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What is the best way to transfer 800,000 baht from the US to a Thai bank for a visa?

Jun 24, 2025
3 days ago
Chet *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was just curious. The best way to transfer the 800,000 baht that is required for visa from your bank in America to a Thai bank when opening a new account. Do they have a domestic router number in Thailand? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the best methods for transferring the 800,000 baht required for a Thai visa from a US bank to a Thai bank account. Several participants share their experiences, emphasizing that using Wise for a money transfer is often more transparent and cost-effective compared to traditional wire transfers, especially regarding fees and exchange rates. It is clarified that Thailand does not use routing numbers, but rather SWIFT codes for international transfers. Participants also mention personal preferences and the importance of knowing the exact amount received after fees.
Brad **********
I use wise transfer
Rok ********
Wise TRX - “Funds for long term stay in Thailand” cited reason so the TRX shows as international Transfer when the bank statement used for Non-o extension.
Gerg **********
I used Bangkok Bank’s SWiFT code and wire transferred it from my American bank. Fast, easy, and secure.
Chet *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all for the help . I appreciate it. As I will be there at the end of September.✌️
Jeremy ********
Blockchain
Pui *****
Routing numbers are a US system for US transfers, just like IBAN is a European system. It isn't used in Thailand. For international transfers, you need the SWIFT code and the bank account number.
Anna *********
I’m sure you mean 800 K baht(8000 K won’t work) and swift transfer is easy
Thomas *******
@Anna ********
I found the swift transfer a bit more intense than just a simple Wise transfer. With Wise you know exactly where you stand as far as fees are concerned. The swift transfer from all I have ascertained might come in below what you thought you were sending after the fees from both sides and the exchange rate come clear.
Anna *********
@Thomas ******
ok I found swift clear and simple but we all have our own preferences
Thomas *******
For me in the U.S. when I inquired about the swift transfer, which I thought was a good idea at NFCU only being $25, it went on to say that the receiving bank may have charges and that the exchange rate was based on some mid-rate whatever, excuse my lack of clarity please, and it kind of left it up in the air exactly how much one would receive. I used Wise because I knew exactly what the homeowner of the house I am buying would receive. Not discounting your experience at all.
Thomas *******
I just went through today when I used Wise. It seemed that if you did a wire transfer it needed to go to Wise's JP Morgan account then to your account as a domestic transfer. I wasn't sure if that would show it as a domestic or international transfer, so I went with the transfer directly from my bank, fees sucked compared to wire transfer but I felt better about it showing as an international transfer. If you go straight from your bank, you need the swift code for whatever bank you are transferring to. My research showed that after the $25 fee from Navy Federal credit union, the possible charges from your Thai bank and a less than favorable exchange rate, Wise was the way to go. At least with Wise you know what you are getting upfront. Also, it's 800,000 baht for a visa.
Paul *******
you mean 800,000, right?
Chet *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
correct I corrected it. Thanks
Paul *******
@Chet ******
cool! I didn't want you to have a big surprise 😮
Brandon ************
Cash to open the account
Thomas *******
@Brandon ***********
yes, we all just jumped over the fact that he's talking about opening a new bank account. We were talking like he is trying to fund an existing account for a visa 😞
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