I read a lot of posts about people looking for to open to a bank account with the DTV visa and here's my experience.

YOU CANNOT OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH THE DTV VISA except for particular cases (you are married to a thai, you have a thai son/daughter, etc). I know it sucks but I've been using for a few months TrueMoney and I can guarantee is a great 2nd choice. I've obtained the full access to the app (it required me to send a picture of my dtv visa + a picture of the entry stamp on my passport) and this is what I can do with the app:

1) I can scan pay EVERYWHERE, including the small auntie at the local market

2) I can link the payment to most of the app (grab,bolt,lazada, shoppee etc)

3) I can create a virtual debit card to buy stuff online

4) I can link that card to google/samsung pay and pay with the NFC.

5) I can top up at the true store up to 50k baht, I believe that out of every tesco lotus there's an automatic machine to do that

6) I can obviously pay at everystore which is true money friendly (7/11)

With that said, having a bank account is great but with true money I can do 99% of the things I would have done with a bank.

PS: I got cash with me so I just exchange the cash at the local superrich and then transfer it on my account. On the app there's the possibility to link it to a credit/debit card, not sure if that works just with local ones or it'll accept a foreign card as well

TrueMoney Scan & Pay Process for DTV Holders:

1. Register using your passport and a Thai phone number.

2. Apply to use all services—including Scan to Pay—by selecting “Verify using Non-Immigrant Visa” and uploading your DTV e-visa/stamp and Thailand entry stamp.

While you still need to withdraw cash and top up your wallet at 7-Eleven each time, it's still more convenient than using cash directly.

Takes about 2 working days for it to be approved.

Hi Guys

I know that opening up a bank account on the DTV can be difficult, so I am thinking of other options. I basically just want the convenience of being able to use my phone to pay and not having to carry cash around everywhere. Would revolut or wise accounts work for this? Is there anyone that uses their revolut or wise accounts for this and what are the fees?I am trying to decide which account to get. Thanks

is Apple Pay commonly used in Chiangmai? Phuket?