Moving to Thailand

"If you plan to buy a condominium, do not bring the money with you. You will need proof that you transferred the money to Thailand. The main expat area is Sukhumvit Road, but if you are not in a high income bracket, then you might want to consider the outskirts of Bangkok or the provinces," replied a member in Bangkok.

"Expats should research and become familiar with cultural differences, including language and dress, before moving to Thailand. Expats should also obtain a Certificates of Residence and/or a Non-Immigrant Status visa for living and working in Thailand, as well as obtain valid health insurance and an international driver’s license. It’s also important to arrange transportation in advance to ensure timely transit upon arrival; look into public transportation and taxi services available. Additionally, research and consider any special accommodations that may need to be made for children and/or pets relocating with them. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the local area and amenities such as health care, education and banking resources," commented one expat who made the move to Thailand.

"We chose our first home through a real estate company. The location was great (yacht club) but the neighborhood with no neighbors. We chose our second home because many people are living there with children and it is located on a golf course," explained one expat living in Pattaya, Thailand.

"There are a number of different ways to find a place to live in Thailand. If you are looking for a more permanent home, the best way to find one is to look for listings on websites such as Craigslist, Pad Thai, or the Thailand Property Finder. Additionally, depending on the city or town, you might have the option of searching for listings in the local newspaper. You can also find houses and apartments for rent on Facebook groups dedicated to rental listings in the city or town you are interested in. Additionally, it is also possible to find rental agencies in the area or to ask around in the local community. Lastly, if you know of people who live in Thailand or have lived in Thailand in the past, they may be able to provide helpful information on places to live," said one expat in Thailand.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Thailand is typically decorated with a mix of western and Asian-influenced furniture, fixtures and decorations. It often features open living spaces and airy bedrooms. The kitchen is usually outfitted with modern appliances and plenty of storage space. Many expat homes and apartments also boast plenty of outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing and taking in the tropical ambience. Living in Thailand also offers expats the opportunity to experience unique cultural and culinary experiences, as well as access to some of the world's top beaches," explained one expat living in Thailand.

"Small apartment. Expats with families and in upper income levels usually go for condos or house rental. Expats can only purchase condos, not houses, at least not in their own name," said one expat in Bangkok.

"The cost of housing in Thailand is generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other countries in the region. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the city and the quality of the apartment. Outside of the city centre, rental costs can be significantly lower. The average cost of buying a property in Thailand can vary depending on the location and size of the property, but can range from around $50,000 to over $1,000,000," said one expat in Thailand.

"I have just rented a lovely apartment in Hua Hin, Thailand. Hua Hin is about 3 hours south of Bangkok. A great location, on the coast with amazing golf courses. It's a modern city but not nearly as busy as Bangkok. All of the major hotels are here. There is a great mix of modern shopping malls and old markets. My apartment is small but there's just one of me. It's 33 sq. meters. A bedroom, combined kitchen/living room, and a bathroom with a big shower. The building is two years old. It's one block from the ocean and a five-minute walk to a gorgeous shopping mall with grocery store. There is a lovely pool and gym. I am paying 10,000 baht - as of October 2022 that's CDN$400 per month. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. A comparable apartment would be $2000 a month in Vancouver," remarked one expat who made the move to Thailand.

"Housing costs run the gamut from about $40/month to thousands of dollars a month. I'm not sure where the average is but I'd estimate about $1000-2000 per month for typical expat housing," explained one expat living in Bangkok, Thailand.

"We bought a condo, but it is in are family name, then we went and bought another condo and put this in my wife's name - she is Thai. We had to pay cash for the condo, because you cannot even get a short term loan in Thailand. Even if you make 80% more than most Thai people coming in every month, the only way to get a loan is to be working even if you only may 10,000 baht a week, it's better than 200,000 baht in the bank," said one expat who made the move to Nonthaburi.

"When moving to Thailand, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate. Consider lightweight clothing that is breathable and appropriate for different occasions. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, such as sandals, as well as any toiletries and medications that you may need. It may also be helpful to bring a first-aid kit and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Bring any electronics or chargers that you need to make the transition smooth. Don't forget to add items that will help you relax, such as books and a travel pillow," commented one expat who made the move to Thailand.

"I could have brought more cotton bed sheets, more home food and an extra pair of sports shoes. I would have left at home my bicycle (roads are very dangerous)..," remarked one expat in Pattaya, Thailand.

"Oh God, I'm sure I used a few words that did not have the right tone and was probably a nasty word, but they forgive me. I have had many laughs with Thai's because of something that I thought I said, that I didn't mean. My Thai friends taught me some bad words, that I repeated. Jokes on me! There is much humor in the Thai culture, so don't be embarrased to struggle with language, because it can break the ice. Oh yeah, make sure you eat all of your rice on the plate, as leaving some is an offence," said one expat in Bangkok.

"There are a number of cultural taboos that should be observed in Thailand. Luckily the people from Orientations told me about many of them but I still made errors. Perhaps the most common for me was the use of the "Wai" which is the prayer like gesture the Thai use to greet each other. I found that I was initiating this gesture with Thai people and as there are fairly complex rules about who should do this first and even how high the hands should be held depending on the relative seniority I cause much embarrassment to my Thai friends. Once again, Orientations was able to put me on the right track with this," remarked one expat who made the move to Bangkok.

"When in Thailand it is important to show respect and cultural sensitivity. Avoiding physical contact with others, discussing politics and religion, and not pointing at people when speaking to them should be avoided. It is also important to dress appropriately, to not raise your voice or lose your temper, and to remove your shoes before entering someone's home. Additionally, abstain from touching anyone on the head, as this is considered to be very rude, and avoid pointing with your feet. Lastly, it is important to properly discard garbage and thank street vendors," explained one expat living in Thailand.

"Bangkok is thriving, exciting city of 9 million with a low cost of living and no cold weather! It is also a hub for Asia with inexpensive flights almost anywhere," wrote one expat living in Bangkok.

"Thailand has a reputation among expats as being a safe and welcoming place to live. With a rich culture, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, it can provide a great quality of life. The cost of living is low and the year-round warm climate makes for a comfortable and relaxing lifestyle. Thailand also offers excellent healthcare and a variety of employment opportunities. Additionally, expats are also drawn to Thailand’s vibrant expat community and its numerous cultural attractions," commented one expat living in Thailand.

"Healthcare services in Thailand are generally of a high quality and are widely available. The public healthcare system is comprehensive and covers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Thailand have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Thailand often use the public healthcare system, as it is generally more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats may opt for private healthcare, as it can provide more personalized care and shorter waiting times," commented one expat living in Thailand.

"Compare hospital costs for same procedure. Use hospital web sites to review medical bios of their doctors. Consultations are inexpensive and a good way to evaluate doctors. Use private hospitals for faster service and less waiting times. Check availability of 3rd party billing for in-patient procedures," commented one expat who moved to Bangkok, Thailand.

"Medical services in Thailand are generally of a high quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of treatments and services. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a range of services from general medical care to specialist treatments. Many of the larger hospitals are equipped with modern medical technology and offer a range of services from general check-ups to complex surgeries. In addition, there are a number of private clinics and medical centers that offer a variety of treatments and services. The cost of medical care in Thailand is generally lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical treatment," replied one expat when asked about moving to Thailand.

"As noted, I do not have health insurance because the cost of walk-in care is unbelievably cheap. Additionally, most doctors, particularly at hospitals, are western-trained, so the level of service is just as good as the States," stated one expat who made the move to Chiang Mai.