Because banks shouldn't hide your money in spreads.
We expose the real cost of every transfer — the spread, the fees, the delivery time — and rank providers by what actually lands in your recipient's account. No sponsored ordering. Ever.
Sending $1,000 to Thailand
Hover any card to see exactly what it costs you.
7-Day Exchange Rate History
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to $75
on a AUD 1,000 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending AUD to THB doesn't have to mean paying a 4% bank markup. Digital providers like Wise, Remitly, and Revolut beat Australian banks by 3-8% on the AUD/THB pair, and Thailand's PromptPay rails make delivery near-instant. Here's how to pick the right one for your transfer size.
Our verdict: Use Wise for transparency on transfers under A$10,000, Remitly for emergencies, and OFX for amounts above A$20,000.
The AUD to Thailand Corridor: Who's Sending and Why
The Australia to Thailand route is one of the busiest in the Asia-Pacific. Retirees on the O-A visa topping up Thai bank accounts, expats in Bangkok and Phuket paying rent, parents funding kids on gap years, property investors closing on Hua Hin condos, and small importers paying Thai suppliers — they all live on this corridor. The volume is steady, and that's good news: competition between providers keeps margins tight if you know where to look.
Hidden Fees: The Exchange Rate Markup Trap
Forget the upfront fee. The real cost is buried in the exchange rate. Banks like CommBank, Westpac, and ANZ typically advertise "no transfer fee" then bake a 3-5% markup into the rate. On a A$5,000 transfer, that's A$150-250 vanishing silently. Always compare the rate offered against the mid-market rate on Google or XE. If the gap is more than 1%, you're being squeezed. A flat A$5 fee with a near-mid-market rate beats a "free" transfer at a 4% markup every single time.
Digital Providers Beat the Big Four Banks
Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit consistently undercut Australian banks by 3-8% on the AUD/THB pair. Wise is the transparency king — you see the mid-market rate and a clear fee, usually 0.5-0.7% all-in for AUD to THB. Remitly is the speed play with its Express tier landing in minutes for a small premium, while its Economy option saves you cash if you can wait 1-2 business days. Revolut works best if you already hold a multi-currency account and want to convert AUD to THB on weekday rates. WorldRemit sits in the middle but often runs first-transfer promos worth grabbing if you're new. For occasional senders moving under A$3,000, Wise or Remitly almost always wins. For larger sums above A$20,000, get a custom quote from OFX or TorFX — their rates sharpen with size.
Speed: Instant vs Economy
Most digital providers now offer instant or near-instant delivery to Thai accounts thanks to local payout rails. Thailand's PromptPay system links Thai ID numbers and mobile numbers to bank accounts, enabling real-time credit from international transfers without needing the recipient's full account number — a huge win when your mum just needs the cash for hospital bills today. Use instant for emergencies and rent deadlines. Use economy (1-3 business days) for rent paid a week early or routine top-ups, since the savings compound across regular transfers.
Where the Money Lands
The two largest receiving banks in Thailand are Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank (KBank), and virtually every reputable digital provider can deliver directly to accounts at these banks. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Krungthai are also well-supported. If your recipient banks elsewhere, double-check the provider's payout list before you commit. Standard banking regulations apply for sending from Australia to Thailand — there are no special restrictions for personal transfers, though Australian providers will run AUSTRAC checks on larger amounts and ask for source-of-funds documents above roughly A$10,000. Keep payslips or sale contracts handy and the verification clears in hours, not days.
Practical Tips: Timing, Thresholds, and Alerts
The AUD/THB pair tends to be most liquid during the Sydney-Asia overlap, roughly 9am to 12pm AEST, when spreads are tightest. Avoid sending on Friday evenings or over Australian public holidays — settlement delays can cost you a day. Set rate alerts on Wise or XE for your target level; the AUD has historically swung 5-8% against the THB within a year, and patience on a A$10,000 transfer can mean A$500-800 extra THB in your recipient's account. For amounts under A$1,000, fees matter most — pick the cheapest flat structure. For A$1,000-A$10,000, rate markup dominates — pick the tightest spread. Above A$10,000, call a broker like OFX or TorFX and negotiate.
The Bottom Line
For most senders, Wise is the safe default for transparency, Remitly wins on speed for emergencies, and OFX edges ahead for transfers above A$20,000. Skip the big banks unless convenience genuinely outweighs cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AUD to THB exchange rate?
Wise consistently delivers the closest rate to the mid-market benchmark, typically with a 0.5-0.7% all-in cost. Compare any provider's offered rate against the Google or XE mid-market rate before sending — if the gap is over 1%, look elsewhere.
How long does it take to send money from Australia to Thailand?
Most digital providers deliver within minutes to a few hours via PromptPay or direct credit to Bangkok Bank and KBank accounts. Economy options take 1-3 business days but save on fees, while bank wires can take 2-5 business days.
What are the fees for sending money from Australia to Thailand?
Digital providers typically charge 0.5-1.5% all-in including any exchange rate markup, often translating to A$5-A$50 on a A$5,000 transfer. Australian banks advertise free transfers but bury 3-5% in the exchange rate, costing A$150-250 on the same amount.
Is it safe to use online money transfer services?
Yes — providers like Wise, Remitly, Revolut, OFX, and WorldRemit are licensed by AUSTRAC in Australia and regulated to safeguard customer funds. Always verify the provider holds an Australian Financial Services Licence and uses two-factor authentication on your account.