Most Thai banks will open an account for you as a tourist, but the process and what you can do with it depend on your visa type
Thai banks do open accounts for tourists, but not all banks treat tourists the same way, and not all account types are available to you. The key difference is your visa. If you have a tourist visa (the standard 60-day stamp), you can open a basic savings account at most banks. If you have a longer-term visa like an education visa or retirement visa, you have more options. The account itself works like any other Thai savings account — you deposit money, earn interest, and withdraw it — but some features may be restricted until you have a longer visa or permanent address in Thailand.
The reason banks ask about your visa is that Thai law requires them to verify your identity and your right to be in the country. A tourist visa proves both. What you cannot do as easily is open a checking account (called a current account in Thailand) or get a credit card, because banks see these as longer-term commitments. You can still send and receive money internationally, but the limits and fees may be higher than for residents.
Key Takeaways
- Tourist visa holders can open a savings account at most Thai banks, but you will need your passport, a TM.6 form (departure card), and proof of a Thai address — a hotel address counts.
- Kasikornbank, Bangkok Bank, and Krung Thai Bank all accept tourists, though some branches are more experienced with the process than others.
- The account opens the same day or within one business day, and you can use it to receive international transfers and withdraw cash at ATMs throughout Thailand.
- You cannot open a credit card or current account as a tourist, and some banks limit how much you can transfer internationally per month without additional documentation.
- If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, getting a longer-term visa before you arrive makes opening a full account much simpler.
What documents you need to bring to the bank
Bring your passport — the bank will copy the photo page and the page showing your current Thai visa stamp. You will also need to fill out a TM.6 form, which is your departure card from Thai immigration. You received this when you entered Thailand; it is a small white card that you must keep safe because you need it to leave the country. The bank will copy this too.
Third, you need proof of a Thai address. This is where many tourists get stuck. The bank will accept a hotel address, a guesthouse address, or an Airbnb address — you do not need to own property. Bring a hotel booking confirmation, a lease, or a letter from the place where you are staying. If you do not have anything in writing yet, some hotels will print a straightforward letter on their letterhead saying you are staying there. Call ahead and ask.
Some banks also ask for a phone number (your Thai SIM card number works) and an email address. A few branches ask for a reference from another bank, but this is rare for tourists and you can ask to speak to a manager if a branch insists on it.
Which banks accept tourists most easily
Kasikornbank (K-Bank) is often the easiest choice. Their branches in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are used to opening accounts for tourists, and the process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will get a debit card the same day or within a few days, and you can use it when ready at ATMs. Kasikornbank's website has English-language support, and their staff at major branches speak English.
Bangkok Bank also accepts tourists at most branches, though the experience varies. Their main branches in tourist areas (Silom in Bangkok, the Old City in Chiang Mai) move faster than smaller branches. You may wait longer, but the outcome is the same.
Krung Thai Bank accepts tourists as well, though they are less common in tourist areas. If you are outside a major city, Krung Thai may be your best option because they have branches everywhere.
Smaller banks like CIMB Thai and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) also accept tourists, but their processes are less standardized. Call the branch first and ask if they open accounts for people on tourist visas. This saves you a wasted trip.
What happens after you open the account
Your account is active when ready, though your debit card may take a few days to arrive. You can start using the account right away — you can deposit cash at the teller, and you can receive international wire transfers. The bank will give you an account number and a routing code (called a SWIFT code) so people outside Thailand can send you money.
You will receive a passbook (a small booklet that records your transactions) or you can check your balance on the bank's mobile app. Most Thai banks have good apps in English. read it, log in with your account number and password, and you can see your balance, transfer money between accounts, and set up alerts.
ATM withdrawals are free at your bank's machines. Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs usually cost 20 to 25 Thai baht (less than one US dollar). You can withdraw up to your daily limit, which is usually 20,000 to 50,000 baht per day depending on the bank and account type.
Limits on what you can do as a tourist account holder
You cannot open a credit card as a tourist. Banks require a longer-term visa and proof of income in Thailand. You also cannot open a current account (checking account), which is meant for people who plan to stay and do business in Thailand.
International transfers have limits. Most banks allow you to send money out of Thailand, but the amount you can send per month without extra paperwork varies. Kasikornbank typically allows 1 million baht per month; Bangkok Bank allows 2 million baht. If you need to send more, you will need to provide additional documentation like a letter from your employer or proof of the source of the funds. Ask your bank what their specific limit is when you open the account.
You also cannot set up automatic bill payments or standing orders (recurring transfers) as easily as a resident can. If you need to pay a Thai bill regularly, ask the bank whether you can do this online or whether you need to visit a branch each time.
What to do if a bank refuses to open an account for you
If a branch tells you they cannot open an account for tourists, try a different branch of the same bank or a different bank entirely. Policies vary by branch, and some staff members are more familiar with the process than others. Calling ahead helps — ask to speak to someone in the accounts department and confirm that they open accounts for people on tourist visas.
If you are staying in Thailand for more than 60 days, consider getting a longer-term visa before you arrive. An education visa, a retirement visa, or a Non-Immigrant visa makes the account-opening process much simpler and gives you access to more account types. Many people get a Non-Immigrant ED (education) visa just to open a bank account, because the visa itself is inexpensive and the account benefits are worth it.
If you only need to receive money while you are in Thailand, you can also ask the person sending it to you to use a money transfer service like Wise or MoneyGram. These services have agents in Thailand, and you can pick up cash without a bank account. The fees are usually higher than a bank transfer, but it is an option if the bank process becomes too difficult.
How long you can keep the account after you leave Thailand
You can keep your Thai bank account open after your tourist visa expires and you leave Thailand. The bank will not close it automatically. You can continue to receive money into it and withdraw it when you return to Thailand, or you can ask the bank to transfer the balance to an account outside Thailand.
However, if you do not use the account for a long time (usually two to three years, though this varies by bank), the bank may freeze it or charge dormancy fees. If you plan to return to Thailand regularly, keep the account open. If you do not think you will return, ask the bank how to close it and whether they will transfer your balance internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Thai bank account online as a tourist?
No. Thai banks require you to visit a branch in person with your passport and departure card. Some banks are testing online account opening, but as of now, tourists must go to a physical branch. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Do I need a Thai phone number to open an account?
Most banks ask for one, but it is not always required. If you do not have a Thai SIM card yet, ask the branch whether you can provide your home country number instead. You can always add a Thai number later.
What is the minimum deposit to open a Thai bank account as a tourist?
Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a savings account. You can open the account with zero baht and deposit money later. Some branches may ask you to deposit a small amount (100 to 500 baht) on the day you open it, but this is not standard.
Can I use my Thai bank account to pay for things in stores?
Yes, with your debit card. You can use it at any store, restaurant, or ATM that accepts Visa or Mastercard. Thailand is very card-friendly, and most places accept debit cards. You can also use your card to pay bills online and to buy things on Thai websites.
What happens to my account if I overstay my visa?
Your bank account is separate from your visa status. If you overstay, the account itself remains open and functional. However, overstaying a visa is illegal in Thailand and carries fines and potential deportation. Do not overstay — extend your visa or leave on time.