Wise

The Undisputed Champion for Bank Transfers

Why it’s #1: Wise remains the gold standard for expats in Thailand. Unlike banks that hide fees in the exchange rate, Wise gives you the real mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) and charges a small, transparent fee. For direct bank-to-bank transfers, it is almost always the cheapest option.

Best For: Expats sending salary, pension, or savings directly to a Thai bank account (Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, SCB, etc.).

Speed: Fast. 50% of transfers are instant; others arrive within 24 hours.

Pros: Transparent fees, best exchange rate, supports prompt pay transfers.

Cons: No cash pickup option; recipient must have a bank account.