Here are some proven tips when relocating to Thailand:
- Sort out your long term visa.
- Plan your budget for 20 years out. If costs rise in 20 years, you will know exactly how much of a cost increase you can absorb and how much less money you may have to spend.
- If you have income in another country, sort of the cheapest way to transfer money to your Thai bank each month.
- Keep a phone number and post box in your own country.
- Health Insurance – Do NOT trust insurance information posted on Facebook. Everyone wants to sell a policy but you need to be 100% certain, which companies will pay your medical claims.
- If you have valuable furniture and/or items, research getting a shipping container. They are not as expensive as you think if you know what you are doing.
- Research schools for kids. International schools here are hugely expensive to the tune of US $30,000+ per year per student.
- Pets – I do not advocate bringing pets but if you must, they might be quarantined on arrival for at least 30+ and you will foot the bill for their food and care.
- Find a place to rent – research the neighbors for noise, barking dogs, in a flood zone, crime, etc.
- Get a local to help with getting your utilities setup and working and have them explain the monthly bill.
- Get a Thai drivers license and motorbike license.
- Take a basic language course to understand basic phrases dealing with currency, greetings, directions, time, food, etc.
- There are local pharmacies on every corner it seems. You do NOT need a prescription and in 95% of the cases, the pharmacist will know what to prescribe to you to cure your ailment.
- Do NOT trust strangers that seem over-eager to help!
- If you have to work, find employment and sort out the legal work permit obligations. Research ALL of the jobs solely reserved for Thai people.
- Research the do’s and don’ts of Thai culture.
- Understand the weather is tropical and very warm. Monsoon rains ~ 6 months per year. Pack clothes accordingly.
- Research bonafide expats guides like this for more detailed information.
Moving to Thailand requires research and common sense from accredited sources. Learn all you about relocated to Thailand and ask many questions before making the move.
Rest assured, there have been many expats make a successful move to Thailand and you can too!
Good luck!