@Ian *********

depends on your bank, in the case of Starling you get their rate on that day, its usually a fraction below the exchange rate (maybe 44.6 instead of 45 Baht, something like that). I would not use a bank card like Barclays or HSBC for this purpose or you would get a terrible exchange rate.

@David ******

I think a few will do it, definitely Krungsri.

@Baz ********

I just go into the Krungsri bank with my Starling debit card and ask to withdraw xx amount of baht.

You get Starling's exchange rate of the day.

It's the same as using the ATM, but without the fee and you can withdraw more cash too.

I don't think there are any pros to opening an account at this stage and you would pay annual fees.

Someone will correct me if there are some pros.

If you withdraw cash inside the bank with your bank card and passport you do not pay any ATM fees.

I would recommend getting another account/card in case you have any difficulties. Starling and Monza offer free overseas use. I use Starling and it's excellent.

@Rithy ******

this is the Wise app. It gives you the option to compare rates. It does not always show Wise as the best option. For example today it would be better for me to use Western Union to transfer British Pounds.

@Jo *********

apologies I replied to wrong person.

@John ********

am I missing something here. I came from England 3 years ago with a Huawei phone that had 2 sim card slots. I used my English pay as I use sim card and bought a Thai sim card when I arrived. I use the Thai sim card as the Primary, but text messages from banks etc still arrive. I bought a new cheap Samsung about a year ago that has 2 sim card slots and that works exactly the same. Is the USA different?

If you have access to a Monza or Starling type account (no fees,abroad) get one or both before you travel.

You can use the card to pay for things here in Thailand and also they are free to withdraw cash. Simply go into a bank and present your card and passport. There is no fee and you get nearly the daily exchange rate. You can also use the ATM but there's an additional 220 baht fee. Enjoy!

Opening an account without a visa used to be possible, but i believe the rules have changed and it seems to be very difficult now and you will be lucky to find a bank to open without.

I think with any long term visa it should be possible.

If you are struggling it might be worth paying an agent to assist in opening the account.