What is the best way to send money to Thailand?

For most transfers into a Thai bank account, a low-fee transfer service at the mid-market rate delivers the most baht. Bank wires are better only when you need an FET form (for property) or an unquestionable foreign-transfer record; cards like Revolut are for spending, not for delivering baht to a Thai account.

Should I send US dollars or Thai baht?

For a normal transfer, letting the low-fee service convert to baht at the mid-market rate is usually cheapest. The exception is a condo purchase, where the money must arrive in foreign currency so the bank can issue an FET form.

Does bringing money into Thailand get taxed?

Since 2024, foreign-sourced income remitted while you are a Thai tax resident (183+ days in a year) can be assessable, and the rules are still evolving. It is a tax question separate from the transfer itself — check current guidance or a tax professional before moving large sums.

The best way to send money to Thailand in 2026

The best way to send money to Thailand for most people is a low-fee transfer service at the mid-market rate, but the right choice depends on the job — funding a visa deposit, paying rent, buying property, or spending on a card each point to a different route.

Last updated 2 July 2026

There is no single “best” way to send money to Thailand — there is a best way for the job you’re doing. The good news: for most jobs the answer is the same, and it is not your bank.

The default: a low-fee transfer at the mid-market rate

For sending money into a Thai bank account — living costs, rent, a visa deposit — a specialist transfer service priced at the mid-market rate delivers the most baht. It loses far less than a bank wire, an ATM withdrawal, or an airport booth, because it keeps both the fee and the exchange-rate margin small. That is the whole game: the number that matters is the total you lose, not the headline fee.

Compare the main services head-to-head:

Wise vs Remitly for Thailand — transparent pricing vs first-transfer promos.
Wise vs Revolut for Thailand — why Revolut can’t deliver baht to a Thai bank.
Wise vs PayPal for Thailand — the hidden 3–4% PayPal markup.

When the default changes

Funding a visa deposit. Same low-fee route, but ask the receiving branch for a credit advice so the money is documented as a foreign transfer. Full walkthrough: how to fund the 800k deposit.

Buying a condo. You need an FET form, and a transfer service cannot issue one — only a Thai bank can. For property, a bank wire (or a Thai foreign-currency account) is the correct route despite the higher cost.

Just spending while you travel. A multi-currency card (the Wise card, Revolut, and similar) is for spending, not for moving money into a Thai account. At ATMs, always choose to be charged in baht, not your home currency, to dodge the dynamic-conversion markup — see Thailand ATM fees for foreigners.

Send dollars or baht?

For a normal transfer, let the low-fee service convert to baht at the mid-market rate — that is usually cheapest. The one exception is a condo purchase, where the money must arrive in foreign currency so the bank can issue the FET form.

Don’t forget the tax angle

Since 2024, foreign-sourced income you remit while a Thai tax resident (183 or more days in the country in a year) can be assessable, and the details are still settling. This is separate from the transfer mechanics, but it now sits on top of every “should I send this money now” decision — check current guidance or a tax professional before moving large sums.

The short version

Most transfers: low-fee service, mid-market rate.
Visa deposit: same, plus a credit advice.
Condo: bank wire with an FET form.
Spending: a travel card, charged in baht.

Sources: Wise , Bank of Thailand .

Questions & answers

What is the best way to send money to Thailand?: For most transfers into a Thai bank account, a low-fee transfer service at the mid-market rate delivers the most baht. Bank wires are better only when you need an FET form (for property) or an unquestionable foreign-transfer record; cards like Revolut are for spending, not for delivering baht to a Thai account.
Should I send US dollars or Thai baht?: For a normal transfer, letting the low-fee service convert to baht at the mid-market rate is usually cheapest. The exception is a condo purchase, where the money must arrive in foreign currency so the bank can issue an FET form.
Does bringing money into Thailand get taxed?: Since 2024, foreign-sourced income remitted while you are a Thai tax resident (183+ days in a year) can be assessable, and the rules are still evolving. It is a tax question separate from the transfer itself — check current guidance or a tax professional before moving large sums.