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What are the best options for carrying money to Thailand without incurring high fees?
money transferATM feesThai bank accounttravellers chequesWiseStarling BankRevolutMonzocash limitsforeign transaction fees
Nov 21, 2023
2 years ago
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHy folks , just for a change a non visa question .
Been coming for about 20 years , used to bring travellers cheques , then just cash .
This time because I'm doing a 3 month trip , cash is a bit dubious . Talking 15k English , now I usually bring 8k no drama . But bit wary of carrying this much .
The bank would charge me 2.5% every transaction , not something I'm willing to pay .
Suggestions....
Hey folks looked into all the things mentioned , some cards said free use abroad but small print had a limit each month .
Starling Bank seems to not charge at all . So signed up with them .
Been coming for about 20 years , used to bring travellers cheques , then just cash .
This time because I'm doing a 3 month trip , cash is a bit dubious . Talking 15k English , now I usually bring 8k no drama . But bit wary of carrying this much .
The bank would charge me 2.5% every transaction , not something I'm willing to pay .
Suggestions....
Hey folks looked into all the things mentioned , some cards said free use abroad but small print had a limit each month .
Starling Bank seems to not charge at all . So signed up with them .
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post discusses concerns about carrying a large amount of cash (15k GBP) to Thailand during a three-month trip, highlighting issues with bank fees for international transactions. The user has since opened a Starling Bank account, which reportedly does not charge for withdrawals abroad. Comments suggest several alternative methods for managing money while in Thailand, such as opening a Thai bank account to transfer funds using services like Wise, or using debit cards from banks that offer no foreign transaction fees (e.g., Monzo, Revolut). Additionally, advice around legal cash limits for bringing money into Thailand and methods for avoiding excessive ATM fees is frequently discussed.
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Michael ***********
If you have a local Fidelity Investment office, speak to them.
I have not investigated, but a friend who travels extensively says its a great way to access your funds from one country to another free of charge.
I have not investigated, but a friend who travels extensively says its a great way to access your funds from one country to another free of charge.
Garry *************
Yea and some banks say must spend so much on card or have so many transactions a month.
Robert *********
Open a bank account and use Wise
Colin ********
Use wise, you can set up Thb to transfer direct
Simon *********
@Colin *******
yes.. I use wise. Its perfect. I do everything on my phone from bank to wise is instantly deposited. Plus very little change using cash machines.Reply to
Simon *********
Reply
Paul *******
Very similar to you this trip so I checked. The limit is 10k before you have to declare to customs
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
Opened that Starling Bank Account , going to put the extra in that and carry 10k with me . Might actually slow the spending down .Reply to
Robin ********
Reply
Simon *********
Wise card.!? Its perfect
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Simon ********
Looked at that one but a limit on free withdrawals a month . Joined Starling Bank , unlimited use and no charges as far as i can see .Simon *********
@Robin *******
No limits. Had a setting in the appSimon *********
@Robin *******
this is the benefit of wise card for me. No charges.. or very very small amount. No charge at cash machine in Thailand. If I use my uk card.. I get charged 200bht. Not with wise.Reply to
Simon *********
Reply
Aaron *******
Actually, you can bring $20K USD into Thailand w/o declaring it. Or 15.9 British Pounds. Google and check Thailand government sites for confirmation.
Marlies *********
Have you checked Wise or Revolut? We used them in Oman - very easy, everywhere welcomed and not too much cash in the pocket
Lisa ********************
@Marlies ********
there is a monthly free withdrawal limit on Revolut of around £400Marlies *********
@Lisa *******************
but you can pay in all hotels, restaurants, shops without problemsReply to
Marlies *********
Reply
Xr ***
There's this new thing called atm check it out
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Xr **
New thing called charges .. check it outXr ***
@Robin *******
if you can't afford 200 baht atm fees in a country where everything presumably costs less than your home country you shouldn't travel.Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Xr **
£5 every time to use the card over 90 days gets expensive also limited to £250 a day . No use to me , maybe useful to cheap folk like you .Xr ***
@Robin *******
you're the one who's cheap if you can't afford and think 5 a day is expensive and your card is only 250 per day. Stay home and get another minimum wage job, brokey. You sound like a child.Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Xr **
£5 a day for 90 days ... if your dumb enough to do that crack on . Seems like your the only 1 wh is happy to give money to banks .Xr ***
@Robin *******
5 isn't even pocket change. Try living in Dubai.Reply to
Xr ***
Reply
Xr ***
Is problem fly with more than 10k usd
Colin *******
Wise
Christopher **********
Take a strap-around money belt. The only nerve wracking moment is when you have to strip down for the shoes/wallet/phone conveyor belt at the airport.
(You won’t have to worry about that on the way back, as all your cash will have been siphoned off into bar-girls’ pockets 😆)
(You won’t have to worry about that on the way back, as all your cash will have been siphoned off into bar-girls’ pockets 😆)
Shaun ********
Technically its 10,000 per person, so maybe dont take over that amount in readies
Andy **********
15k on wine and women, expensive piss up that!! Do you ever think, I could buy a 3 bedroomed detached house in Thailand for that 🍻😂🤦 but anyway to answer your question, open a wise account, transfer the money into there, then when you arrive in Thailand open a Thai bank account, if you can't do it yourself just use an agent, well worth it no more ATM fee's, and you have got it for future trips.
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *********
i'm stuck in a bit of a quandry on that front . Last relative just passed so no need to come back . BUT only got £70k not enough to move there ( i'm 55yrs old ) and highly unlikely to add to it what with the expense of living in the UK now .Mark *******
@Robin *******
ok thanksAndy **********
@Robin *******
it is possible to start a new life in Thailand with the money you have got, if you just sit in bars in Pattaya it wouldn't last long, come and give it a go, buy a small business, meet a nice issan village girl and become a farmer, I watch a lot of YouTube, check out Richie and Maybelle (Richie did it with £60k) or the native farang channel. I'm in Thailand now on a tourist visa, I want to do something similar to what I've suggested to you, I'm hoping in the future. Please don't take anything the wrong way I'm not criticizing just trying to help 😉Mark *******
@Andy *********
I'm actually really interested in doing what you have said . How can a foreign by houses I've seen a lot about what they call knock down house kind if prefab houses . But owning the land to build on is an issue I like the advice about watch the YouTube channel I will start to watch it . I hoping to start making some moves in the next 2 to 3 year and retire there fully in 8 years when I'm 60Andy **********
@Mark ******
if you're thinking about buying land or property in the future, make sure you speak to a lawyer/solicitor, a usufruct for the land is probably your best option, because foreigners cannot buy land outright. I suppose a knock down house is a good idea because you could just take it with you if you wanted to move.Mark *******
@Andy *********
what is a usufruct ?Andy **********
@Mark ******
it is basically a legal long term contract drawn up by lawyer/solicitor, if you just Google usufruct lots of information comes up.Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *********
no mate take it as its meant . Its a big leap giving up the flat ( rented ) , rents good but keeps going up . So if i take the plunge and it goes tits up over there coming back with nothing . With regards the 15k to bring across , thinking just bring 10k and take the hit on the bank charges on anything else i need .Reply to
Robin ********
Reply
David ********
There are some good prepay credit cards that may be an option for you too
Steve *******
Here you go:
*************************
Kurt **********
Really, dude. Get Wise account and debit card. Best thing since sliced bread!!
Tony ********
@Kurt *********
is wise better than Revolut?Kurt **********
@Tony *******
I have only used Wise. I heard they are pretty much the same. But Wise does everything I need splendidly, so I’m staying put. My brief investigation gave me the impression Revolt would not give me anything I don’t already have.Reply to
Kurt **********
Reply
Kurt **********
And even better combination Wise with Thai bank. Bank of Bangkok is one of the easiest accounts to get
Reply to
Kurt **********
Reply
Hakim ************
Maximum you can carry in cash is
*****
$ dollar, you will be at risk been investigated at the airport.Tim *******
@Hakim ***********
No risk if you declare. Keep a statement of the bank withdrawal and account with you. If you dont declare then there is a big problem.Hakim ************
@Tim ******
true, the money must be traçable and taxed in the UK! Thailland allow you to bring 20K $.Reply to
Hakim ************
Reply
Brown ********
Best option with least fees is having a Thai bank account to transfer with wise or similar exchange
Tony ********
@Brown *******
yes but getting a Thai bank account not easy I’m told?Brown ********
@Tony *******
true. Can be a pain in the assReply to
Brown ********
Reply
Tim *********
Banks will charge you 220 baht. Bangkok Bank ATM's will *offer* you a rate but its up to you whether you accept it or not
Gary **********
I dont have myself as i use wise and thai bank but i have been told starling is good and no charge only the thai atm charge
Steve **********
@Gary *********
US Bank of America has reciprocal Bangkok Bank in NYGary **********
@Steve *********
thats no help to someone in the ukSteve **********
@Gary *********
I suggest Google to see is any UK bank has a Thai affiliate in London.Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
James *******
@Gary *********
yep get wish easy pay and less chargesReply to
James *******
Reply
Paul ********
The most bank notes/currency you can travel with is upto the equivalent of 10,000 Euro's without declaring it to customs before you fly, if you do not declare it and your caught then it's very possible to have it all confiscated?.Just so you know?.
David ********
No such thing as 15k English. You must mean monopoly money.
Valère *************************
Wise. No brainer.
Tom ************
Wise, have used it in S. Africa and Thailand, transfer within the app and use wise card.
Melanie ********
Wise
Dave *********
Open a wise account then get a Thai bank account
Bangkok bank will try to sell you insurance but ask for the lowest one I think a few hundred baht they start at 5000
Bangkok bank will try to sell you insurance but ask for the lowest one I think a few hundred baht they start at 5000
Steve **********
@Dave ********
just 'politely 'say 'mai chai' to bkk insur. They won't pursue.Ruth *******
@Dave ********
have you ever received an explanation for why one needs insurance to deposit money? I’ve never understood this, beyond the obvious simple scam of it all. Loans make sense, but why would a bank need insurance when they’re holding your money?Phil ******
@Ruth ******
I said no when I was offered insurance when I applief for my first account with Bangkok bank. Never offered againRuth *******
@Phil *****
I understood that from your comment. Others have had a different experience.Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Paul *****************
@Ruth ******
....they offered the insurance when I opened my joint account too...they recommended I take out insurance for my partner...I politely said I didn't want to, it's part of the process I guess.Ruth *******
@Paul ****************
I know it’s part of the process and it’s strongly pushed (some report having been refused accounts without it). I was just wondering if anyone had ever been given a rationale.Dianne *****
@Ruth ******
I spoke to a former bank employee who left because of the pressure he was being put under by his line manager, especially to sell insurance. I understand that everyone in the chain gets some commission and some recognition within the organisation commensurate with the number of policies they sell. I have refused insurance from the bank each time it is offered, insisting that I already have accident insurance, the demeanour of the bank employee attending to me has then changed markedly from charming and friendly to business-like. When I spoke to a visa agent about retirement visas he offered me the type where they put the money into an account for 24 hours and you get a stamp in your passport from an immigration office where you aren't living. He insisted that buying insurance with the bank account that would be set up for this deposit of 800K, was part of the package and non negotiable. As I had the funds I didn't explore this option furtherRuth *******
@Dianne ****
So, you were also not given any rationale as to why you would need insurance for a deposit.Dianne *****
@Ruth ******
I don't believe there is any rationale. I haven't been under the impression that either are related ie they were never presented to me as related. When I opened my accounts, none of the banks were pushing insurance or making it a condition of being able to open a bank account. Even when it did become something that was available, if you wanted it-around *********
, from memory. It wasn't being as aggressively marketed as it is now. I imagine that managers/executives saw it as an extra way of bringing money in ie there was a market. Expats from the US, UK and Australia needed a Thai bank account to fulfil visa conditions for retirement and marriage visas. Lots of expats want insurance in Thailand, and the low cost (and relatively low coverage) of the plans the bank sell, are attractive to some foreigners. I don't recall anyone trying to link the insurance as being "needed" to make a deposit. It's just an extra product that the bank offer. I do think though it has morphed a bit into "You want something from me (to open a bank account), then you need to do something for me" (take out an insurance policy so that my manager gets off my back)Reply to
Dianne *****
Reply
Dave *********
@Ruth ******
I think you said it commission for the seller I remember decades ago when you walked into a uk bank the staff always trying to sell insurance
Ruth *******
@Dave ********
Interesting. I never encountered that in the States with deposits. I guess there’s some connection between banking and insurance.Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Jon *****
You would have to declare any amount exceeding 10k
Mark **********
I took $15k last year. They never asked and I didn't offer.
Jon *****
@Mark *********
Sorry, the limit is USD 15k or THB 450kMark **********
@Jon ****
I thought it was 10K.Reply to
Mark **********
Reply
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon ****
is that a drama ?Jon *****
@Robin *******
Can't say, I've never carried more than 10kDave *********
@Robin *******
you would need to show receipts from bank you took it from to uk customs after that I don’t see a problemReply to
Dave *********
Reply
Peter *********
Use Wise. Transfer your English money into Thai baht and then use the wise debit card
Brandon ************
@Peter ********
only works if he has a Thai bank account which he doesn'tPeter *********
@Brandon ***********
no it doesn'tSteve *******
@Brandon ***********
UK citizens can get a Wise debit card and use it to withdraw money from their Wise account. No need to transfer the money to Thailand first. It's a great solution that I unfortunately don't have access to being from Sweden 😑Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Gordon *******
@Peter ********
Spot on postReply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Sean *********
As far as I know more than 10K you need paperwork to prove your not laundering going out of the uk and into Thailand. You could take x amount of cash and use a revolution card to pay for hotels, transport etc
Jarek ************
@Sean ********
shouldn't need much paperwork for UK, bank receipt should be sufficient. In TH under 20k USD doesn't need to be declared.Shaun ********
@Jarek ***********
they want a load more,I had to take 30,000 cash for a deposit on a property in Europe and they were very suspicious, and needed more proof than bank account withdrawals,Declan **********
@Jarek ***********
bank receipt isn't sufficient. You need to declare it online to HM revenue & customs before leaving and print the declaration for border security in case they ask to see the declaration (which happens more often than people realise.) If you haven't declared it and they do ask to see it (which is very likely), you'll lose the money and get fined 5k.Jarek ************
@Declan *********
I guess the place is even a bigger shit hole than Canada 😂Reply to
Jarek ************
Reply
Iain *********
Chase UK don't have foreign transaction charges and will give you 1% back on debit card purchases.
Still gets hit by the 220 baht local atm charge and some retailers still have the local 3% service charge.
Still gets hit by the 220 baht local atm charge and some retailers still have the local 3% service charge.
Jon *****
Travellers cheques ?!
Andy ********
@Jon ****
In the same area of the museum as fax machines and cassette players 😂Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon ****
Used to do them but took them once and only 1 Bank would take them . This was some years ago so don't even know if they do now .Jon *****
@Robin *******
I am certain they don't anymore ! No hard feelings, I also used travellers cheques in the early nineties 👍Reply to
Jon *****
Reply
Lisa ********************
Monzo, Revolut or Starling don't charge. I have all 3
Mark *******
@Lisa *******************
Monzo don't charge for withdrawal in Thailand . Mmm interestingIan **********
@Lisa *******************
I wondered about starling i have that too, thanks I will do that next time 😀Lisa ********************
@Ian *********
I use Starling to withdraw in branch. No fees like you get using ATM. Need to take passport as IDIan **********
@Lisa *******************
ah so you go into a foreign branch instead of ATM?Lisa ********************
@Ian *********
yesIan **********
@Lisa *******************
thank you 😊Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Dean **************
Open a Monza bank account online, takes 10 minutes, Monza do not charge. I’ve just opened one for the same reason.
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dean *************
just doing that now , looks like more expensive than Banks . "First £250 in a rolling 30 day period free , 3% after that " .Dean **************
@Robin *******
maybe Chase thenReply to
Dean **************
Reply
Robin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dean *************
thinking of just sending a lump over to a mate there , just get the 1 charge .Reply to
Robin ********
Reply
Brandon ************
1) Try to open a Thai bank account and transfer your money using Wise and then withdraw from ATM.
2) Withdraw from ATM using your normal debit card from home. Bonus points if your home country has a bank that offers refund on all ATM fees (even international) and no foreign transaction fees.
3) Use a service like Western Union to transfer yourself money from your home bank account.
2) Withdraw from ATM using your normal debit card from home. Bonus points if your home country has a bank that offers refund on all ATM fees (even international) and no foreign transaction fees.
3) Use a service like Western Union to transfer yourself money from your home bank account.
Dave **********
@Brandon ***********
transfer with Wise would be betterReply to
Dave **********
Reply
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