Answered9 days ago
What challenges do expats face when opening bank accounts in Thailand without a driver's license?
Bank accounts
I know everyone says bank of Bangkok is not the best but was the only bank that didn’t ask for drivers license from my country.my problem was lived in Australia 35 years but only had NZ passport my NZ license expired 20 years ago and they would not accept my Aus license,tried about 5 banks same story.
Anyone else had a problem?
I know everyone says bank of Bangkok is not the best but was the only bank that didn’t ask for drivers license from my country.my problem was lived in Australia 35 years but only had NZ passport my NZ license expired 20 years ago and they would not accept my Aus license,tried about 5 banks same story.
Anyone else had a problem?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by expats in Thailand when attempting to open bank accounts without a local driver's license. Several participants share their experiences, noting that while some banks like Bangkok Bank may not always require a driver's license, others do. Commonly accepted forms of identification include passports and in some cases, additional documents such as residency certificates or letters from embassies. Experiences vary significantly depending on the specific bank branch and the teller's discretion.
19 repliesnewest first
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Geoff *********
My secondary proof of my country ID was an expired NZ license. K bank teller was very helpful and suggested my NZ birth certificate which was immediately accepted
Jeff *************
DL? It’s supposed to be your passport
Darcy *************
You do need a valid passport!!
ID from your country of origin
Residency certificate from immigration
And if you are going to Bangkok bank they want a letter from your embassy in Bangkok proving who you are!!
ID from your country of origin
Residency certificate from immigration
And if you are going to Bangkok bank they want a letter from your embassy in Bangkok proving who you are!!
Dave ********
I didn’t have a drivers licence when I opened my account
ChipperCra**********
I have never been asked for drivers licence opening 4 different accounts at different banks?! Only provide lease, passport and local mobile account. Never heard of anyone needing to provide a licence.
Jean ************
It depends on the branch you deal with. When they see foreigners who come to tell them what they have to do, they either reject them or ask them a lot of documents.
Phil ******
Mark Lawrence ok i hope im ontrack here. all banks here ask for 2 forms if id from farangs a passport and Driver's license
Of course not a tourist visa
Of course not a tourist visa
ChipperCra**********
Phil Beer not correct at all, passport only, with either lease agreement or certificate of residency, and sometime a copy of your Thai mobile phone bill. Never licence - I have opened 4 accounts at different banks as recent as a few months ago.
Paul **********
I have bkk bank for long time, didnt have a single issue opening the acc, only used passport, dont have any issues dealing with statements for visas, must be branch specific
Phil ******
Paul Franklin now they ask. Been with them 13 yeads
Tony ********
Yep, I had the exact same with Kasikorn
John **********
I've used Bangkok Bank for 10 years without a problem
Darcy *************
@John *********
ive used for 4 years and when I went to get a new bank book they told me I had to go to Canadian embassy in Bangkok to get a letter proving who I am before I could get another bank book.. what? So closed account and went to another bankJohn **********
@Darcy ************
they probably just wanted a residence certificate, which you can get from your local immigration officeDarcy *************
@John *********
yah I asked them or told them i could get and was told no you must go to Bangkok.. no way was I spending a day and taxi fair to go there to prove who I was when I had so much ID.. easy to get as I got one the next day to open new account and in the past to get licenses..Mark **********
OP@John *********
don’t know why people complain all good for meDarcy *************
Mark Lawrence because the ones that complain have had issues like me lol..not sure why but badically it felt like they didnt want me as a customer so made a request I go from Pattaya to Bangkok Canadian embassy to get a letter proving who I am after having an account for 4 years..
Sebastian ********
@John *********
same here for 11 years. Already arranged statements and letter for renewal of extension at the end of the month.Mark **********
OPSebastian Barrow yes all good here too
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