Krabi Expat Guide

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ONLY foreigners with a non-immigrant year-long visa can open a personal Thai bank account. A work permit or retirement visa is ideal. You will need a letter from your landlord with proof of address and copies of your passport and visa, and possibly a reference from your employer, with the company seal.

Foreigners do not earn interest on any savings held in a Thai bank account; loans (other than on credit cards) are also usually out of bounds.

All banks in Krabi accept international money transfers; they also usually provide you with an ATM cash withdrawal card. Credit cards must be applied for separately. It is however, wise to keep your credit card from home active for internet purchases, as Thai cards are often refused online.

To receive money in Thailand without a bank account, you can use a service like Western Union, that delivers here; or use an ATM card to withdraw cash from an account in your home country. ATM machines are everywhere in the beach areas and Krabi Town.