8 hours ago, Jake44 said:

Actually, no, I'm not wasting money.  I've done the math.

 

1) For cash, superRich has basically the same exchange rate as wise.

2) My credit card has no fees, gives a good exchange rate plus 2-3% cash back on every purchase.  That easily beats wise, so I put everything I can on my credit card.

3) My ATM card has no fees, a good exchange rate, and even refunds the Thai ATM fee.  I think wise still gives a little better exchange rate, but not by much.  

 

Many AN posters have no clue how the exchange process works for credit and debit cards.

The card processing companies set the exchange rate (VISA and MasterCard).  No bank is involved in setting the exchange rate as long as you refuse the offer to have the transaction conducted in your home currency.

Credit cards and debit cards use the exact same exchange rate.

The exchange rate is set once each day at about 7AM (Thai time) on Tu, W, Th,F and Sat.

You can check the rates online whenever you like.  The exchange rate used is the one in effect on the day the transaction is initiated.

The rates are not terrible unless your home country's currency rises sharply after 7AM.  The card processors won't change the rate to follow until the next business day.  I find the card's exchange rate (for US$) is usually within .33% of WISE's rate unless the currency is very volatile around the transaction time.

If you choose your credit/debit card(s) with no foreign transaction fees and an issuer that refunds ATM fees (Schwab does) you will not pay any fees for purchases or cash advance on debit cards.  With such cards your net result will be very competitive with WISE after deducting WISE's fees.

Currently only Krungsri bank will allow cash advances (at the teller) on debit cards with the caveat that VISA cardholders will pay a 200 baht fee but there is no fee for MasterCard holders.  The max cash advance is 150K baht.

32 minutes ago, Jabatron said:

The problem is a lot of sources say that you need to complete at least one 90-day report at the place where you are staying to be able to get Certificate of residence. 

So by that logic there's no way to get certificate of residence if you just landed on type-O visa as you gonna need to start the process of opening a bank account asap. 

That rule changed in Bangkok last year. No requirement to complete a 90-day report first.

8 hours ago, Jabatron said:

The problem is a lot of sources say that you need to complete at least one 90-day report at the place where you are staying to be able to get Certificate of residence.

That "catch 22" rule was specific to CW immigration. 

It also ruled out obtaining a TDL. 

In recent times that requirement has been removed. 

9 hours ago, Jabatron said:

The problem is a lot of sources say that you need to complete at least one 90-day report at the place where you are staying to be able to get Certificate

I know of those who obtained ( at Phuket Immigration) the certificate of residence on Visa exempt,  and also on Type O. No previous 90 day report required. They obtained such a couple of days after their arrival in Thailand. 

 

Edit: I see now others noted where you encountered this arguably rogue behavior 

11 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

I see now others noted where you encountered this arguably rogue behavior

Requirement to have made a 90 day report in order to obtain a COR was specific to CW. 

That is no longer a requirement. 

Went to the bank yesterday for the face scan to deal with transfer limits. Bank asked for a Certificate of Residence, I didn't have one from Immigration but I had one from the Embassy which was sufficient.

I'm on a Non-O retirement extension, Kasikorn bank, Nakhon Ratchasima.

 

Also checked was if the phone number I use for K plus app is in my name.

 

Had a number of documents with me like rental contract, Khor Ror 22, copies of passport and visa, TM30 etc.. , not needed.

Siam legal opened my bank account in 2022 for 5K.  In out and done in 90 minutes.  There's people who are going to sit here and tell you go to this bank go to that bank, ask for the manager.  Don't waste time, just pony up the 5k and get it done.

Just now, happydreamer said:

Siam legal opened my bank account in 2022 for 5K.  In out and done in 90 minutes.  There's people who are going to sit here and tell you go to this bank go to that bank, ask for the manager.  Don't waste time, just pony up the 5k and get it done.

2022.  Not now.

Just now, Upnotover said:

2022.  Not now.

Im pretty sure if you use an entity like that the process is a hell of a lot smoother than doing it yourself.

20 minutes ago, happydreamer said:

Siam legal opened my bank account in 2022 for 5K.  In out and done in 90 minutes.

And Siam Legal withdrew that service since then. Few years back.

Your information is out of date.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

And Siam Legal withdrew that service since then. Few years back.

Your information is out of date.

Actually, then THEIR information is out of date because if you checked it's still offered on their website.  Im not in the habit of offering misinformation

https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/opening-a-bank-account-in-thailand.php
 

 

9 minutes ago, happydreamer said:

Actually, then THEIR information is out of date because if you checked it's still offered on their website.  Im not in the habit of offering misinformation

https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/opening-a-bank-account-in-thailand.php
 

 

Great. Contact them tomorrow as I did some time ago... "No can do" 

 

Ask @ThaiVisaCentre if they can assist with opening Bank account without a Non O

Thinking not. 

33 minutes ago, happydreamer said:

Actually, then THEIR information is out of date because if you checked it's still offered on their website.  Im not in the habit of offering misinformation

https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/opening-a-bank-account-in-thailand.php
 

 

Siam Legal is widely known to have long outdated information posted. They also own the incredibly misleading "Thaiembassy" website that's always rife with incorrect and outdated information.  Siam Legal does not offer bank account opening services unless you are purchasing other services from them that requires a bank account, same as many other large agents in Bangkok.

On 6/28/2025 at 10:49 AM, transam said:

I've never heard of the yellow book thing, unless now it has something to do with the recent tightening up of opening a new account to stop naughty farangs using Thai bank accounts......🤔

 

 

 

I have a BB account, and they told me I need a yellow book or work permit to open another account 3 years ago

On 6/29/2025 at 10:39 PM, Bday Prang said:

what on earth are you talking about?  no bank account is required to marry , stop posting rubbish

Never said that - a bank account is not a 'requirement' - but without one there is no chance of any annual extension - marriage or retirement or work. Those saying ignorant things about all that, are just showing their ignorance. They forgot you need to have money in a bank account IN YOUR NAME for several months to get an Extension - marriage or retirement. That means they only ever arrive here on tourist Visas/Exempts as sexpats? visitors? they obviously never extend?   It is OK to do that - it is your lives - but dont tell BS about never needing a bank account in Thailand.  I note BS25 has still not answered any of my questions - or anyone else's - just saying.   

The topic is how to open a bank account, not whether it's a requirement to have one, but just to answer some of your points.

 

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Never said that - a bank account is not a 'requirement' - but without one there is no chance of any annual extension - marriage or retirement or work. Those saying ignorant things about all that, are just showing their ignorance. They forgot you need to have money in a bank account IN YOUR NAME for several months to get an Extension - marriage or retirement.

Embassy Income letters!

 

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

That means they only ever arrive here on tourist Visas/Exempts as sexpats? visitors? they obviously never extend?

30 and 60 day extensions require no proof of funds.

 

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

It is OK to do that - it is your lives - but dont tell BS about never needing a bank account in Thailand. 

'Wise' International debit card and many credit cards offer an alternative to needing a Thai bank account.

4 hours ago, Jaggg88 said:

I have a BB account, and they told me I need a yellow book or work permit to open another account 3 years ago

"Another account".....🤗

3 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Never said that - a bank account is not a 'requirement' - but without one there is no chance of any annual extension - marriage or retirement or work. Those saying ignorant things about all that, are just showing their ignorance. They forgot you need to have money in a bank account IN YOUR NAME for several months to get an Extension - marriage or retirement. That means they only ever arrive here on tourist Visas/Exempts as sexpats? visitors? they obviously never extend?   It is OK to do that - it is your lives - but dont tell BS about never needing a bank account in Thailand.  I note BS25 has still not answered any of my questions - or anyone else's - just saying.   

•  Nah you made a stupid statement and are now trying to backtrack. There is no reason for you to concern yourself about other peoples visa status, that is for the immigration authorities.  

4 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Those saying ignorant things about all that, are just showing their ignorance. They forgot you need to have money in a bank account IN YOUR NAME for several months to get an Extension - marriage or retirement. That means they only ever arrive here on tourist Visas/Exempts as sexpats? visitors? they obviously never extend?   It is OK to do that - it is your lives - but dont tell BS about never needing a bank account in Thailand. 

You do talk some rubbish. Because I was working FIFO in Indonesia I never needed to bother with a marriage extension, a 1 year multi non-O worked well and fitted with my work. I didn't switch to a 1 year extension until COVID, after 15 years of marriage. I did however open a bank account for convenience a year or so after getting married, but not a requirement for a marriage multi non-O then.

8 minutes ago, Stocky said:

 a 1 year multi non-O worked well and fitted with my work. 

No longer an option as of the end of last year.

3 hours ago, Liquorice said:

The topic is how to open a bank account, not whether it's a requirement to have one, but just to answer some of your points.

 

Embassy Income letters!

 

30 and 60 day extensions require no proof of funds.

 

'Wise' International debit card and many credit cards offer an alternative to needing a Thai bank account.

Wise doesn't give you a card if your permanent residence is in Thailand...I tried many times but all the same answer not allowed in Thailand

2 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

No longer an option as of the end of last year.

Indeed, it was a useful visa for those working offshore, but I was responding to a nonsense post. 

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Wise doesn't give you a card if your permanent residence is in Thailand...I tried many times but all the same answer not allowed in Thailand

That was in reference to Tourists not needing a bank account and the alternatives.

If you still have a registered address overseas, you can get the Wise debit card.

In this case, we recommend trying to visit another branch of the bank. From our past experience, some branches have been more flexible with this process, and other clients in similar situations have been able to open an account without a tabien baan.

On 6/28/2025 at 10:45 PM, BrandonJT said:

They just don't want to do it for you.  If you get the yellow book, there will magically be a new requirement they forgot to tell you about last time you went in. On and on until you give up.

Went to 2 Branches of SCB Pattaya today, with yellow book, no joy, said I also needed a COR.

Today I opened a Kasikorn account in Buriram

I tried at SCB on the weekend and was told to get a yellow book, I'm booked in for a yellow book at the tessaban next January(yes that is the next appointment available in Buriram!!!!!!!!)

A mate just was knocked back from this very Kbank branch as he was not married to his missus and couldn't produce a Kor ror 22

So I went in today with Passport, Non O visa, wife, her tabian ban , our marriage cert, Kor ror 22, a letter/COR from Buriram immigration and a translation of my passport(not all needed but all given over)

They were initially confused as I'm on a 3 month O, and I was watching  them consult a list of visas that could open a account, and the 3 month was not on it only the 12 month variant, but they consulted with head office(province I assume) who confirmed that was a valid O visa

The second part was a valid reason to have the account which was being married to a Thai, and residing in the city, which for this branch/bank  seemed to be the only reason

The Kor ror 22 and marriage cert were sent to head office in front of me and they  told my wife this was ensuring I was properly registered in the province and legally married

So there was a definite approval process using this list of approved reasons/visas, and they did not seem to have the final say(at least at the moment maybe)

They did read the COR/letter but only to confirm it was a non O visa as my stamp looks like non D(swampy immigration)

Now I know that this of limited use and YMMV as many aren't married and this is probably specific to my province

But I wish you all good luck and with patience you can get one

 

Hi , what is the " Kor ror 22 " , and is it a vital part of opening an account ? Thanks .

Just now, persimmon said:

Hi , what is the " Kor ror 22 " , and is it a vital part of opening an account ? Thanks .

It's the paper from the tessaban(city registrars office) stating that you are still married , its used for non O marriage extensions

You have to get a new one every year costs 20thb

It should have nothing to do with bank accounts , except at the moment banks really don't seem to want to open any falang accounts

I was more giving an example of see what they want and go from there, some will be fobbing you off to get rid of you and some will tell you what they actually want

The banks seem to have all different criteria and reading this thread even provinces are different

But looking at it from the banks point of view, giving the Kor ror 22 shows that I have a type of certification that I do live here and I'm married

My wife told me after that they said nearly straight away that I should get one but she really thought they were getting authorisation from somewhere else

 

9 minutes ago, persimmon said:

Hi , what is the " Kor ror 22 " , and is it a vital part of opening an account ? Thanks .

Kor Ror 22 is a registration of an overseas marriage.

Kor Ror 2 is a registration of a marriage in Thailand.

Just now, Liquorice said:

Kor Ror 22 is a registration of an overseas marriage.

Kor Ror 2 is a registration of a marriage in Thailand.

I`ve got a divorce certificate , would that be any good ?🤪