What are the best Thai banks for expats using Wise to transfer money?

May 25, 2023
2 years ago
Samuel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking to open a Thai bank account today. Are there any banks to avoid since I'll be using Wise to transfer money
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses recommendations and experiences related to opening a Thai bank account for expats using Wise to transfer money. Users suggest banks like Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank as favorable options for expats due to their accommodating services and reliability for international transfers. Some warn against using certain banks like Krungsri and Krung Thai due to poor customer service and bureaucratic issues. The thread highlights the importance of understanding transfer limits, required documentation, and the differences in service between various banks.
Thek *****
Can I ask if you have a Wise account why you are bothering to try and open a Thai bank account with BB? Is there anything you can do with a BB account that you cannot do with a Wise account? Just wondering as I am in a similar situation.
Samuel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Thek ****
need an account for retirement visa. But will get the visa next trip but wanted the account now since the baht is weak. 34.55 to the dollar. Seems like a good time to buy 800k
Jayz *********
Bangkok bank
Christopher ********
K Bank seems to be the best you can transfer up to 2,000,000
John *******
Do you have a Lease Agreement from where you’re staying?
Dennis ***********
Kasikorn Bank.13-14 yrs.No issues with transfers ,always helpful.
Lieven ********
Follow
Peter ********
Kasikorn Bank is the best for international transfers
Taz **********
Get a letter from where you are staying, stating you reside there. List your name, country, date of birth, passport number

Take this letter & passport and passport sizes photos to your local immigration & request a certificate/ letter of residency to open a bank account, they usually charge 500 baht per letter.

Take this residency letter with your passport to a bank

The residency letter is only valid for 30 days

Go to a main branch usually helps

Bangkok bank & ? Kasikorn are the easiest

SCB requires a yellow house book to open an account

Krungshri requires you to have a retirement visa

Bangkok bank will usually ask you to buy a bank product

Accident insurance for 12 months, cheapest option is just under $6,000 baht

Some ppl have been able to open a bank account at SCB without yellow house book however be prepared for them to ask
Robert ***********
@Taz *********
Will immigration issue the letter if residency if you don't have a retirement visa but renting longterm condo?
Taz **********
@Robert **********
yes

I took my girlfriend who is from Laos to get one to open a bank account

I also took a friend from Denmark to get one to open a bank account so he could apply for a retirement visa, immigration did not know he was applying for a visa they just processed him as someone wanting a residency letter for a bank account

I also took a friend on a 30 day visa exempt to get a residency certificate to get a licence

Keep in mind, not everywhere is the same, depends who serves you, what they know & what mood they are in 🤣

My girl is on 30 day visa exempt also
Taz **********
I need to renew my licence as it expired during Covid, where I am they want me to go to a driving school and pay $7500 baht

120 Klm away, different province they don’t need to, about 300 baht at DLT

Next month I with either go there or another location and avoid the BS before my international drivers permit expires 🤣
Wyn **********
Kasikorn and Wise works for me well.
Sean ********
Regardless of which bank you use (I opened an account with Kasikorn) make sure you select the "funds for long term stay in Thailand' option when you use Wise if you are transferring funds in anticipation of getting a long stay visa. Immigration requires funds to come from a foreign transfer. I have been happy with Kasikorn and found them the easiest for me to open an account with. Bangkok Bank is probably the most friendly for foreigners though they require a notarized signature from a local embassy to verify your home country address. of course you can always use an agent and skip that part.
Rich ****
@Sean *******
Is that notary requirement at all their branches or just arbitrary?
Luke **********
@Rich ***
we are with Bangkok, purely because our lawyer uses them for business accounts and we hit them on the day with opening personal accounts as well. We’d approached Kassikorn who insisted that we get a form from the Australian embassy…who doesn’t offer this service. Kassikorn bank didn’t care, they wanted that piece of paper. For us, of course, their attitude meant they were a non starter. So far, Bangkok has offered a fantastic array of services, so we’re very happy.
Sean ********
@Rich ***
the BKK website has it listed as a requirement though my experience is the branch managers have some leeway depending what documents they ask for if you are unable to provide
Paul *********
Siam Bank has worked well for me for the last 15 year. I use wise no problem
Naffy ***********
I have better plan... Open in kungsiri bank . And they have good service with western union . So what I do always . I send the amount by western union to my name then I go online in kungsiri bank and receive the money
****
also you can receive throw ATM or phone service . And no different of exchange between the wire transfer and western union almost same amount will be received but faster by western . Bbl - Bangkok bank have this service also and KTP
David ************
@Naffy **********
if I understand correctly he doesn’t mean wire transfer, but the service called “wise ” which is I think a lot cheaper than WU
Naffy ***********
@David ***********
+ South Africa 555 .I haven't heard about it in the middle East .mm not sure I was looked up for a while.
Naffy ***********
@David ***********
that's in Europe only I believe and I heard good things about it
Tylah ****************
@Naffy **********
wise isn't only in Europe. My family and I use wise to transfer between South Africa.
Colin ***************
Use SCB
Star *******
I can help you do it
Lewis **********
@Star ******
Could you also send me the information please? I would like to open an account also
Chan ******
@Star ******
How to do please? thank you
Tom ********
I use both Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn. Kasikorn gets transfers faster
Phil ******
@Samuel *****
Bangkok bank is the best
Thomas *********
Use SCB or Bangkok Bank no issues with Wise transfers.
Jack *********
Trust me it's a struggle. Keep trying though. Don't give up. I had good luck at Bangkok Bank but I had to buy the insurance that they sell you.
Billy *********
Kasikorn best app
Keith ******
Kasikorn are probably the easiest to open an account especially in tourist areas as they’re used to dealing with foreigners.

From Wise…
Jack *********
@Keith *****
in Phuket it's impossible to open one at Kasikorn now. I went to four different branches. Bangkok Bank was the only one and they made me buy the accident insurance first
Frank ************
Kasikorn
Terry ********
I have used Kasikorn bank for 16 years with no problems. Usually instant Wise transfers and no charge to receive them.
Sea ******
Bangkok bank easiest to open at, but charges for litterally everything, even take out cash at their own branch ATM
Sea ******
can also add that very often there is maintenance work in the app and technical problems that mean that you cannot pay electronically via the app, which has caused trouble for me a number of times during attempts of payments for example at restaurants
Carlos *********
@Sea *****
you have to go to the bank you opened your account. All others will charge a fee for anything.
Mark *********
@Sea *****
only if you are outside your home area. Free for me in Chiang Mai but charged in bkk. Annual fee for bank card. Tightening up creation of accounts at many branches
Paul *********
@Sea *****
you sure about that ? .... I've never been charged for using their own ATM.
Kent ***********
@Paul ********
to clarify thatcis with BB
Kent ***********
@Paul ********
never been charged to take cash via atm anywhere in the BMA.
Sea ******
@Paul ********
Yup 100% Sure, 15 baht at their own branch ATM and 20 at others, i also paid for additional services directly at office that doesnt work, and when i call their customer service, they say the services should start working within 24 hours but it's not. Called 2 times but it's just same old "sorry mister try again".

Yeah i opened the account in Pattaya but stay in Phuket now, but it should'nt be charged for using their own branch ATM anyway. And last time they charged me almost 300 baht for a couple statement papers that i needed for extension-renewal. in my opinion a rip off bank, that made me stop using any other services than ptomptpay and scan up the rrmaining ammount of money then not use them anymore
Jukka ********
I open Phuket Bangkok bank account and have 60+30 visa it was wery easy but I need paper for the Immigration To where I live and I take also insurance for the bank for a year.
Chan ******
@Jukka *******
how long ago please?
Jukka ********
@Chan *****
yes it was before.
Chan ******
@Jukka *******
Thank you so much, you are so lucky.
Jukka ********
I first ask bank what I need To do. They give me a paper where is all what I have To get. After that was wery easy. First I ask paper for gondos juristic person and get some fotos then I go To Immigration and After that bank again.
Chan ******
@Jukka *******
your case is very smooth
Jukka ********
@Chan *****
this year
Chan ******
@Jukka *******
Is it before 01 April 2023? Having heard policy changed since this date. Thank you.
Transitvan ******
@Jukka *******
insurance
*****
baht for me. Tourist visa. I denied to open.
Jukka ********
@Alph ********
5600 baht for me
Stephen *******
Use there big name banks...like Bangkok bank etc
Jeed *********
Bangkok Bank is the best and talk to the Bank manager for your needs.
Max *****
@Jeed ********
not for foreigner
Jeed *********
@Max ****
My husband is foreigner ! he has been using Bkk Bank for over 10 years.
Mark ********
@Max ****
Simply not true for vast majority of expats
Andrew ******
Many Bangkok banks requested a letter from my uk embassy when I tried to open with them, however no one could tell me what letter.
Antonino *******
@Andrew *****
, a copy of passport legalised by your embassy.
Andrew ******
Anthony *********
It's more of a case that the banks will be avoiding you not you needing to avoid them, I'd probably go with the one with a branch that's closest to where you live but it's all just a case if they will let you set an account up or not, you just have to go hitting up different bank branches until you find one that will allow you to set one up
Dave *********
If using wise kasicorn or Bangkok bank will be best
James **************
Only 3 banks will accept more than
*****
bhat per transaction bkk bank is one. U'll need st least a cert of residence, TM30 and porob rent contract minimum...
James **************
@Marc ********
well some people can get it anyway, depends on their luck! I'd just use agent really, if I needed it and didn't hv much time...
Marc *********
@James *************
i used the guy on soi 6 in pattaya, found him on the buzzin discord, 5000 baht everything taken care of
Marc *********
@James *************
and a proper visa that’s not tourist
Antonino *******
@Marc ********
, on 2020, three years ago.
Antonino *******
@Marc ********
, when I opened my Bangkok Bank account I had the Tourist Visa.
Lewis **********
@Antonino ******
May I asked which location did you open the Bangkok account in? also which documents did you have to provide? kind regards 😊
Antonino *******
@Lewis *********
, I've opened my Bangkok Bank account at Sampran, Nakhon Pathom province, on September 2020; they asked a copy of my passport, legalised by my embassy, and a deposit of 10.000 bath.

At time I had the tourist visa, expired, but I was utilising the Covid amnesty.

On beginning of 2021, when I renewed my passport, getting the retirement visa, the Bangkok Bank has registered it, without showing an other legalised copy of the new passport.
Marc *********
@Antonino ******
what year lol
Richard *********
i use scb and use wise to transfer money in from my US account>

Very pleased with the results each time
Wayne **********
Try for Kasikorn. I find Bangkok Bank far more beurocratic. You have to spend an hour and sign 20 papers just to update a phone number.
Lincoln *******
Bangkok and kasikorn both good for wise, many others have a cap on how much you can send per transaction. I have an account with both and they are both good. Bangkok bank app is nice and easy
Alex ******
DO NOT go near yellow Krugsri. Worst customer service of any thai company I've ever dealt with. They do not like working with foriengers
Patrick ********
@Alex *****
never had an issue in 3 years and I’ve been a right pain in the arse 🤣
Robert **********
@Alex *****
they used to be the most farang friendly, but that depends on the branch. Beware the 50K฿ transfer limit though. I still bank there, they are hounding me to come get my pictures taken, not sure if that will unlock the deposit limit. It was imposed because most banks didn’t meet some new KYC requirements. Most all thai banks don’t want to open farangs’ accounts without work permits. Other issue is they want residency certificate, need TM30 and have done a 90-day report (Bangkok immigration), and a workaround, getting certificates from US embassy (if you’re American) just became unavailable.
David *******
@Alex *****
I've never had a problem with Krungsri bank, very straight forward process, no problem transferring money from Australia
Sea ******
@Alex *****
Personal experience? Never had problems with them
Keith *********
@Alex *****
same as SCB bank nothing but problems
Mike *********
@Keith ********
a bank teller at this bank actually told me I should marry a Thai woman and then I could open a bank account.
Derek ***********
Aybek ***********
avaid Krung Thai bank 😄💆‍♂️
Keith *********
Been with them for 25 years I suppose it depends where your branch it's good to hear someone's having easy times
Darren *******
@Keith ********
never had any issues with SCB in the nearly 4 years of using them
Geraldine **************
I have used Bangkok Bank for years. I have always had excellent service 💯
Lynnette *******
A US friend, married to a thai, used SCB but it was complicated. Seems every bank manager makes own rules.
Richard ********
@Lynnette ******
Just like Immigration!
Lynnette *******
@Richard *******
dont think he's had a problem with phuket immigration. Just the bank. Its a passport issue due to being US citizen but never lived there and they wanted US address. Not have. Lol.
Richard ********
@Lynnette ******
I meant each Immigration office tends to set their own rules
Lynnette *******
@Richard *******
oh yes. They do seem to.
David *********
@Lynnette ******
banks are run independently so yes they make their own rules.
Durrant ********
Get any Thai bank you can and Wise will be fine
Barry **********
@Brian *********
sorry Brian I don't understand the point you are making. The poster is a foreigner asking recommendations to open a Thai bank account. Although he can choose any, I was merely pointing out the restrictions on the banks
Brian **********
@Barry *********
so was I. Thai’s face the same restrictions
Barry **********
@Durrant *******
not strictly true. If you want to send over 50k baht in 1 transaction you can only do it through Bangkok Bank, SCB and Kasikorn. If you want to do under than any bank
Brian **********
@Barry *********
even Thai citizens are restricted by the 50,000 baht transfer limits.
Todd *********
@Durrant *******
except for the
***
that present with issues and no ability to transfer over 49,999.
Paul *******
Why do people keep asking this ,just go to the banks and ask them how u can get a bank account so simple .
Taz **********
@Paul ******
depends on the bank, even if you go prepared with everything some banks / staff don’t know what to do
Lawrence **********
@Paul ******
... OK Nancy
Kirstin *****************
@Paul ******
the question was which ones work best with Wise, if you go to just any bank to do that you might end up with one with a transfer limit. So in this case not that simple. Anyway the questions been answered.

Edit: wow you asked how to get a visa exempt entry, literally the simplest question you could google the answer to. No one called you out on that.
Paul *******
@Kirstin ******
but these would be simple questions ready to ask the bank staff I would think
Dan ********
@Paul ******
Not simple as of this month…much,much harder now.
Wayne *****
@Paul ******
What's the use of this site if ya can't ask a question. If you don't like the question, don't answer, SIMPLE.
Paul *******
@Wayne ****
it's asked every week 😁😄 lots of banks around ,really east to walk into one or find a company to help.open the bank account .
Wayne *****
@Paul ******
Truly mate, who cares if a question is put up many time. If that's the biggest problem you have your one lucky man. 🙂
Paul *******
Wayne *****
@Paul ******
Sir sounds good, I like it. Cheers buddy 😊
Marc *********
@Paul ******
simple it you have the correct visa, 5000 baht otherwise
Till ******
@Marc ********
Not possible anymore to open a bank account on TR
Marc *********
Siam legal said 5000 but then wanted more so the price would of been 16 k, scam artists lawyers
Paul *******
@Marc ********
I was on a tourist visa
Marc *********
@Paul ******
in what year ? I tried every bank on sukhumvit, got tired went to rama 3 shopping mall same thing “we dont open bank for tourists” got tired and used the agent on soi 6 in pattaya for 5000 baht
Peter *******
If you need Wise transfers to show as International, Bangkok Bank is best followed by Kasikorn.You'll need to try many branches, may need an agent if all else fails
Peter *******
@Paul ******
not that simple
Marc ********
@Peter ******
Simple if you buy a useless insurance from them
Paul *******
@Peter ******
yes it is, its very simple ,I have done it
Peter *******
@Paul ******
when? depends on location and type of visa, currently banks are being strict
Paul *******
@Peter ******
I have kasikorn ,opened in huahin branch ,it was very simple process to be honest
Jae *******
@Paul ******
So was opening my account, but for many it isn't easy. Every bank and branch has different criteria.
Peter *******
@Paul ******
i opened 3 accounts fairly easy, not the same now
Alistair **********
@Paul ******
yeah, which depends on what visa you have. Long term visas are quite easy to open accounts, tourist and Visa exempt isn't.
David ********
I use BKK bank n wise
Mark ********
*************************************************************
*****
35/guide-to-thb-transfers

Make sure you get either Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial or Kasikorn.
Glenn ***********
@Mark *******
Thank you for posting this guide. Hadn't seen it before and I'm just now trying to find the best way to xfer funds so that they are marked as an international xfer. This looks perfect.
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