International Accounts
How British expats run their money across the UK and Thailand in 2026: which UK and offshore accounts to keep, multicurrency accounts, receiving pensions and income, SWIFT transfers and setting up your banking before you move.
two countries
explained
in Thailand
Guides in this section
View all International Banking guides →
International Banking for Thailand Residents
Organising your money across the UK and Thailand.
Read the guide →
Multicurrency Bank Accounts for Expats
Holding pounds and baht, and when an offshore account helps.
Read the guide →
Receiving Overseas Income in Thailand
Pensions, salaries and rents — getting paid in Thailand.
Read the guide →
SWIFT Transfers to Thai Bank Accounts
How bank transfers to Thailand work, step by step.
Read the guide →
Banking When Moving from the UK to Thailand
What to set up before, during and after the move.
Read the guide →Need Personalised Financial Advice?
Speak to our team for tailored guidance on travel money, banking and managing your finances in Thailand.
Insurance for Thailand
Get covered before you go — quotes for visitors, expats and businesses, arranged through our team.
Where to Keep Your Money
The accounts British expats in Thailand typically use, who can have each one, how deposits are protected and the job each one does best.
Read the International Banking Guide →| Account | Who can have it | Deposit protection | Typical job | Best for | Read Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UKUK bank account | Existing customers; some banks close accounts with a non-UK address | FSCS, up to £120,000 | Pensions, UK bills, UK cards | Keeping a foot in the UK | Read → |
| OOffshore expat account | Expats meeting minimum balance or income rules | Jersey scheme, up to £50,000 | Holding pounds outside the UK | Larger balances, regular income | Read → |
| WMulticurrency account | UK residents; Thai residents via local entities | Safeguarded, not deposit-protected | Moving pounds into baht | Cheap transfers and spending | Read → |
| THThai bank account | Foreigners with the right visa and documents | DPA, up to ฿1m in baht | Daily spending, rent, visa money | Living in Thailand | Read → |
Compiled October 2026 from published bank, HSBC Expat, FSCS and Thai Deposit Protection Agency information. Eligibility, minimums and protection limits change; check before you open an account.
Plan your Thailand trip with Just Landed
Everything else you need for Thailand, in one place.
FlightsTo and around Thailand
HotelsBook across Thailand
Car rentalAirports, cities, islands
Scooter rentalScooters and motorbikes
Travel insuranceCovered before you go
Adventure activitiesZip lines, rafting, sanctuaries
Tours & ticketsDay trips, shows, events
DivingCourses, fun dives, liveaboards
GolfCourses and tee times
FishingCharters, lakes, fishing parks
Motorbike routes72 routes on a 3D map
Medical tourismDental, cosmetic, orthopaedic
Health insuranceCover for life in Thailand
International schools178 schools compared
Family & petsMoving with children and petsfor expats
Practical, independent guides to help you make smarter financial decisions in Thailand.
Your money in two countries
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs →Can I keep my UK bank account if I move to Thailand?
Often, but not always. Some UK banks close accounts when they hold a non-UK address for you. Check your bank's policy before you move, and consider an offshore expat account as a backup.
Is my money protected in a Thai bank?
Baht deposits are protected by Thailand's Deposit Protection Agency up to ฿1 million per depositor per bank. Foreign-currency deposits are not covered.
How much does the FSCS protect?
Up to £120,000 per person per UK-authorised bank since 1 December 2025. Offshore accounts in Jersey are covered by the Jersey scheme, up to £50,000.
Can I get my UK State Pension paid in Thailand?
Yes, it can be paid into a Thai bank account, but it is frozen at the rate when you first claim abroad — it doesn't get the annual increases.
What is the cheapest way to move money from the UK to Thailand?
Usually a specialist provider such as Wise or Xe rather than a UK bank's SWIFT transfer, because of the exchange-rate margin.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Fees, limits and eligibility change; we check 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.
