Stuart **********
This is a summary of
Stuart **********
's contributions to the platform. They have posed 6 questions and added 510 comments.

QUESTIONS

COMMENTS

Stuart ***********
@Steve *********
thanks Steve, but I have never used an agent.

I was replying to the person that posted. It seems that opening a bank account on a tourist visa is virtually impossible now without using an agent. It took a lot of persistence a couple of years ago when I did it, but it's even more challenging now.

I do agree with you that people seem to use agents for things that are very simple though.
Stuart ***********
@Mark *******
okay, what's your visa status?

What did they ask for?

Nothing or maybe your passport?
Stuart ***********
@Mark *******
things were different 5 years ago. You have a long term visa now and lots of evidence to ensure a bank will open another account.

I opened an account 2 years ago without using an agent and have subsequently opened extra accounts recently too.
Stuart ***********
With both the situations you described, I presume you pay the agent on the day (certainly opening a bank account), so asking online for recommendations seems the obvious method as there's little risk. I did it on my own, but that's what I would do now. If they asked for money in advance I would walk away.
Stuart ***********
CDs and DVDs 🤔.

Do people still own such things, i got rid of mine 20 years ago.

Do yourself a favour ang go digital, surely you will have enough things to transport without these antiques.
Stuart ***********
@Gary ******
i think that is a good method, I do something similar with a Starling bank card and use it to pay for things anywhere that will accept a card. I am retired here, so I need a Thai bank account to deposit money (for the visa) and use that for cash.
Stuart ***********
@Michael *******
not sure, I tend to transfer larger sums less frequently, but someone on here will tell you.

I'm not saying it's a cheaper option than your method, simply that it works.
Stuart ***********
@Michael *******
you were told incorrectly. There's a lot of wrong information given by people. I used Wise for my bank transfers to Bkk bank and my non o retirement visa and subsequent yearly extensions were approved with no problems.