The clear, unbiased guide to moving money to Thailand — how transfers actually work, the hidden exchange-rate spread that quietly costs more than any fee, how the options really compare, and how to pay for property and rent safely. No sponsored rankings; just the facts.
The exchange-rate markup costs you more than the fee. Banks often advertise "low fee" while baking a 2–4% margin into the rate. Always compare the total baht the recipient actually receives — that's the only number that matters.
You send your home currency; it's converted to Thai baht and paid into a Thai account. Three things determine your real cost: the exchange rate you get (versus the true mid-market rate), the transfer fee, and any receiving / correspondent-bank fees. Bank wires travel over the SWIFT network and can pass through intermediary banks that each take a cut; specialist providers often use local rails and pass on the mid-market rate, which is why they're usually cheaper and faster.
Sending the equivalent of ฿1,000,000: a "free" bank wire with a 3% rate markup quietly costs about ฿30,000. A specialist charging the mid-market rate plus a small flat fee might cost ฿1,000–฿2,000. The bigger the transfer (a condo purchase, a retirement nest-egg), the more the spread dominates — so for large sums, the rate is everything.
Check the current mid-market Baht rate before comparing provider quotes below — this updates automatically, it's never a stale number.
Up-to-the-day mid-market rates — convert rents, prices and deposits between Baht and your home currency.
Mid-market reference rates; your bank or transfer service may differ.
Loading the live mid-market rate…
| Provider | Exchange rate | Fees | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Mid-market | Low, fixed % | Mins–1 day | Most transfers; transparent rate |
| OFX | Small markup | Often $0 | 1–2 days | Larger transfers; phone dealing |
| Xe Money Transfer | Small markup | Often $0 | 1–2 days | Large transfers, many currencies |
| Remitly | Markup varies | Low–moderate | Mins–days | Smaller recurring remittances |
| Revolut | Mid-market (limits) | Free tier + fees over cap | Mins–1 day | App users within plan limits |
| Western Union / MoneyGram | Higher markup | Varies | Mins–days | Cash pickup, urgent |
| PayPal | High markup | High | Mins | Convenience only; not cost |
| Traditional bank wire | High markup | Wire + correspondent + receiving | 1–5 days | When the bank requires it (e.g. FET trail) |
General comparison on measurable criteria — not a paid ranking. Rates, fees and availability change and vary by corridor and amount; always check the live quote (total THB received) before sending. Detailed per-provider pages with live figures are in build.
To register foreign freehold condo ownership, the Land Office needs proof your funds came from abroad in foreign currency — the Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form your Thai bank issues on conversion. So: remit the purchase amount in foreign currency (not pre-converted), have it land in a Thai bank, request the FET/credit advice, and keep every document. Plan the transfer well before your transfer date, and never wire a deposit to an unverified account.
For a deposit from overseas, an international transfer with a clear proof of payment is cleanest. Once you have a Thai bank account, pay monthly rent by PromptPay or bank transfer and keep every receipt for your records and deposit refund. Red flags: a "landlord" who only takes payment to a personal account before you've verified the listing, pressure to pay fast, or a deposit request for a property you haven't seen or confirmed.
Run the numbers, then find a home and an area that fit.
Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice. We compare providers on facts, never paid placement. Confirm live rates, fees and rules with each provider, your bank, and a qualified adviser before moving large sums.