Answered4 years ago
What are the requirements and recommendations for opening a bank account as a tourist in Bangkok?
Hello, we are travelling to bangkok next month, hoping to open a bank account in bangkok.
I understand that it's not easy, need a lot of luck, to find a branch and a staff that allows a tourist to open the bank account.
I know some visa agencies have their own contact to smooth this process.
Any recommendation? and how much is this service?
Thank you very much.
I understand that it's not easy, need a lot of luck, to find a branch and a staff that allows a tourist to open the bank account.
I know some visa agencies have their own contact to smooth this process.
Any recommendation? and how much is this service?
Thank you very much.
Answer summary
Opening a bank account in Bangkok as a tourist can be challenging, but there are various ways to increase your chances of success. Recommendations include trying several branches of major banks like Bangkok Bank, where many users have reported a straightforward process. It may help to have a local friend accompany you. Some banks require minimal documents, such as a letter from the embassy or proof of accommodation. Hiring a visa agency or agent can simplify the process, often bypassing requirements like the 800k baht rule for long-term visas. Fees for agency services vary. Be cautious about choosing a bank if you plan to move provinces later, as it may complicate accessing or modifying your account.
23 repliesnewest first
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Wat *************
Can me help u
Aofsie **********
Go purple 💜 or green💚 bank in tourist area. they ask only passport and ID card from your country then can open
Damian ******
You can open Bank account as a Turist in Bangkok bank. You can go their website and check requirements. You literally need a, letter from embassy and after getting it it is easy.
Mike *****
An agent can take care of it all (including forgoing the 800k requirement). Fee of course so it's a matter of what it's worth to have everything done for you.
Mike *****
I saw one of the comments also referencing retirement visa.
Wayne *********
@Mike ****
no 800k required to open a bank account which is what they want to do. No mention about any visa just bank accountRyan *********
It's not at all difficult if you hire an agent. You can do it on a 30 day tourist visa. It's pretty straightforward. My landlord did it for me.
Steve *******
The only one comment I would make is that if you plan to stay long term in Thailand try to open an account in the Province where you will be staying. Otherwise its just a pain. To get anything done or changed you have to deal with the bank in the Province where the account was opened. If you use your ATM card out of Province you will incur a charge.
Chris *****
@Steve ******
Wish I knew this when I opened my account. The address has been wrong for 3 years and they refused to change it unless I go back to the original bank. Idiotic!Steve *******
@Chris ****
you'd think in this day and age you would be able to go to any brach of your bank and carry out your business. Crazy situation.Ryan *********
@Steve ******
good point
Jet *****
OP@Steve ******
yeah I read this recommendation before.But the current situation is, we still haven't decided yet which province to stay for long, perhaps bangkok or Chiang mai.
However, as the retirement visa requires to have 800k baht in the bank for more than 3months (or 2?), which means if I don't have the bank account opened this time, it must take me 2 times to travel to thailand, one time to open the bank acc, and the other time 2-3 months later to apply the retirement visa.
We are hoping to have a bank account ready in this trip so no need to travel one time specifically for that.
say, if this time I open the acc in Bangkok, and a year later we decide to live in Chiang Mai, after I get the retirement visa I can open a new bank account, perhaps in a different bank?
Neil *********
Go to Bangkok bank the Silom complex one it’s the main one.
You won’t have any problem there at all just go in through the main banking hall and go to the far left
You won’t have any problem there at all just go in through the main banking hall and go to the far left
Jet *****
OP@Neil ********
really??? I will definitely try that. 👍
Rob **********
@Jet ****
yes Bangkok bank head office on Silom road, far left hand side go up to the first floor they have a section there for foreigners.
Ali *******
I have experience with same bangkok bank branch is easy they open bank account for me on tourist visa, they give you paper and should filled and stamp it in your embassy and that's it, if you want location of this branch DM me , i don't know i'm allowed to share links here that's why DM me
Jet *****
OP@Ali ******
thank you
Riaan **********
Easy, most banks only need you to buy some or other obscure "insuramce" policy for
*****
Baht
VaiAna **********
It was easy for me . I was in Chang Mai , walked into Bangkok Bank , asked them as a tourist what do I need to open up an account . I snapped a picture of what I needed , went to Immigration with all my docs and paid 500 baht to expedite the letter and I picked it up next day . You need a TM30 & I got that from Immigration . When I checked in at the condo tel in Chang Mai , the manager gave me a copy that she submitted to the Immigration that I am staying at the hotel . I went to Immigration and sure enough I was register in their system .
Giorgio ******
@VaiAna *********
could you put it ina clear order . to make things easyVaiAna **********
@Giorgio *****
dude I’m not gonna write an instruction manual . I shared my experience and that’s that .
John **********
Better just to try a few branches. Stick to the main banks and if you have a Thai friend that's in a position to vouch for you take them along
Jet *****
OP@John *********
thank you.I am gonna give a week to 10 days, hit every branch I see on the way.
if there is no luck eventually, then I will need a backup plan, hopefully can find one that costs the least 😅
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