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What are the best ways to withdraw money in Thailand without incurring high fees?

money withdrawalThailand bankingATM feesThai bank accountsTransferWiseprepaid debit cardscash exchangeinternational bankingvisa typesKasikorn BankBangkok Bank
Mar 8, 2021
4 years ago
Josef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey there,

got this time a different question, so nothing about the visa.

I have been to Thailand already last year and first we did not know whats the best way to withdraw money. We always went to different ATMs, paid each time the fee and in the end I jave counted everything together and ended up with almost 100€ just paying tje fees.

So I wanted to ask whats the best bank or the best way to do? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges of withdrawing money in Thailand, particularly focusing on high ATM fees. Users suggest several strategies to minimize costs, including opening a Thai bank account, utilizing services like TransferWise for international transfers, using cash from local exchanges, and recommending specific banks known to be more expat-friendly, such as Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank. Additionally, some users mention the convenience of prepaid debit cards and other banking solutions that can help avoid excess fees.
Otto *********
Get you a local account and then let TransferWise send the money from your home account to your Thai account. Easy, takes 2 or 3 days, but a very correct exchange rate.
4 years ago
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Otto *********
I tried it (w/o an existing account at TransferWise!) and it took 2 or three days. Still acceptable, when compared to 100 € fees.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
@Otto ********
 takes two or three SECONDS for me.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
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Michael *********
Citibank in the US allows me to use my banking card to withdraw local currency at any of its logo ATMs anywhere in the world without any charges. The only thing I need to keep in mind is the exchange rate at the time of withdrawal.

I would expect that other big international banks such as HSBC or its European equivalents provide similarly competitive services themselves or via an alliance bank in Thailand.
4 years ago
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Jon *****
@Michael *****
 Is the local 180 baht scam waived also ?
4 years ago
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Jon *****
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
Schwab- refunds fees
4 years ago
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Terary **********
I have western union'd to myself. That sux.

I have used my credit cards for stuff - but i get hit with stupid high forEx fees.

The other option is Transferwise.
4 years ago
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Jon *****
Cash advance at the desk with your credit card and passport. You are of course depending on the opening hours and maybe some waiting time but you should avoid the fee... BUT some banks charge you just the same, like SCB, and others will kindly show you the ATMs outside !
4 years ago
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Lisa ********************
Go into a bank and withdraw over the counter using Starling or Monzo card. No fees. Sadly Revolut, doesn't support cash advances
4 years ago
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Danny **********
Get an online Revolut account. They give almost the bank rate when you pay for anything on the card. If you upgrade for £72 you can draw out £400 a month at no charge. Also has a lot of other great features. Saved me a fortune!!!
4 years ago
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Danny **********
Not if you up grade the account as mentioned and just take 2x£200 or 1x£400. I used it for 6 months last year
4 years ago
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Jon *****
@Danny *********
 I am surprised but if you say so... I thought thai banks made no difference with foreign cards and just added 180 bahts on every withdrawal
4 years ago
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Jon *****
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Jon *****
@Danny *********
 Correct for your home country fees but the ATMs will still pinch you 180 bahts for each withdrawal !
4 years ago
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Josef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Danny *********
 Thanks for the advice, I will check it out
4 years ago
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Josef ********
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Stan *******
What visa are you on? A 60 day SETV could be a problem and the STV may be easier. It can be done but you'll need to be lucky. Take a Thai with you. Be prepared to try quite a few banks and branches. In my opinion, Kasikorn Bank is the most farang friendly but others swear by Bangkok Bank (although I hate it).
4 years ago
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Josef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stan ******
 Thanks for the answer. Im here on the STV.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
@Josef *******
 Where are you staying? It will be easier if you are in Bangkok. Try the branch of Kasikorn in Siam Square but take a Thai with you if you can. If that doesn't work, just keep trying other branches until you succeed.
4 years ago
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Stan *******
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Frank ******
Bring lease contract to Bangkok

Bank Silom branch , open and TW baht in to account
4 years ago
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Dana *******
Open a bank account and do a direct transfer from you bank in your home country to your bank account in Thailand.
4 years ago
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JD ********
As suggested - Open a Thailand bank account - then use TransferWise (now Wise) to transfer the money... Easy transfer
4 years ago
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Steve *******
Open a Thai bank account and transfer via that.
4 years ago
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Ray ********
Cash
4 years ago
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Hans *********
Go bangkok Bank most easy have Passport and certificate of Adress take a thai lady- (yours) - more easy, wit you and open an account withh a Debit Card.

To transfer between homebank and thai Bank open in 2 Min. a WiseAccount (absolut trustfule and cheapest and quick) My Retirement go direct to there and from this account I can Manage all. On normal Days, the Transfer from Bruessel need 10Sec. on Weekend and Hollidays can need to Monday
4 years ago
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David *********
Get a Thai bank account or transfer into a friends Thai bank (with TransferWise) and draw it out

Or bring cash and change in Thailand
4 years ago
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Josef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
 Thanks, yes I am thinking of doing that, would be the best idea I guess.
4 years ago
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Sam *********
@Josef *******
 transferwise is very good to use, i use all the time, never had a problem..
4 years ago
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Sam *********
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Braulio *********
I exchange cash at money changers like the kiosk in the Paragon supermarket
4 years ago
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Josef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Braulio ********
 Too late, I didnt take that much cash with me, was not sure how much is allwoed. Thanks
4 years ago
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Braulio *********
@Josef *******
 good luck
4 years ago
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Braulio *********
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Steve *********
I usually take cash and change it in a bank in town. However, in covid times, I'm told that handling cash isn't easy.

Have you opened a Thai bank account? You can send money there by transferwise or similar for a fraction of the cost.

Another way is prepaid debit cards for international travel.
4 years ago
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Josef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ********
 Thanks for the fast answer. I didnt know how much cash I can take with me so I didnt want to take too much, so this option falls away. Prepaid debit card I guess is now too late to make because I am already here. But yes, opening a Thai bank account wouldnt be a stupid idea, thinking about that. Thank you very much
4 years ago
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Steve *********
@Josef *******
 when opening a bank account, be ready to try several banks and branches. Some can be difficult! I'd recommend taking a Thai friend with you.
4 years ago
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Steve *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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