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Slosheroni
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How does one even time this to take full advantage of the six month validity? The Thai consulate in L.A. says it takes a minimum of 15 business days to process. If you book a flight for say, November 15th, would you apply on October 25th (fifteen business days)? That'd be a little nip and tuck. Giving yourself more wiggle room and applying October 2nd should work but then if it is approved in 15 days you end up losing two weeks of time.
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So to pull together the information from this thread. Please correct any of this if I have it wrong.
Wells Fargo - need to maintain a US address. Will do SWIFT transfers for the time being.
State Department Credit Union - on the surface they look promising as they claim to support expats and no need to maintain a US address but their more recent reviews are brutal with something changing with them over the past few years. The reviews are so bad I'm almost regretting giving them the confidential information required to open an account. When my account opens I think I'll give customer service a call and see what type of responses I can get from them.
Chase/Bank of America/Citibank/1st Bank- I think will work about the same as Wells Fargo with some issue with Citibank's transition to another bank in Thailand. All require maintaining a US address.
I think I'll keep my Wells Fargo bank, try to find a virtual mail box as I live in a no state income tax state but all reliable friends and family live in state income tax states. I have opened a Schwab account and also am familiar with Wise but was hoping for a couple of backup banks in case one of those two options fail.
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On 11/25/2022 at 6:46 AM, Jingthing said:
You can get around that by paying 5 dollars to a U.S. consumers organization one time. That's what I did. Anyone can do that! Look into it more closely. It's very popular with expats that have ZILCH to do with the State Department.
It may seem Mickey Mouse to even have to play that game but it's totally legit and because they are a Credit Union, not a bank, I think they are required to require something like that.
So I went through the process and my application is being reviewed. Have you done any transactions with them recently? I've seen a lot of recent reviews and they're saying things have changed for the worse.
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1 hour ago, john thom said:
yes it will, I wire my monthly amount . Im office accepts it every year that I renew my retirement. cost 45 us
Good to hear. I may keep them then as another option. How have they been to deal with as far as maintaining a physical address in the States?
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Just now, Jingthing said:
You can get around that by paying 5 dollars to a U.S. consumers organization one time. That's what I did. Anyone can do that! Look into it more closely. It's very popular with expats that have ZILCH to do with the State Department.
Awesome thanks. I think that was the last selection on the menu but I didn't go any further. I'll take a closer look.
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6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:
State Department Federal Credit Union.
You can open an account from Thailand with a Thai address and passport.
SWIFT wires are 30 dollars.
Their ATM card unfortunately carries a one percent FX fee.
I looked into them yesterday but I thought they had restrictions like needing to be a relative of someone who worked in the State Department and such. They had a list of criteria and I didn't meet any.
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32 minutes ago, dj230 said:
Im not from the states but im pretty sure swift is international network for bank transfers so most banks will do swift to any other swift bank. I dont see why any US bank wouldn't do swift transfers to Thailand
Actually I'm going to have to look into that a little more. When I called about this before I was told they didn't send to Thailand but looking at their website now it appears they send to over 200 counties so I'd have to assume they would send to Thailand. They do say they will not send if you are residing outside the US so maintaining a US address and phone appears to be key
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3 minutes ago, dj230 said:
Im not from the states but im pretty sure swift is international network for bank transfers so most banks will do swift to any other swift bank. I dont see why any US bank wouldn't do swift transfers to Thailand
My bank Wells Fargo will not do transfers to Thailand
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I'm looking for a bank that is somewhat expat friendly that will do SWIFT transfers to Thailand. This would be as a backup to using services such as Wise or brokerage accounts like Schwab and Interactive Brokers.
I know some people love Capital One but their website says, and everything I can find, that they do transfers within the US and I think to the US but not out. So I'm not sure what the upside to Capital One is over the brokerage accounts.
I think I'll need to keep a mailing address in the States if that helps.
Thanks
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9 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:
The bank will open the account same day if you meet their requirements as stipulated by the individual branch.
The e-visa website is hosted by MFA in Bangkok but your application will be handled by one of the US consulates.
Best to create an account, log in and then you'll see the available options for visa types and who will handle the application. I just made a dummy account and can see there are four to choose from: Chi-town, DC, LA & NYC.
I can't go any further than that because on next screen they want passport details.
Funny you should mention the UK because in another thread (see below) member SunsetT says that despite London Embassy website stating that insurance is required for non-O, in practice it's not required and you just upload a blank document or something.
Maybe it will be the same in the US? Maybe send DC an email to confirm if it's actually required or not (I heard LA suck). Depending on the urgency of course, you haven't mentioned how keen you are to get back over here ????
Thanks for all your help. I was just looking at this thread when your reply came in.
https://aseannow.com/topic/1277873-brit-travelling-to-thailand-for-around-90-days/
I have time to get this done. I'm just trying to get everything figured out now. I'm trying to tell myself not to go too far down the rabbit hole because in a month everything will probably change. It's really mind numbing after awhile. Depending on how work is going it could be anywhere from April to September before I make the move. So still a ways off.
I'm going to have to dig into the e-visa site and see my options. I'm now wondering if the best bet might be to see if the 60 day, multiple entry tourist visa is still available. It's listed on the LA website but who knows? I'll be close to the border so no problem leaving and entering. That would give me 120 days to get everything in order. Although this will involve one more step in getting my one year extension by having to get a non-o in Thailand.
Yeah I've heard LA is pretty shoddy. That's a big reason why I was trying to avoid it by doing the visa waiver route. Just looking through the two websites, I can see the DC consulate is far better but I'm in the LA jurisdiction. An email to DC can't hurt though.
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59 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:
Depending on the location it can be very difficult to open a bank account on visa exempt or tourist visa. They'll want to see a long-stay visa or work permit.
Some members of this forum have said that they were able to open an account by "shopping around", ie schlepping around town until they find a willing branch.
Others have reported success by getting a "respected Thai" to write them a letter of invitation.
Getting a residence certificate from US Embassy is a bit pricey as far as I know (I'm Aussie). so the invitation letter could be cheaper for you (but you'll owe fiancé a favour lol).
Or you can use an agent to open the bank account. Prices range from B3,700 to B5,000 depending on location.
I think now, after your advice from the other thread, that it's probably best to apply for a 90 non-o evisa from the US. Then extend it in Thailand after that for my long term stay goals.
Two issues I just ran into. One is I'm not sure the evisa system issues 90 day non-o's. I briefly went to their website and when selecting "over 50 based on retirement" the system takes me to a page talking about visiting family. Nothing about retirees Then when trying to find the document requirements "over 50 based on retirement" is grayed out. Meaning you cannot open a link with information on the documents required. I haven't set up an account yet. Maybe after I do that I'll find my way and information in the application process. I noticed in another thread that people from the U.K have been able to do apply for a non-o evisa. Since the evisa website seems to be centralized through Bangkok I'm guessing I can apply online for a non-o 90 day visa.
The other issue is back to the banking. Does anyone know how long one typically needs to be in Thailand before you can open an account with a non-o? And also how long those funds need to be in the bank before applying for the first non-o, one year extension for retirement? With only a 90 day visa, if the funds need to be sitting for 60 days prior applying for an extension, that only leaves 30 days in country to get an account opened. If there's a waiting period to open an account I'm wondering if I need to see about a multiple entry visa if that animal exists
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4 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:
Why not apply for non-O in your home country?
Also which Immigration Office would you be intending to apply for the in-country "conversion" to non-O? A recent report has revealed that Jomtien are being difficult and asking for proof that B800k came from abroad AND has to have been in the bank for two months prior to application date. It should only be proof that funds came from O/S.
This would be Sisaket. I thought about applying for a non-O here in the US too but then there's the insurance requirement and I'd also have to deal with the Los Angeles consulate. Proof of funds from overseas I plan to do via using Wise. The issue will be if I get a bank opened quickly enough to have the funds in for 60 day if they want that.
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25 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:
I take it you only want to stay 180 days and hence why you don't want to apply for non-O from your home country.
With your history you will be fine to enter visa exempt and get 45 days (until March when it reverts to 30 days).
You can extend the visa exempt once for an additional 30 days. B1,900 at your nearest Immigration Office.
You should not have any trouble doing a border hop to get another visa exempt entry.
OR you could apply for a single entry Tourist Visa that will give you 60+30 days. Depending on your location you can use the new e-visa system that saves a trip to the Thai embassy/consulate AND a page in your passport.
I'm actually looking at staying long term and was going to apply for a 90-day non-O in Thailand and then get the one year extension. It might be better to this with the 60 day tourist e-visa instead.
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4 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:
You'll be able to do it for a while then you'll start getting grief from Immi. They don't like people staying "too long" in the Kingdom on visa exempt entries.
Pre-Covid there were many reports on here of folk being told "get a proper visa next time" or in extreme cases denied entry. Apparently they can't actually refuse entry because of "stay too much" so they were denying based on "having no visible means of support" because they didn't have cash equivalent of 20k baht on their person.
There is no set limit so it will depend on the individual Immigration Officer and of course your entry history.
How long are you intending to stay?
PS. It is still two visa exempt entries per calender year by land.
Thanks. I've enter by air and then by land twice in the same year before but that was in 2019. I'm now hoping to enter by air then by land to stay 90 days while also applying for a 90 day non-o based on retirement. I was more curious as I just read that the rule was unlimited by air and two by land in a year which is what it was before. When I read in this thread that two by air might be an issue I thought "now what changed again". It's hard to keep up.
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10 minutes ago, Sparktrader said:
45 days leave then another 45 equals back to back.
So is that ok?
I take it this info is wrong then
"If entering Thailand by land or sea, eligible travelers holding normal passports will be granted visa-free travel to Thailand twice per calendar year. There is no limitation when entering by air."
https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement
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On 11/18/2022 at 7:10 PM, ubonjoe said:
You will not be questioned when you enter the country unless you have gotten back to back visa exempt entries.
Have the rules changed since it was two visa exempt entries allowed per calendar year by land or sea and unlimited by air? I'm not following what back to back entries means. Enter by air is one, leave and stamped into say Laos would be two then enter by land or air would be three right?
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I'm a US citizen planning to stay long term in Thailand so the goal is to extend a 90 day non-0 based on retirement.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but can't one avoid a lot of headaches and having to purchase insurance if you do the following?
Arrive on a 45 day visa exemption.
Open a bank account by bringing the required documentation such as passport, proof of residency, lease agreement, address, enough money for a deposit, and preferably a Thai speaker. My fiance is a government teacher which she claims gives her a little bit of pull in these situations. I'm not as sure.
Transfer money into that bank account (800000 bht). That transfer needs to show the money came from outside of Thailand
If I need more time, exit and re-enter on another visa exemption.
Then apply for a non-o 90 day visa to avoid the insurance requirements.
Then after 60 days (?) apply for a one year extension.
Then continue extending into the future. I've forgotten how many days I should apply for an extension prior to a current extension expiring. Hopefully someone here can fill in the blank of the matter
Thanks for any help
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1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:
You can apply for a 1 year extension of stay (it is not a visa) based upon marriage during the last 30 days of the 90 day a non-o visa allows.
Many people don't have the funds to apply for a extension of stay or just don't want to deal with immigration.
Thanks Joe. So the marriage visa from Savannakhet is an actual visa with multiple entries that has no or a minimal requirement for funds in the bank while applying with a non-o in Thailand requires the 400000 baht in a bank and is single entry? If that's the case going to Savannakhet seems the way to go. Or stay single ????
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Is the reason for going to Savannakhet to get a multiple entry marriage visa? I thought you could apply for a marriage visa in Thailand after having a non-O
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On 12/19/2021 at 12:49 PM, Jingthing said:
Thai banks will still open accounts for Americans. Learn the rules of FBAR and FATCA reporting. I do annual FBAR filings and they are quick and easy to do. Fines for non compliance are SHOCKING.
Yes Capitol One requires a US address but they have been cool about people "travelling" indefinitely. I read expat info internationally and Capitol One is the most recommended expat friendly bank by far They are also I think good with international fees Contact them for traveling details. US Schwab is often trashed in comparison.
Do you have a relative that will help you be your US address?
The SWIFT in person thing is not for all banks. Avoid ones that require it. Like I said seek banks with online SWIFT.
I don't have Schwab but called them and talked about serving expats. They said would need to use international not US Schwab.
You could try to fake being a US customer. I do with many accounts except with SDFCU. That means US phone address phone and even logins.
I have a Fidelity IRA. They were actively trying to smoke me out as an expat for about four years. Calls and threatening emails.
You might consider opening
IRA with interactive brokers before you move. Fidelity at the very least will restrict allowed actions if they figure out you're an expat.
You also should figure out US cell phone based two factor authentification solutions before you move. Even if you dont need for current accounts you will later and acceptance of VOIP numbers is going away. I assume you have a US mobile number. Don't cancel it. Maybe port it to another cheaper service better as an expat.
You need to decide how to deal with your US state. If its a no state tax state no worries. If not, mine wasn't, I divorced myself from it by filing a last partial year return. California is notorious to giving grief to expats if they return.
Sound like a nightmare? It kind of is. Well I left a very long time ago. You're still there and can take proactive action. Nobody promised American expats a rose garden.
Are you doing SWIFT transfers with Capital One?
Their website says online wire transfers can only be done within the States.
https://www.capitalone.com/support-center/bank/wire-info
"Online wire transfers can only be sent within the United States (including U.S. territories)."
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1 hour ago, sqwakvfr said:
The Thai Embassy in DC does not email a sticker less OA E-visa. It is an actual Visa that has to affixed. I did not realize some Thai Embassies email an actual OA Visa?
This is from the Thai Embassy in DC
Since 27 September 2021, the Royal Thai Embassy has been implementing “stickerless”
E-visa service. Please note that it is no longer required to submit passport and original documents via mail to the Royal Thai Embassy.After the E-visa application has been approved, a confirmation email will be sent to applicants.
It is kindly requested to print a copy of the confirmation email to present to airline and
the Thai Immigration Officials to carry out checks when traveling to ThailandTo me that sounds like all the other E-visa I have done in the past. You apply be email. When you are approved they send some paperwork which you present at immigration when you arrive. Then immigration sticks the actual visa in your passport.
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7 hours ago, Jingthing said:
In any case each financial institution should be contacted before leaving the US to ask for the specific wire rules and options. I also favor closing accounts of obviously expat difficult ones and opening multiple accounts at ones that appear easier for expats. Once you live abroad the options for opening new US accounts are very limited. Be proactive. Be paranoid. Bad things will happen later guaranteed and you'll still be fine if you have BACKUPS.
So what I'm coming up with based on the great comments in this thread is:
Keep my US phone number and switch to a carrier like US mobile, etc. Backup numbers (SIMS) also wouldn't be a bad idea from other carries.
Open accounts with various brokerages/banks with my current US address and change that address to a US based friend or relative prior to moving (I'm about two years out)
The best brokerages for the time being are Interactive Brokers, Schwab, then maybe Fidelity. Opening with Schwab should be with Schwab International not Schwab US. If I open with Schwab International now does FBAR and FATCA apply now or only when living overseas?
The best banks are Capital One, possibly USAA, and that's about it? Are you referring to the Capital One 360 account?
Setup the Social Security and IRS accounts before leaving.
When contacting the various financial institutions do you recommend being straight up with them about my intentions of being an expat or just get everything set up and, as you say, "travel" indefinitely?
Read up on FBAR and FATCA. I have accounts with Vanguard now. Can those accounts be left open with active investing going on while overseas if they are linked to a US bank? Or are restriction placed on expats from even having US based mutual funds, etc.
Thanks again for the help.
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So after swimming in this for a few days a couple of issues popped up.
One, is the impact of FATCA and financial institutions not wanting to continue working with expats overseas. Has anyone ran into issues with Interactive Brokers, Schwab, Fidelity, or even banks like Capital One closing accounts or considering closing accounts? Vanguard has already cut bait right? I know Wells Fargo is gone.
Has anyone decided to employee an expat financial advisor to cut through some of the tax, investment, and other issues?
For those using Capital One are you keeping a US address? Somewhere in my research on Capitol One it mentions requiring a US address.
It's also been mentioned in this thread to setup most accounts while still in the States and to fill out the SWIFT paperwork while in the US. Wouldn't that paperwork require a previously opened Thai bank account? I'm imagining that the paperwork would need the information of the receiving account in Thailand to be completed. Or can that end of the SWIFT paperwork, the adding of the receiving Thai account, referenced in this thread be done after moving to Thailand.
I have a meeting setup with my local Schwab rep but during the initial phone call he didn't seem entirely on top of all the issues expats face and also didn't sound optimistic about the long term commitment of Schwab but I might be way off base on my read of what he was saying. I'll know more in a few weeks after a more in-depth meeting with him.
I don't know, it just seems like the FATCA reporting law has really limited banking options and hopefully the few that are left will continue to support expats. Is anyone concerned that support might dry up even more?
Finally, are you finding you can talk to a live rep with most of these institutions? It seems you're a little bit on your own when opening an account and figuring what services are provided, what services are needed, and the long term stability of their support.
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Is it advisable to renew passport before moving to Thailand?
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
US citizen with just under four years remaining on my passport. If I had two years or less I think it would be a no brainer to renew it now before leaving the States. But with four years I'm wondering if that's not unreasonable. Part of the issue is, will it even be possible if the federal government is gutted?