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What should I know about changing my phone and mobile banking in Thailand as an expat with a DTV visa?

Thai Bank Accounts DTV Visa Mobile Banking Phone Change Banking Procedures Immigration Impact on Banking

OrangeRam*********

OrangeRam*********

OP

asked May 5, 2026

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Changing new phone

I have Thai bank accounts which I opened while I was staying with ED student visa. Now I’ve changed to DTV. I am using a really old phone which I’ve been wanting to change long time ago but didn’t because of the problems I heard about people who have to go to the bank to be able to use mobile banking again with the new phone. Now my old phone is about to die and I have to change to new phone. People with similar experiences recantly, can you please share yours. Thank you. 🙏

Answer summary

When changing from an old phone to a new one while holding a DTV visa in Thailand, experiences vary depending on the bank and its policies. Some users report successfully transferring their banking apps at home without needing to visit the bank, while others faced complications that required them to go into a branch, especially concerning new photo identification or verification. It is advised to check directly with your bank regarding their current requirements and procedures before making the switch to avoid any issues.

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Dave *******

Dave *******

You need to get a free confirmation from your phone service provider to prove the number (not the phone) is registered with you.take it required with your passport to the bank and explain you are only changing the phone

1

Grant ********

Grant ********

Can't do it ! New phone have to fix old one keep the App!

0

Understandi************

Understandi************

Exact same happened to me, went into krungsri and asked them to put it on my new phone they said they can’t as I have a DTV. And I’m not even meant to have an account. They said I can continue using it but can’t switch it to the new phone

0

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

UnderstandingCherry4785 What is your workaround?

0

Understandi************

Understandi************

I just keep using my old phone and transfer from my bank to true money on my new one

0

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

UnderstandingCherry4785 Presumably you can continue to use Krungsri Bank website also?

0

I **************************

I **************************

Go to the bank with your phone, they figure it out or close your bank account because most of the dtv holders aren't allowed to keep Thai bank account.

0

Alastair ********************

Alastair ********************

I had exactly this issue last week.

New phone transferred the app across, entered correct details but was unable to finalise the login process until I had attended a bank (KBank in my case) and had a picture of my face taken (front & side view).

As soon as that was competed I was able to login to the banking app.

2

Damian ******

Damian ******

I needed to complete photo verification first before being able to change the phone. After doing that you can change it yourself.

2

MemorablePom************

MemorablePom************

It depends on the bank. I changed phone and passport after getting a DTV and had no issues at my bank (not BKK bank) to update my passport details and getting the app installed on my new phone. If you have BKK bank just forget about it.

2

Ian **********

Ian **********

MemorablePomegranate4083 I recently did the facial recognition upgrade for my BBL app in Udon Thani, with no problems. If you are outside popular tourist areas then the staff are not interested in your visa. Also, avoid main branches. I did mine in Central Mall.

0

Robert *********

Robert *********

Get a new phone but keep your current SIM card. Never ever change phone numbers here.

1

James ********

James ********

@Robert ********

wise advice ✅

0

Kyle ********

Kyle ********

Krung sri. I am on visa exemption now and got a new phone recently. I changed it over no problem. I opened my bank 7 years ago on ed visa

2

Andrew ***********

Andrew ***********

Check with your bank before hand. I am on an ED visa. Got a new phone last year and had to go to Krungthai bank as their app is tied to the actual phone! They said my account couldn't be transferred to a new phone as that from their systems perspective that would be like closing and opening a new account. At the time, their policy was that they weren't opening accounts even for ED visas. I basically had to stick with my old phone.

Things are always changing so definitely check before buying.

1

Understandi************

Understandi************

Same here

0

Paul ********

Paul ********

Replace your phone battery?

1

OrangeRam*********

OrangeRam*********

OP

Already did and now the screen is cracked and charging port is loose. Not worth spending money to fix anymore.

0

Paul ********

Paul ********

@Han **********

Then move your SIM to new phone and cross fingers. 🙂

2

Nelson ******

Nelson ******

My girlfriend changed her phone recently at PowerBuy and the salesperson kindly transferred everything across. That's all media, documents, SMS, messaging apps, and two banking apps. She didn't charge a Baht.

2

Ray *****

Ray *****

Changed mine at the branch a couple of weeks ago, also had a new passport. All fine

1

SoftCater**********

SoftCater**********

I think it depends on which Bank. Some you can do on your own and other needs you to come to a branch.

3

Robert *******

Robert *******

Bought a new phone last week, transferred the Bangkok bank app all by myself, sitting at home in a relaxed chair.

7

Klaus ********

Klaus ********

I changed my phone a couple month ago aswell. Just transfered all data and set up the app again. Was possible without going to bank.

1

Maximus ************

Maximus ************

Are you sure you need to visit a branch? I thought that was if you change your phone number.

1

Wannikea *********

Wannikea *********

A lot depends on how long you've had your account and with which bank.

4

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