What bank do you use?

[wpcoe]

In the 10+ years I've been in Thailand, I've always used Siam Commercial Bank, and part of the reason I stayed with them was the staff at the Jomtien Soi 5 branch -- they were always patient and helpful, and made me aware of offers, like promotional one-year high interest accounts.

Does anybody have a favorite bank/branch here in Hua Hin? I really have no reason to continue with SCB, but have no reason to change either, I guess. While location is a factor, if there is one branch that you would give outstanding marks to, I would let that influence my decision as well.

One factor that earns points for Bangkok Bank is their New York branch which allows low-cost transfers from my USA bank and credit union when I need to get money to Thailand. SWIFT transfers at my credit union are $50 (~B1500) each, so I plan carefully when I transfer money. So, Bangkok Bank has that in their favor, but if their staff is rude, unhelpful, or whatever, I'd forgo the inexpensive money transfers.

[BaaBaa.]

I use SCB myself, it's also a good idea to use a bank that has a branch in Market Village.

[Spitfire]

There's little to choose between them and their exchange rates only vary a slight amount really. Only really worth shopping around if transfering large amounts of money or borrowing money for a mortgage and the like.

Bangkok Bank is good and seems to be the only Thai bank that realises there's a world outside Thailand, but SCB seems to be getting better lately when it comes to dealing with foreigners.

There still seems to be reservations at all of them regarding issuing credit/Visa cards to foreigners, although Citi Bank seems more willing at the moment if you have reasonably good cash flow.

However, in general, not much difference with any compared to another.

[brianks]

I have had an account at Kbank at a branch in BKK. Have found the branch in Market Village a bit small and very busy plus the inconvenience of moving funds from BKK costing money.

Just opened an account at Bangkok Bank at branch next door to Market Village principally for convenience and cost of accessing money in Hua Hin with no fees. Bangkok Bank can also be an advantage to U.S. citizens since they are the only bank that is authorized to receive the Social Security checks from the government. May try that but don't know if any fees involved in doing that. Have to go to the embassy to arrange it.

So far I access my money in U.S. via ATM and AEON. Looking now for Credit Union in states that will not charge me $5 per ATM transaction (as Wells Fargo does) and one that will at least allow me $1,000 per day withdrawal (like Wells Fargo does). So far I have found one with $1 per ATM transaction but only $500 per day withdrawal. Going to states later this week so the search will be on for while I am there.

[wpcoe]

@brainks: I have been leaning toward switching to Bangkok Bank for the very reasons you mention about getting money from USA to here.

How do you find the staff/facilities at the Bangkok Branch by Market Village? Long lines (long waits)? Staff friendly and helpful, and able to understand what you want to do? These are the kinds of things I want to factor in my choice.

[migrant]

Regarding money transfers, I send money from Bank of America to my clients account at Bangkok Bank periodically.

Irregardless of the amount the fee on this side is $35 usd

[richard]

@brainks: I have been leaning toward switching to Bangkok Bank for the very reasons you mention about getting money from USA to here.

How do you find the staff/facilities at the Bangkok Branch by Market Village? Long lines (long waits)? Staff friendly and helpful, and able to understand what you want to do? These are the kinds of things I want to factor in my choice.

Can't fault it. Always willing to help. Queue? what's that? Longest I've waited is 30 seconds

[brianks]

To Richard: I don't know when you have go into Kbank in MV but every time I go in there is a wait and usually more than 10 minutes. Quarters are a bit tight also. SCB at least has a double space so a bit more room there.

[littlebird]

I have been with Bangkok Bank using the branch near Market Village. Never had any problems, always helpful and pleasant

[Homer]

So far I access my money in U.S. via ATM and AEON. Looking now for Credit Union in states that will not charge me $5 per ATM transaction (as Wells Fargo does) and one that will at least allow me $1,000 per day withdrawal (like Wells Fargo does). So far I have found one with $1 per ATM transaction but only $500 per day withdrawal. Going to states later this week so the search will be on for while I am there.

USAA Federal Savings bank has 1% charge on foreign withdrawals and does not pass on the first $15 of ATM fees per month. $35 wire transfer fee. Don't know about per day limit. They have a long history of dealing with customers being out of the country and their customer service is consistently outstanding in my experience.

Because the bank is FDIC insured one does not have to be a USAA member to open a bank account. Their site states "USAA's investment products, most checking and savings products, credit cards, life insurance, and shopping and discounts are available to other individuals." USAA membership is open to active and retired military, their spouses and children of current or former members.

Capital One, where I have my backup account, gives a better exchange rate and also does not pass on some of the ATM fees. I can't recommend them because they're on the list of unstable (forget the real term) banks.

[richard]

To Richard: I don't know when you have go into Kbank in MV but every time I go in there is a wait and usually more than 10 minutes. Quarters are a bit tight also. SCB at least has a double space so a bit more room there.

I meant the BK bank alongside of MV. Not in it

[brianks]

I meant the BK bank alongside of MV. Not in it

I just opened an account in the BKK Bank next to MV and do agree that so far very easy to do business there.

[moja]

What sort of interest rates are the banks here paying at the moment?

[wpcoe]

Regarding money transfers, I send money from Bank of America to my clients account at Bangkok Bank periodically.

Irregardless of the amount the fee on this side is $35 usd

Are you using SWIFT transfers (which range from $25 to $50 per transfer), or are you EFT transferring via the Bangkok Bank New York branch like you would to an account at another USA bank?

You can use the bank routing number (ACH?) for the Bangkok Bank New York branch and the actual account number of the account in Thailand, and Bangkok Bank sends it directly to the Thailand account for the price of a domestic inter-bank transfer.

see: http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok%20Ba ... 20USA.aspx

My credit union does not even charge for transfers to/from other US banks.

[migrant]

Regarding money transfers, I send money from Bank of America to my clients account at Bangkok Bank periodically.

Irregardless of the amount the fee on this side is $35 usd

Are you using SWIFT transfers (which range from $25 to $50 per transfer), or are you EFT transferring via the Bangkok Bank New York branch like you would to an account at another USA bank?

You can use the bank routing number (ACH?) for the Bangkok Bank New York branch and the actual account number of the account in Thailand, and Bangkok Bank sends it directly to the Thailand account for the price of a domestic inter-bank transfer.

see: http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok%20Ba ... 20USA.aspx

My credit union does not even charge for transfers to/from other US banks.

I believe it would be classified as a swift transfer since that is the key number they ask for (besides the account number). I appreciate the info, and will read the link, thanks!!