@Jack ********

I make two large wire transfers a year. Once you cross the 15-20K USD threshold, Schwab's set $15 transfer fee, no matter the amount being transferred, is cheaper than Wise. Smaller transactions I would go with Wise vs ATM, whereas the savings might be small each time, they would add up over the years.

@Jack ********

Not necessarily true. I make two large wire transfers a year from my US bank to Bangkok Bank. Once you break the 15-20K USD transfer amount the set transfer fee of $15 (no matter how large the amount) makes it cheaper than using Wise. There was an analysis done on this a couple years ago in some financial article I read. If you want to transfer smaller amounts, Wise is a better option.

@Darin *********

No, and I suspect it may not be as easy but have never inquired. Probably the only time I would inquire is if I decided to depart Thailand permanently and move whatever my account balance was and shut it down (but I have no plans for doing that).

@Jeff ********

Agree. So much spyware out there from seemingly innocous websites, news stories, picture links, etc. Easy to get infected at some point without very good protection.

I do wire transfers routinely between Schwab bank account and Bangkok Bank. Fee is $15, more you send the better the savings. I usually move money twice a year (or if dollar doing particularly well).

@Joanne ********

Do a search on Thai health insurance for expats. Many companies will pop up, both Thai and foreign companies. Cost depends on your health, and coverage desired. I'm ok healthwise and have a mid-range policy, and with discounts (no claims in 3 years) pay about 2500USD/year. You can get many perscription medicines at pharmacies here, without a perscription as well,

Maybe on the US West coast, but no one on the East coast uses the term Typhoon. Hurricanes occur regularly on the US East Coast.

@Paul ******

A couple were real businesses, 50% cost of a new pharmacy location (expanding her business), a backhoe business (paid part of the lease for new equipment), and a venture in the US, but sure, some were to get out of a bad loan deal and a family member who got in trouble. Got most back and helped some folks, so all good.

I've "invested/loaned" money many times over the years in Thailand to Thais for life issues or a business venture. From 5k to 150K, knowing there was a chance I would get nothing back. Fortunately, I have gotten about 85% back, being selective on who I loaned it to. If I wanted a 100% guarantee I would get it back, or earn some equivalent benefit, I would have had contracts/liens/assets of theirs on the line, or not loaned money at all. Without all that in place, anything else is a gift even if the expectation is it will be paid back, maybe even a profit made. At this point try to see if you can recover anything (50% would be a win) with the least effort as possible would be my advice.

Bring your two favorites, or that go with anything. I brought a suit, a white dress shirt, and a tie, "just in case". You can get all here though. Not worn in 5 years.