How to handle larger money transfers, open accounts, and financial logistics in Bangkok.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is cheapest for international transfers; Western Union available but expensive; SWIFT transfers via banks work but slow.
Same services work reverse; Wise is still cheapest for moving THB back home.
Tourists can open accounts (need passport, address); good if staying long-term; costs 500–1,000 THB.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in malls and restaurants; less common in street food; some places charge 3% surcharge.
ATMs everywhere; withdraw THB; watch for unfavorable exchange rates on debit withdrawals (use Visa/Mastercard ATMs if possible).
Thai banks charge a flat foreign-card withdrawal fee (typically 220 THB per transaction) on top of whatever your home bank charges; withdraw larger amounts less often rather than small amounts repeatedly to minimise the hit.
ATMs and card terminals often offer to charge in your home currency instead of THB — always decline this ("DCC") and pay in Thai baht, since the conversion rate offered is worse than what your card issuer applies.