This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the cheapest way to transfer 800,000 Baht from the UK to Thailand using a non O visa?

Aug 5, 2025
a day ago
Mick *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be arriving in Thailand October this year on a non O visa. My question is, what is the cheapest way to transfer 800k Baht from my English bank to a Thai bank. I have a Revolut card, but have never used it. Some people say use Wise, others Swift transfer. Your thoughts please gentleman?
4,495
views
9
likes
102
all likes
43
replies
2
images
28
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the most economical methods to transfer 800,000 Baht to Thailand in relation to immigrating on a non O visa. Users recommend Wise for favorable rates while acknowledging that SWIFT transfers can be more reliable for proving the fund's international origin, which is a requirement for visa purposes. They warn about the implications of cash transfers, including customs declaration and the necessity to provide proof of the funds' origins. Several participants compare the pros and cons of various services and share personal experiences.
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.
Trevor *******
If you think the GBP will strengthen against the THB, open an FCD account.

If you bank with HSBC, they send the money free...
Paul ***********
For clarity, the visa requirement is to deposit 800k or 400k baht into a Thai bank, with proof of an international transaction. It may be worth paying a bit more for a transfer method that meets these requirements, to ensure a hassle-free visa application.
Andreas *********
There is an app and a homepage...Monito.All of these providers are listed here ( with a daily rate and costs).At the moment I'm also working with Wise, but also with Remitly and Revolut. For smaller amounts, Remitly is currently very cheap, but the comparison is about a few Bath difference.A very individual decision.
Nongnuch ********
The advantage of the better exchange rate WISE is offering, is being eaten up compared to a direct SWIFT transfer from bank to bank, when we talk about sums of 25,000 GBP and more. A SWIFT transfer costs a flat fee, however not so good an exchange rate. A WISE transfer might use a better exchange rate, but the higher the sum transferred, the higher the fees. At a certain point the direct SWIFT transfer gives you a better result as the WISE transfer
Graham ******
Can you deposit an international money order or bank cheque in USD?
Max *************
@Graham *****
Why make it so difficult? You need the 800k transferred to a Thai bank account and it must show up as international/foreign.
Tracey ********
TorFX has no fees to transfer
Max *************
@Tracey *******
But a lower exchange rate compared to Wise.
Eric ********
Bank to bank via debit card
Steve *********
Wise. But check rates.If you use bank check rates. As can low
Tobben ********
Easy,just put in the amount in the companies transfer calculator and compare ! The Bank rates go up and down all the time and you can be sure they give you the lowest rate possible. Wise guarantee the rate you see for 24 hours ! I always use Wise !
Jason ******
Been told I can bring 9k pounds, via aeroplane, so if I do that twice that's the 800k bht required, so is this possible and will they accept pounds in cash at thai bank.
Wayne ********
@Jason *****
you still have to prove that it was an international transfer and that the money came from outside of Thailand how would you do that if you carry the money in? 
Jim ********
@Wayne *******
bank statements. Withdraw receipts.
Gerg **********
For me, it’s SWIFT code wire transfer for large amounts, and Wise or Remitly for smaller amounts.
Max *************
@Gerg *********
You have obviously misunderstood exchange rates and fees.
Abey *********
Reading previous posts I thought it had to show clearly the money was International transfer, how does cash work?
Andrew ********
Personal choice and fees it cost as far as bank transfers wise is a goto but ask your bank how much the fee is to wire from there to your thai bank
Abey *********
Following.
Jim ********
Bring it in cash
Max *************
@Jim *******
Do you even live in Thailand? The 800k must be a transfer from abroad showing up as international/foreign in a bank statement and bank book.This in non-negotiable at immigration.
Jim ********
@Max ************
are you normally this rude? the 800,000 THB deposit can be made in cash, but it must be deposited into a Thai bank account in your name. No source explicitly state that the deposit must arrive via international bank transfer. They focus on the account balance and bank letter verifying the deposit—not on the method of deposit. Yes for the monthly 65K deposit it must be an international transfer.
Peter ******
@Jim *******
you cant
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Peter *****
If you carry foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000 (or equivalent), you must declare it at customs upon arrival.

*****************************************************
Pete *******
The cheapest way is cash.
Donald **********
@Pete ******
Carry-on or checked in?
Per-Arne ***********
@Pete ******
well that depends much on what currency you bring to change locally to THB
Andrew ********
@Pete ******
then you will have to declare it at customs and be ready to prove where it came from and its stupid to travel with that kind of money on you
Pete *******
@Andrew *******
not at all stupid. It is the cheapest way.
Wayne ********
@Pete ******
agree it’s the cheapest way, but how do you prove that the money you’re about to deposit came from a source outside of Thailand?
May ******
@Wayne *******
I brought cash, declared in to Oz customs, BKK Bank wanted paperwork which customs didn't give me. Apparently you can get paperwork from Australia though maybe online I'm not sure I can't remember

Also BKK would not accept a wise transfer as international
Max *************
Wise would be my answer,but if you want the transfer to show up as international without a doubt,then a swift bank to bank transfer is the best choice. For future transfers, go for Wise.
Mick *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
hi Max. Can I not state on reason for transfer as being for "Day to day expenses in Thailand" and would that not prove it is an international transfer?
Max *************
@Mick ****
No,"Funds for long term stay in Thailand" and "Property Purchase" are the only two reasons that will make transfers to show up as international. But I said show up as international "without a doubt". That's why I said use swift bank to bank transfer for the 800k.
Henry *********
I just transfer using my online banking. Straight from my UK bank to my Thai bank.
Erhardt *********
@Henry ********
You didn’t get the best rate.
Michael ********
Swift for me from my Nationwide account
Peter *********
Wise
Mick *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. You confirmed what I thought 👍
Lee ****
Wise,you need not look elsewhere.
Bob **********
You’ll get the best rate with wise
Stephen *********
I always use wise myself
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else