Bank for foreigners

[Trvlr 50]

I believe most Thai banks do not allow foreign nationals to open an account unless they have a work permit, or other valid reason to be there.

But a few years back there was one bank that was willing to open accounts for visitors. I have forgotten the name, and dont even know if it still does so.

Does anyone know? And its location in Pattaya?

Also, is it possible to open US dollar accounts in Thailand?

Thanks.

[cybers1b 8]

I believe most Thai banks do not allow foreign nationals to open an account unless they have a work permit, or other valid reason to be there.

But a few years back there was one bank that was willing to open accounts for visitors. I have forgotten the name, and dont even know if it still does so.

Does anyone know? And its location in Pattaya?

Also, is it possible to open US dollar accounts in Thailand?

Thanks.

That is not true.

 

All Banks let you open an account with a Non Immigrant Visa, most will let you open an account with a Tourist Visa and some still don't even care when you only have a 30 day stamp.

 

Banks that are currently a good choice IMO are Bank of Ayudhya or Bangkok Bank. Kiatnakin Securities just became a certified full Bank on October 3rd and they are excellent but it will take them some time to establish more branches. They plan on 100 within 2 years, let's see.

 

cheers

cyber

[cowboy 0]

hsbc bank has branches in LOS and now USA as well. They have online banking and I want to know if accounts can be set up in US and then have direct deposits into thai baht. anyone know???

[cybers1b 8]

hsbc bank has branches in LOS and now USA as well. They have online banking and I want to know if accounts can be set up in US and then have direct deposits into thai baht. anyone know???

I am no Banking Business professional, but I think that an account can only be ion one currency? So if you set up an USD Account, the balance will be in USD but you probably could deposit in THB. Maybe somebody from this sort of Business can help? In Thailand, HSBC has one Branch in Bangkok as far as I know.

 

cheers

cyber

[Eneukman 1]

I was able to open my account with Bangkok Bank with just a 30 day stamp in my passport.

 

As for bank accounts, I am pretty certain that they can only be held in one currency. However, many banks will allow you to hold accounts in foreign currencies, though these will be held at the office handling that bank's international division. It should be possible to transfer funds between the two accounts but beware of exchange rates, commission (for both sides of the transaction?) and other charges.

 

Alan

[stevemcm 1]

It can be done even on a 30 day visa on arrival it's easier if you follow the slightly complicated procedure.

 

1 Get an "Application Form For Residence Certificate in Thailand" from immigration.

2 Fill it in and get it countersigned by Thai national who knows you and your address for example Condo/Hotel Manager.

3 Take form back to Immigration they will stamp it and give you a Certificate.

4 Take this and your passport to the bank and open an account.

 

This worked fine at the Thai Farmers bank on Pattaya Tai in this case minimum deposit was B500 and B300 was charged for an ATM card. It is advisable to get an ATM card when opening the account, apparently it is much more difficult to do later.

 

stevoh.

Edited October 18, 2005 by stevemcm

[bob2005 0]

most Thai banks do not allow foreign nationals to open an account unless they have a work permit

 

This was true at Bangkok Bank between Suk sois 4 and 6 in bkk, but I opened one at Siam Commercial at soi 45 with just a passport while living in a hotel, and in Pattaya at SC by Tops when I had a condo lease.

[urmy48 4]

I tried to open an account but the bank wouldn,t let me because I didn,t have an address in LOS. I was only staying for 4 weeks but wanted to open an account to save up in.

Any one have any ideas ?

[Soi7 1]

I tried to open an account but the bank wouldn,t let me because I didn,t have an address in LOS. I was only staying for 4 weeks but wanted to open an account to save up in.

 

Any address will do with Bangkok Bank as on My accounts they do not send any statements so no big deal go to main Branch on 2nd road almost across from Soi 6 no problem with a 30 day entry stamp.

[Gabor 296]

I have an account at the Ayuddhaya bank. It was about 10 minutes to open it, ATM card free of charge, withdrawal from Ayuddhaya ATMs are free of charge, internet banking ( including SMS alerts ) free of charge. They offered me a VISA card too, but I don't needed it.