It depends on how many months you plan to stay in Thailand.

@Ester ************

I think she is not totally clear on the guidelines. I do have some financial institutions that limit services to U.S. living overseas (e.g. Fidelity). Also, I believe still you cannot file U.S. taxes online with a foreign address, but that may have changed.

@Ester ************

where does Bank of America learn that you live overseas if you maintain a U S. Address ? Also, is it illegal to be a U.S. citizen living overseas to have a U.S. bank account ?

@Chang *****

I do still fill out the FBAR report every year.

@Chang *****

yes. I file online using U.S. address. I go back once a year for 1 month to visit family.

@Galen *****

I have lived in Thailand for 18 years and used my Mom's address in Florida and never had an issue.

If you have a close family member whose address you can use, I suggest that option.

@Jeffrey ******

When leaving the U.S., there are no restrictions on the amount of U.S. currency you can carry. However, if you're transporting more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, you must report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It's also a good idea to check the regulations of the country you’re entering, as they may have their own currency limits.

Using a U.S. cashiers check in Thailand would be difficult. If you find a bank branch that would accept it, there would be a lengthy delay in receiving the funds and expensive fees involved.

As you mentioned, best options are cash or transfer, either bank to bank or using an online company like WISE, XE, Remity or others.