socrates28

Trying to open one as a "non-resident" is nigh on impossible,

Not so. Several onshore UK banks will accept non-resident customers, and of course all the offshore branches will. UK offshore banks are usually part of the BACS system and so allow for sending/receiving money via BACS etc. so there is little practical difference in that respect.

Would you like to give me evidence of ANY bank that will open an account for a non-resident living in Thailand.

Please supply the exact procedures required to successfully accomplish this task from my home in Thailand.

I agree about the BACS system etc for offshore banks, I will need to research their procedures.

Barclays will. I applied for a GBP Intl account with them online and was allocated an account in their Knightsbridge branch three months ago. They needed a notarised passport copy, recent statement from an active bank account and confirmation of address in Thailand. My Bangkok Bank statement has my address in English and that was good enough for them. Debit card and PIN where sent to me by ordinary post with no problems.

My account was opened without any funds being deposited although I did have to tell them that I was expecting funds in the UK and wanted the account to be opened to receive those funds.

Which I can confirm is the case as I know several people in Cyprus (British Citizens) who opened similar accounts after the banks in Cyprus closed - in order to receive their pensions

If you think £85k is a large deposit you are truly deluded

Really? This figure represents about 40% of the net worth of the average UK family (including property, savings, pension pots etc), so that would seem to make it quite large. It is also the largest amount that can be expected to be covered by the UK deposit protection scheme and not be subject to a haircut in the event of a bank collapse a la Cyprus. So there again that would seem to make it quite large. Either way I think that it is a sufficiently large figure as to make bank staff pay a bit of extra attention.

When making my deposits I thought it prudent not to exceed the 85K deposit protection limit for any one institution. As it happens the number of banks I found offering decent rates and accepting non-resident customers was equal to the number of deposits that I wanted to make, so that all worked out well.

Sorry but you are not coming across as having any credibility whatsoever

Bank staff do not sit up and pay attention when someone wants to deposit £85k - they have rules and regulations and are governed by these - someone walks in with a few hundred thousand they may refer it to a manager

You mentioned four banks - and so far have named Punjabi Bank - which according to their website and another BM they will only open in the UK if you are resident

Then you come up with BLME but you do not fancy them and 2 others of the same type that you did not fancy - then HSBC who the OP has already said are CLOSING his account

So I am asking you a simple question - and it has been asked on a few occasions now - its not like there are secret banks in the UK

Who are the other 2 or 3 banks that open Current Accounts for non-residents?

the bank of punjab to open a uk.account you must have a uk address,and they want proof,eg.council tax payments,gas or electric bill in your name.also a reference from a uk.bank.i know i gave up trying ...

I opened one a year or so back without any difficulty or UK bills or references. Maybe the size of my deposit made them look on me in a slightly better light.

At that time interest rates on 5-year TDs were just under 5%, so I'm happy.

If you think £85k is a large deposit you are truly deluded

HSBC have no UK resident status requirement.

Cannot find any others. ( apart from Indian Banks)

PS, Metro Bank is UK residents only.

Did you read the first post?

Trying to open one as a "non-resident" is nigh on impossible,

Not so. Several onshore UK banks will accept non-resident customers, and of course all the offshore branches will. UK offshore banks are usually part of the BACS system and so allow for sending/receiving money via BACS etc. so there is little practical difference in that respect.

You have mentioned this a couple of times but not provided any examples other than the Indian Banks

Care to elaborate?

METRO BANK in the UK is the best.

I just joined it on my recent holiday there.

they dont need as much paper-work as the other banks,, PLUS they do FREE ATM WITHDRAWALS OVERSEAS (world-wide)

But he is non-resident

Barclays were opening accounts for British Citizens caught up in the Bank Collapse in Cyprus - there was no requirement for £50k balance - perhaps look into matters a bit further

Also Lloyds has split with TSB and apparently TSB offer exactly the same products so they may be another avenue to look at

Just a bit of fun

Interesting thread - much appreciated

Does anyone think we should try and play Vaz Te through the middle - Maiga cannot convert chances - even though he can get in the right positions

Also Nolan and Noble is just not working

A striker was a necessity especially when Carroll is so injury prone

Do you have the link for the IBT Website I cannot seem to find it anywhere

Guys appreciate the very prompt responses - Like the idea of the aeroplane and the price is reasonable - will talk to madam later

Thanks again

Thinking (quite hard) about going up with a young lady I have known for a while

I do not like the idea of being in a bus be it VIP or not for hours on end

I do not mind getting a taxi to BKK and flying

Does anyone have any advice on this subject?

Thanks in advance

Cheapest for direct and length of stay is Eva from my research

Is it possible that he is not flying - I read it back and he does not mention he is flying?

Like most strikers who join a new league until they get 'found out' they do well

Its the ones that perform consistently that are the real 'out and out' strikers that people talk of

Had I come to Thailand in 2006 when I sold my business in UK - I would have been able to save myself over £100k in tax - could easily have lived there for 5 years on that money (at the time)

Instead I wasted my time in London's West End - going from Casinos to strip bars to nightclubs, mixing with all the wrong people - my only saving graces were that I do not drink, smoke or take drugs

Had in been in Thailand I would probably have 20-30 condos now and be earning a nice tidy sum

As of 2010 I calmed down - discovered Thailand and have been back around 12 times for periods of one month and over - never been to a Casino since - do not bother with London - just focus on making money and hitting Thailand as much as possible

Clubs can have commercial arrangements ie shirt and maybe some other financial arrangements,what i've no idea, but how exactly can they have arrangements when it comes to transfers? simple really they cant, there is finite amount of talent that levels of football clubs compete for, and the bigger fish nearly always wins. so fans thinking arrangements are in place, think

again, there aint.

True dat!

An old article 23.1.13

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21157572

Some of the highlights

"This season there are just 17 Brazilians on the books of the 20 Premier League clubs, including four at Chelsea - David Luiz, Oscar, Lucas Piazon and Ramires. They could make that five if they land the prized striker Neymar before the transfer window shuts next week.

Compare that to a decade ago when there were 12. The increase has been relatively marginal when one considers how the financial might of the Premier League has grown in that time.

So why should this be the case?

One of the reasons is undoubtedly cultural. It might be a bit of a cliche, but South American players have traditionally not settled as well in English football as they have in Spain, Portugal and other southern European countries. That is as much to do with the style of football played here as it is to do with language and climate."

Maybe it has worked at Chelsea because they have four of them there?

It then goes on to talk about other reasons which are also contributory factors

So 17 players in total from Brazil in the richest league in the world that has over 55% of its players coming from overseas

I know you Spurs supporters like to cut the cloth to fit but the facts speak for themselves

what point are you trying to make?

My point was in response to this from Carmine:

"Socrates was suggesting that warm climate and portugese language were key reasons to decide where to play. They are clearly not. I highlighted the number playing in the CL as an example. The real number playing across europe will be much higher. He's highlighted the CL because he doesn't have an answer to the climate/language statements that contradict his post. Lets face it, its hardly breaking news that Spurs didn't qualify for the CL is it!! As to whether that decides Paulinho's decision is another matter but you wouldn't need to be a greek philosopher to understand that it won't be a positive! I've merely responded to his post to highlight he's wrong. Whether his last ditch throwing in of the CL factor is pivotal we'll know in a week or so's time. I personally think if he doesn't join us it will be more a case of being offered more money elsewhere but thats just my opinion

As to the russia closer than brazil thing i have no idea what thats about or the post that its in so i can't comment."

An old article 23.1.13

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21157572

Some of the highlights

"This season there are just 17 Brazilians on the books of the 20 Premier League clubs, including four at Chelsea - David Luiz, Oscar, Lucas Piazon and Ramires. They could make that five if they land the prized striker Neymar before the transfer window shuts next week.

Compare that to a decade ago when there were 12. The increase has been relatively marginal when one considers how the financial might of the Premier League has grown in that time.

So why should this be the case?

One of the reasons is undoubtedly cultural. It might be a bit of a cliche, but South American players have traditionally not settled as well in English football as they have in Spain, Portugal and other southern European countries. That is as much to do with the style of football played here as it is to do with language and climate."

Maybe it has worked at Chelsea because they have four of them there?

It then goes on to talk about other reasons which are also contributory factors

So 17 players in total from Brazil in the richest league in the world that has over 55% of its players coming from overseas

I know you Spurs supporters like to cut the cloth to fit but the facts speak for themselves

For Thailand the best debit cards for convenience (forget AEON as there are only 3 and out of the way) (This was written with Pattaya in mind)

Nationwide Flex Plus - has a £10 monthly fee (cheaper than HSBC) - loads of benefits BUT pays 3% interest on £2500 so after tax this account ends up costing you £5 a month - completely free overseas withdrawals - plus its a VISA so no 180 baht charge like MC (at the moment) - £250 daily limit

http://www.nationwid...lus/default.htm

Norwich and Peterborough - Classic Gold Account - FREE - no overseas withdrawal charges - but you need to send £500 to the account and you can transfer it straight back out again. Plus you get loads of benefits from Sentinel - £250 daily limit - 150 baht at ATM

http://www.nandp.co....urrent-account/

Metro Bank - totally FREE - however a MC so attracts 180 at ATM - other drawback branches only in South East - but they open the account there and then like K Bank £300 daily limit

https://www.metroban...urrentAccounts/

There is the Halifax Clarity Card which is a credit card but a few people have questioned the conversion rates on other forums so I will pass

By far the best method is sending money from Halifax online banking direct to K-Bank if you have an account - total cost £20 which is £10-15 cheaper than all the others (remember you have intermediary charges) plus around 500 baht to receive at the other end

Sorry, but you post makes a lot of suppositions....

Pattaya: Three ATMs and all out of the way?? Could be out of your way because you are just lazy. Don't pre-suppose that everyone has your circumstances.

So thanks, but we would prefer NOT to forget AEON.

Nationwide FlexPlus costs £120 per year. Fine if I need the travel and mobile phone insurance, but I don't, it doesn't fit my needs. Mt TI covers 90 days per trip and has no excess and my mobile phone cost nothing.

I already get Extended Warranty Protection on my Nationwide Gold Card.

So just a bad idea.

No one but donkeys have questioned the Clarity's rate. Let them come up with actual figures, banks and dates. Enough said.

As to sending money to K-Bank, that is only for those who are incapable of getting to an AEON ATM...which obviously includes you.

Not everyone would wish to leave their money in an unprotected institution. Run a search and you will find plenty whose money has disappeared from K-Bank's coffers.

But if you are going to recommend that method, you should at least remind them to transfer in Pounds and not Baht.

Each to his own eh? I've already covered the best cards in post #95.

I did actually 'like' your post but unfortunately made the cardinal mistake of not reading the thread in full before cutting and pasting from another thread that I had contributed to - so I apologise for that

You very much sound like a poster on another forum - and we have crossed swords over there too

I will elaborate on a couple of your points though:

NW FP - yes it does cost £120 a year but is you keep £2500 in the account you get 3% interest - which probably equates to £50 net of tax - so it actually costs around £70 a year

If you pay a one off charge of £34.50 per annum you can upgrade your insurance to as many 45 day trips as you like and again no excess to pay on anything. So you are presuming that people need to take a trip over 31 days or even 45 days

Does the Gold Card still exist for new customers as I cannot see it on their Website?

I have also gone over the point of the AEON ATM's before - if you are living there all fair and good - if you are on holiday - you are not going to walk in the heat for 15 minutes from the tourist zones to draw money or take a motorbike taxi say 80-100 baht round trip to save 70 or 80 baht on ATM fees - by all accounts people have complained about the ATM's being empty or long waiting times on occasion - so it may be for you but do not assume it works for others - they either are convenient or not - depends on the individual

And yes you may have mentioned the cards and accounts available and there are often other posts that go over the same information but I explained the reason why

As for K Bank I have read about 20 cases or so - some of them do not make sense and others have not set limits on their daily withdrawals and have been fleeced - but there are obviously thousands of others who are quite happy with K Bank - its all about how you operate your account

I am not even going to bother going over the Charles Schwab UK Account with you it would just be pointless

Hi all,

I come to thailand 3 or 4 months every year,

Having been had for fees every transaction for years one day i decided to do a bit of research into which would be the cheapest way to change from £s to THB..

Sterling travellers cheques is what i came up with...

1% to buy the cheques first of all and 33bhat to change the cheque up in thailand,,

Am i correct or wide of the mark and missing something?????

Cheers...

They are free @ Lloyds and you should be asking for £200 denominations

Cumbersome method though

For Thailand the best debit cards for convenience (forget AEON as there are only 3 and out of the way) (This was written with Pattaya in mind)

Nationwide Flex Plus - has a £10 monthly fee (cheaper than HSBC) - loads of benefits BUT pays 3% interest on £2500 so after tax this account ends up costing you £5 a month - completely free overseas withdrawals - plus its a VISA so no 180 baht charge like MC (at the moment) - £250 daily limit

http://www.nationwid...lus/default.htm

Norwich and Peterborough - Classic Gold Account - FREE - no overseas withdrawal charges - but you need to send £500 to the account and you can transfer it straight back out again. Plus you get loads of benefits from Sentinel - £250 daily limit - 150 baht at ATM

http://www.nandp.co....urrent-account/

Metro Bank - totally FREE - however a MC so attracts 180 at ATM - other drawback branches only in South East - but they open the account there and then like K Bank £300 daily limit

https://www.metroban...urrentAccounts/

There is the Halifax Clarity Card which is a credit card but a few people have questioned the conversion rates on other forums so I will pass

By far the best method is sending money from Halifax online banking direct to K-Bank if you have an account - total cost £20 which is £10-15 cheaper than all the others (remember you have intermediary charges) plus around 500 baht to receive at the other end

Open a HSBC account in the UK, sign up for HSBC advance and enjoy worldwide free ATM withdrawals.

To avoid being charged in Thailand use Aeon, they are easy to find and do not charge the 150 baht that others charge.

Not true there is a 2.75% fee - look on the Terms and Conditions

Regarding Paulinho - unless its just about money he will prefer to go to a county where he speaks the language and the climate is right

Otherwise they should do what they did with Ardiles and Villa - sign a pair of Brazilians who are best friends

But I agree an proven goal scorer should be the main target for now

Regarding Paulinho - unless its just about money he will prefer to go to a county where he speaks the language and the climate is right

Otherwise they should do what they did with Ardiles and Villa - sign a pair of Brazilians who are best friends

But I agree an proven goal scorer should be the main target for now

1 We already have a Brazillian

2 there are Brazillians playing all over europe and in the depths of Russia where its a <deleted> sight closer.

3 Unless the portugese is the spoken language in europe or across Russia its fairly clear they don't have any concerns about the language barrier.

4 Four years ago over 110 Brazillians played for european clubs in the champions league. It might be even higher this year.

The relevant bit in red IMHO