There are two ways: money transfer and debit card. The debit card method is cheaper but initially a bit more complicated.

1. Money Transfer

This method is best when you just want to send money once or a few times, not regularly.

First have her open a bank account, if she doesn’t have one already, and send you the bank and account details. You can then transfer money via your bank, doing a telegraphic transfer (also called a “wire transfer” or “inter-bank transfer” or “SWIFT transfer” depending on what country you are living in). This costs US$25 to $50, depending on the country you live in, and the bank you deal with, so it generally is not worthwhile unless you are sending more than $200. Some banks charge less than others, so it pays to shop around and ask what the fee is.

2. Debit Card

Open an account in a bank in your town that has the PLUS or CIRRUS symbol displayed. This means they are on an international ATM (”automated teller machine”, also called “banking machine”) network. PLUS and CIRRUS are both international, and do the same thing, and charge the same rates to their customers (the banks). Some banks belong to both networks, some to only one, and some to neither.

The account should be in your name. Get an ATM card (also called a “debit card” or “bank card”) from the bank, put some money in the account, and use the card in any ATM to verify the card is OK by checking the balance or actually withdrawing some funds.

Mail the card to your friend in Thailand by registered mail. When she acknowledges receipt of the card, mail the PIN (the identifying number you have to enter when using the ATM card) by registered mail. Don’t mail the PIN with the card in case the letter gets into someone else’s hands.

She can then go to any ATM in Thailand that displays the same symbol (PLUS or CIRRUS), insert the card, enter the PIN, and withdraw any amount of cash (in Thai baht) up to the limit of what you put in the account. Your bank will automatically do a currency conversion from Thai baht to your currency. Since this is a separate account from your normal account, there is no danger that she (or anyone else if the card is stolen) can access your money in your normal bank accounts. Also, she can’t withdraw any more money than what is in the account. So make sure there is no overdraft facility on the account when you open it.

Most banks will charge a fee for each withdrawal. Some banks charge as much as US$5, but most are less. Shop around and find a bank that has the lowest fees for international ATM transactions. (My bank charges nothing for international ATM transactions because I have a Gold Visa with them.) And tell your Thai friend to withdraw substantial amounts, not go back to the ATM every day to withdraw 100 baht, because the fees make that uneconomical.

So periodically you can transfer money into that account, and your friend can access it the same day. If you do this on a regular basis (say, at the first of every month, or the first and fifteenth), and tell your friend the arrangement, then she will know to go to the banking machine on those days and can withdraw the money.

Considering buying a home in Thailand? The two most popular areas in Thailand for expatriates are probably the Bangkok area, where expatriates living in Thailand for the purpose of business or life experience will probably find themselves, and Phuket, where expatriates and adventure seekers may retire to enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Here’s a look at homes in the Bangkok and Phuket area.

Homes in Bangkok

For expatriates who need to live in Bangkok for the purposes of doing business with their multinational corporation, in-city living means living in a luxury condominium or high-rise apartment – the closer to the city centre, the higher the price. For those who do not want to live in an apartment or condominium, careful searching in Bangkok’s city centre will reveal a few single-family homes and town houses, but these are few and far between.

For rental properties in Bangkok, options are limited to:

- Condominiums: There are many condos available in Bangkok. Unlike the serviced apartments (see below), there are more native Thais living in Bangkok’s condos, meaning that there is also less turn-over and more of a “neighbourhood” feeling.

- Serviced apartments: These have a high proportion of expatriates, so the foreigner may feel more in his or her element in an apartment like this. However, the serviced apartments are more expensive than regular condos, and can sometimes feel more like a hotel than a home.

- Houses and Townhouses: Unless willing to pay a much higher price, stay away from houses and townhouses in the Bangkok business district. Houses and townhouses are far more affordable in Bangkok’s suburbs. Just as in the west, houses and townhouses provide much more space, but they are usually more expensive. Bangkok’s suburbs are best for families living in Thailand, with ample room for children to play safely, ride bikes, and so forth. The drawback to living in the suburbs is the extended commute time for those working in the city, as well as the inaccessibility to public transportation.

Homes in Phuket

Homes in Phuket are in general a very affordable to most people coming from Europe and the USA.

Like the Bangkok area, Phuket has a wide variety of home types for sale. From townhouses to upscale apartments, Phuket’s homes seem designed to appeal to western notions of luxury.

- North Phuket, where the airport is located, has a higher number of apartments, resorts, and luxury condominiums.

- East Phuket has more 2, 3, and 4 bedroom Thai luxury villas, perfect for an entire family relocating to Phuket.

- Phuket town and the Kathu area, located near the middle of the island on the southeastern side, has quite a vast array of home types, including single family homes closer to town.

- South Phuket is less developed, with more opportunities to purchase land and build one’s own dream home.

- Like North Phuket, the West Coast properties also tend to be oriented towards apartments and condominiums.