ask
Search
Ask
Answered8 years ago

Will immigration ask for proof of funds when arriving in Thailand with insufficient cash?

Tyson ********
asked Mar 20, 2019
2.8k
views
22
replies
5
likes
Regarding: 40,000 baht on hand when arriving for family

Context: We were in Thailand for about 6 months, did two tourist visas with extensions. We left this month to Indonesia but are planning to come back next month to meet my in laws in Phuket. We will be flying through DM.

Dilemma: It's tough getting cash out here in Bali as the ATM limits are quite low($150 daily limit) compared to what my American Bank limits are allotting me($1000Daily). This is making it difficult for us to have the $1200 USD(40k baht) on hand when we arrive in a couple weeks, even though there's plenty in the bank.

Question: Do you think they'll ask us for proof of funds when we arrive considering our previous travels to Thailand and having a month-long interim in another country? If I can avoid having to try taking out cash every single day while incurring ATM fees, that'd be great.

Disclaimer: I do understand that there's no real way of knowing, as immigration can ask at any time regardless of your previous travel or circumstance. I am aware of the risk involved by not having the funds, but I was looking for some vindication or peace of mind(although I know this page doesn't really give that too much lol) from others who might have had success with similar travel as ours.

Cheers
Answer summary
The user is concerned about having the required 40,000 baht in cash upon arrival in Thailand, given they are currently in Indonesia and face low ATM withdrawal limits. They seek reassurance on whether immigration will ask for proof of funds despite their previous travels and current situation. Several comments suggest options for obtaining cash, potential requirements for proof of funds, and sharing travel details with in-laws to ease the entry process.
22 repliesnewest first
5

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Robert *******
Robert *******
All the options are mentioned. Good luck.
James ********
James ********
******************************
James ********
James ********
Citibank is in Bali

*******************************************************
Paul *********
Paul *********
Can you not go into a bank or exchange and take a larger amount of cash out with a credit card?
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
Tried it at the banks here, no good. I will be in a more commercialized area of Bali next week, so I might try a different bank in that area.
David ************
David ************
Synopsis: I think you’ve answered your own question...
David ************
David ************
@Tyson *******
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Good luck
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
Yeah, rhetorical but also a heat check since it's been a while since I've been versed on Thai immigration laws/updates
James ********
James ********
Do you new tourist visa to enter or as American citizens using exempt on arrival this time? Do you have proof of departure tickets leaving Thailand ?
James ********
James ********
@Robert ******
yes...he needs the 40,000 Thai baht CASH to show. They both are flying into Don Mueang...best to be prepared if questioned.
Robert *******
Robert *******
@James *******
Sounds like a nice story, but where is the cash as asked to show?
James ********
James ********
@Tyson *******
get a copy of their passport main page. If asked by Thai Immigration you have proof of funds, booking, flights out and that you are meeting up with in-laws in Phuket for holidays together before you all return to USA together.
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
@James *******
yes definitely
James ********
James ********
@Tyson *******
and do you have proof of booked tickets departing Thailand?
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
This time we are doing a Visa Exempt
Robert *******
Robert *******
You know the answer and you even give the answer. We can not advice on this. It is the decision of the Immigration Officer to whom you hand over your passport. More than 30 million people arrive in Thailand on a yearly basis, not all get asked. But as you say it could happen.
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
For sure, totally understand. Just wondering if anyone had any similar experiences they'd share, although in the end it doesn't really matter as it's up to the officer.
James ********
James ********
You speak of in-laws...are they Thai or ??
James ********
James ********
@Tyson *******
then it might be helpful you have with you your in-laws tickets along with yours to show you are all leaving Thailand together. Their names and address of where you will be staying with them in Phuket also helpful.
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
@James *******
Tourism. They will be in Thailand for a week before we even get there, then we will meet in Phuket and then all leave together. We all have flights out already.
James ********
James ********
@Tyson *******
so the inlaws are now in Thailand...as tourists or retirement?
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
OP
No, they are American

Activity

5 joined
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
Tyson ********
5
people
Thai Visa Advice
Thai Visa Advice
...members40% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What should I do if I may have been flagged by Thai immigration and need a new visa?
1.1k9112mo
What are the rules and options for visa extensions in Thailand due to disrupted air travel?
1.4k10177mo
What are the requirements and options for a non-O visa and METV application for a foreigner married to a Thai resident?
5.7k553710mo
How will frequent short stays in Thailand as a flight attendant affect my immigration status?
2.8k21281y
What should I know about completing a border run from Chiang Mai to Laos?
2.1k8191y
Do immigration officers in Thailand ask for proof of 500k baht when doing a border run?
1.6k12131y
What are the entry requirements for Thailand with a METV, including proof of funds and onward travel?
1.3k3102y
What recent experiences have expats had while re-entering Thailand with a DTV visa, particularly regarding proof of funds?
3.7k19632y
Will I need to show my departure flight ticket when entering Thailand?
12.6k91532y
What experiences do expats have regarding border questioning after long stays in Thailand?
1k532y
Why was I pulled aside by immigration when re-entering Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption after frequent visits?
3.8k22372y
Can you use a 401(k) as proof of funds for immigration purposes in Thailand?
1.3k832y
What is the current process for obtaining a 6-month Multiple Entry Visa for Thailand?
2.6k16282y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand while getting married?
1.3k1083y
What are the current cash requirements for obtaining a tourist visa at Thai consulates?
16k1311864y
What should expats on COVID visa extensions do when their stamp runs out?
14.6k174304y
Can I open a bank account in Chiang Mai with just a tourist visa?
1.1k5104y
What is the difference between a border bounce and a visa run in Thailand?
11.3k412585y
What is the process to obtain a proof of income letter from a Thai bank for immigration purposes?
1.9k8286y
What challenges did a US passport holder face when applying for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane?
3.9k10917y
What are the best and cheapest countries to fly to for a border run from Thailand for South African passport holders?
1.2k948y
What should I know about applying for a Thai visa at the Hong Kong consulate?
3.7k29348y
What documents are needed to apply for a tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet, Laos?
1.6k12118y
What do I need to prepare for applying for a SETV at the Thai consulate in Hanoi?
1.4k1268y
What are the current requirements for a SETV in Vientiane, and do they require proof of funds and onward ticket?
865549y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?