Most of you may be dreaming of moving to a country where the people are welcoming, the sun always shines, and costs are low; in short, moving to Thailand. However, moving to Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is not that troublesome at all. That is when you prepare after knowing all the essentials, of course.
Before you buy your ticket to Thailand, there is a list of things that you must know and need to do. Half of the success lies in being well prepared, and with the help of this article, you will able to get ready in no time. Start by creating an Excel spreadsheet or a simple list of the things that must be done before leaving.
If you have a car or a mortgage, then clear up any necessary formalities way ahead of your leaving date. Buy a fine suitcase, close unfinished projects, and meet your family and friends. Do not delay things until the last minute.
Things to Remember
Although the list is not very long, all the points are very crucial. These are not critical for moving to Thailand, but for any other place, you are moving to.
1. Choose the Perfect Place To Live
No matter if you are going to Thailand or any other country, the first thing you need to decide is what you want to do there. And what are your preferences? Do you like the beach or the mountains, small towns or big cities? Are you looking for entertainment and fun, or peace? Thailand offers a wide range of choices, so give yourself some time to think and decide.
2. Buy Your Insurance
Just like all other things, the right insurance is also very crucial. As a healthy person, if you are going to Thailand for an extended period, you must think about medical insurance. However, if you are going on Thailand tour trips for a shorter period, consider standard travel insurance. Medical insurance is expensive, but it is better when you are staying for a longer time.
3. Check Living Costs
Costs of living are one of the most important things to consider. You must know how much life costs in Thailand. As compared to the touristy south, the north is much cheaper but is far from the coast. Moreover, compared to the rest of the country, Bangkok is expansive. However, the choice of entertainment and opportunities to earn are better there.
4. Visa
Thailand tour trips are fun without any doubt, but its visa process can be a bit complicated. The process might be long or short, depending upon your purpose of going to Thailand. And in case of any confusion or complications, you can always contact the embassy.
5. Learn the Language
It is very important to learn some primary words and phrases of the language of the country you are planning to move to as it will benefit you a lot in the long-term. The people of Thailand love it when foreigners try to speak their language. You can learn how to say hello, thank you, and excuse me. This will be enough for you to get started.
6. Vaccinations
It is always better to get all the necessary vaccinations before moving to a new country. For this, you can go to your nearest travel clinic and get done with this. And if you are not sure about what vaccinations you should take before moving to Thailand, you can talk to your doctor for the proper guidance.
Where to Live in Thailand?
In Asia, Thailand is a prime regional transport hub with a well-developed domestic travel infrastructure. So, choosing where to live in Thailand is a minimum of a hassle. You can live anywhere you desire.
1. Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the center of the economy of the country. The city also has the largest population, with over 14 million residents. It is a modern and large metropolis filled with shopping malls, skyscrapers, and sky trains that sit alongside traditional parks, markets, and waterways.
Several emigrants live in Bangkok for professional or business reasons. Some of the individuals enjoy the Uber lifestyle of the city. If you are planning to visit Bangkok, then you must know about travel tips. Some of these travel tips to Bangkok include: get a good map, beware of scammers, plan ahead, design an organized tour, use MRT and BTS habitually, and carry a passport photocopy and hotel card with you.
2. Chiang Mai
This city of Thailand attracts a wide range of ex-pats who enjoy and love the historic and peaceful city in the north of the country. Here you can see the old city’s moat and a fortified wall which grasp everybody’s attention. However, the living cost of Chiang Mia is much more expensive as compared to Bangkok.
It attracts individuals from all walks of life, such as teachers, small business owners, retirees, and several others. Moreover, the city benefits from its proximity to many mountain areas and national parks. There well-known activities like camping and hiking take place.
Other perfect cities to consider to live includes Phuket and HuaHin District. They are more affordable options and have a lot of attractions. These cities are ideal destinations for both national and international events.
According to Culture Trip, the following are some best places to live in Thailand:
- Koh Tao
- Sathorn, Bangkok
- Kanchanaburi
- Ao Nang, Krabi
- Pai
- KohPhangan
- Chiang Rai
- Pattaya
Important Things to Consider
Every year, more than ten thousand westerners move to Bangkok; some stay while others do not. Some of them realize that it was their biggest mistake soon after arriving. It is because Bangkok life is not for everyone. So, if you are planning to move to Bangkok, consider these things:
Can You Handle Pollution And Heat?
Improvements have been taking place in recent years and are still progressing. With cars and buses emitting out lung-clogging emissions, the pollution problem in Bangkok is well-known worldwide. On top of it is the intense heat, which makes people realize that they cannot survive in this city.
According to National Geographic, it is officially one of the hottest cities in the world. Move to Bangkok only if you like extreme heat. And if you hate hot weather, you will not like Bangkok at all, no matter how fascinating it is.
Can You Handle Spicy Food And Lower Salaries?
You can get all kinds of food in Bangkok, but it costs way more than Thai food and makes your living expenses high. If you can handle spicy Thai food day after day, then you can consider moving here.
As compared toEurope or the United States, the living cost in Bangkok is much cheaper. However, the salary packages in Bangkok are also quite low. So, before moving to Bangkok, consider if you can handle your living expenses on a 40% less salary you were making in your country. If your answer is not, then you should probably drop the idea of moving to this city.
Moving to the Land of Smiles – What to Consider?
We have tried to cover the essential guide for traveling to Thailand, including things to know and consider before getting your ticket. These are just necessary points to consider and will be enough for you to make an appropriate decision. The guide will also help you have an idea about the things you can face in Thailand.