In Sattahip we have the 700 Rai market. There are always literally thousands of second hand power tools available there.

@Dave ********

yes sure. HSBC says "up to 72 hours" though reality is usually about 6. Sometimes as fast as 3 hours. Once it was over 48! I learned to budget carefully. And to transfer half at a time so I can always dip into an ATM if it's really slow

@Dave ********

No Dave. Competitive. Last time a little over 45/£. I'm not fortunate to have so much money that a couple of Baht difference in exchange rate would make a big difference

Use HSBC. They have a free Global account you can operate with their current account. Foreign transfers and purchases through the Global accou t have no fees from HSBC

You have to have an address in Thailand to open an account. Proof of that address, for me back in August 2023, was a contract (booking) from the hostel I was staying in. More recently the bank I wanted to open another account in, demanded a formal letter from Immigration giving my address. And you couldn't get that unless you had the owner confirm you live there and show the ownership documents. You also need your passport and visa. Or you use an agent and pay maybe 5,000-7,000 baht for them to open a bank account for you. If I did it again this is what I would do, just to avoid the frustration factor

@Andy *****

I get your point perfectly. But I found the staff were not good at interpreting the back of a UK licence!

I'd be looking for an agency in the UK, used to dealing with UK rules, regs and paperwork

@Garrett **********

Thanks Garrett

In your shoes I'd start a conversation with that Thai Embassy as they all seem to have slightly different rules and procedures

Thanks

@Bra****

and others for your input 👍🏼