What are the essential steps and timelines for managing a NON-O visa in Thailand, including banking, leasing, insurance, and driving regulations?

Question

Thank you for the polite detailed advice on timing of non-o visa.

I learn that once granted, have 90 days to arrive, when visa converted into a 90 day stay permit.

Then in that 90 day stay must open bank account, and transfer 800k baht. And then apply for 1 year extension?

Next questions:

1. When is best time in this time sequence to lease apartment?, and can do 12 month lease or only 90 days? And get ??30 form?

2 when is health insurance required?, and recommended insurance?

3. Does riding scooter require international license or must get local license?

4.what is usually utility cost per month (electricity, water?)

Thank you

Ask Thailand · Answer

This post details the process and requirements for managing a NON-O visa in Thailand, including key steps such as opening a bank account and transferring funds, which must be done within the first few weeks. It addresses leasing arrangements and timing, health insurance needs, scooter licensing requirements, and average utility costs.

Peter ********** · Answer

I recognise responding to a question with a question is non-positive but your OP invites this:

Item 2…..what is your age and medical history?

Item 3….what is an International Licence and where would it be available?

Item 4…..what months are you referring to (3 months or 12 months, winter or full year) and how will you communicate with others?.

Jim ********* · Answer

With an non immigrant O visa based on retirement and a one year extension done in Thailand, no health insurance is required. First thing you need to do is open a bank account. I suugest going to the local bank you want to use and ask what they require to open an account. Most are requiring a resident certificate from immigration. You will need your lease for that. Also at Phuket Immigration they require a minimum of 15 days left on your visa, so you don't have a lot of time to get everything together. Every immigration office and bank seem to have different rules. Best to go to the office and pick up the forms and get a checklist of requirements.

Robert ********** · Answer

Thank you Anthony.

Graeme ****** · Answer

If you want to ride a motorcycle 🏍 in thailand then you need to already have a full motorbike license from your home country. You then go and get an international driving permit (idp) which is just a translation of your home license and recognised in thailand so if you dont have a full motorcycle license an idp wont help you at all. If you have a motorcycle license and idp then you are ok to ride in thailand for 90 days giving you time to get a local motorcycle license.  If you dont have one then you will not be legal until you get a thai motorcycle license

Ant *********** · Answer

In regards to insurance Coming over I recommend getting 30 days cover from your home country

Then when you arrive work on getting Thai insurance cover

- You will require an IDP to ride a motorcycle .

Depending on your home country , IDP is only valid here for 90 days and you are then required to get a Thai license ( but you need an IDP from home )

- Small apartment

Water 100 baht - 150 baht

- electricity approx 400B - 700 baht a month

But these can vary on personal situation

John ********** · Answer

You will need to get that bank account open and the transferred as your priority as the money must sit in your account for 2 months before you apply for a 12 month extension of stay so make sure you do it in the first couple of weeks

What are the essential steps and timelines for managing a NON-O visa in Thailand, including banking, leasing, insurance, and driving regulations?

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