FAQs about transferring funds into Thailand

What information is required by an overseas bank to send money to my Bangkok Bank account in Thailand?

Most overseas banks will need the following details:


  • Your Bangkok Bank account number and account name
  • Bangkok Bank’s name: Bangkok Bank
  • Bangkok Bank’s SWIFT code: BKKBTHBK (This is required for sending funds via SWIFT to the beneficiary’s Bangkok Bank account)
How long will it take to receive the international funds transfer via SWIFT?
A transfer instruction sent from overseas via SWIFT should reach the recipient’s Bangkok Bank account within 1-2 working days. If the Bank receives an incomplete payment instruction from abroad, the Bank will need to contact the sender’s bank to request the additional information. This may cause a delay in crediting funds to your account.
How much does Bangkok Bank charge for receiving overseas funds transfers?
The fee is 0.25% of the total amount (minimum fee is 200 baht and maximum fee is 500 baht) per transaction.

However, if the funds from abroad have been sent through other banks before reaching Bangkok Bank, there may be an additional handling fee from another bank.
How can I find out if my overseas funds transfer has arrived?
You can check your account details via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking or Bualuang iBanking or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or (66) 0 2645 5555. You can also sign up for free to receive an automatic SMS Remittance Alert at any Bangkok Bank ATM nationwide. This will mean you get an immediate notification when the funds reach your account.
What exchange rate does Bangkok Bank use to convert foreign currency funds transfers into baht?
Bangkok Bank will apply its "Telegraphic Transfer Buying Rate" to convert foreign currency funds transfers into baht before crediting the funds.
What is the largest amount I can transfer into a Bangkok Bank account in Thailand?
There is no limit to the amount of funds that can be transferred from abroad into a Bangkok Bank account.

However, senders must specify the purpose of the money transfer for every transfer, as commercial banks are required to report this to the Bank of Thailand on the client’s behalf.
 Why do I need to give a purpose when transferring funds into Thailand?
To guard against fraud and money laundering, the Bank of Thailand’s regulations state that all banks in Thailand must obtain specific reasons for funds transfers before they are credited into an account in Thailand. Transfer purposes may include paying for goods, buying a condominium, investing in a business or living expenses.

Bangkok Bank will report the purposes for all incoming funds transfers to the Bank of Thailand on your behalf.
I get a regular pension/income source from the US. Is there an easy way to receive the funds directly into my Bangkok Bank account? 
If you have regular earnings, social security payments, income from provident or pension funds, or other types of remuneration from government agencies or private companies based in the US, you can easily transfer funds into your Bangkok Bank account in Thailand via Bangkok Bank‘s New York branch. This may help reduce your transfer fees and save some time, as you may previously have had to receive a US Treasury Cheque or Company Cheque via post.
Does Bangkok Bank provide a cost-effective channel to send funds from a US bank account to a Bangkok Bank account?  
If you have a US bank account, you may be able to transfer funds to a Bangkok Bank account in Thailand via your bank’s internet banking service, using Bangkok Bank’s New York branch’s 9-digit routing number.
I get a UK pension or want to regularly send money from the UK to Thailand. Is there an easy way to do this?
If you are currently receiving payments such as pensions, annuities or payroll from UK government agencies or private organizations, you can arrange for your payments to be directly deposited into your account at Bangkok Bank in Thailand via Bangkok Bank's London branch.
Do I need an account with Bangkok Bank to receive an incoming funds transfer?
No, you do not need a Bangkok Bank account. However, the sender should make sure to enter the correct name, address and telephone number of the recipient in Thailand in the payment instructions when transferring funds from overseas. If you are collecting funds from overseas, bringing your ID card or passport to the branch will enable you to collect your funds without delay.

Please note, Bangkok Bank will apply its "Buying Rate - TT" to funds transferred in a foreign currency, exchanging them into baht before making a cash payout at our counters.

Bangkok Bank charges a receiving fee of 0.25% of the transfer amount (minimum 200 baht, maximum 500 baht) plus a cash payout fee of 150 baht per transaction. You can also receive money via the Western Union Money Transfer Service at any Bangkok Bank branch or exchange booth across Thailand with no charges.
What is an IBAN?
IBAN stands for "International Bank Account Number", a code offered to an individual or company in European and Middle East countries. Bangkok Bank doesn’t have IBAN and the remitter does not have to specify an IBAN in the payment instruction to Bangkok Bank. Remitters must specify Bangkok Bank’s SWIFT code: BKKBTHBK when sending funds to Thailand.
Are there any special requirements I must meet if I transfer funds from abroad to buy a condominium in Thailand?
For buying a condominium in Thailand, you can transfer funds from an overseas bank via SWIFT to your Bangkok Bank Thai Baht account or Foreign Currency Deposit account (FCD). Please specify the purpose of your funds transfer instruction as "To purchase a condominium".

Upon receiving the funds, you can contact the Bangkok Bank branch where you maintain your account and request the documents you will need to present to the Department of Lands when registering ownership.
I do not have a bank account in Thailand. Can I still transfer funds to purchase a condominium in Thailand?
When transferring funds from abroad for buying a condominium in Thailand, you must have a bank account for depositing your funds. If you do not have an account with Bangkok Bank, you will need to transfer funds for buying a condominium to the account of the developer, or the account of a third party. However, we highly recommend that you open an account with Bangkok Bank if you are planning to buy a condominium in Thailand.
Can I bring foreign currency into Thailand in cash to purchase a condominium?
Yes, but you must remember to declare the cash for this purpose at Thai customs when you arrive. Thai customs will issue a document to present to Bangkok Bank when you exchange the foreign currency into baht. Banks do not accept a large amount of foreign currency cash unless there is a supporting documentation from Thai Customs.

You are now leaving Bangkok Bank's website