open a bank account, 2 outstanding questions

[Big Boy]

she informed me that it costs 400 baht to get an ATM/debit card.

I think you'll find that 250 Baht of that was insurance against your card being compromised, and money taken from your account. At least that is what we were told when given the option paying 150 or 400 Baht.

[Hezze]

Opened krungsri/ayudhya a month ago on tourist visa but with some paper from landlord where I am renting. Used to have SCB account opened in Phuket 10 years ago but it's extra fee at ATM from branch in another place and compared to my brother he always got a little better exchange rate at krungsri for transfer from abroad. Bring cash and you get the worst rate possible! From my experience, move your local currency (NOK for me) and let them change it here.

[T.I.G.R.]

Good deal on your banking Mr-Zedd. A far cry from what we went through six years ago; although to be fair I was setting up internet banking which was supposed to be a no-no for foreigners.......and setting up some bill payments and transfers to and from America.

Charging for ATM cards is standard here. Bangkok Bank charges us 300 baht, and I've lost three cards already.....duh. No problem, though, just walk in the bank with your 300 baht in hand and they'll be happy to give you a new one.

Have a happy stay in HH

[moose 961]

glad it was easy for you mr-zedd. just for the record it was a u s drivers license and l also have a non-o visa.
l maybe having a issue with internet banking though. make sure your home bank has your full name on the account the same as your passport. l just used my middle initial and the thai's are having a problem with it.

[Mr-Zedd]

I signed up for internet banking the other day with them. They just took me to the ATM and punched a few numbers into the machine and then I waited for a sms password to be sent to my cell phone to activate it.

Was able to logon and see my transactions the next day.

Went better than expected.

Thanks everyone.

[Scotian2012]

Banks are evaluating their stance on foreign accounts in light of FATCA & FATF implications

The foreigner deposits are reasonable but some could consider that the additional due diligence required on them does not have sufficient benefit to maintain current standards, esp regarding US persons. Depending on how consultations go, it could mean additional verifications on foreigners opening accounts in the near future...so I'd say open now!

[Vinny]

Finally made it to Thailand.Been here about 12 days now but still haven't had any success opening a bank account.All banks have said we can't have a joint account because foreigners are no longer allowed open accounts in Thailand.Tried all the banks here in Bangkok and got the same answer with all of them.Pain in the arse if ya ask me.It was mentioned earlier in the thread about changes coming into affect due to money laundering.Well it looks like the changes have come into effect

[PeteC]

Finally made it to Thailand.Been here about 12 days now but still haven't had any success opening a bank account.All banks have said we can't have a joint account because foreigners are no longer allowed open accounts in Thailand.Tried all the banks here in Bangkok and got the same answer with all of them.Pain in the arse if ya ask me.It was mentioned earlier in the thread about changes coming into affect due to money laundering.Well it looks like the changes have come into effect

That has some huge implications for those wanting to get a 1 year retirement extension based upon the 800,000 Baht bank account method. More details need to be found and posted. Perhaps banks won't for those with no visa or a tourist visa, but will for those with a non-immigrant visa? There has to be exceptions unless the Immigration Dept. is also about to come out with some major changes in the qualifications/procedures to obtain a retirement extension. Pete

[Mr-Zedd]

Wow, am sure glad I got an account opened when I did. Am surprised those changes came into effect so soon.

Does this restriction only apply to joint accounts or did you try to open an account in your name only with a passport?

Just curious if that would work.

Hope you can find some solution.

[Winkie]

Good deal on your banking Mr-Zedd. A far cry from what we went through six years ago; although to be fair I was setting up internet banking which was supposed to be a no-no for foreigners.......and setting up some bill payments and transfers to and from America.

Charging for ATM cards is standard here. Bangkok Bank charges us 300 baht, and I've lost three cards already.....duh. No problem, though, just walk in the bank with your 300 baht in hand and they'll be happy to give you a new one.

Have a happy stay in HH

Bangkok Bank charges me THB100 for a card, bought a replacement a few weeks ago, I'm a frequently lose mine too.

[Bernard]

Just heard from a friend of mine in Kanchanaburi who arrived in Thailand a couple of weeks ago. He has tried to open an account at Siam Commercial and they said no. Bangkok Bank said they would give him an account as long as he shows his passport "and a Thai driving licence!

[Vinny]

Finally made it to Thailand.Been here about 12 days now but still haven't had any success opening a bank account.All banks have said we can't have a joint account because foreigners are no longer allowed open accounts in Thailand.Tried all the banks here in Bangkok and got the same answer with all of them.Pain in the arse if ya ask me.It was mentioned earlier in the thread about changes coming into affect due to money laundering.Well it looks like the changes have come into effect

That has some huge implications for those wanting to get a 1 year retirement extension based upon the 800,000 Baht bank account method. More details need to be found and posted. Perhaps banks won't for those with no visa or a tourist visa, but will for those with a non-immigrant visa? There has to be exceptions unless the Immigration Dept. is also about to come out with some major changes in the qualifications/procedures to obtain a retirement extension. Pete

All banks said the same thing.They never even asked for a visa or passport or anything.It was a clear "no way" to a foreigner opening up an account.Kinda frustrating

[Homer]

Maybe the clerks stopped thinking after you said 'joint account'.

[T.I.G.R.]

Jeez Winkie, that's my bank too......maybe my wife's charging me a processing fee!

In regards to opening accounts for foreigners is this for all foreigners or just Americans?

If you have a Thai spouse you're in the clear....you can open accounts in her name and then have them add your name to the account.....quite a lot of paper pushing but it does get the job done, or used to anyway.

[ItsmeSusan]

I pened an account at Karsikorn Bank yesterday, all they wanted was my passport, telephon number and adress.