There may come a time when you need to send money from Thailand to another country.
Maybe your family needs some extra cash. Or perhaps you sold your condo or business in Thailand and want to take the money back home.
Some expats will tell you that it’s impossible to get your money out of the country once it’s here. Contrary to what they say, you can indeed transfer money out of Thailand.
By the end of this guide, you’ll find out which services are available to you, how much they charge in fees, the type of exchange rates they offer, and how long the transfer takes.
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Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Send Money from Thailand?
- Send Money from Thailand Using DeeMoney
- Send an International Bank Transfer from Thailand
- Send Money from Thailand Using Western Union
- Should I use a Bank to Transfer Money from Thailand to Another Country?
- How Long Does it Take to Send Money from Thailand
- Cheapest Way to Send Money from Thailand
- Now, on to You
Key Takeaways
- DeeMoney is usually the cheapest method to send money from Thailand to another country for amounts under US$10,000.
- For transfers over US$10,000, using a bank could be cheaper.
- Money transfers out of Thailand usually take anywhere from a few minutes to a few business days.
- You can only transfer up to US$50,000 from Thailand per transaction.
- If you want to find out the cheapest and fastest way to send money from Thailand, check out our ExpatDen Premium exclusive guide Recommended Method to Send Money from Thailand. When you join, you get hundreds of exclusive guides on how to save money and live hassle free in Thailand.
Why Send Money from Thailand?
When you talk to most expats, a cause of financial concern is how to quickly and safely get money into Thailand for relatively cheap.
But on the flip-side, there may come a time when you need to transfer money from Thailand to another country. These reasons could include:
- sending money to a loved one who is studying or living abroad
- repatriating to your home country
- moving to a new country
- selling property or a business
Let’s look at some of the more popular ways to transfer money from a bank account in Thailand to a bank account in another country.
Check out this guide if you need to send money to Thailand.
Send Money from Thailand Using DeeMoney
DeeMoney is a Thai-owed money transfer service provider used by locals and expats alike. You can use the service to transfer money out of Thailand or pay for international purchases.
Its fees are very low at only THB125, no matter how much money you transfer.
To get started, you need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID. You can use your passport, visa photo, or Thai work permit photo — although you don’t need a Thai work permit to open an account.
You also need to take a selfie using your phone, and you need a Thai bank account.
It takes about one to three business days before your registration is processed. But once it has been completed, you can send money from Thailand in as little as one business day.
We recommend DeeMoney for transfers under US$20,000 (DeeMoney’s limit). At the moment, it has solid service reviews and shows the comparative rates and fees, so it’s very transparent about its process.
Send an International Bank Transfer from Thailand
You can send money using an international bank transfer with a bank in Thailand starting at THB300. The fees, however, could go up to THB1,400, depending on how much you send.
You have to register with the bank if it’s your first time. Make sure you have all the relevant information about the individual you’re transferring to and the bank account, including:
- recipient’s name
- recipient’s bank name and address
- recipient’s bank account number
- bank’s SWIFT code (U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and China)
- bank’s IBAN (European Union)
Once you register with the bank, you can make international transfers through the bank’s app or website, but you may have to show proof of address. This process could take up to three business days, so that’s something to consider.
Keep in mind that you’re limited to how much you can transfer out of Thailand without submitting special documents. Any amount equivalent to US$50,000 or above will require a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form.
For tuition payments, you need a letter from the college or university listing the tuition fees, plus an invoice from the school.
If you’re sending money from income earned in Thailand, you need to show proof of income from your Thai employer if the amount is US$50,000 or the equivalent.
In the table below, you’ll find a list of popular Thai banks and how much they charge to send money abroad.
| Thai Bank | Fixed Fee | Exchange Rate Fee | Percentage Fee | Transfer Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Bank | None | 2.3%+ | 0.25% | 1 to 2 Days |
| Kasikorn Bank | THB450 | 2.3%+ | None | 1 to 3 Days |
| Siam Commercial Bank | None | 1.4%+ | 0.25% | 1 to 3 Days |
Keep in mind that when you transfer money from a bank in Thailand to a bank overseas, you will have to pay a fee. But you can set who pays the fee, the sender or receiver.
Also, the receiving bank will always charge a fee as well. This could range from US$5 to US$15 or more.
Read more: The Best Ways to Send Money Abroad
Send Money from Thailand Using Western Union
Western Union offers fast delivery and is available at many locations around Thailand.
Its fees may not seem high at first, but Western Union doesn’t have very high exchange rates and may charge hidden fees. We would only recommend using them if you have to send money urgently.
Western Union does have an app, but after installing it and registering your account, you need to visit an agent location to have them verify your photo ID in person. You also need a Thai bank account.
Most banks in Thailand offer Western Union services. In addition, all Central Shopping Mall locations (Central Rama 9 Mall, for example) have Western Union offices at their customer service desks.
You can visit the Western Union website to find your nearest agent location. One good thing about Western Union is that the sender and receiver don’t need bank accounts to make a transfer. You can use cash.
Should I use a Bank to Transfer Money from Thailand to Another Country?
If you don’t need to send money urgently and you have a Thai bank account, a bank transfer could be the best option. Any amount under US$50,000 won’t require any additional documents. However, there are steps to follow if you go over that amount, and the transfer reason needs to be approved.
How Long Does it Take to Send Money from Thailand
This depends on which money transfer service provider you use. Western Union could transfer your money in a matter of minutes. However, you’ll pay higher fees and get less on the receiving end. If you have a DeeMoney account, you can send money in one business day. For bank transfers, expect to wait at least three business days.
Cheapest Way to Send Money from Thailand
Considering the options listed above, here is an overview of the cheapest and most expensive ways to send money from Thailand to another country.
| Method | Fixed Fee | Exchange Rate Fee | Percentage Fee | Delivery Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeeMoney | THB125 | None | None | 1 Business Day |
| Bank Transfer | THB300+ | Varies | Varies | 3+ Business Days |
| Western Union | US$3+ | 5% | 0.1% | Minutes |
Now, on to You
In summary, if you have to send a few hundred or thousand dollars from Thailand to another country, you should use DeeMoney. For larger transfers in the tens of thousands of dollars, a bank transfer would be cheaper.
