How I Send and Spend Money in Thailand — Without Thai Bank Problems

Thailand has changed a lot when it comes to banking. If you’ve tried to send money here recently — especially to Bangkok Bank — you might’ve noticed something’s not right. Payments bounce back. Transfers fail. Even tourists are running into card declines and ATM headaches.

I’ve found a simple way to bypass all of that — and it works whether you live here full-time or you're just visiting.

💳 What I Use Now: Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

I use Wise to send money and to pay for everything when I’m in Thailand — all without touching a Thai bank account.

Here’s what I like about it:

✅ I got a free borderless account — it gives me multiple bank accounts in different countries (handy if you're paid in GBP, USD, etc.)
✅ I use the virtual debit card on Apple Pay and Google Pay
✅ You can also request a physical debit card that works anywhere
✅ Transfers to Thailand are fast (literally seconds to Krung Sri Bank)
✅ It’s cheaper than PayPal, Western Union, or bank wire transfers
The Real Problem: Some Thai Banks Reject Transfers

In my case, Bangkok Bank started rejecting international transfers. Even though I’ve used them for years, my money was returned. I switched to Krung Sri Bank — and now my Wise transfers land in seconds.

I’ve heard from other expats having the same issue, especially retirees who need to get their pension money here.

If that sounds like you, Wise might solve your headache.

🧳 What About Tourists?

Even if you're just here on holiday, Wise is a great option. You can load money onto your account before your trip and then spend in baht directly using the card or mobile wallet. No more airport exchange booths or dodgy ATMs.

You can also withdraw from ATMs in Thailand — just be aware of the local bank fees, which apply no matter what card you use.

🎯 Who This is For

👴 Expats aged 55+ who receive a pension abroad
🌍 Tourists who want a safe, flexible way to pay in Thailand
📲 Anyone tired of card blocks, rejected payments, or crazy fees

🚀 How to Get Started

It takes 5 minutes to sign up, and you get a virtual card right away. Then you can add the physical card if you want. I had mine on both Apple Pay and Google Pay by the end of the day.

👉 Sign up for Wise here and start sending and spending without the hassle.

This is what I use every month. It just works.

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