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What are the best methods for transferring funds to Thailand if you cannot open a bank account under DTV?

Jan 8, 2026
4 months ago
Understand there is no bank allow to open account under DTV, so what are other ways to transfer your fund from foreign countries? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Expat users discuss various alternatives for transferring funds to Thailand without the ability to open a bank account under DTV regulations. Recommendations include using services like Remitely for cash transfers at local banks, Wise for cost-effective transfers, and Revolut for quick digital banking. Additionally, some users suggest leveraging ATM cards from banks like Charles Schwab that offer low or no fees, and using digital wallets such as True Money for cash payments.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Jason ********
Search ChatGPT for a no fee ATM card in your home country. Set up a Wise account just in case. And then use True Money as a "prepaid" digital debit card.
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DeterminedC************
@Jason *******
we couldn’t use true money - I can’t remember the reason but they didn’t accept tourist visa
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DeterminedC************
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Adam ********
I used revolut but they started asking too many questions around the 1m baht spent point

Always a fear with them randomly closing accounts for no reason so I never keep much in there. I just transfer daily when I need cash or to spend
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Derek *****
Wise account and Wise visa card - then ATM withdrawal and deposit at 711 into TrueMoney once a week.
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Jason *********
I keep all my money in US accounts, then pay rent with Wise, everything else that I can with my credit card that I pay off weekly. For cash I just take out 20-30k thb about once every 3 weeks or so as needed. Costs 250 baht per transaction but I can live with that.
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Anonymous ******************
@Jason ********
if you do grab with cc, the foreign transaction fee does add up!
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Anonymous ******************
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Mr *******************
If you are American cards like Schwab with zero fees and refunds local ATM fee make getting cash as cheap as Wise. You only pay the Visa markup which is very low. If you don't have that, look for a zero fee card. The 250B Thai side fee is the smaller part, most people pay far more to their home bank. Cards that refund ATM fees are not that common but zero fee are available in many countries, and if you can't get zero, 1-2% is OK if you withdraw the max each time.
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DeterminedC************
Mr 5 Bank Accounts only for Americans?
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DeterminedC************
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Anonymous ******************
Date a bank teller and you can open an account no problem.
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Jonny *****
Just to add the introduction offer from Remitely the rate for Euro >Baht was by far and away the best I seen anywhere it was 37.89, obviously that's going to go up and down but the introductory offer also has no fees so even if you use it once you'll get the best rate
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Jonny *****
I use Revolut but I'm limited to €400 cash withdrawal a month on premium in my own country I can use abroad but you'll be charged to use the ATM , I used Remitely last week in Pattaya, simple to set up and as an introduction offer your first transfer is free and the exchange rate is better, simply upload whatever amount you wish to transfer and collect in cash at chosen bank, I collected 60K Baht at SCB in Central Marina 4th floor, don't forget to bring passport and complete the withdrawal form while there.
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Sefton ********
Wise.. Regular amounts take seconds and are baht perfect.

Revolut.. Takes days more often and the fees can mean received amount isnt precise round numbers as easily.

Regular banking transfers.. etc etc
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James *******
Hi mate. How does wise work? Can you collect cash at a Thai bank without an account like western?
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Sefton ********
No if you have a western account you get an ATM card so can use that to pay / take cash / even google pay where possible.

You can also use it to top up true money, TagThai, and the ever increasing amount of apps that allow QR Payments for local systems.
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Sefton ********
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Daniel ********
I use Revolut with the Metal plan and get more Thai Baht and can withdraw more for free. The good terms negate the fees charged by Thai ATMs, and transfers to Thailand are fast. I could send out a referral link for signing up, and then there would be a bonus for new sign-ups. But that only works from your home country. Wise is the next best alternative.
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Kami *******
WISE is the best!!
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Peter ********
Wise
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Anonymous ******************
It's 2026, not 2014. Use USDC/USDT on Solana.

Two seconds, no fees.
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Chris **********
Anonymous participant 246 how does that turn into THB to pay for stuff?
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
You can always find a friendly local Russian to swap USDC to THB (cash). Bulk sums (like 1M THB) get you fantastic USD/THB rates with the Thai-style convenience and privacy of cash. All without being treated like a criminal or living in fear of your Thai bank account being shutdown. 🙌
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Enthusiasti***********
Anonymous participant 246 so you have 1 million baht in cash at home laying around?
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Mr *******************
EnthusiasticTurkey2049
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Mr *******************
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Andrew ********
Wise is the best way cost efficant and rates. When you are here sign up for true money wallet its the only way you will be able to scan pay it will come in handy. You have to use cash to load it can not use international banks or debt cards. Also can be used to pay bills utilities and other things
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DeterminedC************
@Andrew *******
can you open a true money wallet under a tourist visa such as DTV?
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James *******
Can you send money from wise to true money wallet?
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Andrew ********
@James ******
no its not a bank account - it will not link international accounts only thai bank accounts as of may 2025 - many features are restricted to thai nationals but its a good option for expats who cant get a bank accoint to scan to pay - if you have a motorbike and it's locked by the police you can not use cash to pay the fine have to scan to pay or goto traffic office to pay the fine
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James *******
So you take the Thai baht from the cash till with a foreign card then goto
****
and load it up?
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James *******
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Adnan ********
charles schwab
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Kenny ********
love the fact that can go to ANY ATMs and not have to worry about exchange rates or atm fees!
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Kenny ********
Adnan Khairi Charles Schwab FTW!!! 💯
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Anonymous ******************
Adnan Khairi thanks. I'll definitely be opening up a checking account
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Tim *********
Adnan Khairi the refund of atm fees at the end of each month makes it worth it. I have two cards in case.
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Tim *********
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Ryan ********
Wise
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David **********
@Ryan *******
sure, I have WISE but dont you need a bank account to recieve? Where do you send it?
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David **********
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Will ************
Use your bank debit card
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Will ************
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