My wife and I plan to retire in Thailand early next year. I am now sorting out all the details.

What is a good way to actually transfer funds to a bank for meeting the deposit requirements? I assume my current bank would do that, but I think there are pretty steep fees involved. Is that what most people do or is there a better way? I am in the US BTW.

This question is for Americans with a Schwab account. I have downloaded Wise and connected it to my account. Now I did a direct transfer last year when I paid for my Elite Visa and there were no issues at all. My question is what benefits, if any, are there to using Wise instead of just doing a direct transfer from Schwab? Shoule I use Wise when I move in July or skip the middle man? Thanks for your answers!

This falls under the 'everything else' category. Has anyone used their Thai bank card (Bangkok bank) to make withdrawals overseas (particularly UK). What are the fees like? Can't find the info online and don't really want to call them from overseas 😅 thanks!

I am looking at coming to Thailand with a 90 non immigrant o visa based on being over 50. I would then like to get a yearly extension of stay. The question is about funds in a Thai bank account. I already have an account with Bangkok Bank. As I understand it I could have an account with them in my own currency (UK Pounds). Would this be suitable for the yearly extension as long as it the correct amount, or has it got to be in Thai Baht.

Thanks for the advise on my last question. We've got another. I've seen lots on here with people recommending Wise for the transfer of money into a Thai bank account. I've also looked at just doing a wire from my bank account. I may be missing something but it seems cheaper doing it that way. Here's my calculations:

Wise - first I assume wise takes the money from my bank by ACH so there is no cost there. Moving $25000 usd Wise will cost about $150. My Thai bank will charge 250 baht to accept the wire.

Wire from my bank - it costs $15 for the wire, my Thai bank converts it at the bank standard rate which is fairly consistent. Today's rate for such a transfer was only about 1000 baht difference, about $30. So the cost is about $45, and the Thai bank will again charge the 250 baht wire fee.

Please tell me if I am missing something. Thanks.