Whether you’re planning a holiday in Thailand, settling in for a few months, or just dropping in for a Thai cooking class at our Bangkok-based school, knowing how to transfer money easily and safely is essential. From booking classes to paying for experiences or handling unexpected expenses, international transfers and local payments are part of life abroad. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to make money transfers in Thailand, including the best tools like Wise and Revolut, why it’s often better than paying by cash or card, and how to use these services efficiently.
Why Use Bank Transfers in Thailand?
While Thailand is still a cash-friendly society, digital payments and bank transfers have become increasingly common and convenient. Here’s why using bank transfers makes sense:
- Lower fees than currency exchange desks or ATMs
- Faster and traceable payments
- Convenient for paying services like cooking classes, hotels, or tours
- Avoids carrying large amounts of cash
- Required by some local businesses that prefer direct payments over cards
Whether you’re paying a deposit to reserve your Thai cooking class in Bangkok or sending money to a Thai friend or service provider, doing a bank transfer is often the best solution.
Payment Methods Available in Thailand
Before diving into specific tools, it helps to understand the payment options available in Thailand:
1. Cash
Still widely accepted, especially in markets and local shops. However, it’s less secure and not ideal for larger payments.
2. Credit/Debit Cards
Accepted in malls, hotels, and larger restaurants. Some smaller businesses do not accept cards or charge extra fees for card payments.
3. PromptPay (Thai QR code system)
Very popular among locals for instant transfers using a Thai bank account. Tourists usually can’t access PromptPay unless they have a Thai bank account.
4. Bank Transfers (Local and International)
Local transfers are fast and free for Thais, and international visitors can use services like Wise or Revolut to send money to Thai bank accounts.
Two Best Solutions for International Transfers to Thailand
Now, let’s look at the two most reliable, fast, and cost-effective platforms for sending money to Thailand as a traveler, digital nomad, or expat.
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Click here to sign up for Wise
Wise is ideal if you want to send money from your home bank account directly to a Thai account. It uses real exchange rates (no markup) and has low transparent fees.
Pros:
- Real mid-market exchange rate
- Low fees, clearly displayed
- Fast delivery (same day or next day)
- Supports transfers to Thai bank accounts
Use Case Example:
You’ve booked a cooking class with us at our Bangkok school and want to pay in advance. With Wise, you can send the payment directly from your home currency to our Thai bank account, avoiding high international card fees.
How to Use Wise:
- Create a free Wise account
- Add your recipient’s Thai bank details (we’ll provide them)
- Choose the amount and currency
- Pay using your local bank, debit card, or credit card
- Confirm the transfer
2. Revolut
Click here to open a Revolut account
Revolut is an online banking app with a multi-currency wallet and instant international transfers. It’s great for managing travel money, especially if you’re already on the move.
Pros:
- Multi-currency accounts with great exchange rates
- Instant or fast local transfers
- Virtual and physical cards
- Useful analytics and budgeting features
Use Case Example:
You attend our Thai cooking class and want to pay after the session. You don’t have Thai cash or a Thai bank account, but you can send us a local THB transfer using Revolut’s local payment option.
How to Use Revolut in Thailand:
- Open a Revolut account before your trip
- Add funds in your local currency
- Convert your money to THB in-app at the real exchange rate
- Send a local transfer to a Thai account or use your Revolut card to pay
Tips for Paying from Abroad
- Always check the exchange rate before sending
- Double-check the recipient’s bank details (especially account name and number)
- Keep screenshots or receipts of each transfer for your records
- Ask service providers (like our cooking school) if they accept transfers and request their bank details in advance
Common Scenarios Where Transfers Help
- Paying deposits or full amounts for cooking classes, yoga retreats, or accommodations
- Sending money to Thai friends or hosts
- Handling emergency medical expenses or insurance
- Paying for longer-term rentals or services
Can You Transfer Money While Inside Thailand?
Absolutely. Both Wise and Revolut let you send money from your phone, even if you’re already in Thailand. You don’t need a local SIM card if you’re connected to Wi-Fi, and the whole process takes just minutes.
You can also consider opening a Thai bank account if you’re staying long-term. But for short stays, Wise and Revolut are more than enough.
Final Words: Book and Pay for Your Cooking Class With Ease
We’ve welcomed thousands of visitors from all around the world to our Thai cooking classes in Bangkok. Whether you want to pay in advance or after the class, we’re happy to accept bank transfers via Wise or Revolut. Just ask us for our Thai bank details when you book!
Using these tools saves you money, time, and hassle — so you can focus on enjoying Thailand and learning to cook delicious Thai food.
Book your class now and we’ll guide you step by step.