Ask question

Should I open my bank account in Bangkok or in the area where I will be living in Thailand?

Bank Account Opening Bank Account Thailand Banking Immigration Documentation ATM Fees Expat Finances

May 25, 2024

7 months ago

Michael *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Should I open my bank account in Bangkok branch or where I’m going to be living most of the time?

2,476

views

10

likes

60

all likes

22

replies

0

images

15

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

It is recommended to open your bank account in the area where you will be living rather than in Bangkok. This is because having your account in the same location as your immigration office simplifies the process of obtaining any necessary documentation for visa extensions. Additionally, banks typically provide better service at your local branch, including no ATM fees for withdrawals within the same province. Overall, choosing a local branch is more convenient for managing your finances as an expat.

Ivan ************

Besides the out of province ATM charge there can be a wide range of things you need to go back physically to the branch you opened it at, so best do it near where you live.

Like

Reply

Dave *****************************

Where you are living. My bank would not change my branch. My only way around it is to open another account 🙈

Like

Reply

Steve **********

Where you're going to be living..no fees, develop repoire with staff.

You'll need yearly letter so easier if theybknow you

Like

Reply

Kenneth ********

No 2

Like

Reply

Mick *******

100 % yes

Like

Reply

Jeffrey ************

Where you live....

Like

Reply

Michael *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for your help 🙏

Like

Reply

Will ************

I pay an annual fee of 400 baht and have no ATM fees in Thailand

Like

Reply

Simon **********

I am with Bangkok bank and I don’t have to a pay a fee for free ATM withdrawals from anywhere I have been in Thailand

Like

Reply

Reply to

Simon **********

Reply

Vinny **************

I just opened bank account with Bangkok bank . They sent me to immigration to get a letter stating I could open bank account

With them .

Like

Reply

Greg ***********

@Vinny *************

that letter is the "certificate of residence" from Immigration, which every bank will ask for when a foreigner wants to open a bank account

Like

Reply

Pui *****

@Greg **********

not necessary if the foreigner has a physical work permit book.

Like

Reply

Vinny **************

@Greg **********

I took yellow book and pink id card .Thought that would have sufficed

Like

Reply

Greg ***********

@Vinny *************

I would have thought so, too. As the yellow book is a substitute for a residency certificate. Apparently the bank wanted to see something more up-to-date. How old is your yellow housebook?

Like

Reply

Vinny **************

@Greg **********

Just over 1 year old

Wife took blue book also

Like

Reply

Reply to

Vinny **************

Reply

Stephen *********

Cheaper and useful for documentation opening where you live. No ATM fees for example.

Like

Reply

Christopher *************

@Stephen ********

no ATM fee if you do cardless ATM transactions at any branch or atm

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher *************

Reply

Brandon ************

You should open your bank account in the same area where you will be going to immigration to apply for your extensions. Some banks will not assist you in getting documentation unless it's the branch you opened your account at, so it's just easier to do it all at the same place.

Also if you use ATMs in the province you opened your account in, there is no ATM fee. But there is an ATM fee in other provinces.

Like

Reply

Simon **********

I have never been charged for using an ATM in a different province or by most of the other banks either.

Like

Reply

Brandon ************

Usually you get unlimited free ATM withdrawals from your own bank's ATMs in your home province. Plus X number of free ATM withdrawals from other bank ATMs in your home province. But normally you are charged for all ATM withdrawals outside of your home province. Possibly the fee is so small you don't notice? Usually like 20 baht. You would have to check what type of allowances your bank account has for out of province ATM withdrawals.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Brandon ************

Reply

Phil ******

@Brandon ***********

you should add that bangkok bank cardless withdrawl is fee free

Like

Reply

Christopher *************

@Brandon ***********

no ATM fee if you do cardless ATM transactions at any branch or atm

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher *************

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

How can I open a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

47 comments

4 months ago

Can I open a bank account in Bangkok with a certificate of residence? Which bank should I choose?

26 comments

5 months ago

Can I open a bank account in Bangkok with a Non O visa if my residence is in another city?

10 comments

5 months ago

What are the requirements and recommendations for opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

28 comments

6 months ago

How can I open a bank account in Thailand while using temporary accommodation?

66 comments

6 months ago

Is it better to open a bank account in Bangkok or Singburi for my non-O visa needs?

7 comments

6 months ago

Which bank is best for expats to open an account in Thailand?

49 comments

7 months ago

How do expats in Thailand choose a local bank for their accounts?

38 comments

8 months ago

Should I open a new bank account in Pattaya for my Non-O visa needs?

20 comments

9 months 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?

37 comments

9 months ago

How can I open a bank account in Bangkok on a tourist visa?

42 comments

10 months ago

What is the easiest way for expats to open a bank account in Thailand?

261 comments

10 months ago

Can I open a Bangkok bank account in Pattaya and show the statement from another branch for my visa extension?

7 comments

10 months ago

Can I simply change the address on my bank account in Thailand when moving from Bangkok to Hua Hin?

13 comments

10 months ago

Can I open a bank account with a 90-day O visa in Thailand, and where is the best place to do so?

12 comments

a year ago

What is the best bank for opening an account in Thailand for expats?

21 comments

a year ago

Which Thailand bank is the easiest to open an account with as an expat?

78 comments

a year ago

Can I open a bank account online in Thailand for my visa requirements?

5 comments

a year ago

Which Thai bank is the best for expats in terms of service and online banking?

20 comments

2 years ago

What are the best banks for opening a multicurrency account in Bangkok or Phuket for expats?

13 comments

2 years ago

Which banks do expats in Thailand prefer for opening an account?

90 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements and recommendations for opening a bank account as a tourist in Bangkok?

23 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

26 comments

2 years ago

Which city is easier for expats to open a bank account on a visa exempt status, Bangkok or Pattaya?

18 comments

3 years ago

What type of visa do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?

57 comments

4 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.