Banking and money

Most day-to-day payments in Thailand run through a local bank account, directly or via linked apps.

Opening a Thai bank account#

Requirements vary by bank and sometimes by branch. International students are typically asked for a combination of:

• Passport (original, plus a photocopy).
• Visa page showing your Non-Immigrant ED status.
• A letter confirming enrolment from the university or faculty.
• Proof of address in Thailand (sometimes a dorm or landlord letter).

Ask other international students or TU International Affairs which branches near Tha Prachan process student applications most often.

PromptPay#

PromptPay is Thailand's national instant-payment system, linked to your phone number or national/passport ID. Once your account supports it, you can send and receive money instantly between banks, split bills with friends, and pay many small vendors by scanning a QR code.

Everyday spending#

• Bank cards are widely accepted in shops, but smaller stalls and markets are often cash or QR-code only.
• Mobile banking apps let you check balances, transfer money, and pay bills without visiting a branch.
• Keep a small amount of cash on hand for markets, food stalls, and transport.

Sending or receiving money from home#

International transfers usually work through your home bank or a transfer service, arriving into your Thai account. Fees and exchange rates vary between providers.

If you run into account issues#

Resolve lost cards, blocked accounts, or login problems through your bank's official app or branch. Thai banking apps typically support English. If a missing document is blocking account opening, TU International Affairs can clarify what the university can issue on your behalf.