Getting a bank account

Don’t expect to get something for nothing. Each office is an independent business. Each office makes their own criteria.

You certainly will pay a fee for transferring USD from USA to Thailand. The amount depends on the bank and the transfer service.

Banking is an essential service if you plan to spend time here. It’s not FREE.

I prepared ahead of time by getting a bank account set up 6 months ago.

I treated this as an important business transaction, not just a casual activity.

My Thai friend made an appointment for me at the Bangkok Bank branch across from Astra in CM. He also translated for me.

I am a middle aged physician and dressed as such. Yes I did do the whole business card ceremony.

I told the banker that I plan to retire soon and buy a condominium at Astra.

I was asked to purchase a life insurance policy for about $100. Presumably the banker gets a commission. Whatever, it’s the price of doing business at the bank.

They wanted to copy my passport and see my credit card from Wells Fargo. I think I showed them how much was in my account also to make the point that I’m a serious customer.

I also showed them $500 in perfect $100 bills that was to be the initial deposit.

Nothing else was required.

Act like a serious customer and you will be treated as such.

Present yourself properly and you should be fine.

If not, thank them for their time and visit another office.

Best wishes on your adventure to Thailand!

Thank you for the very detailed update.

Wouldn’t it be much faster and more convenient to fly there?

Assuming your country gets 30 days visa exemption, then yes you have a good plan.

Airline and immigration may or may not want to see your ticket home and may or may not accept one that far out.

Decide where you will do your mini vacation and use that ticket….

Have a great time in Thailand?

These questions are asked daily. Why not do some homework and read the posts yourself? Then you can drill down on the specifics you need.

I check it right behind their work stations. It’s much easier to go back to the agent immediately.

Great plan. Do your research. Read the other postings. This is discussed daily on the forums. Go visit Thailand and the schools you are interested in. You probably should make several visits because Thailand is way way different than in the USA.

After all of that, then the school can advise you how to obtain your visa.

You do know that you will have to go to classes regularly?

@Jeffrey ********

my typo yes 220

Go to the yellow bank to get 30,000 baht from the atm. All charge 200 baht fee

Talk to an attorney to get correct information…..

Yes . No worries. Narcotics should be in a package with your name on it.