What are the alternatives for Nigerians with a DTV visa to access money in Thailand without a local bank account?

Nov 25, 2024
a month ago
I would love to come in with my partner early next year. I earn in USD and am Nigerian. My only way to access my money would be my USD card.

Knowing that with a DTV, I am not entitled to opening a bank account here, what other ways can I send my money into Thailand and/or pay for stuff?

Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Nigeria national planning to move to Thailand on a DTV visa seeks advice on alternative methods to access and send money without a local bank account due to misinformation about being unable to open one. Comments suggest that opening a Thai bank account is possible, even on a DTV, and recommend services like Wise for managing funds and making payments in Thailand.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Charles **********
Angelo ***********
You can open a bank account just fine. Don't fall into Facebook Myths.
Luit *****************
@Angelo **********
but it can be very tricky to find a bank that will open an account for you, so it is not a facebook myth.

I tried about 5 bank branches, and they all refused.

So maybe you tell your experiences and give the address of one that really accepts DTV as a visa to open an account
Angelo ***********
@Luit ****************
It is a facebook myth, spread in al DTV forums. You just go to a bank and open an account. if they do not want: next.
Luit *****************
@Angelo **********
so it is not a facebook myth, or do you think it is normal that far more branches do not allow, than branches that do?
Peter ********
@Luit ****************
Go to an agent and you Will have a Thai bank account. Very easy
Luit *****************
@Peter *******
when you need an agent and pay a lot of money, that just means you can not open a bank account on a NORMAL way. I know that with money you can reach everything you want, forbidden or not, especially in Thailand.
Peter ********
@Luit ****************
I Payed around 3500 baht. I don’t think that’s a lot of money. And it pays itself because you never have to pay the 220 baht fee anymore.
Luit *****************
@Peter *******
The point is not the amount of money, but the fact you have to pay tea money for something that should be free when banks allowed DTV visa holders to open an account. You now pay to grease the wheels. My reaction was meant to show the statement of
@Angelo **********
that it is only a facebook myth that you cannot open a bank account is absolute nonsense. You proved it by having to pay, and I proved it by trying different banks.

For me the only reason to have a Thai bank account is because some Thai shows only accept Thai cards, and to use Thai QR payment.

For the ATM I just use the Thai bank account of my girlfriend.
Peter ********
@Luit ****************
I like to be independent and have my own bank account. But good it works for you that way πŸ‘πŸ». Yes you are right about the fact it should be free, and easier to open a bank account. But since it can be tricky or take a lot of time I chose the easiest option for me.
Andy **********
If possible open a wise account, transfer from your home country account into wise, and then into a Thai account, there are visa agents in Pattaya that can assist you with opening a bank account.
James ********
AND holding a Nigerian passport, will you be applying for the DTV visa in your home country? It's extremely difficult to obtain any Thai Visa outside of your home country.
James ********
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, thank you very much. I will be applying here in Abuja as well.
James ********
Anonymous participant Good Luck with your application for the DTV visa πŸ€
Ibrahim ******
I use my WISE account, I also get paid in USD. Can pay in many places with card, I usually pull out cash for things like food and drink. Can pay people without QR as long as they can share their account number, works the same, just takes an extra minute or so to do. Not all that bad πŸ‘
Mac *******
You can open a thai bank account on a visa exemption mate, anyone can open a thai bank account, by yourself is a little more difficult but I know where it can be done and it's where I got mine on a visa exempt, or just use an agent, not hard at all
Mo ******
@Mac ******
where did you get from? And which bank?
Mac *******
@Mo *****
Bangkok bank next to Num Chai electrical on sukhumvit road pattaya mate, cost me 7000 Baht with 3 months "free insurance" I live here now mate so it's money well spent πŸ˜€
Mo ******
@Mac ******
a bit far from Phuket but I will go some day there. It’s in my bucket list
Mac *******
@Mo *****
no worries mate, every branch is different, Bangkok bank is your best bet though, kasikorn is very difficult to get into without going through the proper channels πŸ‘
Mo ******
@Mac ******
many thanks!
Tom *****
Wise tevolut
Christopher ***********
Who has informed you that you cannot open a Thai bank account if you hold a DTV?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I read this somewhere. I am open to being corrected and would be delighted to hear otherwise.
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant There have been reports of successful applications for bank accounts. All that can be suggested is to try.
Andreas *********
@Christopher **********
a DTV is a tourist visa type. It is almost impossible to find a bank willing to open an account to somebody on a tourist visa. You will succeed quicker if you go through an agent. It costs 5000.- THB for an agent's service in Pattaya to open a bank account
James ********
@Andreas ********
correct βœ…
Christopher ***********
@Andreas ********
I know. A visa agent opened a Bangkok Bank savings account for me as part of a conversion from visa exempt entry to Non-O (retirement) visa and 12 months extension. However, there have been reports in the last day or so of people claiming to have opened bank accounts themselves with DTV’s. I can only suggest if the OP wishes to go down this route that they search for these reports and ask the posters how they did it?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
Thanks a lot, Andreas. out of curiosity, would the account made with agents also be in my name? Forgive me if it's a dumb question πŸ˜†
Ray *****
Anonymous participant yes it would be in your name