ask
Search
Ask
Answered2 months ago

What is the best way to transfer 800,000 Baht from a US bank to Thailand while obtaining an FETC?

Sergey *************
asked Sep 6, 2026
3.2k
views
29
replies
2
likes
Hello everyone,

What is currently the most efficient way to transfer 800,000 Baht from a US bank to a Thai bank with the lowest fees and exchange rate markups?

I strictly need the FETC / Credit Advice / Foreign Exchange Transfer Certificate (formerly FECT) for immigration purposes.

If you have done this recently:

* Which method did you use?

* What were your exact numbers/losses?

I am focused on minimizing transaction losses.

FETC / Credit Advice / Foreign Exchange Transfer Certificate is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY.

⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT RECOMMEND AGENTS.

Thank you!
Answer summary
The most efficient methods discussed for transferring 800,000 Baht from a US bank to a Thai bank are through SWIFT transfers and using services like Wise. Users emphasize minimizing transaction losses while ensuring the receipt of a Foreign Exchange Transfer Certificate (FETC) for immigration purposes. SWIFT transfers are noted for reliability and appropriate documentation, whereas Wise offers competitive rates and can facilitate international transfer status if correctly set up. Some users have raised concerns about exchange rate markups and the requirements for documentation from the receiving bank.
29 repliesnewest first
17

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Bill *********
Bill *********
I've been using the SWIFT system. It's been around for years so very reliable and gets the job done quickly, perfect for meeting immigration requirements.
Tom ****************
Tom ****************
Charles Schwab
Tim **********
Tim **********
You can bring $20k with you when you arrive to get the account
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
You need to do a Swift tx to get the required documents...
Edward ********
Edward ********
For that much, the fees will probably be lower for a SWIFT transfer. Can be a bit of a pain to set up.
Steve ********
Steve ********
Like many, I have always used Wise.com. But I recently heard about TapTapSend.com, which might have better rates - have not yet used it though
MagentaGo**********
MagentaGo**********
WISE
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
OP
Shall I select Thailand or USA as a "Residence country"?
Michael *******
Michael *******
I used Remitly, but deposit amounts are limited to 50k baht per transfer…took a few to get there…I only needed to deposit 400k baht.
On ******
On ******
Wise is excellent
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
OP
Wise users:

1. Do you hold "foreign currency accounts" or "Thai account" within Wise? Wise asks this specific question during the registration process.

2. How do you obtain a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form as proof that a transaction was international and that the funds originated from abroad? Has anyone had any luck getting this form from Kasikorn Bank (K-Bank) after making a Wise transfer? This appears to be a mandatory requirement for (at least) the first 1-year visa extension.
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
Sergey Senza Nome for the sake of a $50 forex charge via Swift to do it properly and get all the required documents..

I wouldn't mess about like this...
Bob **********
Bob **********
What bank are you transferring too if it doesn’t come as a foreign transfer you just need to get a letter from the bank it hit first which is usually Kbank
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
OP
Bob D'Andrea How do I get that letter from the "bank it hit first" if I don't have an account with that bank? Thanks for the answer.
Bob **********
Bob **********
Sergey Senza Nome you walk in and show them the wise transfer they know what to do I’ve done it a couple times over the years but check with your immigration it might not be a requirement
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Sergey Senza Nome

From immigration
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
OP
Ant W Tailor Please clarify. I thought Immigration required that form from the bank, not the other way around
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Home bank

To

Wise

To

Thai Bank
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
I use Wise and select the reason as 'long term stay in Thailand ' or words to that effect and it always shows as an international transfer for me. Wise has a comparison tool, so you can check for the cheapest method (it isn't always Wise).
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
Stuart Chiverton and do you get the required Certificate with that.. The guy requires.. I think not
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
Paul Anthony McDermott not sure what you mean. If you mean does it show on my statement as an international transfer -yes. Will the bank issue the required letters for immigration - yes.
Rick ****
Rick ****
Stuart Chiverton Be sure you test it with a small amount first. Reports of it not being flagged properly even if you select this.
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
Rick Ny That's a good idea. I think it depends on the receiving bank. Mine have always been flagged as international transfers to my Bkk bank branch.
SoftPap*******
SoftPap*******
Just use normal bank to bank swift transfer. The fees are whatever sending/receiving bank charge, usually something like $20 at the sending bank, $10 at the receiving bank. Exchange rate is the TT rate advertised on the thai bank website.

Trabsfering money via wise or similar , usually won't be an international transfer, or generate the appropriate documents.
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
OP
Yes, my concern is an unpredictable exchange mark up.
SoftPap*******
SoftPap*******
Sergey Senza Nome the rates are not unpredictable, they are on the banks websites. The TT rate is better than cash rate, and not much different to wise rates, but given fixed fees, often works out better than wise etc on large amounts.
Bob **********
Bob **********
SoftPapaya9740 You’ll get beat up on the rate
Icee *****
Icee *****
Wise
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
WISE

Activity

17 joined
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
Sergey *************
17
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Is using Wise for depositing 800,000 baht into my Thai bank account acceptable?
6.6k59682mo
Which Thai bank is best for transferring money for visa purposes?
6.2k53693mo
Is it common to pay rent in Thailand directly from a Wise account to a landlord’s bank account?
17.5k1452144mo
How to get proof of International Money Transfer for Visa Extensions in Thailand?
1.4k1386mo
Can I use Wise for transferring 800,000 baht for a Thai visa?
10.6k901167mo
Why is my girlfriend being charged a fee by Bangkok Bank for receiving my wire transfer?
20.8k1433188mo
What are the fees and best methods for transferring USD to a Thai bank?
4.4k254710mo
Does transferring money via Wise to a Thai bank account satisfy the requirement of having funds from abroad for a visa?
3.1k20221y
How can I ensure my Wise transfers to Bangkok Bank are classified correctly as international transfers?
1.6k1441y
What is the cheapest way to transfer 800,000 Baht from the UK to Thailand using a non O visa?
6.5k54691y
What is the best way to transfer 800,000 baht from the UK for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
7.7k68681y
Is using Wise better than traditional banks for transferring money to Thailand?
9.2k53711y
What are the recent experiences with sending money using Wise to Thai banks?
5.3k33271y
Why has Western Union become cheaper than Wise for transferring money to Thailand?
9.7k65932y
What are the best services for transferring money internationally to fund a Thai visa and open a bank account in Chiang Mai?
6.1k54462y
Which is better for transferring money in Thailand, Revolut or Wise?
7.1k48372y
Is Wise a reliable service for transferring money from Australia to Thailand?
3.8k31312y
What is the cheapest way to exchange UK pounds to Thai Baht in Pattaya, Wise or currency booths?
8k76502y
What is the best way to transfer £20,000 to a Bangkok Bank account for retirement in Thailand?
5.1k40493y
Can I use Wise for international transfers to purchase a condo in Thailand?
1.7k1343y
Should I wire money in baht or dollars to my Thai bank for a real estate purchase?
2.7k19223y
Is Wise acceptable for transferring funds for the 65k monthly income method on a Non O visa in Thailand?
2.7k16283y
Why was my money transfer to Phuket short by nearly 1000 Thai Baht?
5.5k48474y
How do bank transfers from the US to Bangkok Bank using Wise work in terms of speed and labeling?
1.2k5154y
What is the best way to transfer a UK monthly pension to a Thai bank account?
4.2k37275y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?