Pattaya Reports

[LittleBigMan]

You need a Certificate of Residency to open a bank account in Thailand. Getting a legit 1-2 month Lease Agreement is difficult AFAIK. Majority of leases are 6 or 12 months. Someone let me know if I'm wrong. I'm looking for a good place to rent for cheap in Bangkok for a couple of months.

If you're from the USA, use Charles Schwab. Unfortunately, they do not offer free ATM fees services if you reside in many countries outside USA or possibly Europe.

Remember there is a forgotten rule that you have to carry 20,000 baht (equivalent Euro or USD may be acceptable too but I'd carry Thai baht to be safe) with you when you enter Thailand. The IO could technically not allow you in if you do not.



Always a good idea Cards fail in Thailand. One time I was trying to buy something at Central Festival from a legitimate store. Took me 3 credit cards to finally get the sale to go through. 1 of my cards was blocked after that.

Not saying you are wrong I've opened a number of Bank account particularly with Bangkok Bank in Pattaya, the first account was open in 2000 on the Second Road across from Soi 6, 10 years ago, 2nd account on Sukhumvit, just before you get to Pattaya Klang, 3rd, 4 years ago, Darkside Siam Country Club all open with just my passport. Note: The first one I was still a tourist.

I've told a number of visitors who come several times a year wanted to open accounts have done so at Big see Extra on Pattaya Klang, the upstairs Green color bank also with just a passport. That is my experience.

[IHeartIpa]

You need a Certificate of Residency to open a bank account in Thailand. Getting a legit 1-2 month Lease Agreement is difficult AFAIK..

Normally yes, but its not difficult on the ground in Pattaya right now. Places are extremely flexible during covid times.

[Jwdub]

If you're from the USA, use Charles Schwab. Unfortunately, they do not offer free ATM fees services if you reside in many countries outside USA or possibly Europe..

Yes they do. If your a US resident residing internationally, Schwab transfers your bank holdings into a Global brokerage account and then will issue you an ATM card.

That refunds your ATM fees accordingly. I'm been living here in Pattaya 8 years now and have used it since.

[HorseTrader]

From https://www.fidelity.com/cash-manage...tm-debit-card: "For each foreign transaction, there is a foreign transaction fee (currently, 1% of the transaction for non-US dollar transactions), which may be included in the amount charged to your account. This charge may apply whether or not there is a currency conversion. ".

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Very interesting that you have to pay such a fee. In February and March 2020 I used my Fidelity card extensively as an ATM card and never had a fee of any sort. Fidelity reimbursed the local ATM fee. Comparing the cash I got from the machine and the amount withdrawn from my account, I got an excellent exchange rate, which matched XE.com. I'm wondering if you used your card at a store as a credit card while I simply used my card as a debt card at the ATM.

[Jimmy Boy 99]

What you write about Fidelity card is exactly what I do and I can confirm what you say. The other benefit of the Fidelity card is that the exchange rate is excellent, it almost exactly matches what is posted on XE.com, which is better than any currency exchange place I've ever seen.

My backup card is my regular bank in USA, which doesn't have the sweet deal that Fidelity offers.

I also bring a small stack of cash in case all else fails.

From https://www.fidelity.com/cash-manage...tm-debit-card: "For each foreign transaction, there is a foreign transaction fee (currently, 1% of the transaction for non-US dollar transactions), which may be included in the amount charged to your account. This charge may apply whether or not there is a currency conversion. ".

This foreign transaction fee is why I don't use the card abroad, although I have it. I use Schwab and First Republic Bank, which charge no fees and reimburse ATM fees.

[Explorer8939]

Just maintain the same breathing, moaning and rhythm as the guy on the other side of the curtain and privacy won't be an issue.

Usually, the music is so loud that you can't hear the next guy.

I was in a GC last night, and some guy got a BJ behind a curtain, it was like there was a Cone of Silence over him.

[Banana Boi]

I don't want to risk carrying money but don't see a point in opening a bank account. <snip>What should be my address proof in Thailand if that is required as proof for collecting cash at pickup zone. Should I get a 1-2 month lease agreement and show that as proof.

You need a Certificate of Residency to open a bank account in Thailand. Getting a legit 1-2 month Lease Agreement is difficult AFAIK. Majority of leases are 6 or 12 months. Someone let me know if I'm wrong. I'm looking for a good place to rent for cheap in Bangkok for a couple of months.

If you're from the USA, use Charles Schwab. Unfortunately, they do not offer free ATM fees services if you reside in many countries outside USA or possibly Europe.

Remember there is a forgotten rule that you have to carry 20,000 baht (equivalent Euro or USD may be acceptable too but I'd carry Thai baht to be safe) with you when you enter Thailand. The IO could technically not allow you in if you do not.

I also bring a small stack of cash in case all else fails.

Always a good idea Cards fail in Thailand. One time I was trying to buy something at Central Festival from a legitimate store. Took me 3 credit cards to finally get the sale to go through. 1 of my cards was blocked after that.

[HorseTrader]

I use a Fidelity card that reimburses you for bank fees charged overseas or domestic. Charles Schwann also provides that service. And it is a very good idea to take an extra card for backup though these investment services generally don't allow you to have more than one. However, your normal bank Plus card will suffice as a backup until a new card is sent to you.

What you write about Fidelity card is exactly what I do and I can confirm what you say. The other benefit of the Fidelity card is that the exchange rate is excellent, it almost exactly matches what is posted on XE.com, which is better than any currency exchange place I've ever seen.

My backup card is my regular bank in USA, which doesn't have the sweet deal that Fidelity offers.

I also bring a small stack of cash in case all else fails.

[Java Man]

I don't want to risk carrying money but don't see a point in opening a bank account. I see that only western union and xoom paypal are offering cash pickup. Both have crappy exchange rates.

I use Charles Schwab, They refund the ATM fees at the end of the month. Others are Sofi Money and Aspiration, they're internet banks. However, Aspiration will only refund 5 ATM fee's per month. You'll need to open a checking account and they'll sent a debit card.

[Dg8787]

In the newer GCs, most have curtains that surround a booth, so no need for a short time room.

Just maintain the same breathing, moaning and rhythm as the guy on the other side of the curtain and privacy won't be an issue.

[Explorer8939]

I've never been to either bar but have walked by over 1000 times. For me these are bars and not what I would call G clubs. I have noticed a few bars around Pattaya now calling themselves G clubs which is wrong. Personally I stretch the word G clubs to include all the Pattaya BJ bars like the ones on Soi Full Love Inn, Excite, Telephone Bar, Bar La Poste, etc. Rooms upstairs for FS and BJ or you can just have sex in the middle of the bar if you wish. The real definition of a G club is a fairly large bar with a swimming pool and rooms. Popular ones pre-COVID were Kinnaree, Passion, Heaven, etc.

In the newer GCs, most have curtains that surround a booth, so no need for a short time room.

[Goferring]

I know I am using the loopholes, but who isn't. I will need to only worry about my company not creating trouble.

Fair enough. Tax has been all ready mentioned but make sure when you discuss your plans with them that you are also aware of risks to their formal corporate structure. Google "Permanent Establishment" for more details. I'm guessing you would not be popular if you forced them to start reporting a whole new Thai division. 🙂.

All the best. G.

[Tomasb]

I use a Fidelity card that reimburses you for bank fees charged overseas or domestic. Charles Schwann also provides that service. And it is a very good idea to take an extra card for backup though these investment services generally don't allow you to have more than one. However, your normal bank Plus card will suffice as a backup until a new card is sent to you. Unlike most ATM's in the world, you have to wait for the card to be returned to you. On a couple of inebriated occasions, I walked away from the ATM in Thailand without retrieving the card and had to call and request another one be sent. With most machines now, you can't get your money until you retrieve your card. But TiT.

Of course, every once in a while you will encounter a balky machine that will not return the card. This happened to me recently in the Yucatáand where the machine kept my card. With the help of some local passerby I was able to finally extract my card after about 15 minutes of hitting a combo of different buttons. In any event, that is why an additional card is a good idea. And it's never a good time not to have access to your card.

It is an individual choice in all the years I've lived here I use mainly ATM from home although I have a number of local accounts here that money is set aside for other things. One provides me with all the fees paid at the end of the month.

I basically have a system if something happens to one card I can go to a backup until that card is reported and replaced. I suggest in your situation you have a combo, use ATM or Debit cards bring a sustainable amount of cash. When it comes to using ATM / Debit Cards with major local banks majority of them 220 baht for each transaction 150 baht for Aeon when it comes to rates all lower than what you will get if you go to an exchange booth example: USA Dollars if the posted rate at an exchange booth 29.80 an ATM bank machine might give you 29.50 that doesn't include the rate you pay as noted and the fee you pay usually 1% from where the card was issued.

If you do use a local ATM machine (cards are different) they will ask do you accept the fee 220? You push yes if another message comes on the screen giving you a breakdown of your transaction it will include the rate the bank wants to give you (a much lower rate) if you proceed PUSH NO! Your transaction will still continue doing so gives you the Internation rate and not the banks?

[Loose Cannon]

Check on the fees and "Retail" FX rates used before committing. My regular Credit and Debit cards are horrendous for both. However, my bank does have a Travel Debit card which is much better.

Some of the online peer to peer banks eg TraveWise have cards with excellent rates but limited monthly withdrawl limits.

The OP is relying on a number of employment, tax, residency, work permit 'loopholes' remaining in place. I'm wondering what the plan is when one of those comes unstuck?

Cheers. G.

Thank you G for your inputs. I checked a few websites mentioned below and found the work I do meets criteria of not taking work of local thai. If there is an issue with thai govt, I expect my visa to get rejected in first place. I know I am using the loopholes, but who isn't. I will need to only worry about my company not creating trouble.

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand...nd-work-permit

https://hobowithalaptop.com/thailand-visas-explained

I am still in planning phase and have not bought tickets yet.

LC.

[LittleBigMan]

It is an individual choice in all the years I've lived here I use mainly ATM from home although I have a number of local accounts here that money is set aside for other things. One provides me with all the fees paid at the end of the month.

I basically have a system if something happens to one card I can go to a backup until that card is reported and replaced. I suggest in your situation you have a combo, use ATM or Debit cards bring a sustainable amount of cash. When it comes to using ATM / Debit Cards with major local banks majority of them 220 baht for each transaction 150 baht for Aeon when it comes to rates all lower than what you will get if you go to an exchange booth example: USA Dollars if the posted rate at an exchange booth 29.80 an ATM bank machine might give you 29.50 that doesn't include the rate you pay as noted and the fee you pay usually 1% from where the card was issued.

If you do use a local ATM machine (cards are different) they will ask do you accept the fee 220? You push yes if another message comes on the screen giving you a breakdown of your transaction it will include the rate the bank wants to give you (a much lower rate) if you proceed PUSH NO! Your transaction will still continue doing so gives you the Internation rate and not the banks?