Sending Money from the UK to Thailand
A monthly pension, a condo deposit or your life savings — the right way to send pounds to Thailand depends on how much you're moving. On larger sums, the exchange rate is worth far more than any fee.
and fees
in Thailand
unbiased guide
Our top picks
Our recommended routes, by size of transfer.
Almost every British person in Thailand sends money from the UK at some point — a pension every month, rent and school fees, a deposit on a condo, a car, or the savings from a house sold back home. The difference between a good and a bad way of doing it is rarely the fee you see. It's the exchange rate: the number of baht you actually get for each pound.
A UK high-street bank typically converts at a rate 1% to 3.5% worse than the real, mid-market rate. On a £500 transfer, that's a few pounds. On £100,000 for a condo, it can be thousands. That's why the right route depends on how much you're sending: a simple online provider for everyday amounts, and a foreign exchange specialist — with a dedicated dealer, better rates on larger sums and tools to lock in or target your rate — when the numbers get big.
This guide shows the best route for every size of transfer, what each one really costs, how specialists such as our partner Vita Capital work, and what your Thai bank needs to see. For the bank-transfer process itself, see our guide to SWIFT transfers to Thai bank accounts.
The short answer
Everyday amounts — a pension, rent, living costs: use an online provider such as Wise, which converts at the mid-market rate with a small fee. Larger sums — a property purchase, a relocation, savings, a car, a big school bill: get a quote from an FX specialist such as Vita Capital, our FX partner. A specialist gives you a dedicated dealer, competitive rates on large amounts, and tools to lock in a rate for a future payment or target a better one.
Whichever you use, send to a Thai account in the right name, state the purpose, and avoid UK bank SWIFT transfers for anything but small, one-off payments.
The best route for every size of transfer
A simple guide to where to start, depending on how much you're sending.
| You're sending | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under £2,000, now and then | Wise | Mid-market rate and a small, clear fee |
| Regular monthly amounts | Wise, or regular transfers with an FX specialist | Low cost, automatic, predictable |
| £2,000 – £10,000 | Compare Wise with Vita Capital | A specialist quote often wins as amounts grow |
| £10,000 and above | Vita Capital | Dedicated dealer, competitive rate on large sums |
| A future payment (property, school fees) | Vita Capital forward contract | Lock in today's rate for a payment later |
| Waiting for a better rate | Vita Capital limit order | Converts automatically at your target rate |
| Property with conditions attached | Vita Capital escrow | Funds held until agreed conditions are met |
General guidance. Vita Capital is JLIT's FX and escrow partner; quotes are arranged through our team. Always compare the baht that will arrive.
What a transfer really costs
Every transfer from the UK to Thailand has up to four costs, and only the first is usually shown clearly:
- The provider's fee — from £0 to £25 at UK banks for an online international payment; a small percentage at online providers.
- The exchange-rate margin — the gap between the rate you get and the mid-market rate. UK banks are reported at about 1% to 3.55%. This is usually the biggest cost.
- Intermediary bank charges on SWIFT transfers that pass through correspondent banks.
- The Thai bank's receiving fee — usually 0.25% of a SWIFT transfer, between ฿200 and ฿500 (about £4.50 to £11.30).
The only way to compare properly is to ask: how many baht will arrive? Check the mid-market rate on the day (about ฿44.38 to the pound on 12 October 2026), multiply by the pounds you're sending, and see how close each quote comes.
Our recommended providers
Our number one for larger transfers, and the best options for everyday money.
1.Vita Capital
Our number one for larger transfersA London-based foreign exchange and escrow specialist, with an office in Dubai, and JLIT's FX partner. Private clients get spot trades, forward contracts, limit and stop-loss orders and escrow for high-value deals, with a dedicated FX specialist rather than a call centre.
- Best for
- Property, relocations, large sums
- Tools
- Spot, forwards, limit orders
- Escrow
- For high-value deals
- Rating
- 4.6 on Trustpilot
Why it works in Thailand
- Better rates than the banks on large sums
- Lock in or target your exchange rate
- Account fees built into the rate — no account charges
Watch out for
- Rates are quoted, not published online
- Account opening includes identity checks, which take a little time
2.Wise
Best for everyday transfersConverts at the mid-market rate with the fee shown before you send — from 0.43% — and pays baht straight into Thai bank accounts, often within minutes.
- Rate
- Mid-market
- Fee
- From 0.43%
- Speed
- Most within a day
- Best for
- Pensions, rent, living costs
Why it works in Thailand
- Simple app and clear fees
- Ideal for regular amounts
Watch out for
- No dealer, forwards or limit orders
- Daily limits for Thai-registered accounts
3.Xe
A second online quoteA long-established online transfer service with rate alerts — a useful benchmark alongside Wise for one-off transfers.
- Rate
- Includes a margin
- Fee
- Shown in the quote
- Extras
- Rate alerts
- Delivery
- To Thai bank accounts
Why it works in Thailand
- Quick online quotes
- Rate alerts
Watch out for
- Compare the baht that arrive, not the fee
How sending with an FX specialist works
Sending through an FX specialist such as Vita Capital feels more like dealing with a private bank than an app — and for large sums, that's the point.
- Ask for a quote through our team. We introduce you to Vita Capital and pass on what you need: the amount, the purpose and when.
- Open a free account. Registration is online; expect identity and source-of-funds checks, as with any regulated payment.
- Talk to your FX specialist. They explain the rate, the options and the timing — spot, forward or a limit order.
- Book the trade. Agree the rate and amount; a forward contract fixes it for a future date.
- Send your pounds from your UK account to the specialist's client account, which is held separately from the company's own money.
- The baht are paid to your Thai bank account — or the seller's, developer's or lawyer's — with a confirmation.
Payments are processed through Vita Capital's regulated payment partners, with client funds held in segregated accounts until they're paid out.
Bank, app or FX specialist: how they compare
The three main ways British expats send money to Thailand, side by side.
| Feature | UK bank (SWIFT) | Online provider (e.g. Wise) | FX specialist (Vita Capital) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | Bank rate; margin reported 1%–3.55% | Mid-market, plus a small fee | Competitive quote; fees built into the rate |
| Best for | Small one-off payments | Everyday and regular amounts | Property, relocations, large sums |
| A person to talk to | Branch or call centre | In-app support | Dedicated FX specialist |
| Lock in a rate for later | No | No | Forward contracts |
| Target a better rate | No | Rate alerts only | Limit and stop-loss orders |
| Escrow for conditional payments | No | No | Yes |
| Speed to Thailand | 1–5 business days | Often same day | Agreed with your specialist |
Wise (August 2026) for UK bank margins; Wise's published fees; Vita Capital's website (October 2026).
Questions to ask before a large transfer
- How many baht will arrive for my pounds, after every fee?
- How far is your rate from the mid-market rate right now?
- Can I fix the rate for a payment due in weeks or months?
- Can you convert automatically if the rate reaches my target?
- Can you pay a seller, developer or lawyer directly in Thailand?
- Will the money arrive in foreign currency if I need an FET form for a condo?
- How is my money held between sending it and it arriving?
- Who do I speak to if something goes wrong?
A good FX specialist answers all of these in one call. When you ask through our team, we pass your details to Vita Capital so they can come back to you with a quote.
Wise or Vita Capital?
Use Wise when
- You're sending everyday amounts
- You want a quick transfer from an app
- The rate on the day is fine
- You're paying yourself, rent or bills
Use Vita Capital when
- You're moving thousands or more
- A property, relocation or big bill is coming
- You want to fix or target the rate
- You want a specialist to talk it through
Many expats use both: Wise for the monthly pension, Vita Capital for the big moments.
Spot, forward or limit order?
Spot trade
Convert now at today's rate. Right for payments due in the next few days, or when today's rate is good enough.
Payment due nowForward contract
Fix today's rate for a payment on a future date — so a fall in the pound can't raise the cost of your condo or school fees.
Payment due laterLimit order
Set a target rate; the conversion happens automatically if the market reaches it. No watching screens.
Waiting for a better rateStop-loss order
Set a floor; if the pound weakens to that level, the conversion happens before it falls further.
Protecting against a fallOnline providers generally offer only spot transfers. Forwards, limit orders and stop-loss orders are where an FX specialist adds real value — especially when you know a large payment is coming in weeks or months.
Four real-life examples
The pensioner
£1,500 a month. Wise, set up as a regular transfer the day after the pension arrives, costs a few pounds a month — compared with around £59 by UK bank SWIFT at a 3% margin.
Wise, monthlyThe condo buyer
£150,000 due on completion in three months. A Vita Capital forward contract fixes the rate now, and the money arrives in foreign currency for the Land Office paperwork.
Vita Capital forwardThe relocation
£60,000 from a UK house sale. A Vita Capital quote against the bank's could be worth well over £1,000; a limit order can target a better rate.
Vita Capital spot or limitThe school fees
£8,000 a term. Fix the rate ahead with a forward, or send through a specialist each term — and pay the school the exact baht.
Forward or specialistIllustrations at ฿44.38 = £1. Your own rate and costs depend on the day and the provider.
What your Thai bank needs
- The exact account name, account number and SWIFT code — Thai accounts don't use IBANs.
- A clear purpose — "retirement living expenses", "purchase of condominium unit", "school fees".
- Supporting documents for large sums — banks such as SCB ask for them from USD 50,000, with a Foreign Currency Transaction Form.
- Foreign currency for a condo purchase — the money must arrive from abroad in foreign currency, with a credit advice or FET form.
- Time — allow several working days, more around Thai and UK bank holidays.
Thai banks deduct a receiving fee on SWIFT transfers — 0.25% between ฿200 and ฿500 at Bangkok Bank and Krungsri, ฿300 to ฿500 at SCB. See our guides to Thai bank accounts for property buyers and Thai bank transfer fees.
If you use your UK bank
Published fees for online international payments, and reported rate margins. Compare the baht that arrive against a specialist quote before you send.
| UK bank | Payment fee | Reported margin |
|---|---|---|
| NatWest / RBS | £0 standard | Not specified |
| HSBC / First Direct | £5 | Not specified |
| Barclays | £4 – £12 | Not specified |
| Lloyds | £9.50 | Up to 3.55% |
| Nationwide | £15 | 2.2% |
| Santander | £25 | 1% – 3% |
Wise, "The best UK banks for sending money abroad" (17 August 2026). Wise is a competitor to these banks; confirm with your bank. Correspondent and Thai receiving fees may apply.
Mistakes that cost money
- Using the bank by default for a large transfer without a specialist quote.
- Comparing fees instead of baht. A "free" transfer with a 3% margin is the expensive one.
- Converting everything on one day when a forward or limit order could protect or improve the rate.
- Sending baht for a condo when the money needs to arrive in foreign currency.
- Trusting bank details sent by email without confirming them by phone.
- Leaving it to the last minute before a completion date or visa deadline.
A word on tax
If you're a Thai tax resident — in Thailand 180 days or more a year — foreign income earned from 2024 onwards that you bring into Thailand can be taxable here. Savings from before 2024 are protected if you can show they're pre-2024. It doesn't change how you send money, but it can change how much and when. Keep records of every transfer and take advice before moving large sums; our guide to receiving overseas income in Thailand explains the rules.
How we researched this guide
We used Vita Capital's website (services, private clients, escrow and security of funds pages) and its Trustpilot profile, Wise's published fees and its August 2026 comparison of UK banks' international payment fees, and Thai banks' published tariffs (Bangkok Bank, SCB and Krungsri). Vita Capital is JLIT's FX and escrow partner; we arrange introductions and may receive a fee, which never changes the rate you're quoted. Checked 13 October 2026. This guide is general information, not financial advice.
Our verdict
For everyday amounts, Wise is simple and cheap. For anything larger — a property, a relocation, savings or big school fees — get a quote from Vita Capital, our FX partner: a dedicated specialist, competitive rates on large sums, and the option to lock in or target your rate.
Always compare the baht that will arrive, avoid UK bank SWIFT transfers for large sums, and make sure your Thai bank has the right name, purpose and paperwork.
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What is the cheapest way to send money from the UK to Thailand?
For everyday amounts, an online provider such as Wise. For larger sums, get a quote from an FX specialist such as Vita Capital too — on big amounts, a better exchange rate saves far more than any fee.
Who is Vita Capital?
A London-based foreign exchange and escrow specialist, with an office in Dubai. It offers spot trades, forward contracts, limit and stop-loss orders and escrow, with a dedicated FX specialist. It is JLIT's FX partner.
How do I get a Vita Capital quote?
Ask through our team using the enquiry form on this page. We introduce you to Vita Capital, who will explain the rate and options for your transfer.
When is an FX specialist better than Wise?
Usually for larger sums — property, relocations, savings — and whenever you want to fix a rate for a future payment or set a target rate.
What is the exchange-rate margin?
The difference between the rate you're given and the mid-market rate. UK banks are reported to add about 1% to 3.55%; it's usually the biggest cost of a transfer.
What is a forward contract?
An agreement to exchange currency at a fixed rate on a future date, so a fall in the pound can't raise the cost of a payment you know is coming.
What is a limit order?
An instruction to convert automatically if the exchange rate reaches a target you set.
Is my money safe with an FX specialist?
With Vita Capital, payments are processed through regulated payment partners and client funds are held in segregated accounts, separate from the company's own money, until they're paid out.
How long does a transfer to Thailand take?
Online providers are often same-day; bank SWIFT transfers usually take one to five business days. Allow more time around Thai and UK bank holidays.
Do I need documents to send a large sum to Thailand?
Your provider will check your identity and the source of the money. The Thai bank may ask for supporting documents from USD 50,000, and a condo purchase needs foreign currency with an FET form or credit advice.
Should I send pounds or baht?
Usually baht through a specialist or online provider, so you know the exact amount. For a condo purchase, the money must arrive in foreign currency — check with your lawyer and bank.
How much does a 1% better rate save?
£50 on £5,000, £200 on £20,000 and £1,000 on £100,000.
British expat and long-term Thailand resident with more than 30 years of experience in international finance. Lawrence writes the Just Landed in Thailand finance guides for people moving, travelling and retiring here.
Sources and how we checked
Vita Capital's own published information (services, private clients, escrow, security of funds; October 2026) and Trustpilot. Wise fees and UK bank fees and margins from Wise (August 2026). Thai receiving fees from Bangkok Bank, SCB and Krungsri (2026). Worked examples at ฿44.38 = £1 (Wise, 12 October 2026). Checked 13 October 2026.
- Vita Capital — Private client services (October 2026)
- Vita Capital — Escrow solutions (October 2026)
- Vita Capital — Security of funds (October 2026)
- Trustpilot — Vita Capital reviews (October 2026)
- Wise — The best UK banks for sending money abroad (August 2026)
- Wise — Send money to Thailand from the UK
- SCB — SWIFT inward remittance
More Personal FX Transfers guides
International Transfer Fees and FX Margins
What moving money really costs, and how to pay less.
Read the guide →
Spot Foreign Exchange Transactions Explained
Converting today at today's rate — how spot trades work.
Read the guide →
Forward Currency Contracts Explained
Lock in a rate now for a payment later.
Read the guide →
Limit Orders and Stop-Loss FX Orders
Let the market come to your target rate.
Read the guide →
Important: This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Fees, limits and eligibility change; we checked every figure on the date shown, but always confirm the current terms with the provider before you apply or travel. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means JLIT may earn a commission if you open an account. This never changes the price you pay or the order of our recommendations.
