This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the steps for expats in Thailand to set up a bank account and SIM card after getting a Non-O visa?
Non-O VisaThailand immigrationThai bank accountsThai SIM cardsDriving license in ThailandVisa servicesExpats in Thailand
Aug 1, 2025
9 months ago
Patrizio ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROne Step Closer To Our Thai Dream. Non O Visa has been accepted..Time for the next step!!!! Bank account and sim to our name. Suggestions?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the next steps after receiving a Non-O visa in Thailand, including setting up a bank account and acquiring a Thai SIM card. Responses provide suggestions for good banks like Kasikorn, as well as advice against purchasing SIM cards at the airport. Additional comments touch on obtaining a Thai driving license, with differing views on the necessity of an international driving permit and whether a foreign license can be converted without taking a driving test.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Stephen ********
Anna’s visa in Hua Hin, one stop shop, do everything for you, Thai sim, bank account, retirement visa and multiple entry stamp in your passport
Juan **************
Andrew ********
Get a thai license for car or motorbike as soon as you can
Adam *********
@Andrew *******
possible converting origin country license for thai ?Marty *********
@Adam ********
I got my Thai drivers license and motorbike license in Bang Chak, Bangkok using my California license. No written test. No driving test. No international driving permit. At the time I just walked in. Now you need to make an appointment.Mike ******
@Marty ********
yes, i think IDP is not really required if your existing licence is on the long list of recognised countries. But to drive before you get your Thai licence you are supposed to have an IDP these days, I thought. Got my IDP online and it took 5 minutes. And yes the local Transport Office did look at it.Reply to
Mike ******
Reply
Andrew ********
@Adam ********
yes you can convert but its alot quicker to just take the test in thailand. Also the IDP is only accepted in thailand for first 90 days. For now you can use IDP to show proof to get a 2 yr temp license, there is plans to change that and require taking testPatrizio ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Adam ********
not possible. One has to have a driving testMike ******
@Patrizio *******
no need for a driving test if you hold an eligible foreign licence to convert and get an international driving permit, which is easy.You need yellow book or do your first 90 day report so you can get a residence certificste. Then buy your medical certificate at a local clinic for 50 Baht.
Turn up early at your local Transport Department office, do the vision test, the reaction test, watch a 1 hour video snd leave with your Thai driving licence in hand. Simple to do if you follow the steps.
Reply to
Mike ******
Reply
Max *************
Do not listen to people telling you to buy sim-cards at the airport.Thats not a smart move if you're about to stay in Thailand long term.
Henrik *****
Yes, never buy anything but tax-free in airports, it will be more expensive in airports, and you have no options to compare prices and quality.
Marc ********
@Max ************
dude it's just a normal sim card you're getting at airport🤦♂️Reply to
Marc ********
Reply
Nigel *******
I have just done this got an ais e sim, and an account with Kasikorn. Not sure if you can get e sims at the airport.
Patrizio ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nigel ******
exactly you get it!Reply to
Patrizio ********
Reply
Jason ******
Kasikorn bank 🏦 and sim at the airport on arrival
Jason ******
I have an ais app with my sim I can top up on there with the same number I think
Max *************
@Jason *****
You never buy sim-cards at the airport for a long term stay in Thailand. Thats what rookies do.Marc ********
@Max ************
The sim cards at airport are like any other sim card you buy in shops. The dataplan might is less expensive in shops but that's about it. You can top up the sim cards from airport same as any other and get a different dataplan🤦♂️Jason ******
@Max ************
what’s a good sim and price I got a 30 day one from the airport to get my visa and bank sorted which one are you all usingLuc *********
@Jason *****
just go to ais or true. Unlimited data for 1200 baht a monthJason ******
@Luc ********
cheers I’ll look into itLuc *********
@Jason *****
if you stay in bangkok go to the top floor of terminal 21 next to the cinema. You have AIS and True move next to each other👍Jason ******
Actually mine is ais unlimited I just checked
Reply to
Jason ******
Reply
Patrizio ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
exactlyReply to
Patrizio ********
Reply
Patrizio ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jason *****
we need sim to our name not just a simcardRicardo ********
@Patrizio *******
getting a sim involves more than just purchasing it, they will take a photo of you and your documents to activate it, it's a process.Jason ******
@Patrizio *******
I got one for 30 days 1000 baht and that was fine to open up the bank with and it’s under your name then you can continuously top up and keep Your thai number or organise a different sim afterJason ******
I got my bank account and retirement visa sorted very easily with Kasikorn bank and my sim it was a simple process I got mine sorted only 2 weeks ago that just my experience anyway others will obviously have there own ways
Reply to
Jason ******
Reply
Gordon ************
@Jason *****
He can close the comments now 👍👍👍✌️Patrizio ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gordon ***********
you must be the funny guy right?Gordon ************
@Patrizio *******
You got the answer 👍👍👍Reply to
Gordon ************
Reply
Jason ******
@Gordon ***********
yes I’ve done all the hard work 😓Gordon ************
@Jason *****
Without even a thank you 👍👍👍Reply to
Gordon ************
Reply
27 comments
9 months ago
6 comments
9 months ago
26 comments
9 months ago
22 comments
9 months ago
81 comments
10 months ago
11 comments
10 months ago
41 comments
10 months ago
43 comments
10 months ago
96 comments
10 months ago
38 comments
a year ago
21 comments
a year ago
31 comments
a year ago
12 comments
a year ago
22 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
146 comments
a year ago
22 comments
2 years ago
135 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
4 years ago
29 comments
4 years ago
9 comments
7 years ago
39 comments
7 years ago
4 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.