How Much Cash Can You Bring Into Thailand?How Much Cash Can You Bring Into Thailand?

[sk1max]

How much cash can you bring into Thailand? I would like to know the current limit. It used to be $10,000, just wondering if it has changed, appreciate any help/advice.

[jdinasia]

I was/am unaware of a limit bringing cash IN to Thailand. There is a limit to bringing cash OUT of many countries. Thailand's limit for taking THB out is pretty low.

The US states you must declare cash in excess of 10k USD being taken out of the US (I think).

[uptoyoumyfriend]

that's the same for bringing cash into thailand

you can bring all you have but you have to declare it if it is over 10000

why not wire transfer for 5o bucks rather than walk around with a million in a suitcase ?

[true blue]

that's the same for bringing cash into thailand

you can bring all you have but you have to declare it if it is over 10000

why not wire transfer for 5o bucks rather than walk around with a million in a suitcase ?

exchange rates???

[cloudhopper]

No limit but they will probably ask you what it's for if you're bringing around 50k or more, even with a wire transfer, but they won't care about the answer. If you are taking it out of the US you should be prepared with documentation explaining how you came into it (eg bank slip, accounting statement). Don't even think about not declaring it.

As already suggested you are far better off wiring the funds into an account here and will get a better exchange rate too.

[Dante99]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

[CMSteve]

Bringing money into Thailand is not the problem. You should focus more on taking money out of your country and if necessary, repatriation of money back to your country.

[true blue]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

[uptoyoumyfriend]

that's the same for bringing cash into thailand

you can bring all you have but you have to declare it if it is over 10000

why not wire transfer for 5o bucks rather than walk around with a million in a suitcase ?

exchange rates???

very good

talk to your bank back home.that is what they do.there were threads here too. search

[mesquite]

The maximum allowable amount to be wired in is unlimited and for good reason: Most farangs here in Chiang Mai simply cannot be bothered with carrying in trivial amounts of cash like $10,000 or $20,000.

Take a quick trip around the city and observe the farangs enjoying a cold bottle of beer and a smoke at 7 AM. Chiang Mai attracts these men of success. A significant number own two pairs of sandals and some own as many as three wife beater shirts! Think of CM as the Monaco of Asia.

Edited July 21, 2011 by mesquite

[Dante99]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

transfer by SWIFT(a wire transfer) to a US dollar account at a Thai bank and convert to baht whenever you choose at the TT rates at the time you convert to baht, not the rates on the date of transfer

[thrilled]

Ya say Chiang Mai attracts men of success.I didn't see that when I was there.I will say this with all the air pollution you need good lungs to live there.I could feel my lungs tightening up as soon as I landed.

[true blue]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

transfer by SWIFT(a wire transfer) to a US dollar account at a Thai bank and convert to baht whenever you choose at the TT rates at the time you convert to baht, not the rates on the date of transfer

wasnt aware of that method,i presume they have a sterling account at bkkbank,do you have to convert the full sum,when your ready or part of it,and are there additional bank charges for operating same

[true blue]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

transfer by SWIFT(a wire transfer) to a US dollar account at a Thai bank and convert to baht whenever you choose at the TT rates at the time you convert to baht, not the rates on the date of transfer

good tip that,can you open f/c account on line or local branch,have account and i banking allready.

[mesquite]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

transfer by SWIFT(a wire transfer) to a US dollar account at a Thai bank and convert to baht whenever you choose at the TT rates at the time you convert to baht, not the rates on the date of transfer

good tip that,can you open f/c account on line or local branch,have account and i banking allready.

Feel free to look that up.

[rickthailand]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

transfer by SWIFT(a wire transfer) to a US dollar account at a Thai bank and convert to baht whenever you choose at the TT rates at the time you convert to baht, not the rates on the date of transfer

wasnt aware of that method,i presume they have a sterling account at bkkbank,do you have to convert the full sum,when your ready or part of it,and are there additional bank charges for operating same

they charge you 0.25% when you deposit and 0.50% when you withdraw (i think)

rick

[Dante99]

over US$10,000 and you have to declare it at both ends

exchange rates on a wire transfer are better than those for cash

but cash gives you more flexibilty,and freedom of choice when to exchange,tt transfer restricted to price on that day,okay if rates drop,but one baht increase you can lose a few bob.and your saving on fees,but suppose peace of mind if it in the bank.

transfer by SWIFT(a wire transfer) to a US dollar account at a Thai bank and convert to baht whenever you choose at the TT rates at the time you convert to baht, not the rates on the date of transfer

wasnt aware of that method,i presume they have a sterling account at bkkbank,do you have to convert the full sum,when your ready or part of it,and are there additional bank charges for operating same

you can convert as much as you want when you want

no charges additional for conversion at SCB

nominal charges for the wire transfer deducted at the time of the transfer at SCB

perhaps some fee if you withdraw in the foreign currency

[BuckBee]

The Xchange company (one on end of Surawong near sab road junction as example) rates for cash in USD & GBP are far better than any reasonable normal TT options I have seen & a good way to transfer small'ish amounts without fees & hassle.

Example being on day of this post GBP 5<>20 notes at 49.6, Kasikorn as example would be 49.09 or 49.25 for TT & incur a 500Bt fee & in terms of foreign currency accounts they are not free to open & have annual fees.

Cash & Xchange can be done without paperwork/bank accounts or fees & on a bad day they may want an ID card or Passport.

Sensible flexible good exchange rate option in your full control for smaller amounts to avoid customs hassle ...

[Postmaster]

No one has actually said what is the official maximum of pounds £ Sterling or $USD you can bring in except one commentator thought there was no limit but best to declare it both ends.

Anyone know the official answer ? Thanks

[egypte]

No one has actually said what is the official maximum of pounds £ Sterling or $USD you can bring in except one commentator thought there was no limit but best to declare it both ends.

Anyone know the official answer ? Thanks

Here the officiale notice from Bank of Thailand :

EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS IN THAILAND

A Guide for the General Public

I. EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS

a. Rules and Regulations

The legal basis for exchange control in Thailand is derived from the Exchange Control Act (B.E. 2485) and Ministerial Regulation No. 13 (B.E. 2497) issued under the Exchange Control Act. These laws set out the principles of controls under which Notifications of the Ministry of Finance and Notices of the Competent Officer are issued.

b. Administration

The Bank of Thailand has been entrusted by the Ministry of Finance with the responsibility of administering foreign exchange. The governor of the Bank of Thailand shall appoint the officials of the Bank of Thailand as the Competent Officers under the Exchange Control Act (B.E. 2485).

All foreign exchange transactions are to be conducted through commercial banks and through authorized non-banks, namely authorized money changers, authorized money transfer agents, and authorized companies, that are granted foreign exchange licenses by the Minister of Finance. Any transactions not conducted through the above-mentioned licensees require approval from the Competent Officer on a case by case basis.

c. Currency Regulations

1. Foreign Currency

Foreign currencies can be transferred or brought into Thailand without limit. Any person receiving foreign currencies from abroad is required to repatriate such funds immediately and sell to an authorized bank or deposit them in a foreign currency account with an authorized bank within 360 days of receipt, except for foreigners temporarily staying in Thailand for not more than three months, foreign embassies, international organizations including their staff with diplomatic privileges and immunities, and Thai emigrants who are permanent residents abroad or working abroad.

Purchase of foreign currency from authorized banks is generally allowed upon submission of documents indicating international trade and investment. Companies in Thailand can engage in derivatives transactions with authorized banks to hedge against foreign exchange risk provided that supporting documents indicating future foreign currency receipts or obligations are submitted.

Any person bringing into or taking out of Thailand foreign currency bank notes in an aggregate amount exceeding USD 20,000 or its equivalent must declare to a customs officer.

2. Local Currency

There is no restriction on the amount of Thai baht bank notes that may be brought into the country. A person traveling to Thailand's bordering countries including Vietnam is allowed to take out up to THB 500,000 and to other countries up to THB 50,000, respectively, without authorization.

II. BANK DEPOSITS

a. Foreign Currency Account of Thai Residents

Thai residents are allowed to maintain foreign currency accounts with authorized banks, and deposit or withdraw funds from such accounts under the following conditions:

1. Deposit

(1) Foreign currencies originating from abroad (foreign-source) can be deposited into foreign currency accounts without limit.

(2) Foreign currencies purchased or borrowed from authorized banks (domestic-source) can be deposited into 2 types of foreign currency accounts:

(i) Foreign currency accounts with future obligations: deposits can be made in an amount not exceeding future obligations to pay in foreign currencies to entities abroad. The total outstanding balance shall not exceed USD 1 million for a natural person and USD 100 million for a juristic person. For amount exceeding such limits, authorized banks may accept such a deposit up to the obligations to pay in foreign currencies abroad within 12 months. Such obligations include loan repayment to authorized banks.

(ii) Foreign currency accounts without future obligations: the total outstanding balance shall not exceed USD 500,000 for both a natural person and a juristic person.

(3) Deposit of foreign currency notes and coins must not exceed USD 10,000 per person per day.

2. Withdrawal

(1) For payment to entities abroad of the account holder’s own obligations or its subsidiaries’ obligations.

(2) For payment to authorized banks of the account holder’s own foreign currency liabilities or its subsidiaries’ foreign currency liabilities.

(3) For deposit into another foreign currency account of the same account holder.

(4) For conversion into another foreign currency, prior to depositing into another foreign currency account of the same account holder, or for payment to an entity abroad, or for payment of liabilities to an authorized bank.

(5) For conversion into baht.

Thai companies having export proceeds in foreign currency from overseas are allowed to transfer funds from their foreign-source foreign currency accounts to deposit into foreign currency accounts of their counterparties in Thailand for payment of goods or services.

b. Foreign Currency Account of Nonresidents

Nonresidents may maintain foreign currency accounts with authorized banks in Thailand without limit. The accounts can be freely credited with funds originating from abroad. Payments from Thai residents or borrowing from authorized banks can be deposited subject to supporting evidences. Balances on such accounts may be freely withdrawn.

c. Nonresident Baht Account

Nonresidents may open Thai Baht accounts with authorized banks in Thailand as follows:

(1) Non-resident Baht Account for Securities (NRBS): The account may be debited or credited for the purpose of investment in securities and other financial instruments such as equity instruments, debt instruments, unit trusts, derivatives transactions traded on the Thailand Futures Exchange and the Agricultural Futures Exchange of Thailand.

(2) Non-resident Baht Account (NRBA): The account may be debited or credited for general purposes (i.e. other than investment in securities) such as trade, services, foreign direct investment, investment in immovable assets, and loans.

The total daily outstanding balances for each type of account shall not exceed THB 300 million per nonresident. Transfers between different types of accounts are not allowed.

III. TRADE AND SERVICES

a. Exports

Export proceeds in an amount equivalent to USD 50,000 or above shall be repatriated immediately after payment is received and within 360 days from the export date. The proceeds must be sold to or deposited in a foreign currency account with an authorized bank in Thailand within 360 days of receipt.

b. Imports

Importers may purchase or withdraw foreign currencies from their own foreign currency accounts for import payments upon submission of supporting documents. Letters of credits may also be opened without authorization.

c. Services

All proceeds from services in an amount equivalent to USD 50,000 or above shall be repatriated immediately after payment is received and within 360 days from the transaction date. The proceeds must be sold to or deposited in a foreign currency account with an authorized bank in Thailand within 360 days of receipt.

Outward remittances of amounts properly due to nonresidents are permitted for items of a non-capital nature such as service fees, interest, dividends, profits, or royalties provided that supporting documents are submitted to an authorized bank. Traveling expenses or educational expenses of residents are also freely permitted upon submission of supporting documents.

You can find it at http://www.bot.or.th/English/ForeignExchangeRegulations/FXRegulation/Pages/ExchangeControlLaw.aspx

[SantiSuk]

No one has actually said what is the official maximum of pounds £ Sterling or $USD you can bring in except one commentator thought there was no limit but best to declare it both ends.

Anyone know the official answer ? Thanks

Many guessed $10,000 and got it wrong.

There is no limit, but you must declare amounts brought into Thailand over $20,000. I brought 10,000 GBP ($15,000) in at Swampy 2 months ago and declared it. Customs seemed perplexed, but eventually pointed to a sign that said $20,000.

It's a 10,000 euro declaration limit on leaving an EU country and I wont repeat the mistake of guessing the US limit when I don't know.

[realthaideal]

.... in Chiang Mai.

[TheFishman1]

This question keep popping up once agian

[jimmym40]

The amount of US dollars you are allowed to bring in to Thailand without having to declare it is now $20,000. It was changed/upped several years ago (4-5 maybe). I believe it's in writing on the customs form for entering Thailand.

[Chicog]

What customs form? Haven't seen one of those for years.

[egypte]

No one has actually said what is the official maximum of pounds £ Sterling or $USD you can bring in except one commentator thought there was no limit but best to declare it both ends.

Anyone know the official answer ? Thanks

Many guessed $10,000 and got it wrong.

There is no limit, but you must declare amounts brought into Thailand over $20,000. I brought 10,000 GBP ($15,000) in at Swampy 2 months ago and declared it. Customs seemed perplexed, but eventually pointed to a sign that said $20,000.

It's a 10,000 euro declaration limit on leaving an EU country and I wont repeat the mistake of guessing the US limit when I don't know.

Some more out of EU or USA

Cross Border Cash Limits

EU Cash Limits

A recently introduced EU law makes it an offence to take the currency equivalent of €10,000 or more out of any EU country without telling its tax authorities. Anyone wishing to leave an EU country with this sum, or above, must fill out a declaration form at the airport, or other exit point, stating the origin and intended use of the cash. Non-declaration is not an option; offenders will be fined the equivalent of £5,000.

Low limits

What makes this new rule particularly awkward for Brits abroad is that the €10,000 limit applies not only to cash, but also to travellers' cheques and bankers' drafts. Many expats travel with relatively modest sums such as these when purchasing a property, or a car, or when meeting some local commitment such as a builder’s invoice or school fees.

The intention of the new rule is to frustrate the affairs of the drug dealers, tax dodgers, and money launderers who have been slipping their ill-gotten gains across Europe’s borders unhindered.

Plan in advance

The answer for Europe-based British expats is to make any money moving plans and preparations as far in advance as possible, using the assistance of the banks to transmit larger sums. The banks will, of course, be delighted to offer you their services - for a fee!

Fint it there : http://www.expatmoneychannel.com/node/928

USA

This is from the Customs and Border Protection (part of the U.S. government Dept of Homeland Security) website:

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.

[Mapguy]

No limit but they will probably ask you what it's for if you're bringing around 50k or more, even with a wire transfer, but they won't care about the answer. If you are taking it out of the US you should be prepared with documentation explaining how you came into it (eg bank slip, accounting statement). Don't even think about not declaring it.

As already suggested you are far better off wiring the funds into an account here and will get a better exchange rate too.

+1

What customs form? Haven't seen one of those for years.

Sounds about right, but check this out. Also, you need the form to declare any money brought in for the purchase of property. If you do not have this form, then you could well have a problem when it comes to purchasing a condominium in your name.

There is also a restriction on transferring money out of Thailand.

You bank can guide you on these matters.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Mapguy

[Mapguy]

No one has actually said what is the official maximum of pounds £ Sterling or $USD you can bring in except one commentator thought there was no limit but best to declare it both ends.

Anyone know the official answer ? Thanks

Many guessed $10,000 and got it wrong.

There is no limit, but you must declare amounts brought into Thailand over $20,000. I brought 10,000 GBP ($15,000) in at Swampy 2 months ago and declared it. Customs seemed perplexed, but eventually pointed to a sign that said $20,000.

It's a 10,000 euro declaration limit on leaving an EU country and I wont repeat the mistake of guessing the US limit when I don't know.

Some more out of EU or USA

Cross Border Cash Limits

EU Cash Limits

A recently introduced EU law makes it an offence to take the currency equivalent of €10,000 or more out of any EU country without telling its tax authorities. Anyone wishing to leave an EU country with this sum, or above, must fill out a declaration form at the airport, or other exit point, stating the origin and intended use of the cash. Non-declaration is not an option; offenders will be fined the equivalent of £5,000.

Low limits

What makes this new rule particularly awkward for Brits abroad is that the €10,000 limit applies not only to cash, but also to travellers' cheques and bankers' drafts. Many expats travel with relatively modest sums such as these when purchasing a property, or a car, or when meeting some local commitment such as a builder’s invoice or school fees.

The intention of the new rule is to frustrate the affairs of the drug dealers, tax dodgers, and money launderers who have been slipping their ill-gotten gains across Europe’s borders unhindered.

Plan in advance

The answer for Europe-based British expats is to make any money moving plans and preparations as far in advance as possible, using the assistance of the banks to transmit larger sums. The banks will, of course, be delighted to offer you their services - for a fee!

Fint it there : http://www.expatmone...el.com/node/928

USA

This is from the Customs and Border Protection (part of the U.S. government Dept of Homeland Security) website:

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.

+1

[lizardtongue]

Obviously these laws are in place for a reason mainly being laundering cash and to fight terrorism, I brought a fairly substantial amount of cash into the country to buy property by way of personal cheques, or you can get a family member to transfer monies to you using a Foreign Exchange Transfer Form.

Getting money out of the LoS, you simply open an account at United Overseas Bank as at the time they are the only bank that I could find who would actually issue a US$ Bankers Draft (a new branch of UOB has recently opened in CM), after selling the properties the monies were deposited in UOB a day or so after I had a bankers draft made up leaving a few Baht in the account and off I went!

[smithjames]

You are telling the correct limit , its better for you to use online transfer service such as currency online where you can transfer money worldwide with zero transfer fees

http://www.currencyonline.com/ef/1324/default.aspx