Which Thai banks are keen to open a bank account and issue a card to a visa-exempt tourist? 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion reveals that opening a bank account as a visa-exempt tourist in Thailand can be challenging due to various banks' policies. While it's technically legal for foreigners to open bank accounts without a long-term visa, actual experiences vary significantly by bank and branch. Many users suggest trying branches in tourist areas or those accustomed to international customers, such as near embassies or international schools. Specific banks like Bangkok Bank and Krungsri reportedly have been more accommodating. Requirements often include a passport, proof of residence, and may even involve fees for card issuance. Virtual debit cards can also be an option without needing a bank account.
Mickey ***********
I got one at krungsri but had a Thai friend help me to open in my name by giving 5000 baht to the manager
Patrik ********
No personal experience but you can get a local MasterCard Debit without opening a bank account from
no to open a bank account. The ATM card just came with the account if you want one
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Russell *******
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Neil *******
Bangkok bank worked for me, cost 200b for the card, they needed me to show visa printed out (i had TR60), TM30 and certificate of residence, and of course passport
Andrew **********
Here’s a follow-up question, does any Thai bank offer Visa or Mastercard pre-paid credit cards. For security reasons, I don’t want to use my debit or credit cards for online shopping.
Bangkok Bank has exactly that product and you can deposit the amount you want to have accessible on the Credit Cards which comes automatically in both Master and Visa... Hope this helps
You could try bank transfers or QR. Most have this option or if your worried about your card just have the card locked all the time unless you use it. Unlock, use and lock it back up.
Some will offer you a visa/MC credit card with a spending limit determined by a deposit in a savings account that can’t be touched. Usually you’ll find it around 2:1. For example if you deposit 200k your spend limit on the card would be 100k.
When I was stranded overseas during the pandemic, I kept my Thai SIM card active. I don’t believe you can connect to your bank app without an active Thai SIM card.
Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.
There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.
If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.
Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.
Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.
Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.
Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.
Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.
Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.
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Stuart *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.