A Thai bank account and PromptPay make daily life in Phuket far easier — but the rules tightened in 2026, and which visa you hold now decides which banks will open an account for you. Here's what's required, which banks are realistic, and the ATM-fee trap to know.
Bank policy tightened in 2026 and now varies by visa. Bangkok Bank reportedly no longer opens accounts for tourist or DTV holders — a long-stay visa (Non-B, Non-O, ED, LTR, retirement extension) is generally required. Kasikorn (KBank) has been more flexible, sometimes opening with a passport and visa. Rules shift frequently and branch managers have discretion, so be prepared to try a second branch or bank. This isn't financial advice — confirm current policy before you rely on it.
Typically you'll need your passport, your visa or long-stay proof, and a proof-of-address letter (from your landlord, hotel, or sometimes immigration). Some branches ask for a Thai phone number first. Once open, link PromptPay to your Thai mobile number in the bank's app — it's how most everyday payments and transfers work in Thailand (QR codes everywhere). Bring patience and, if a branch refuses, try another; outcomes genuinely vary by branch.
Until your Thai account is open, expect Thai ATMs to charge a flat ฿220 foreigner fee per withdrawal on foreign cards — so take larger amounts less often, and tell your home bank you're travelling so the card isn't blocked. A multi-currency card (Wise, Revolut and similar) is worth carrying to cut conversion costs. Once you have a Thai account and PromptPay, day-to-day spending becomes near cash-free.
Banking is a Week-1 task in our first 30 days checklist, because so much else (a SIM, paying rent, utilities) connects to it. Get a Thai SIM first, then attempt the account with your visa and address proof in hand. If you're on a tourist or DTV entry, target Kasikorn and be ready to try multiple branches.
Usually yes, but it tightened in 2026 and depends on your visa. Bangkok Bank reportedly now requires a long-stay visa (not tourist or DTV), while Kasikorn has been more flexible. Bring your passport, visa proof and a proof-of-address letter, and be prepared to try more than one branch or bank. Confirm current policy before relying on it.
Typically your passport, your visa or long-stay proof, and a proof-of-address letter from your landlord, hotel or immigration. Some branches also want a Thai phone number first. Requirements and approvals vary by branch, so outcomes can differ even within the same bank.
PromptPay is Thailand's instant payment system, linked to your Thai phone number through your bank's app. It powers the QR-code payments and transfers used everywhere in Thailand, so it's worth setting up as soon as your account is open — it makes daily life near cash-free.
Thai ATMs charge a flat fee of around THB 220 per withdrawal on foreign cards, on top of your home bank's charges. Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimise it, carry a multi-currency card like Wise or Revolut, and open a Thai account to avoid the fee for everyday spending.