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What should I do about the 20k cash requirement when returning to Thailand on a DTV visa?
DTV visaThailand immigrationcash requirementvisa entryATM feestravel adviceexpat living in Thailandworkcation visa
Apr 9, 2026
21 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone,
I have been holding a workcation DTV visa for a year now and came back 4 times in that time period without any questions asked.
I'm seeing that more and more people get asked for 20k in cash. I'm currently in Vietnam because I had to leave after 6 months and will be back soon. I completely forgot to get cash before leaving and now I'm wondering if it's worth it get bleeded in Vietnam on atm withdrawal (they have a fee and you have to withdraw a lot of times as the limit seems quite low - I couldn't withdraw more than around 7k bahts per transaction) and most importantly I'll probably lose a few k on exchange rate here as they seem quite high.
Not sure what would be the best decision here. If anyone has a recent experience coming back with a DTV workcation in BKK airport that would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I have been holding a workcation DTV visa for a year now and came back 4 times in that time period without any questions asked.
I'm seeing that more and more people get asked for 20k in cash. I'm currently in Vietnam because I had to leave after 6 months and will be back soon. I completely forgot to get cash before leaving and now I'm wondering if it's worth it get bleeded in Vietnam on atm withdrawal (they have a fee and you have to withdraw a lot of times as the limit seems quite low - I couldn't withdraw more than around 7k bahts per transaction) and most importantly I'll probably lose a few k on exchange rate here as they seem quite high.
Not sure what would be the best decision here. If anyone has a recent experience coming back with a DTV workcation in BKK airport that would be appreciated.
Thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user holds a DTV visa and is returning to Thailand after a stay in Vietnam. They express concern about the potential requirement to show 20,000 THB in cash upon entry, which has been increasingly reported among travelers. The user is unsure whether to withdraw cash in Vietnam due to high transaction fees and poor exchange rates. Several comments provide insights on the cash requirement, suggesting it's less enforced for DTV visa holders but still a possibility. Recommendations include using a 'Safe Entry' service to expedite the arrival process and advice on showing bank funds instead of cash if asked.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Fred ******
What exactly is the point of them asking if you have 20k cash?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fred *****
I guess to see if you have funds to support yourself but they could do it from the phone bank app. But some rules just don't have much logic I guess lolReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Robert *******
According Immigration EACH and EVERY visitor can be asked at entry, reading on this page ONLY tourist visa holders and Destination Thailand Visa which seems to be a tourist visa, and gives you 60 days at etnry.
What ever the post is, some people keep making rules and regulations.
Thailand Immigration CAN ask these questions to every visitor:
Not every visitor is asked to show all 7 points, it all depends on the Immigration Officer, but IF you get asked you have to show.
IT saves a lot of time if you are prepared.
1. valid and genuine passport
2. IF you got a visa issued, a print out
3. Print of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card tdac.immigration.go.th
4. the Boarding pass
5. Proof of onward travel within the period you get stamped into this country
6. Proof of accommodation
7. Proof of finance, 20.000 Thb (40.000 Thb for family) or equivalent currency in CASH.
And YES, as Immigation is the first line of defence, they can ask you to come aside for a further interview about your intentions of your visit.
What ever the post is, some people keep making rules and regulations.
Thailand Immigration CAN ask these questions to every visitor:
Not every visitor is asked to show all 7 points, it all depends on the Immigration Officer, but IF you get asked you have to show.
IT saves a lot of time if you are prepared.
1. valid and genuine passport
2. IF you got a visa issued, a print out
3. Print of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card tdac.immigration.go.th
4. the Boarding pass
5. Proof of onward travel within the period you get stamped into this country
6. Proof of accommodation
7. Proof of finance, 20.000 Thb (40.000 Thb for family) or equivalent currency in CASH.
And YES, as Immigation is the first line of defence, they can ask you to come aside for a further interview about your intentions of your visit.
Nick *********
@Robert ******
‘proof of finance’ so it doesn’t have to be cash right? Do you have source of this info?Robert *******
@Nick ********
Do not make shortcuts, I did type a longer sentence7. Proof of finance, 20.000 Thb (40.000 Thb for family) or equivalent currency in CASH.
Last word of point 7, you may read it again.
Source: Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau.
Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
James ********
Suggest you use a SAFE ENTRY Service for your arrival at BKK airport
THIS company has a Special Offer of 2,000 Thai baht for DTV visa holders arriving at BKK Suvarnabhumi airport.
THIS company has a Special Offer of 2,000 Thai baht for DTV visa holders arriving at BKK Suvarnabhumi airport.
Priyom ********
@James *******
hi James do you recommend this every single time? What about also for the very first entry?James ********
@Priyom *******
if you are worried for whatever reason.....2,000 Thai baht for the Safe Entry is a good value. And with Long lines of arrivals processing thru Thai Immigration, it's nice to be quickly stamped in for 180 days.
Otherwise... you should not have a problem with your entry. Have with you a copy of the DTV visa application and documents submitted to show IF ASKED.
Enjoy your 5 years of the DTV visa 🤗
Priyom ********
@James *******
thanks not really worried, have DTV lined up also. visited plenty of times before with general USA passport free tourist entry with no questions or issues. just lately in this DTV group seeing all these issues people talk about. I'm wondering for the very first entry if it's even required.. and the 2k THB service is it per person or will cover 2 people also in same party?James ********
@Priyom *******
is per person. May I ask ? What are your ages ?Priyom ********
both under 40.
Reply to
Priyom ********
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James ********
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James ********
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/2-Safe-Entry-13.3.pdfReply to
James ********
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Anonymous ******************
Next time you could look for a bank in your home country that reimburses ATM withdrawal fees, then you don't have to worry about the fees.
Anonymous ******************
Theoretically withdrawing 25 times per year, $5 average fee per time, that's $125 in fees. For 40 years it's $5000. If a bank offers no ATM fees forever, then it's free. No extra effort. If one bank doesn't reimburse and another bank does, I don't see why not take the no fee bank.
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 861 I don't understand the worrying about fees, for sure it is better to have a beer for that money, but it is also not that much you should worry about.
Most times they will not ask for proof, but is that worth gambling for so little money?
Most times they will not ask for proof, but is that worth gambling for so little money?
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Surely it doesn't have to be in cash ? I have lived in Thailand for 26 years on various visas and only got asked once to show funds and showed some in my SCB app.
James ********
Anonymous participant 281 IF ASKED... it must be in Cash.
Nick *********
@James *******
that’s nuts.James ********
@Nick ********
Ii is a FACT.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Mercy *********
20k can be asked of anyone with a tourist visa at any time. DTV is considered a tourist visa. But nobody can say for sure whether you'll be asked. I feel most people are not. I was only asked on my first DTV entry and I showed the money in my Thai bank account that I've had for a few years.
Anonymous ******************
We're in the same situation but as a family it's 40k. Honestly better to have it than be turned around although I think the chances of being asked are low.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERParticipant anonyme 120 yeah I think I'll bite the dust. Good luck to you and your family :)
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
20k is for tourist visa, you use Dtv visa, I don’t think need 20k.
Tore *********
Anonymous participant 992 DTV is a tourist visa…..
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Andi ***********
The 20k cash is often asked for those on visa exempt, not seen posts by many DTVERS told to show the 20k. I saw an announcement post today though that immigration is going to do more 20k spot checks on airport/land arrivals. Paying for 'safe entry' where no questions are asked is an option.
Reply to
Andi ***********
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