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What are the best methods to transfer funds internationally for a 90-day Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand?
90-day Non-Immigrant O VisaInternational Money TransferBangkok BankTransferwiseWire TransfersACH TransfersVisa RequirementsExpat Banking in Thailand
Jun 29, 2018
8 years ago
Brad *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPer my previous post, I will soon be applying for the 90-day nonimmigrant o Visa. Today I got approval to open a new account at Bangkok Bank. The next step is to transfer funds from my bank in the states to my account number at the Silom Bangkok Bank branch.
I really appreciate the group getting me past the last hurdle, but now I no problem cropped up with money transfer. When I go to my main CIT bank and several other of my banks like Ally none of them offer International wire transfers. Bangkok Bank says to transfer the money to their New York branch, but talking to Bangkok Bank New York personnel and my u.s. bank personnel, they say that I would have to fill in the final beneficiary name and account number in Bangkok Thailand and that makes it an international transfer. Plan B would be to use Transferwise Company online but from what I understand they do not provide a form which certifies the international currency transfer. I think the form is called FET.( apparently transferwise does not move currency across borders but just matches incoming and outgoing transfers that cancel each other out).
Under documents required for 90-day non-immigrant o Visa image sent previously under item 5.3 it says evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand. I'm not sure but it's possible if I use transferwise I would not be able to document item 5.3.
There must be several people in the group that have gotten past this obstruction ... Has anyone found a solution to the problem. ....are there any banks that still do International wire transfers? if say Citibank for example still does the international wire transfers... And I moved 800000 b to Citibank us, would they allow Me 2 days later to move the money right back out of the Citibank account with a wire of that same money to Bangkok Bank Thailand?
If anyone can suggest a different forum to pose this question to please let me know. I would prefer to transfer the money in the next 7 to 10 days because the clock is ticking on my 30 day extension of Visa exempt stamp.
Thanks again for all the help on previous questions
I really appreciate the group getting me past the last hurdle, but now I no problem cropped up with money transfer. When I go to my main CIT bank and several other of my banks like Ally none of them offer International wire transfers. Bangkok Bank says to transfer the money to their New York branch, but talking to Bangkok Bank New York personnel and my u.s. bank personnel, they say that I would have to fill in the final beneficiary name and account number in Bangkok Thailand and that makes it an international transfer. Plan B would be to use Transferwise Company online but from what I understand they do not provide a form which certifies the international currency transfer. I think the form is called FET.( apparently transferwise does not move currency across borders but just matches incoming and outgoing transfers that cancel each other out).
Under documents required for 90-day non-immigrant o Visa image sent previously under item 5.3 it says evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand. I'm not sure but it's possible if I use transferwise I would not be able to document item 5.3.
There must be several people in the group that have gotten past this obstruction ... Has anyone found a solution to the problem. ....are there any banks that still do International wire transfers? if say Citibank for example still does the international wire transfers... And I moved 800000 b to Citibank us, would they allow Me 2 days later to move the money right back out of the Citibank account with a wire of that same money to Bangkok Bank Thailand?
If anyone can suggest a different forum to pose this question to please let me know. I would prefer to transfer the money in the next 7 to 10 days because the clock is ticking on my 30 day extension of Visa exempt stamp.
Thanks again for all the help on previous questions
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks assistance on how to transfer funds internationally to Thailand for their 90-day Non-Immigrant O Visa application, particularly facing challenges with their U.S. bank's lack of international wire transfer services. They discuss potential solutions such as using Bangkok Bank's U.S. branch for a domestic transfer, utilizing Transferwise, and inquiring about Citibank's services. The community provides various insights and experiences on transferring money using different methods that satisfy visa documentation requirements.
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Tod *********
Oh no, not another does "transfer wise" post as an international transfer or not thread.
Sorry but there is a TON of (mostly conflicting) information out on the inter-web about it.
Sorry but there is a TON of (mostly conflicting) information out on the inter-web about it.
David *********
Use torfx their transfers all show as foreign transfers
Ivan ************
I've seen that wording before regarding ACH transfers with final beneficiaries outside the US being restricted but in my experience ACH to Bangkok Bank NY is treated like a domestic transfer and just works. How are they going to know from your name whether it is international or not.
It's an ACH transfer which should be domestic and free (or very cheap), you should just use the routing number for Bangkok Bank NY (
Try it with a small amount like $100 to make sure it works if you are concerned.
It's an ACH transfer which should be domestic and free (or very cheap), you should just use the routing number for Bangkok Bank NY (
*****
8691) and your Thai account number, send it there through domestic ACH and it will magically appear in your Thai account with no further intervention required.Try it with a small amount like $100 to make sure it works if you are concerned.
Ivan ************
These are the old instructions for who you have to call to get the micro deposit amounts, it's just the phone banking number. Hopefully you can still do this:
>You will then need to ask the recipient in Thailand to check the exact amount of the two trial deposits. The recipient can do this by calling Bualuang Phone on 1333 or (66) 0-2645-5555.
>You will then need to ask the recipient in Thailand to check the exact amount of the two trial deposits. The recipient can do this by calling Bualuang Phone on 1333 or (66) 0-2645-5555.
Brad *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for the input... my bank still said ACH was an international transfer but I ignored them and set up trial deposits. Only thing is that will take 3 business days plus the July 4th holiday and then the transfer itself will take another 4 to 5 business days so a little long for my needs. But I will use ACH next time if it is cheaper post conversion rate than transferwise.
Steve *******
@Iv**
. UK branch in London. No fees, apart from the 0.25%, max 500bt last month, up untill I just checked the BB websiteIvan ************
@St***
the $3-20 fee New York side was always there, or has been for the last several years at least. They deduct that from the USD amount before sending it.I see you mention £20 (pounds) - are you talking of transfers from the US or from the UK through the London branch? Although I see they have that new notice about "changes to our terms and conditions" on the London page as well.
Steve *******
Ivan. Ive just checked their website and yes they've added a £20 charge to each transaction, about 850bt. Still not a bad deal and done in 24hrs
Steve *******
Ivan McAvinchey Ok, thanks for the update, I used it a month ago and it was still the same. Still not a bad deal and very quick
Ivan ************
@St***
I use it myself, @Br**
pointed out though that they have changed their website page on this just very recently, and they have taken down the instructions on how to do it replacing it with >Funds Transfer services will be available soon as there has been some changes to our terms and conditions.
This is a definite recent change. Don't know if that only affects people trying to use it for the first time or people who use it ongoing.
Steve *******
It works, 0.25% fee transfer from BB to Thailand, maximum fee 500bt
Reply to
Steve *******
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David ************
I transfer from BoA to Bangkok Bank NY all the time. It's treated as a domestic transfer.
Bob **********
ACH transfer to Bangkok Bank New York then they transfer to Bangkok Bank Bangkok you can do a wire transfer from Citi Bank online $25 and 500 Baht here why would you deposit Baht into a US account but yes I wire and do ACH transfer all the time from citi Bank but you can go to the US Embassy and get a financial certificate for $50 for your visa no need to have the money here
Bob **********
@Scott *******
to get your visa all you need is this notarize certificate as an American you don’t need the money in the bank and you need to show no documentation at the US EmbassyScott **************
@Bob *********
, the notarized letter from the Embassy has to deal with Monthly income. (Minimum of 65,000 Baht per month)not a set amount in the Bank (the 800,000 Baht)
Reply to
Scott **************
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David *********
Check out TorFx. Best exchange rates and no charges
Jim *******
NOT Best rates at all..!
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Jim *******
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Billy ************
Transferwise is a good option. Bangkok Bank will give you certificate to confirm that funds deposited in your account from external source
Brad *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am trying to set up the transaction through transferwise because I need it quickly. However I got to the stage where I need to pay transferwise u.s. Bank and the maximum to pay them with an ACH transfer is $15,000 and there would be the delay of setting up ACH trial deposits. I need to transfer more than that amount and I need a fairly quick transfer so I will pay the transferwise US Bank at its routing and account number via a domestic wire transfer from my bank.
Thanks all for the various points of discussion and pros and cons of each method to transfer money to Thailand. In my case transferwise might be the best option at this particular time.
Thanks all for the various points of discussion and pros and cons of each method to transfer money to Thailand. In my case transferwise might be the best option at this particular time.
Reply to
Brad *******
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Christine ***********
Depending on how much you are sending, usea TORFX for probably the best rates, if not Transferwise. If transferring funds on a regular basis, use TORFX, but contact them on line and set up an account in your country. Once the account is open you will get rates more in tune with the 'spot' rate. As said previously, it will show on your statement that its an international transfer. If you bring in $, BB will charge you up to 500 baht for the incoming transfer and when changing money, about $10,000+, ask them to call for a special rate, much better than the TT rate advertised by them. If you are wanting a certificate from the bank for your visa and your money is sitting in US$, the certificate will show the Thai Baht amount as well. Everyone we spoke to previously said the funds for your visa have to be in Thai Baht, this is not true, the amount shown on the certificate is accepted by immigration.
Jim *******
Do NOT use TORFX. Rates at OfX,Superior I've found..!
Reply to
Jim *******
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Steve *******
Follow the Bangkok Bank website set up for transfering money from your US account to the BB branch in the US, and then it's just a click away every time. It's the cheapest way, and only a 24hr working day service
Biff *******
I use TransferWise regularly. The record of the transfer will be with your Bangkok Bank branch. Ask them for the paperwork you need.
Robert *******
Well you can transfer money to any bank world wide. To get the document needed to confirm that the money comes from abroad you need to ask the staff at the branch of your Thai bank.
Jareeya *****
Ok you can transfer via Us domestic transfer please use the Bangkok bank routing in New york it will take 5 days to deposit to Bangkok bank in Thailand.
Robert ********
@Robert ******
, this string is getting off topic, time to stop commenting.Scott **************
If it's to assist in showing Immigration bank passbook, to satisfy their reporting for your VISA, Why would you consider that Off Topic?
Reply to
Scott **************
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Scott **************
you don't do a SWIFT International Transfer.
Make sure that your bank in America can do an ACH Transfer.
It takes a few days to "Test" the bank for reliability (they make two small deposits, and you need to confirm them)
Use Only your BB account number, and just monitor your account with their on-line service. once verified, a transfer can be set up as one time, or you can make it repetative.
The transfer takes 3-4 Business days, and once completed, you need only use your BB ATM, to access your funds.
(I would recommend updating your passbook, for showing to immigration if and when they ask.
It IS NOT an international Transfer. Bangkok Bank of New York is an American Registered Bank.
Make sure that your bank in America can do an ACH Transfer.
It takes a few days to "Test" the bank for reliability (they make two small deposits, and you need to confirm them)
Use Only your BB account number, and just monitor your account with their on-line service. once verified, a transfer can be set up as one time, or you can make it repetative.
The transfer takes 3-4 Business days, and once completed, you need only use your BB ATM, to access your funds.
(I would recommend updating your passbook, for showing to immigration if and when they ask.
It IS NOT an international Transfer. Bangkok Bank of New York is an American Registered Bank.
Scott **************
PM sent
Brad *******
ORIGINAL POSTERScott, thanks I would prefer an ACH transfer because of lower cost and ease. One are you saying you have done this with Bangkok Bank using your local savings account number and the Bangkok Bank New York ACH number?
I thought the Bangkok Bank savings account did not allow internet access? So I guess you are saying most accounts do have internet access to check trial deposits.
I did see the ACH method in the Bangkok Bank website... But when you go further below in the website it says the service is not ready. And when I went upstairs to ask I did not get a clear answer... something about the US Treasury only allowing
Below are images on Bangkok Banks ACH system but then the website says it doesn't work...
I thought the Bangkok Bank savings account did not allow internet access? So I guess you are saying most accounts do have internet access to check trial deposits.
I did see the ACH method in the Bangkok Bank website... But when you go further below in the website it says the service is not ready. And when I went upstairs to ask I did not get a clear answer... something about the US Treasury only allowing
*****
0 baht limit and requiring separate forms which no one had.Below are images on Bangkok Banks ACH system but then the website says it doesn't work...
Reply to
Brad *******
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Frances ********
You need the IBAN no for your account. And the SWIFT no.
Robert ********
I was not asking you Pepper, I know the process well myself!
Frances ********
But it's cheaper than using your home bank card in Thailand.
Frances ********
@Robert ***********
there is a charge yes.Robert ********
And my banks charge me about Bt.100 to receive the funds.
Jim *******
@Robert ***********
. Same here too. Swift Only..!Robert ********
I've never had to use one in nearly 20 years of transferring funds., just the SWIFT code is fine.
Frances ********
Bangkok Bank gave me the numbers to use as my partner did an international transfer to my account. So you have a foreign savings account and a thai baht account? You need both.
Frances ********
Ask your Thai Bank for the number. You so have one.
Robert ********
Thai banks do not have IBAN no.
********************************************
Reply to
Robert ********
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Robert ********
All you require is a bank SWIFT code and you can transfer funds easily to any bank in Thailand.
Fred *********
@Brad ******
They will do ACH which is what you use for transfers to the Bangkok Bank account in New York. It is a domestic transfer - not international.David **********
@Brad ******
strangeBrad *******
ORIGINAL POSTERMy American Bank does not do International transfers so they said they therefore do not do transfer through International Swift codes. I think they said they don't even have a swift code. Some of the online banks with the highest interest rates like Cit Bank and Marcus GS Bank and Ally are in the no International transfer group.
David **********
@Fred ********
you don't pay for swift codes, you pay bank fees either as the sender or receiver. In other words your bank will charge a transfer fee.
If the money is sent to bangkok bank the maximum they charge is 500bhat
Fred *********
SWIFT fees are quite high. Best to go direct from 'merican bank to Bangkok bank NY account.
Robert ********
Any Bangkok / Thailand Expat group members can assist you.
Reply to
Robert ********
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