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!

@Russell ******

because you can get a big house and a big piece of land for the same price as a small condo, that’s why.

For complicated situations you should probably talk to the school and an agent to get correct up to date information.

Yep

Book the domestic carrier that has partnership with your international carrier

Book all on the same ticket and you will have the same luggage rules. You will fly through BKK and do customs and immigration in Chiang Mai.

Alternatively, use an airline that goes directly to Chiang Mai INTERNATIONAL airport CNX. China Air for example flies there from Taipei.

You may be able to make a domestic transfer from the BB New York branch to your Schwab account.

I am able to do the reverse sending money from Chase to BBNY. Fee is about $30.

@Paul **********

you are incredibly fortunate to have the group’s most knowledgeable members reaching out to you.

Good luck with your adventure in Thailand!

You can hop in and out of Thailand using it as your hub for travel to the surrounding countries. I do this every visit there.

You will stamp in as visa exempt for 30 days.

Make sure you stay less than 30 days and then stamp out and go elsewhere.

At some point the immigration officer may ask when you are going home. Just show your return tickets to UK.

Have a great trip, relax and enjoy.

Asia is REALLY different from home so take your time to adjust. The people everywhere are charming and hospitable, especially if you are with a kid.

@Hoang *******

it’s not just about the airline or Thai immigration. Either one can blacklist you and you can’t fix it.

Back off and retain the opportunity to fly.

@John **********

with that attitude it’s best you stay home and out of trouble.