Thailand's banking system is functional but bureaucratic for foreigners. You need a Non-Immigrant visa to open most Thai bank accounts. Here's what actually works.
Wise is now the strongest option for expats in Thailand — and it's getting significantly better. From 19 May 2026, Wise will operate under a full Bank of Thailand licence, bringing PromptPay integration. This means you can scan Thailand's ubiquitous QR codes directly from the Wise app to pay at markets, street vendors and any merchant using the PromptPay network — without needing a Thai bank account. PromptPay handles billions of transactions in Thailand — this is how almost everyone pays day-to-day.
Important change from 19 May 2026: ATM cash withdrawals in Thailand will no longer be available on Wise cards issued under the Thai licence. For cash, you'll need a Thai bank account or a separate international card. Also: transfers between two foreign currency accounts via Wise will not be supported from a Thai-registered account — the new setup is THB-centric. For most expats the QR payment functionality more than compensates. Source: Wise Thailand — QR payments guide.
UK-regulated current account with no foreign transaction fees and reasonable ATM rates abroad. Good as a secondary card. Requires UK address to maintain.
The most foreigner-friendly Thai bank. English-language banking app. Required for longer stays — landlords often require Thai bank account for rent payments, some government processes require it. Branch staff in Bangkok and Chiang Mai tourist areas often speak English. You typically need a Non-Immigrant visa, passport, proof of address and sometimes a work permit or letter from employer/immigration.
Largest Thai bank by assets. Wide branch and ATM network. English online banking available. Process for opening is similar to KBank. Good option if KBank is unable to assist.
Also foreigner-friendly with good English-language app. Some branches report being more flexible on documentation than KBank. Worth trying as an alternative if other banks decline.
Thailand has excellent private healthcare — Bangkok hospitals like Bumrungrad International and Bangkok Hospital are internationally accredited and comparable to Western facilities. But you need private insurance. The Thai public healthcare system is not available to most foreigners.
Thailand-based insurer with direct billing at major Thai hospitals. Strong local presence means faster claims. Competitive premiums for Thailand-focused plans.
Compare health plans →Best for comprehensive worldwide cover. Works in Thailand and continues to cover you if you return to UK, travel to Europe or move countries. Higher premium but maximum flexibility.
Compare health plans →LTR Visa information sourced from: ltr.boi.go.th — Thailand Board of Investment official LTR Visa portal (requirements as of 2026 BOI guidance).
Thailand's visa landscape has improved significantly. The LTR scheme in particular is a genuine game-changer for long-term residents.
Information correct as of April 2026. Always verify current requirements with the Thai Immigration Bureau or Royal Thai Embassy. Requirements and eligibility criteria change.
10-year renewable visa with four categories. Wealthy Global Citizen: USD 1M+ in global assets with USD 500,000 invested in Thailand (income requirement removed 2025). Wealthy Pensioner (50+): passive income USD 80,000/year, OR USD 40,000/year + USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, property or FDI. Work-from-Thailand Professional: USD 80,000/year from an overseas employer with USD 150M+ annual revenue. Highly Skilled Professional: working for Thai entity, specialist qualifications required. All categories require valid health insurance covering a minimum of USD 50,000. Processing fee: THB 50,000. Source: ltr.boi.go.th
For those aged 50 and over. Annual renewable. Requires THB 800,000 (~£17,000) in a Thai bank account OR monthly income of THB 65,000 (~£1,400). Health insurance mandatory. This was the standard retirement route before LTR — LTR is now superior for most people who qualify.
UK nationals can enter Thailand visa-exempt for up to 60 days (30 days extended to 60 in 2024). Can be extended once at immigration for 30 additional days. This is not a long-term solution — border runs and back-to-back tourist entries are increasingly scrutinised by Thai immigration.
Thailand has no significant internet restrictions — VPNs work without issue and there's no equivalent of the Great Firewall. That said, a VPN is still useful for accessing UK streaming services and keeping UK banking apps functional.
Internet quality: Generally good in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and major tourist areas. Co-working spaces and serviced apartments typically have reliable fibre connections. Rural areas and some islands can be patchy. Test on arrival before committing to accommodation for remote work.
SIM cards: AIS, DTAC (now True Move D) and True Move H are the main networks. Tourist SIMs available at airports. For long stays, a local SIM registered with your passport is easy to obtain at any 7-Eleven or network store. eSIM also works well in Thailand.
You need local data the moment you land. Thailand has three main networks — AIS, DTAC (now True Move D) and True Move H. Tourist SIMs are available at the airport from around £5 for 30 days unlimited data. For longer stays, get a local SIM registered to your passport at any 7-Eleven or network store.
Buy your Thai eSIM before you board. Install it before you land. Have data working the moment you step off the plane — no hunting for SIM card stalls at the airport, no queue, no fumbling with a SIM ejector tool. Airalo offers Thailand data plans from around $4.50 for 1GB up to unlimited monthly plans. Works on any compatible unlocked handset.
Get a Thailand eSIM from Airalo (AD)For stays longer than a month, a local SIM is cheaper and more flexible. AIS and True Move H both offer monthly unlimited plans from around 350–500 THB/month (£7–11). Register with your passport at any convenience store or network shop. You can keep your home number active with a UK virtual number service like Skype Number alongside your Thai SIM.
Indicative figures for a single person. Bangkok is significantly more expensive than Chiang Mai or coastal areas. Figures approximate and in GBP at April 2026 exchange rates.
Figures are indicative only. Bangkok is at the top of these ranges; Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and coastal areas at the lower end. Lifestyle, personal habits and accommodation choice are the largest variables.
For the full corridor guide with provider comparison, bank transfer details and local payment methods:
UK to Thailand transfer guide →There's a gap between arriving in a new country and getting long-term health insurance sorted. Travel insurance covers you in that window — and for trips back home, visits to neighbouring countries, and activity-based incidents that IPMI doesn't always cover. It's not a substitute for proper expat health cover but it fills the gap.
Designed specifically for travellers and new expats. Covers emergency medical, trip cancellation, adventure activities and personal liability. Available to residents of most countries. Get a quote online in minutes — cover can start immediately.
Travel insurance is not a substitute for international private medical insurance for long-term residents. See our health insurance comparison →
Most people moving abroad ship less than they expect and buy more locally than they planned. That said, some things are worth shipping — clothes for all climates, specialist equipment, sentimental items. Get multiple quotes before committing.
International removals by sea and air. Door-to-door service covering most of our destination countries. Competitive for partial loads. Quote online.
Get a removals quote (AD)Before booking a container, price up buying equivalent items at your destination. In Thailand and Malaysia, furniture and electronics are often cheaper locally. In UAE and Singapore, not so much. Ship what you can't replace, buy the rest.
A hire car is useful for your first weeks while you're finding your feet, viewing apartments and getting oriented. Longer term you'll work out whether you need your own vehicle — until then, hiring gives flexibility without commitment.
Compares rates from local and international car hire companies. Usually cheaper than booking direct. Includes free cancellation options on most bookings. Book in advance for best rates.
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