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What are the best methods to obtain 20,000 THB in Laos for a border crossing to Thailand?

Visa ExemptionBorder CrossingThailand Visa RulesCurrency ExchangeLiving in ThailandExpats in ThailandLaos to Thailand ImmigrationImmigration Requirements
Dec 17, 2023
a year ago
Joel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Doing my first land border crossing from Vientiane to Thailand tomorrow, going to enter on visa exemption. However, about the 20k bath, how can I get them in Laos? The bank and exchange boooth I tried today only allow 2k thb per person, and only paid with kip in cash, not by card. With this method I’m gonna end up paying 15% and up with withdrawing kip and with the exchange fee to thb.

Any tips of how to get 20k thb in Laos?

I also have a wise account with 25k thb from a condo deposit, I guess they don’t accept this instead of cash?

Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice on how to obtain 20,000 THB in Laos for a border crossing to Thailand on a visa exemption. They mention challenges in exchanging currency and inquire whether a Wise account can be used instead of cash. Several community members respond with variations of advice, emphasizing that while the 20,000 THB proof of funds requirement is often not enforced for border crossings from Laos into Thailand, it is still advisable to have it in some form. Suggestions include bringing cash from Thailand, changing money at casinos or duty-free shops near the border, and suggesting that if you appear to have sufficient funds, you are unlikely to be questioned.
Brown ********
You likely won't even be asked to show 20k so don't worry about it
a year ago
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James **********
Do you have a credit card?
a year ago
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Justin ********
I think as long as you look like someone who has those funds you don't need to worry about it
a year ago
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Maxim ***********
Why do you need 20k baht? If you mean the "20k baht proof of fund requirement to get back into Thailand", it's fake news. I've border bounce that border around 20 times in the last 10 years and I've never once being asked nor known anyone who have been asked. They do not ask any question at that border, nor care about your passport history of shady visas or what's not. Nong Khai and Mukdahan are the same in that regard, hassle free border to border bounce from.
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Maxim **********
 It's NOT fake news, it's a requirement under Thai Immigration law. It's just rarely enforced. It will generally only be used as an excuse to refuse an undesirable entry into the Country. It's best to have it with you in case you happen to come across a 'moody' Immigration Officer!
a year ago
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Maxim ***********
You either misread my comment, didn't read it fully, or lack knowledge. I'm talking about Laos only. There is no such thing as being ask 20k baht at any entry into Thailand from Laos. What the law says is irrelevant because it has never been enforced at such borders. The word never is important, it's not rarely, it's never. Malaysia and Cambodia is another story, but Laos they do not enforce that law ever. I have cross into Laos and back more than 20 times, and I live near the border. I have neither seen or hear anyone who have been ask, nor read it anywhere. It's not a thing that they do while entering from Laos. You can counter by providing example of people that were ask, but you won't find any because it's not a thing.
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Maxim **********
 Complete bullsh*t! I know someone who was asked to show 20k at Chong Mek when entering Thailand.
a year ago
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Maxim ***********
To be fair, I should not say never, but you have more chance to get hit by lightning than being ask for 20k baht while entering Thailand from Laos.
a year ago
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Maxim ***********
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Paul *******
Maybe stop at the Casino /duty free shop at the Laos border to change the Kip to Baht
a year ago
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Jacob ********
If it is kip make sure you have a large bag to put it in.
a year ago
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Steve ********
It's 20,000 baht in ANY currency.
a year ago
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Joel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 so then basically don’t need to have it in cash? In any account is ok?
a year ago
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Steve ********
@Joel ******
 It's ANY currency, but must be cash
a year ago
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Joel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 so I’ve asked in a similar forum from my home country and not a single one has had to show their cash during a border bounce. Have you actually had to show them the money?
a year ago
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Steve ********
@Joel ******
 I don't border bounce. I'm only relaying The actual law of entering Thailand. It is a requirement. Whether it's requested or not is another issue.
a year ago
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Steve ********
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Carsten ************
@Joel ******
 you need it in cash. Try to get THB or Dollars through some Bank.
a year ago
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Joel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carsten ***********
 ok, I’ll try that, thanks
a year ago
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Joel *******
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Jan **********
take them with you from TH
a year ago
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Joel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *********
 to late for that 🥲
a year ago
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Joel *******
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