What are the best payment options for South Africans living in Thailand without a local bank account?

Yes many South Africans on DTV face same issue. Thai banks often say no for DTV, and Wise and Revolut can be tricky if you are registered in South Africa. So people here use other ways to pay.

One easy way is to bring your South African card that has low foreign fee and use it to pay in shops that accept card. For cash, you can use ATM once with large amount to save fee, and use apps like DeeMoney or Western Union to send to yourself if you have a friend with Thai bank. Some also open an account with Bangkok Bank by trying different branches with rental contract and DTV print, some branches say yes after two or three tries. Another option is to use a prepaid travel card from South Africa that locks THB rate.

Bank and money tips change fast so it helps to have a guide that lists current options for Africans on DTV. I saw good money and bank tips for DTV holders in Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon, it explains how to lower ATM fees and which branches to try. Very handy for long stay.

True wallet will suffice, I’ve only used this and never needed anything more

What do yo mean with "reamed on ATM fees every time"?

When you withdraw the maximum amount every time the fees are not unreasonable.

Just don't get small amounts from ATM.

Get a Thai GF or BF transfer money into his or her bank account for monthly spendings and ask her to pay using QR or withdraw cash or transfer to your Truemoney wallet

If you can find a Bangkok bank that will do it some will take your debit or credit card run it as cash advance and give you cash at the counter. You could try opening up a foreigner Charles Schwab account in America that refunds all atm fees worldwide. Not sure if every country is eligible. You can setup the Malaysian app Touch N go ewallet link a debit card and for 1% they will let you scan any Thailand Business prompt pay code. So Big C, Makro etc all work. Local shops are hit or miss cause some use the personal account QR

Can you get an agent to do it for you open a bank account

Truemoney

Try the Moreta Pay app.

Us South Africans can use wise Revolt. A lot of places also accept tap and pay/Apple Pay.

RedotPay put in your passport , selfie and Thai address . Get virtual card for Apple Pay or google pay . Easy

I think ATM withdrawal is the best route depending on what the fees for your bank are. The currency conversion fees to top up wise and then another conversion to baht adds up too quickly.

I’m able to use wise, also had issues with revolut though

I use Revolut regularly.

Take cash out at yellow bank forex counter. Bring ID and it has to be Mastercard debit. No fees.

Why can't you use Wise or Revolut?