Send Money to Thailand: The Expat's Guide to International Transfers in 2026

Key Takeaways

Sending money to Thailand is straightforward for expats using modern transfer services like Wise, Revolut, or direct SWIFT bank transfers.
Wise is the most widely recommended service — low fees, mid-market exchange rates, and fast transfers directly to Thai bank accounts.
Thailand has no restrictions on importing foreign currency — you can transfer as much as you need, though transfers over $20,000 USD (or equivalent) require reporting by the receiving bank.
For the retirement visa (Non-OA), a minimum of 65,000 THB/month (~~€1,700) must be transferred into a Thai bank account as income OR 800,000 THB (~~€21,000) held in a Thai bank.
Maintaining regular incoming transfers from abroad is also useful for demonstrating income proof when applying for or renewing the DTV visa.

Why Sending Money to Thailand Matters for Expats

For most expats living in Thailand, income arrives in foreign currency — euros, dollars, pounds — while daily expenses are in Thai baht (THB). Managing this currency flow efficiently is a core part of expat financial life.

Whether you are a remote worker receiving a salary from Europe, a retiree receiving a pension in sterling, or a freelancer invoiced in dollars, you need a reliable, cost-effective way to send money to Thailand regularly.

The good news: Thailand has excellent banking infrastructure, no foreign currency import restrictions for personal use, and a competitive market of transfer services to choose from.

Best Ways to Send Money to Thailand

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise) — Most Recommended

Wise is the gold standard for international transfers among expats worldwide. Its advantages:

Mid-market exchange rate — no hidden markup on the exchange rate
Low, transparent fees — typically 0.4–1% of the amount transferred
Fast transfers — often same-day or next-day to Thai bank accounts
THB supported — direct transfers to Thai bank accounts in baht
No recipient bank fees — the recipient receives the full amount

How it works:

Create a Wise account (online or mobile app)
Enter the amount to send and the recipient's Thai bank details (IBAN/SWIFT equivalent: account number, bank name, bank branch, SWIFT code)
Fund the transfer from your home bank account
The recipient receives THB in their Thai account

Typical transfer cost example: Sending €1,000 → approximately 38,500–39,000 THB with Wise (vs. 36,000–37,000 THB via a traditional bank).

2. Revolut

Revolut is an excellent alternative, particularly for users already holding a Revolut account:

Competitive exchange rates (mid-market during weekday hours)
Weekend rates slightly worse due to market closure markup
Fast transfers to Thai bank accounts
Multi-currency account useful for managing income in multiple currencies

3. Bank SWIFT Transfer

Traditional SWIFT transfers from your home bank to a Thai bank account work reliably but come at a cost:

Fees: Typically €15–30 sending fee + correspondent bank fees of €10–20 + exchange rate markup of 2–4%
A €1,000 transfer via traditional bank might cost €50–80 in total fees vs. €5–10 via Wise
Processing time: 1–3 business days

SWIFT is still useful for large transfers where the percentage-based fees become less significant than fixed fees, or when required for specific visa documentation purposes.

4. Western Union and MoneyGram

Available for cash pickup in Thailand through convenience stores (7-Eleven, etc.) and bank agents. More expensive than digital alternatives but useful for recipients without Thai bank accounts. Not typically the best choice for established expats.

5. Cryptocurrency (Advanced Users)

Some tech-savvy expats use cryptocurrency as a transfer mechanism — converting to a stablecoin (USDT, USDC) abroad, sending to a Thai exchange (Bitkub is the main Thai crypto exchange), and converting to THB. This can offer competitive rates but involves regulatory complexity and is not recommended for most expats.

Thai Bank Accounts: Where the Money Lands

To receive regular transfers in Thailand, you need a Thai bank account. The main banks used by expats:

Bangkok Bank (BBL): The most internationally connected Thai bank, with extensive SWIFT relationships and English-language services
Kasikorn Bank (KBank): Excellent mobile banking app, widely used by expats
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB): Large network and good expat services
Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri): MUFG subsidiary, used by some Japanese expats

Opening a Thai bank account requires: valid passport, valid visa (long-stay visa preferred), and proof of Thai address (TM30 receipt). Some branches in tourist areas are more experienced with foreign applicants than others.

Foreign Currency Rules When Sending Money to Thailand

Thailand does not restrict the import of foreign currency for personal use. However, there are reporting requirements:

Transfers over $20,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared by the receiving Thai bank to the Bank of Thailand. This is automatic and does not require any action by the recipient — your bank handles it.
Large cash imports (over $20,000 equivalent in cash) must be declared at customs upon entry.
There are no restrictions on repatriating funds — you can send money back out of Thailand at any time.

Sending Money to Thailand for Visa Requirements

Retirement Visa (Non-OA)

The retirement visa requires demonstrating financial capacity in one of three ways:

800,000 THB (~€21,000) seasoned in a Thai bank account for at least 2–3 months before renewal
65,000 THB/month (~€1,700) in regular income transferred into a Thai bank account
A combination of both (e.g., 400,000 THB in the account + 32,500 THB/month)

For option 2, you need clear, regular transfers from abroad appearing in your Thai bank statements. Wise transfers to your Thai account are fully acceptable for this purpose — the transaction shows as a foreign currency transfer in your statement.

DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)

The DTV requires proof of foreign income — not necessarily a minimum Thai bank balance. However, showing regular incoming transfers from abroad (from your employer or clients) is a strong supporting document for DTV applications and renewals.

Thailand Privilege Visa

No ongoing financial proof is required after the initial Privilege membership purchase.

For specific visa financial requirements and how your transfer history can support your application, visit hellothailandvisa.com.

Practical Tips for Sending Money to Thailand

Lock in your rate: Wise and Revolut offer rate locks for short periods. Use these during favourable EUR/USD vs. THB periods.
Set up recurring transfers: Most Wise and Revolut users set up automatic monthly transfers on a fixed date — simplifying budgeting and bank statement documentation.
Keep transfer records: Download your transfer confirmation emails and Wise transaction records. These serve as income documentation for visa renewal purposes.
Transfer in larger amounts: Per-transaction fees are lower as a percentage on larger transfers. Monthly transfers of €1,500–3,000 are typically more efficient than weekly small transfers.
Check your Thai bank's SWIFT details: Confirm the exact SWIFT code, account number format, and branch name before setting up your first transfer. Errors can delay funds.

Frequently Asked Questions: Send Money to Thailand

Q: What is the cheapest way to send money to Thailand?
A: Wise is consistently the cheapest option for most transfer amounts and currencies — combining the mid-market exchange rate with low transparent fees. For amounts over €10,000, compare Wise with direct SWIFT bank transfer fees as the fixed cost advantage may shift.

Q: How long does a bank transfer to Thailand take?
A: Wise transfers typically arrive in 1 business day. SWIFT transfers take 1–3 business days. Transfers to some smaller Thai banks may take slightly longer.

Q: Is there a limit on how much money I can send to Thailand?
A: There are no legal limits on how much you can transfer into Thailand for personal use. Transfers exceeding the equivalent of $20,000 USD are automatically reported by your Thai bank to the Bank of Thailand — this is standard procedure and not a restriction.

Q: Can I use Wise for my retirement visa income proof?
A: Yes. Wise transfers appear on your Thai bank statement as foreign currency transfers (typically labelled by the sending currency and amount). These records are acceptable as income documentation for visa renewal purposes.

Q: Do I need a Thai bank account to receive money in Thailand?
A: For regular transfers, yes — a Thai bank account is essential. Some services (Western Union, MoneyGram) allow cash pickup without a bank account, but these are more expensive and impractical for regular expat use.

Last updated: 2026 | Exchange rates, transfer fees, and bank regulations change regularly. Always verify current rates directly with transfer services before initiating large transfers.