ask
Search
Ask
Answered3 months ago

What are the best ways to manage cash for renting an apartment in Thailand before setting up a bank account?

BA***
asked Aug 6, 2026
3.1k
views
23
replies
23
likes
How does one go about bringing and/or access enough to rent. Say for round numbers 1st month plus 2 months deposit 100kBaht. Since can’t open bank until I have residence I will have to take out of an ATM that much ? Travel in with that much cash? What is most expeditious way to cover costs before a person is set up.
Answer summary
The person is inquiring about the best methods to secure and manage cash for renting an apartment in Thailand, specifically how to handle the initial costs of first month and deposits amounting to 100,000 Baht before being able to open a bank account. Several commenters suggest various strategies including bringing cash, using money transfer services like Wise, and having multiple financial options available. It's highlighted that a bank account is not necessarily required for renting, and it's advisable to have alternative ways to access funds, such as debit cards and other money transfer services.
23 repliesnewest first
19

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Bob **********
Bob **********
Just bring the 20k US $ limit and live on that for awhile
Daniel *******
Daniel *******
Take your cash out in your country bring it with you no problem
Craig *******
Craig *******
Always have multiple options for transferring money as I have had wise for years and after funding my Thai bank account for my extension they have closed my account. I have appealed and have to wait 5 weeks for a decision
James **********
James **********
I used Wise to send Thai bhat to my landlord. Easy, best exchange rate available, and low fees.
Elías ********
Elías ********
I don't like using cash, but said so, 100K bath is just 3,000 USD. It's not like you can't easily bring 30 crispy 100 USD banknotes with you.
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
Get a Wise account. Can transfer from your home account then pay into Thai accounts. About a 61 baht fee for the payment.
Stefan ******
Stefan ******
Cash or e-banking
Simon *******
Simon *******
Just use transfer or bring some cash and withdraw the rest once here. But transfer is the simple way.
Victor **********
Victor **********
If you're on a tourist visa, like the DTV, use debit cards that reimburse or have no ATM fees. You can also use Wise for most transactions.
Jonathan ******
Jonathan ******
Just pay the landlord with a wise transfer into there account, easy.
Jay *******
Jay *******
You should have multiple ways to get money in Thailand once you are there, never limit yourself to one. Bring some cash, multiple credit cards and set up a wise account. Get a Thai bank account as soon as you can. Some bank cards refund foreign atm fees if thats a concern. Western union and moneygram as emergency backups.
Jenn *********************
Jenn *********************
@Jay ******
wise is great and they can receive it within minutes
John **********
John **********
Leasing somewhere is generally not a requirement for opening a bank account. Usually you need a Non-immigrant visa, a residence certificate from immigration (for which you will need a copy of the receipt of a TM30 being filed by your hotel or whatever) and a Thai SIM registered against your passport
Robert ************
Robert ************
@John *********
how is tm30 filed if I’m living with my Thai wife her home she bought? Does she have to go immigration with me to file this tm30 saying I live at this address with her
John **********
John **********
@Robert ***********
your wife is responsible for filing the TM30. She can either do so in person or set up an online account to do so

*******************************
Maria *************
Maria *************
Robert Harrington yes
Michael *********
Michael *********
@John *********
even if my hotel is only temporary until I find a condo?
BA***
BA***
OP
@John *********
Oke thankyou
Jenn *********************
Jenn *********************
BAets you do not need a Thai sim - and I live here
John **********
John **********
@Jenn ********************
you do for access to the banking app
GreenPo********
GreenPo********
Set up wise account transfer funds easy
Mike ************
Mike ************
GreenPomelo3895 Transfer to where ?
GreenPo********
GreenPo********
Mike Veldhuizen to where ever you want just add acc details

Activity

19 joined
BA***
BA***
BA***
BA***
BA***
BA***
19
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What are the best methods for covering initial rent costs in Thailand without a bank account?
2k17213mo
What are the best ways to access funds for renting in Thailand before establishing a bank account?
2.7k24263mo
Is it possible to open a Thai bank account with a DTV visa while frequently changing accommodations?
2.1k191310mo
What are the currency exchange options and requirements at Suvarnabhumi Airport for expats?
9k521521y
What steps should I take to obtain an OA visa in Thailand before my tourist visa expires?
5.1k34711y
How can someone on a DTV visa access banking services in Thailand?
3.7k30361y
Can I open a Thai bank account and become a tax resident with a DTV visa?
3.3k22401y
Can you extend a tourist visa at the Lamphun immigration office after staying one night there?
1.7k15121y
What are the rules for using a bank account for retirement visa extensions in Thailand?
6.3k46811y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa?
6k53491y
What are the best ways for Ed-Visa holders in Thailand to manage ATM fees and withdrawal limits?
19.9k1941532y
Is it possible to get a 60-day re-entry via border bounce to Cambodia?
770442y
How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a marriage visa?
2.3k14272y
What are the costs and requirements for renewing an expired visa in Thailand?
4.9k45282y
What are the best agencies for setting up a DTV visa and bank accounts in Bangkok?
662132y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa, and how?
7.4k54232y
Can I open two bank accounts under the same name for a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.8k31142y
What are the best tips for renting in Thailand when moving to the Cha am/Hua Hin area?
2.1k14142y
What documents do I need to cross the border to Malaysia or Laos with my car?
3.5k1292y
Will an emergency passport and UK driving license be sufficient for internal flights in Thailand?
2.1k15194y
What are the income requirements for the marriage visa in Thailand—Is it 400,000 baht in the bank or 40,000 baht per month?
1.9k1665y
What are the financial requirements for a Polish citizen applying for a tourist visa to Thailand?
2.1k2226y
What should I do at immigration when returning to Chiang Mai with a re-entry permit?
2.3k2278y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand to transfer euros for a Non-Immigrant O visa and how long must funds be held?
2.9k30118y
Can I travel to other countries every 90 days on a Multiple Entry Non Immigrant Visa instead of returning to my home country?
2.2k18149y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?