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

Krungsri in Phuket are delightful: queues in their branches are maybe of most of the others (next time you are at Central Festival have a look for yourself), the staff are super helpful, the app works well, and yes they offer foreign currency accounts

Only Bangkok bank, if you have no long term visa.

SCB is my favorite do far

Kasikorn is also quite good

BKK bank has the worst app 😆

However please note that there’re no multi-currency accounts in Thailand!!

Not at all

For visa purposes any monthly transfers must show as international. I have had a lot of problems with this but wise transfers to Bangkok bank using the reason of long term stay show clearly as international on my statements. Dont buy the insurance unless you want it as it is not necessary to do so but they are quite insistent. It might help to have baht with you but I opened an account with 500. I had to go to the same branch 4 times before I was successful. Wisectransfers are realy low cost and the exchange rate is good. Good luck.

My own experience of opening a bank account in CM recently, suggests that only Bangkok Bank will offer you àn account if you are a foreigner, every other bank told me it was no longer possible!

Getting a bank account

Don’t expect to get something for nothing. Each office is an independent business. Each office makes their own criteria.

You certainly will pay a fee for transferring USD from USA to Thailand. The amount depends on the bank and the transfer service.

Banking is an essential service if you plan to spend time here. It’s not FREE.

I prepared ahead of time by getting a bank account set up 6 months ago.

I treated this as an important business transaction, not just a casual activity.

My Thai friend made an appointment for me at the Bangkok Bank branch across from Astra in CM. He also translated for me.

I am a middle aged physician and dressed as such. Yes I did do the whole business card ceremony.

I told the banker that I plan to retire soon and buy a condominium at Astra.

I was asked to purchase a life insurance policy for about $100. Presumably the banker gets a commission. Whatever, it’s the price of doing business at the bank.

They wanted to copy my passport and see my credit card from Wells Fargo. I think I showed them how much was in my account also to make the point that I’m a serious customer.

I also showed them $500 in perfect $100 bills that was to be the initial deposit.

Nothing else was required.

Act like a serious customer and you will be treated as such.

Present yourself properly and you should be fine.

If not, thank them for their time and visit another office.

Best wishes on your adventure to Thailand!

Firstly, which visa are you on?

Kasikorn, easy to open an account and online banking & app is great

I like Siam commercial bank

I like K-Bank