What we don’t know is when you would start coming to Thailand or how much experience you have here.

Start simple.

Come for 30 days visa exempt and visit a few different locations.

Extend for 30 days if you like.

Go home for a while.

Then come back on a 60 day visa and extend another 30 days.

This will give you a better understanding how you like Thailand.

Try visiting in different seasons also…winter, hot and wet seasons are not the same.

If you really like living here, then establish a bank account, make some Thai friends, talk to expats and begin to make plans.

Good luck!

Where did you invent that idea?

I transferred much more than that twice for property purchase this year.

No problem.

0

Cash in your wallet about $1000 Oz.

Onward ticket.

Hotel reservation for at least one night.

Then the IO doesn’t have an excuse to send you back.

Although as a first time traveler the likelihood of problems is almost nil.

Have a nice time in Thailand.

Thank you for the positive report!

@Linz ***********

I hope your plans go well

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!

You are making an investment in your ability to live in Thailand.

Also you have a source of emergency cash.

No you will not earn interest in the conventional sense.

Enjoy your time in lovely and inexpensive Thailand…..

@Milan ******************

this is very common sense approach if they don’t need to be there more than two weeks….

Where are you flying to?

If it is close by and inexpensive just book another flight the correct day.

Or postpone the flight and fly out to a different country close by and the return to Thailand.