Send Money Between Thailand and the US

THB/USD transfer options — fees, speed, coverage.

THB/USD transfers split three ways: bank-to-bank (Wise wins), cash pickup (Remitly or WorldRemit), and tourist cash exchange in-country (Super-Rich Thailand). The right choice depends on whether your recipient has a Thai bank account, whether they need cash today, and how much you're sending.

Disclaimer: informational only, not financial advice.

Wise

Spread: ~0.7%

Bank-to-bank, transparent fees

Pros

  • Near mid-market rates (0.5-1% spread)
  • 1-2 day delivery to Thai banks
  • Multi-currency account
  • Works for repeat transfers

Cons

  • No cash pickup
  • Outbound Thailand limited

Remitly

Spread: ~1-1.5%

Cash pickup in Thailand

Pros

  • Promotional rates on first transfer
  • Pickup at major Thai banks
  • Mobile UX
  • Fast (often same day)

Cons

  • Rates widen after promo tier
  • Wire bank deposits less competitive than Wise

WorldRemit

Spread: ~1-2%

Cash pickup and bank deposit

Pros

  • Wide Thai network
  • Good for recurring remittances
  • Competitive on mid-size amounts

Cons

  • Less polished UX than Wise
  • Spreads vary

Thai banks (Bangkok Bank, SCB, Kasikorn, Krungsri)

Spread: ~2-3%

Existing Thai account holders, large transfers

Pros

  • Handles $50k+ smoothly with documentation
  • In-branch Thai-language support
  • Good for recurring local payments

Cons

  • 2-3% spread
  • 500-1,500 THB wire fee
  • Slower than fintech

Super-Rich Thailand (cash exchange)

Spread: ~0.2-0.5%

Tourists exchanging cash in Bangkok

Pros

  • Near-mid-market rates (0.2-0.5%)
  • Multiple Bangkok branches
  • Fast, no account needed

Cons

  • Only cash-to-cash
  • Bangkok only, not nationwide
  • Need passport

Which service by transfer size?

  • Under $1,000: Wise for bank deposit; Remitly first-transfer promo if cash pickup
  • $1,000-$10,000: Wise consistently cheapest
  • $10,000-$100,000: Wise or OFX/Currencies Direct brokers
  • Tourist cash exchange in Bangkok: Super-Rich Thailand
  • Large one-off (home purchase, business acquisition): FX broker or Thai bank with documented purpose

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to send USD to Thailand?

For bank-to-bank transfers, Wise is usually cheapest (0.5-1% spread, transparent fees). For cash pickup, Remitly and WorldRemit have wide Thai networks (Bangkok Bank, SCB, Kasikorn branches, plus 7-Eleven pickup in some cases). Traditional US bank wires are the most expensive — 2-3% spreads plus $25-50 wire fees.

Does Wise work in Thailand?

Yes. Wise sends USD to Thai bank accounts (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, SCB, Krungsri and major others) in 1-2 business days. For outbound from Thailand (THB to USD), Wise is more limited — Thai FX regulations restrict outbound transfers for non-residents.

Can a tourist open a Thai bank account?

Not easily. Most Thai banks require a work permit, resident visa, or long-term status. Tourists should use ATM withdrawals or Super-Rich cash exchange instead of trying to set up accounts. Remitly cash pickup is accessible to anyone with ID at pickup locations.

How fast does money arrive in Thailand from the US?

Wise transfers to Thai banks: 1-2 business days, sometimes same day when funded by debit card. Remitly cash pickup: near-instant at major pickup points (Bangkok Bank, SCB). Traditional bank wire: 2-5 business days. Thai holidays and the 12-hour time difference can extend timing.

Are there Thai regulations on large transfers?

Yes. Inbound transfers over $50,000 USD equivalent require reporting under Thai FX regulations. For outbound, resident Thais can send up to $200,000 per year freely; higher amounts need purpose documentation. Most casual remittances stay under these thresholds easily.

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