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What are the best methods for transferring money to Thailand while managing fees?
money transferinternational bank transferSWIFT feesBangkok BankWisevisa requirementsexpat financial tipsThai banking systemvisas800,000 THB method
Oct 16, 2025
6 months ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI know that we are here to discuss visa advice, however I would argue that the fees related to moving money make the various methods of money transfer viable or not viable.
I have one last post about Bangkok Bank because I was about to abandon the ฿65,000 monthly transfer because moving to Swift method more than quadrupled the fees making it untenable. On the advice of another member of the group I attempted a 65,000 baht deposit into my Bangkok bank account after it was unfrozen in October.  The deposit was accepted and using normal wise non-swift transfer the fees went back to the normal $16 a transfer as opposed to $80 via Swift. More importantly, the transfer is correctly noted as an international transfer. I am keeping my Bangkok bank account and will let you know my success in moving from the 800,000 baht method to the monthly transfer method when my visa renews this January.
I have one last post about Bangkok Bank because I was about to abandon the ฿65,000 monthly transfer because moving to Swift method more than quadrupled the fees making it untenable. On the advice of another member of the group I attempted a 65,000 baht deposit into my Bangkok bank account after it was unfrozen in October.  The deposit was accepted and using normal wise non-swift transfer the fees went back to the normal $16 a transfer as opposed to $80 via Swift. More importantly, the transfer is correctly noted as an international transfer. I am keeping my Bangkok bank account and will let you know my success in moving from the 800,000 baht method to the monthly transfer method when my visa renews this January.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion focuses on the challenges and strategies for transferring money to Thailand, particularly for expats managing their finances relative to visa requirements. A member shares their experience with Bangkok Bank, noting the high costs of SWIFT transfers compared to using Wise for international transfers. Several comments highlight the variable nature of transfer fees among different banks, the advantages of maintaining the 800,000 THB minimum in Thai banks versus using other investment accounts, and the overall efficiency of utilizing Wise over traditional bank methods. The conversation illustrates the complexities of financial management for expatriates in Thailand, aiming to balance transfer fees with visa compliance.
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Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTERFidelity is much like Schwab and from my understanding the hit happens when the currency is converted from US dollars/UK Pound etc. to Thai baht in Thailand. There are only eight banks that are authorized by bank of Thailand to accept Swift transfer money and converted it to baht.  my transferred money went from 31.8 to 30.8 bot once the swift transfer is complete. A standard wise transfer is
****
or ****
of a baht loss.Tony **********
@Mark ********
but the variable fees will kill you. It used to cost me about $26 to send my monthly allowance visa wise. When i switched to using swift through Schwab, they dropped to $15 and I'll never have to worry about the deposits being tagged as foreign funds or not....Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony *********
what's your latest exchange rate? I did a transaction through Fidelity and they hit me for 3% and then wise said they can't do Swift transactions because it's only through certain banks and the cut of the exchange rate is too high. what is your experience?Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Robert *****
I use Xe and they guarantee the rate, but SCB charges me a fee to handle the transaction...there's really no way around it, except to carry cash.
Reply to
Robert *****
Reply
Ian **********
It isn't always about fees. My bank will perform a SWIFT transfer for free, but they only accept transfers in Thai baht, and the exchange rate is unfavourable, so Wise still comes out ahead.
Kevin *********
On a different note, would appreciate if you can clarify if your bank account was frozen by Bangkok bank because you didn't verify your account when they asked for verification months ago and then had your account frozen?
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin ********
The first I knew that my account was frozen was when I tried to put my $65,000 baht into the account. I was notified that the deposit was rejected and when I called Bangkok Bank they did not know why they rejected my deposit. they told me to go back to Wise and ask why what code they were given when the deposit was rejected. It was at that point that Bangkok Bank could tell me that my account had been frozen as the code was for a bank account that was closed.Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin ********
that may be true, but it wasn't true my case.Kevin *********
@Mark ********
I see. I had an expat tell me that the banks freeze accounts of expats who couldn't be bothered to verify their accounts after multiple months of remindersReply to
Kevin *********
Reply
Bent *************
Bank to bank fee from Denmark to Bangkok Bank: 8US$
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bent ************
that is good Ben. next question and the big hit on the Swift transaction was in the exchange rate. I had a zero dollar fee from my bank but the exchange rate took a full 3% hit which on my transaction was about $80 USD.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Matthew *********
@Roberto ********
agreed. A bunch of fucking idiots here. I would never let a thailand bank hold my money with almost no zero interest. I get a fix 5 percent( wished I got 11 ) but I will take 5 percent any day. It makes a difference when like my back allows up to *****
0 dollars at that rate lump as much as you can. I would compare my financial portfolio against any of these people that think its nonsense what you speak. I didn't get rich by thinking its a simple parking ticket as the clown referred to. That extra 20 something thousand to overall investment is way smarter than any fee you pay for swift to maintain the *****
option Banks already know if it overseas or not. All deposits by any bank has a trace code regardless If it is swift. Just another game. Thailand banks don't live up to international standards and the Bot said recently that thai banks can't even pay the interest on treasury bonds. Keep doing what your doingMatthew *********
You are stupid as they come. You really don't understand English do you.
*****
0 baht or translate for you clown *****
dollars added to ametican acct saving up to *****
0 dollars at 5 percent is no chuck change versus your idea of parking fee to stay in thailand for *****
0 baht with almost zero interest. You are defiantly the clown. That's why some us have real money and not make clown money like you.Greg ***********
@Matthew ********
your stupidity really beats everything. Even a loaf of sourdough bread got more brain than youMatthew *********
@Greg **********
only an idiot uses the word sourdough, oh you were referring yourself to sourdough boy. Makes sense you fat fuck with no money. I d your momma still giving you allowance fo you ladyboyReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Greg ***********
Both of you idiots (yes, idiots) forget reality on Thai Immigration:
*** Immigration does NOT allow me to use the 12-months transfers from abroad to my Thai bank account, because my Embassy still issues the certified income affidavit!
They say, as long as your embassy issues it, you have to use it!
***I was self-employed for 35 years but paid voluntarily into the government pension fund. So at least I receive some meager pension. The advantage is, I am health insured for 56.- Euro per month
However my 663.- Euro pension is not enough to use the income affidavit. My half a million in investment in my bank account are irrelevant
My Immigration does not allow the combination method.
I know a few thousand others are in the same situation, not being able to use the 12-months bank statement method, and receiving a pension lower than 1750.- Euro, which at least you need to fulfill the 65,000 THB requirement
*** So what’s left when the day is nearing sunset and you have waged all options?
It’s the 800,000 THB bank account deposit
*** Immigration does NOT allow me to use the 12-months transfers from abroad to my Thai bank account, because my Embassy still issues the certified income affidavit!
They say, as long as your embassy issues it, you have to use it!
***I was self-employed for 35 years but paid voluntarily into the government pension fund. So at least I receive some meager pension. The advantage is, I am health insured for 56.- Euro per month
However my 663.- Euro pension is not enough to use the income affidavit. My half a million in investment in my bank account are irrelevant
My Immigration does not allow the combination method.
I know a few thousand others are in the same situation, not being able to use the 12-months bank statement method, and receiving a pension lower than 1750.- Euro, which at least you need to fulfill the 65,000 THB requirement
*** So what’s left when the day is nearing sunset and you have waged all options?
It’s the 800,000 THB bank account deposit
Greg ***********
@Matthew ********
the idiot you called out is somebody else, because 800,000 THB are not *****
0 US Dollars 😂😄😂Matthew *********
@Greg **********
clearly states my bank allow up to *****
0 dollars a 5 percent. You are a fucking clown that doesn't understand English.Greg ***********
@Matthew ********
for a clown or stupid man, I am receiving clearly too much praise for my advice, don't cha think?Matthew *********
@Greg **********
no Roberto called you out. Jr defiantly is smarter with money than you are. I hope in future you never give advice about money. You know nothing about money. And the question was about coding and fees. Your advice proved you are a clown. You refer banking as a parking fee. You must have been the stat attraction at the circusReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Matthew ********
Yep! Some people are that helpless! No financial acumen at all.Matthew *********
@Roberto ********
his last job was a circus clownReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Robert *****
Xe is better than Wise, higher exchange rate, zero fee. Only fee you pay is on the Thai bank receiving account.
Matthew *********
@Robert ****
remitly way better than wise. I here people in forum all the complain about waiting to receive their money. Remitly is always instant and 1.99 compare to wise outrages fees.Robert *****
@Matthew ********
but their rates are lower to make up for it.Matthew *********
@Robert ****
there is site that compares most apps in real time. Wise and remitly average about he same. But the differance Is remetly instant and always. On this site people all tje time complain about Wise and how they are slow and even holding money and not want to return. I have never seen a post negative about remitly. People can search and compare for freeRobert *****
Right. Xe rates are always the best, but they do charge for instant transfer, the free service takes 3-4 business days.
Reply to
Robert *****
Reply
Roberto *********
@Greg **********
The problem with the lump sum is the considerable loss of interest if that money were invested in a much higher rate fund or account. My Australian Super Fund earns around 11.5% tax free per annum. So leaving that 800k in the fund nets me 92,000 baht per annum. I have a government pension which pays monthly in excess of 65k, so it's easier to just transfer the 65k (we need money to live on anyway) and keep my 800k safely in Australia. There's no way I'd commit 800k for the rest of my life to a Thai bank account paying 1% (taxed), and still need to bring in money to live in. For me, it's a no-brainerGraham ******
@Roberto ********
The 800k is only needed for just over 5 months if planned correctly (as you have done) then reduced to 400k for the remaining 7 to 9 months of the first year. After that the 65k per month kicks in having aleady deposited it for at least the previous 12 months.Roberto *********
@Graham *****
That's correct. But some people seem happy to leave 800k stagnating in a Thai bank account. I don't quite get thatReply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Greg **********
I live in Thailand. My 11.5% tax free Super Fund helps me enjoy a great standard of living. I bring in 70k a month for money to live on. Why the hell wouldn't I use that to meet the criteria to stay here. Why would I tie up another 800k? Jesus, some people have zero financial acumenGreg ***********
@Roberto ********
it sounds good for you, but don't forget that 11.5% interest is only a dream for most people. Can't get that anywhere outside of Australia (maybe in NZ)Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Ian ******
@Roberto ********
if you put the 800k in Thailand not the 65k monthly then that 65k can be added into your investment pot which would roughly halve your 92k claim. I know nothing about about Australia Super Funds but it is relevant to all other investment scenarios as far as I am awareRoberto *********
@Ian *****
Don't you need money to live on in Thailand? Can't see how your methodology works. I actually bring in 70k a month. I want to LIVE in Thailand, not EXISTIan ******
@Roberto ********
nothing to do with the quantity of money simply the math which I appear to have got wrong in a senior moment!! For me having 800k interest 0 is better than 65k monthly.Roberto *********
@Ian *****
But my 800k is earning 92k tax free each year. The 65k is my living money. I don't know how you can work it out any other wayIan ******
@Roberto ********
read my reply properly and you will see I confessed to messing up the maths for your situation. Know nothing about Australian Super funds but 11+% guaranteed every year is pretty impressive. My last statement about what works for me is correct in my circumstancesReply to
Ian ******
Reply
Greg ***********
Here comes the same old cliche, again
weep weep weep
“Oh those 800,000 Baht ( 24,000 U.S. Dollar) can make so much interest if I keep them in my home country”
*** well, countries worldwide where your peanut money can get more than 5% interest in a bank account, are rare. In European countries, a fixed "SUPER FUND" like yours in Australia in these days, gets you 3.5% at the utmost . . . same in the USA. You as an Australian are receiving conditions most people can only dream about
*** It is ONLY 800,000 THB, and this is the CHEAP parking ticket for a country, where everything costs less than half the price from the prices in your home country
So, are you the “Cheap Charlie” type?
In case the opportunity to live long term in a country with all its advantages, does not satisfy your greed and hunger for an acceptable ROI, you should not come to Thailand at all, but keep your peanut money in your home country
weep weep weep
“Oh those 800,000 Baht ( 24,000 U.S. Dollar) can make so much interest if I keep them in my home country”
*** well, countries worldwide where your peanut money can get more than 5% interest in a bank account, are rare. In European countries, a fixed "SUPER FUND" like yours in Australia in these days, gets you 3.5% at the utmost . . . same in the USA. You as an Australian are receiving conditions most people can only dream about
*** It is ONLY 800,000 THB, and this is the CHEAP parking ticket for a country, where everything costs less than half the price from the prices in your home country
So, are you the “Cheap Charlie” type?
In case the opportunity to live long term in a country with all its advantages, does not satisfy your greed and hunger for an acceptable ROI, you should not come to Thailand at all, but keep your peanut money in your home country
Perry *********
@Greg **********
Wow you make alot of assumptions maybe accept that everyones situation is different.Greg ***********
@Perry ********
I am the one who accepts it. It is the bunch of idiots here who don't accept itReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Chris ************
@Greg **********
fool post winner. Anyone who has a problem with someone maximizing their financial return is a fool. There is no argument to this. If you think a Thai individual benefits from this money in the bank you are a bigger fool. Far to many fools retire in Thailand.Greg ***********
@Chris ***********
enough is enough. . . . . Why do people in their insatiable greed do not understand that somebody can reach a point in his/her life, when there is enough money accumulated? If I feel I got enough money, I don't need to care about EACH one of the twelve monthly transfers (which I am, according to Immigration, are NOT allowed to do BECAUSE my Embassy still issues certified income affidavits and Immigration telling me I HAVE TO use this method!) and for a 1-year bank statement. MY WAY is a lot EASIER to accomplish. I do not care ablout your peanut money- I rather look down as you being complete and utter idiots. Investing money cleverly is no brainer, every High School kid can do itReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Greg **********
So throwing 92,000 baht into the wind is being a Cheap Charlie? And yet you're the one who cried over Wise transfer fees? Good one. Look, if you're happy tying up 800,000 of your money for the rest of your life, it's your choice, even if it is a dumb one!Greg ***********
@Roberto ********
calling a Thailand parking ticket for only 800,000 THB of MY MONEY (yes it is still my money!) and a yearly fee of 1900 THB "dumb", shows your low level of admiration for the opportunity Thailand is offering you price-wise. Why don't you stay in Australia, you got good weather, blue skies and turquoise waters and many islands where to snorkel for your 92,000 Thai Baht treasure 😂😎😂Greg ***********
@Roberto ********
countries worldwide where any peanut money can get more than 5% interest in a bank account, are rare. In European countries, anything fixed like your "Australia SUPER FUND" that earns you 11.45% tax free interest in Australia, doesn’t exist in Europe or the USA You as an Australian citizen are receiving conditions most people can only dream about
If you feel better, sleep better, and think your life decisions are wise and well planned, go ahead, nobody is rolling any stones into your path
Roberto *********
@Greg **********
The OP was asking questions about the sensible 65k transfers. You stuck your nose in and advised him to tie up 800k for the rest of his life. If you think it's great financial advice, good for you.Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
David *******
Wise into Bangkok Bank is by far the best method if a person needs to show international transfer. I've used this method for years and it's been infallible. Swift fees are ridiculous and the receiving bank also charges a fee
Nongnuch ********
@David ******
are you 100% sure that these WISE transfers are still coded as FTT (or FET) in your passbook as coming in from abroad ? There were reports that many are now coded as inner-Thailand transfers. You better update your passbook and check!Jim ********
@Nongnuch *******
, Off topic, but would you know what code TRN is? I opened my account yesterday with Kasikorn Bank, did a 10.000 baht test deposit from my US bank, updated my book today and it has that code on itNongnuch ********
@Jim *******
AFAIK a TRN code (Transaction Reference Number) points to some message that was sent along with a SWIFT-transfer. It is not the code of the transaction itselfJim ********
@Nongnuch *******
, Thanks for the info,Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
David *******
@Nongnuch *******
Yep. Every one is FTT.Reply to
David *******
Reply
Greg ***********
I don't understand you complaints - if the monthly-transfer of 65,000 THB method is too costly to maintain, why not just keep the minimum of 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account for the whole year, making your application to the yearly extension a walk in the park? Since 17 years, I spend 20 minutes and 200 Baht on the bank for the 2-months seasoning confirmation letter, and 20-30 minutes and 1900 Baht on Immigration for the next Extension stamp, along with a 1000 THB single re-entry permit. I never touch the 800,000 THB - they are a pretty good emergency fund in case I get hospitaized I can send somebody to the ATM to withdraw and prepay the hospital, before my health insurance kicks in
James **********
@Greg **********
you can use 400,000 through the year keeping it at 800,00 2 months before and 3 months after your visa renewalGreg ***********
@James *********
After been issued the “1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement”, the 800K need to remain in the account for 3 more months. After these 3 months, the deposit shall never go under 400,000 THB. And before the application for the next “1-year Extension of Stay”, a minimum of 800,000 THB must have seasoned in the account for two months, againReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Brook ********
@Greg **********
I hope it’s a fixed deposit interest bearing account. The money still loses value every year due to ~7% inflation, but 2% APR interest helps reduce the loss.
Rok ********
@Brook *******
thailand inflation has not been 7% …Reply to
Rok ********
Reply
Bill *********
@Greg **********
Precisely right. I far prefer the done once deposit and not have to worry about doing something 12 times a year that's always subject to delays and other complications.Reply to
Bill *********
Reply
Tony **********
All depends on what your bank charges for swift transfer. If you're doing swift through wise then your doubling up on fees. My swift fees from Schwab are only $15 for any amount, but my credit union wants $60. So milage varies by sending bank. Always send in your native currency for best exchange rate.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony *********
I'm not hearing you guys talk about the exchange rate that you're receiving. What is your loss or not loss?Tony **********
@Mark ********
if you send in your native currency you'll get reasonable rates from there receiving bank. Usually near mid market. Wise might be marginally better, but not enough to matter. Remember wise fees are variable so the bigger the amount, the higher the cost. Swift is fixed rate for fees.Reply to
Tony **********
Reply
Matthew *********
@Tony *********
Schwab is best all the way aroundReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
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