Banking and moving money to Thailand
Where to open an account, how to move money from Israel without it getting frozen, and how much cash you can carry without declaring it.
✓ Checked against the sources: October 2026⚠️ This isn't financial, tax or legal advice. Before moving large sums or investing, talk to a professional.
Opening an account
A Thai bank account makes rent, salary and everyday payments easier. Each bank decides which documents and visas it accepts, so ask the branch in advance.
- The bank must check you ("know your customer") under anti-money-laundering law.
- Large banks: Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, SCB, Krungthai, Krungsri.
- Before opening, you can check that the company is on the Bank of Thailand's list of supervised institutions.
Source: Bank of Thailand: financial institutions and service providers · Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)
Moving money from Israel without surprises
- Prepare proof of where the money comes from: a flat sale, savings, inheritance or salaries. Banks in both countries must check it.
- In Thailand, foreign currency exchange and transfers go only through licensed providers: banks, authorised money changers and authorised transfer agents. In Israel: the Bank of Israel.
- For a large transfer, tell the receiving bank in advance and send the documents. That prevents a freeze during the check.
- Foreign income earned from 2024 that you bring into Thailand may be taxable. More in the tax guide.
Source: Bank of Thailand: exchange control regulation · Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) · Israel Money Laundering Prohibition Authority · Bank of Israel
🔒 2 more sections in this guide
- 💵 Cash
- 🚩 Scams
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