, its all about timing with the non o renewal etc in Dec, planning ahead for onceStuart *********
By all means open a new bank account but I would hold off transferring funds to the new account until you get your extension. It can be done by moving accounts but it just doubles up the copies and bank letters you need.
If you want to avoid ATM fees then use the card less withdraw on your bank app rather than the ATM card.
If you want to avoid ATM fees then use the card less withdraw on your bank app rather than the ATM card.
Barry ********
OP@Stuart ********
cheers Stuart very helpful as ever. Another quickie I meant to add, if I marry before my non o is due to renew in December, what do I do then. Apply for a marriage visa and cancel non o after . ThanksStuart *********
@Barry *******
You aren’t on a Non O visa. You’re on an extension of stay (off the back of the initial Non O visa). Come getting a new extension you can change the reason for that extension if you meet the requirements to do so.
Go in a few weeks before it’s due with your wife and get a list of all the requirements your office will need to switch over to reason based on marriage.
As an aside there’s many on here that will suggest that you just keep doing retirement extensions as they are generally less hassle and not dependent on your wife being there at the time. There is less money to hold though so it depends on your preferences.
Stuart *********
@Barry *******
There’s the reduced amount you need to apply, once you have your extension you can spend the lot if you so want and you can also legally get a work permit off a marriage extension. But it’s more paperwork and is dependent on your wife being there at extension time.Barry ********
OP@Stuart ********
thanks Stuart. I thought I had to change to marriage visa, the only benefit of doing that that I can see is to reduce the retention money to 400k, but if I can choose, that's great news. Thanks againActivity
8 joined8
people
Related
25What challenges did you face when trying to open a bank account with a Non-O visa in Thailand?
8474101mo
How can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa with minimal documentation?
3.3k29342mo
Should I open one bank account for the Non-O visa's 800k requirement or two separate accounts for daily use?
11.2k3714mo
How can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand for less than 45,000 B?
8.7k252175mo
What type of phone plan should I choose for banking in Thailand: prepaid or monthly?
5k415110mo
What is the easiest way to open a bank account in Bangkok with a Non-O retirement visa?
3.2k272610mo
What are the requirements and experiences for opening a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa?
5.9k40841y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa from my home country?
3.8k27471y
Is it acceptable to show multiple savings accounts totaling 500,000 baht for a Thai visa application?
1.3k9111y
What method is best to bring 800,000 THB for a retirement visa in Thailand: cash, money order, bank check, or travelers check?
5.2k42501y
What is the cheapest way to transfer 800,000 Baht from the UK to Thailand using a non O visa?
6.5k54691y
How can I withdraw cash at a Krungsri bank in Thailand without ATM fees?
9.9k56521y
What should I do if my banking app in Thailand gets suspended due to SIM and account name inconsistency?
10.7k74801y
What are the requirements and tips for renewing a Retirement visa at Nonthaburi Immigration Office?
1.8k13171y
What bank should I choose in Patong after receiving my Non-O visa?
2.7k23182y
What are my options for transferring money from the UK to Thailand under the new tax laws for retirement visas?
1.5k10112y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with just a TM30 and no residency certificate?
1.3k482y
What do I need to open a bank account in Udon Thani as a foreigner married to a Thai citizen?
4.3k31392y
Why is it difficult to open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day Non-O visa?
15.5k1431282y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
3.5k22292y
Can I open a bank account in Bangkok with a Non O visa if my residence is in another city?
1.5k1072y
Can I simply change the address on my bank account in Thailand when moving from Bangkok to Hua Hin?
2.3k13203y
Which banks accept ED Visa holders for opening a bank account in Thailand?
2k15143y
What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand while on a Tourist Visa?
6k50546y
Should I wire most of my money back to the U.S. after applying for a visa extension in Thailand?
1.3k1158y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served