Money transfers from Australia

[maccastime]

Good morning all. I am heading to Thailand in 2 weeks to retire. I am on the aged pension here,I was going to open a bank account on arrival with my O visa etc. I had intended using a transfer company, however when I spoke with Centrelink here they advise they can transfer my pension direct into my bank in Thailand, would it be transferred as Aus $ ? They said no charge for the transfer? Any suggestions greatly appreciated

[Nereus]

Good morning all. I am heading to Thailand in 2 weeks to retire. I am on the aged pension here,I was going to open a bank account on arrival with my O visa etc. I had intended using a transfer company, however when I spoke with Centrelink here they advise they can transfer my pension direct into my bank in Thailand, would it be transferred as Aus $ ? They said no charge for the transfer? Any suggestions greatly appreciated

You will get a better exchange rate if sent in Australian dollars, no problem doing it that way. The only problem that you may run into will be with the Thai immigration rules regarding proving your income.

[Big Boy]

My wife's UK pension gets transferred direct to her Thai bank account as ฿. The transfer works fine, but she doesn't get a very favourable exchange rate. So simple, but can be a little costly.

If it works in Australia, Wise is probably worth a look. Many UK banks don't charge a fee, but their exchange rate is often very poor.

[maccastime]

Many thanks Nereus and Big Boy yes proving to immigration that it is my pension may be a problem never thought of that.I have looked at wise and Osforex as well thanks lads