Opened bank account on tourist visa

Post by **MrFixer** » August 23, 2014, 4:45 pm

Finally got around to opening an account at Bangkok Bank.
Just to reassure folks that it was very straightforward and exactly as per their website. They just needed to see (and copy) my passport (with tourist visa) and driving licence (as secondary ID).
It was all handled very smoothly by a young lady who'd obviously done it many times before.
Within 30 minutes I had my ATM card and passbook.You can choose an old style magnetic stripe card that works worldwide or a chip card that only works in Thailand.
This was done at the main branch in town.

Post by **macca46** » August 23, 2014, 4:55 pm

Yes it is not a problem at head office if you had tried at the outer branches you would found out it was NO NO NO can not do sorry I went down that track about 6 months ago with five different banks went were you went same story done and dusted 30 minutes.

Post by **countrybumpkin** » August 23, 2014, 4:59 pm

Where is 'head office'??

Post by **BobHelm** » August 23, 2014, 5:05 pm

http://www.udonmap.com/en/udonthani-bus ... ak-rd.html

Post by **countrybumpkin** » August 23, 2014, 6:47 pm

Thanks, Bob!

Post by **Techland** » August 23, 2014, 7:23 pm

> You can choose an old style magnetic stripe card that works worldwide or a chip card that only works in Thailand.

Misleading information. Many ATMs from various banks in Thailand (!) do not accept the chip card. I got frustrated quickly so changed the card back to magnetic stripe to be able to get my cash in Thailand (!) wherever I go.

Post by **Jaluun** » November 19, 2014, 9:52 pm

Thought it might be worth mentioning;
About 1.5 year ago I opened a bank account with SCB without a visa and until today we still put money on that account.
It might be worth it to just go ahead and try it if you need an account.

Post by **thrilled** » November 20, 2014, 6:05 am

The chip is the way of the future.I imagine in the next year or so most major countries will have the chip.To much theft with the strip.
And I have A bank account with Kasikorn.Only needed passport.

Post by **Jello** » November 20, 2014, 4:06 pm

I was thinking of getting a "chip" card, but maybe not if they don't work everywhere. My thai bank cards have the magnetic stip. So my understanding is these are at risk of being scanned with a card reader that a criminal can put on a ATM machine. But they need your PIN number also don't they?

Are their other risks involved with using a magnetic strip card?

As for opening a account, Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank branches at Central Plaza were no problem, but I did have a non-o visa when I opened the accounts.