Job Discussion Forums

[kimandrhys]

Hello,

My partner and I are moving to Thailand to do a TEFL course & then find work. I just have a few questions please....

1. Should we close down our Australian bank accounts before we leave the country or can we use them in ATM's in Thailand? Does it cost a fortune?

2. Is it easy to open a Thai bank account when over there? Should we take some money in Baht & keep some Australian money?

3. I'm assuming that our mobile phones won't work in Thailand, is it easy to pick up a cheap pre pay one over there?

4. We are flying Jetstar from Sydney to Phuket but I'm starting to get worried as I've heard so many horror stories about them. Has any one had a positive experience with Jetstar International on long haul flights?

5. Does anyone know if we are able to lodge our 2009 tax returns early as we will be in Thailand in June/July 09.

Thanks heaps, any info you have will be mostly appreciated.

[JamesDavid4th]

1. Should we close down our Australian bank accounts before we leave the country or can we use them in ATM's in Thailand? Does it cost a fortune?

yes, sure you can use the ATM's here with your account in Australia. you should definitly leave them open and hold on to your card. you never know when you might need the extra cash, or if you want to travel or something like that, you can use it for that. if you ever manage to save money (all depends on your lifestyle) you can also transfer money home into your account.

2. Is it easy to open a Thai bank account when over there? Should we take some money in Baht & keep some Australian money?

yeah its easy to open a thai bank account, and someone at your school or through your program will more than likely help you no problem. i am from america, but from my experience the banks in america actually gave me a worse exchange rate than places in the airport. so i mean you should check what the rate is online, then check what kind of deal your bank will give you, then decide. i also brought cash from america and just changed it to baht in bangkok, for a decent rate as well.

3. I'm assuming that our mobile phones won't work in Thailand, is it easy to pick up a cheap pre pay one over there?

does your phone use a sim card? if yes, then you can probably just bring it along, buy a thai sim card, pop it in and your in business. if not, then yes sure you can pick up a decent phone for a few thousand baht, then use 1-2-Call service to top up your minutes whenever. they sell the 1-2-Call cards everyone, and for sure at all 7-11's. its a good route to go


4. We are flying Jetstar from Sydney to Phuket but I'm starting to get worried as I've heard so many horror stories about them. Has any one had a positive experience with Jetstar International on long haul flights?

dont know

5. Does anyone know if we are able to lodge our 2009 tax returns early as we will be in Thailand in June/July 09.

no idea

Good Luck.

[MaiPenRai]

1. Yes, keep your home accounts open. Check with your bank before you leave to get information on international bank transfers. You usually need the complete bank address, your account number, and a swift code or transfer code. Also it is a good idea to tell your bank where you will be travelling expecially if many countries. Some banks will put holds on accounts when they see different international withdrawls for large amounts as they assume it has been stolen. Better to tell them you will be travelling to avoid this uncommon, but possible problem. Make sure your cards have either PLUS or CIRRUS on the back and they should work fine.

2. Actually it is not that easy to open a bank account in Thailand. Technically you need a work permit, which means you need to be working in Thailand legally. SO plan on at least a month after you start working before you get the work permit. Not impossible but not likely that you will be able to open one before that. Depends on who you know and the mood of the bank on that day.

Everything else has been answered or I dont know either. Good luck.

[ITTP]