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Phuket Banks

Living in Phuket

The Complete Guide to Banks in Phuket: ATMs, Accounts & Money Tips (2025)

Why This Guide Matters for Travelers & Expats

Phuket’s banking system serves over 12 million annual visitors and a growing expat community. Whether you need ATM access, currency exchange, or long-term banking solutions, this guide covers everything with verified 2024 information.

Phuket Banks: Quick Reference Table

Bank ATMs in Phuket Currency Exchange English Support
Bangkok Bank 500+ Yes (best rates) All major branches
Kasikorn Bank 450+ Yes Tourist branches
Siam Commercial 400+ Limited Central branches
Krungsri Bank 300+ Yes Airport branches
Government Savings Bank 200+ No Minimal

banks in phuket

Using ATMs in Phuket: What You Need to Know

ATM Withdrawal Essentials

  • Operating Hours: Most accessible 24/7 (bank lobbies close 3:30PM)
  • Fees:
    • 220 THB per foreign card withdrawal
    • 3-5% currency conversion fee (varies by home bank)
  • Max Withdrawal: 20,000-30,000 THB per transaction

Pro Tip: Use AEON ATMs for lower fees (150 THB/withdrawal)

Top ATM Locations

  1. Patong Beach (Bangla Road area)
  2. Phuket Town (Central Festival)
  3. Karon Circle
  4. Phuket International Airport
  5. Chalong Pier

Opening a Bank Account in Phuket

Requirements for Foreigners

Visa Type Documents Needed Easiest Bank
Tourist Visa ❌ Cannot open account N/A
Retirement Visa Passport, proof of address, Thai phone number Bangkok Bank
Work Permit WP, passport, company letter SCB
Elite Visa Passport, EV certificate, proof of address Kasikorn
Marriage Visa Passport, marriage cert, Thai spouse ID Krungsri

Key Notes:

  • Non-immigrant visas (O, OA, B) have highest success rate
  • Some banks require minimum deposit (5,000-50,000 THB)
  • Digital banks like LINE BK offer limited accounts for tourists

Top 5 Banks in Phuket for Foreigners

1. Bangkok Bank

Best for: Expats, business owners
Account Types:

  • Savings (2.5% interest)
  • Foreign Currency Account (USD/EUR/GBP)
    Branches:
  • Phuket Town (Main Branch)
  • Patong, Chalong, Laguna

2. Kasikorn Bank

Best for: Digital banking
App Features:

  • English interface
  • Instant QR payments
    Notable Branch: Central Festival Phuket

3. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)

Best for: Wealth management
Services:

  • International transfers
  • Investment products

4. Krungsri Bank

Best for: Retirement visas
Special Offer: Free first year account for Elite Visa holders

5. Government Savings Bank

Best for: Basic Thai accounts
Limitation: Minimal English support

Money Exchange in Phuket: Best Options

Exchange Counters vs Banks

Factor Banks Exchange Booths
Rates Moderate Best (SuperRich, TT)
Fees 0-50 THB None
Hours Limited 9AM-9PM
Locations Few Tourist areas

Top 3 Exchange Spots:

  1. SuperRich Phuket (Jungceylon Patong)
  2. TT Exchange (Phuket Town)
  3. VASU Exchange (Bangla Road)

Phuket Banking FAQs

Q: Can I use my foreign debit card everywhere?
A: Most ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard. American Express works at 60% of locations.

Q: What’s the best travel card for Phuket?
A: Wise or Revolut for best exchange rates.

Q: Emergency lost card help?
A: Contact numbers:

  • Bangkok Bank: 1333
  • Tourist Police: 1155

Key Takeaways

  1. ATMs are plentiful but charge 220 THB/withdrawal
  2. Accounts require non-tourist visas (Retirement/Work/Elite)
  3. Bangkok Bank & Kasikorn are most foreigner-friendly
  4. SuperRich offers best exchange rates
  5. Always carry cash – 30% of businesses are cash-only

Phuket banks make money management easy once you know the system. Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary fees!