Following a thread I read last week, I have decided to open an account with Bangkok Bank, but have some questions..

1.. Do I need a permanant address ?

2.. How long does it take them to issue an ATM card ? and can it be picked up directly from the bank ?

I will be spending most of my time in Isaan, but read it is better to apply in a bank in areas where there are lots of Farangs... so this is why I ask the questions, I am thinking of opening an account when I'm in BKK but will only be there for approx 4 days. Also can anyone recommend a branch.

I'm not worried about it not being a local branch as will have UK bank cards as backup ( if I loose ATM card )

Cheers

Totster

P.S - It will be the savings account..

Guess it's different any day at any branch, but I got my Bankbook with instant ATM Card this January at Pattaya Pratumnak Rd. Branch of Bangkok Pattaya with nothing but a 30 Day Stamp and a Hotel Name as Adress.

Sunny

Yes that worked for me also . I gave them my apartment address ( I only stayed there for 2 months ) and my passport . The atm card I picked up 3 days later . I was told it's best to open an account at the branch thats closest to where you will be staying . So I did . there not bad and nothing is a suprise for them . However there exchange rate is lower .

Got my savings account passbook and Electron ATM card issued immediately. Went in with my passport and work permit and gave them the address I was residing at..easy!

The official requirement for Bangkok Bank is a long term visa and a certificate of residence or work permit.

You should bank where you live to avoid out of area atm charge (not that much but some do worry about it).

Some banks issue ATM cards at time you open account but others may have to order them.

Opened my 2 accounts with Thai Farmers and Siam Commercial both on the back of Tourist Visas (now have Non Imm) address then was guest house........no questions asked. Have an international ATM card with Siam (cost 300baht) enables me to draw directly from my account with them if i am out of the country (UK as well)..........might be worth you asking for rather than the normal ATM card.

I used my Bangkok bank atm card in the U.S. one time just to see if it works , and it did . I did'nt ask for a international card and im not getting charged for it .

I guess every bank is different .

Thanks for all your comments guys... I reckon I'll just walk in and give it go..

totster

I used my Bangkok bank atm card in the U.S. one time just to see if it works , and it did . I did'nt ask for a international card and im not getting charged for it .

I guess every bank is different .

Bangkok Bank has two types of ATM cards. The Bualuang Premier Card works overseas but the normal Bualuang Card (blue card) only works in Thailand.

Ah ha , thats what I have , the preimer card .