Tips for Moving to Thailand: pros and cons

Updated: December 30, 2024

Tips for moving to Thailand: cost of living, visas, rent prices, opening a bank account, advantages, and disadvantages.

Living in Thailand is a rewarding experience that's totally worth it. It's a beautiful country where you can live on a budget, and adapting is a breeze compared to other Southeast Asian countries.

Many folks tired of a routine and stressful life decide to make a change, even if it's just for a while.

If you're thinking about taking the plunge and switching things up, I'll share my perspective on what it's like to live in Thailand, based on my three years in the Land of Smiles.

How much does it cost to live in Thailand?

Living in Thailand is considerably cheaper than living in the US and most of the European countries.

The average Thai salary ranges from about 500 to 600 euros (540 to 650 USD). That's why you can manage to live in Thailand for around 500 euros (540 USD), and if you budget wisely, you might spend even less.

However, it all depends on the lifestyle you're accustomed to. For instance, if you chat with any expat from the United States, they'll probably tell you that living on anything less than 1,200 USD (around 1,115 euros) is quite a challenge.

To give you a rough idea, here are some prices. Currently, the exchange rate is 1 euro = 38.41 bahts (as of August 2024).

Product	Price (baht)	Price (euros)
1 kg bananas	40	1,04
1 kg of watermelon	20	0,52
1 kg passion fruit	80	2,09
1 kg mango	60	1,57
1 bag of sliced bread	38	0,99
10 eggs	55	1,44
800 ml of milk	40	1,04
400 g oats	50	1,31
127g butter	120	3,13
100g cheese	150	3,92
1 plate of food (cheap restaurant or stall in the street)	30 – 90	0,78 – 2,35
1 plate of food (average price restaurant)	300	7,84
1 bottle of water 500 ml (supermarket)	7	0,18
1 bottle of water 1.5 lt (supermarket)	12	0,31
1 coffee/tea (street stall)	30	0,78
1 coffee/tea (cafeteria)	90	2,35
1 Chang or Leo beer (supermarket)	60	1,57
1 Chang or Leo beer (bar)	90	2,35
1 good bottle of wine (wine store)	900	23,51
1 yoga class	300	7,84
1 muay thai class	500	13,06
1 hour Thai massage	300	7,84
1 month motorcycle rental	2.000	52,23
1 month mobile data	200	5,22
1 month of WIFI at home (minimum 1 year contract)	1.200	31,34

⭐ You may also be interested in this other article with 23 Tips for traveling to Thailand. It covers more general topics that are useful for tourists, but they'll come in handy if you're planning to live in the Land of Smiles too.

How much does it cost to rent a home in Thailand?

Like anywhere else, renting an apartment is a major factor influencing the cost of living in Thailand.

To find an affordable rental in Thailand, one that isn't tourist-priced, you'll likely need to commit to a monthly lease; many places may ask for a minimum commitment of around 6 months.

Most foreigners opt for condos, short for condominiums, which are buildings with various amenities such as a pool and gym. This setup can save you the extra cost of a separate gym membership.

Condos are also great for meeting other expats.

Condominiums

Condos are usually the best bet, typically with a minimum 1-year lease, but it's not impossible to find options for 6 months or sometimes even without a minimum commitment.

Basic condo prices start from around 7,000 to 10,000 bahts, roughly between 182 and 260 euros / 196 and 280 USD, depending on the area.

Houses

Another good option is the houses, which will cost you from 12,000 to 15,000 bahts (312 to 390€ / 335 to 419USD), it is also common that they ask that you stay for at least 1 year or at least 6 months.

Be ready for deposits

It's common to pay a one-month deposit, which you usually get back when you leave. In some cases, they might charge you for cleaning upon departure, and the fee usually starts at around 500 bahts (13 euros / 14 USD), regardless of how spotless you leave the place.

However, you can always check about this before moving in.

While it's rare, there's a chance you might encounter someone tricky who doesn't want to return your deposit, but it's not the norm. If you leave the apartment or house in good shape, you should get your deposit back.

There are also many places that don't require any deposit, especially in more touristy.

In my case, I've lived on a couple of islands in tourist bungalows, and they didn't ask for a deposit.

Renting from my home country? How do I secure a rental?

I recommend not renting from a distance. It's better to book a hotel for at least 3 days; I usually use Booking where you can find all hotel offers with the best prices.

Once you're in Thailand, you can start looking for accommodation in the area you're interested in.

The best way to find housing is by asking locals, or you can check out the Rent Hub, which is a local web page.

Expenses (water and electricity)

When it comes to water, I've never spent more than 100 baht (€2.60 / 2.80USD) per month.

On the other hand, electricity is a whole different story. If you use a fan instead of air conditioning in a small 30 sqm condo, you won't spend more than 250 bahts (6.5€ / 7USD) per month. But if you turn on the air conditioner, be prepared to pay a lot more.

I have a friend in a 30 sqm condo who runs the air conditioning 24/7 and has ended up paying 5,000 bahts (130€ / 140USD) at times. As you can see, the difference is quite significant.

Wifi

Everywhere where I rented, WiFi was included in the rental price, but sometimes it's not, especially in houses and many condos. You can ask beforehand.

If you need to get WiFi separately, they'll usually make you sign a contract for a minimum of 1 year, and if not, you might have to pay a penalty.

An alternative to this is to buy a SIM card with unlimited data, which is very affordable in Thailand, and use it as a hotspot for other devices.

📢 The prices I mention are the minimums, but they can vary a lot from one area to another in the country.

For instance, the north, including the city of Chiang Mai, is affordable. But Bangkok or touristy islands like Koh Samui and Phuket can be much more expensive.

Moreover, in some places, prices can differ significantly. For example, in Phuket, it's not the same living in Rawai (affordable) as it is in Surin (expensive).

📍 Save on your next adventure—book your stay with 15% off on Booking using this link.

Visa to live in Thailand

If you're wondering what it takes to live in Thailand, the most crucial thing is the visa. I'll break down the options for you below, including the recent changes approved on July 15th, 2024.

Tourist Visas and Visa Exemption

With the new measures, there are 93 countries (listed in the photo below) that don't need a tourist visa. This visa exemption allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days with just an entry stamp.

Some of the countries included in the visa exemption are the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the UK, among others.

Afterward, you can extend your stay for another 30 days by paying 1,900 baht (around €50 / 54USD). It's a straightforward process at the immigration office.

If I didn’t mention your country or it’s not listed in the visa exemption list, you can find the details on the Thailand's official visa website.

Visa Run

For years, the visa run has been the most common way to extend the stay in Thailand. It involves leaving to a neighboring country and then re-entering. If you have a visa exemption, you can stay for another 60 days.

The new measures from July 2024 have removed the limit on how many times you can do a visa run, no matter how you enter the country (by air, land, or sea).

Keep in mind that this might change, and immigration officers can deny you entry if you’ve done too many visa runs. Since this is all very recent, we’ll have to see how things develop.

Destination Thailand Visa

One of the major updates with the new measures is the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV), which lets you stay in the country for up to 5 years. Yes, you heard that right, up to 5 years!

It’s a multiple-entry visa that allows you to stay for up to 180 days each time you enter. It costs 10,000 baht (about 260 € / 280 USD), and you need to have at least 500,000 baht (about 13,000 € / 14,050 USD) in bank funds.

Who can apply for the DTV:

• Digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers;
• If you’re planning to do activities like Muay Thai, cooking classes, or medical treatments;
• Or if you have a Thai family (spouse and children).

You can see the details published by the Thai government in the photo below. Although it says you can apply for the visa on the website, it’s actually not available yet (as of August 2024). You’ll need to apply at the Thai embassy in your country, and they can answer any questions you have.

⭐ You might also be interested in this other article on the Best Muay Thai Camps in Thailand, some of which last several months or even a year.

Other visas

Thailand offers several visas that allow you to live legally in the country. Here are some of them:

1. Work visa: This visa is processed by the company that hires you. It’s not easy to get because, as a foreigner, you can only work in a few sectors. The most common jobs are in call centers or teaching English, and you’ll need a university degree. Plus, the visa process is expensive for companies, so they often prefer to hire locals.
2. Student Visa: For both university studies and short courses, like language classes.
3. Retirement Visa: For those over 50 years old. You need to show a minimum income and maintain a certain amount of money in the bank.
4. Marriage Visa: You need to have a certain amount of money deposited in a Thai bank.
5. Elite Visa: If money isn’t an issue, you can apply for the elite visa for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, on the Elite Visa website.
6. Volunteer Visa: To volunteer legally in Thailand, you need a special visa. The problem is that organizations looking for volunteers often can’t afford the visa processing fees.

For more information on visas, I recommend checking the official Thai website or contacting the Thai Embassy in your country.

How to withdraw money in Thailand?

In Thailand, you can withdraw money from any ATM if you have an international card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). However, keep in mind that each time you withdraw cash, you'll be charged a fee for the withdrawal and for the exchange rate.

Open an account on Wise

A very economical way is to open an account with Wise, it used to be called TransferWise. It's about a wallet where you can transfer from your bank account in your country and then withdraw at ATMs with your debit card.

Every month, you can withdraw up to 200€ or 100 USD without any fees, and the exchange rate is among the best you can find.

If you open a Wise account using this link, your first transfer is free.

Open an account with a Thai bank

Although, the most cost-effective way is to open a bank account in Thailand and use Wise to transfer money from your home country.

You can open a bank account in Thailand with a tourist visa; the most 'foreigner-friendly' banks are Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank.

Even if one branch says no, try others, usually those in tourist areas or shopping centers are more likely to accept opening an account.

The withdrawal fee is very low afterward; I have an account with Bangkok Bank, and they only charge me 30 baht each time I withdraw. Plus, it has a quite low annual fee.

If not, you can use the card and pay almost everywhere, even at street stalls. 😉

Health insurance

In Thailand, there's a good healthcare system, and the hospitals are excellent. Consulting a specialist is very affordable.

However, if you need any medical tests, the prices can go up to several thousand euros, not to mention the cost of surgeries.

That's why having medical insurance that covers you is crucial, and it's also important to read the fine print to understand the extent of your coverage.

Sometimes, foreigners resort to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to pay their hospital bills because they didn't have insurance.

In this matter, don't risk it to save a bit of money, as the consequences could be costly.

I recommend this long-stay travel insurance, which is affordable, offers excellent coverage and with that link you get a 5% discount.

When it comes to medical issues, they've got you covered with comprehensive support. And if you ever need it, you can count on 24/7 assistance, either through chat or phone.

One great thing about having international travel insurance is that it takes care of travel-related matters like luggage theft or loss, repatriation, civil liability, and legal help.

Keep in mind that regular travel insurance won't be suitable if you're planning to live in Thailand for several months because they only cover short periods.

If you’re looking for an affordable option, IATI is perfect. It’s the insurance backpackers prefer, and you also get a 5% discount.

Driving in Thailand

To drive in Thailand, you'll need an international driving permit. It's something you have to get in your home country before traveling, and it's quite affordable.

• United States: you need to apply at the AAA Travel office, and it costs 20 USD.
• UK: you can apply on the government's website and receive it by post, paying £5.50.
• Australia: the application can be completed online on AAA (Australian Automobile Association) website, costing $49 AUD plus postage.

Please check the details and updated prices on the links, all from the official websites. 😉

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when driving in Thailand:

1. They drive on the left: It's quite a challenge to drive on the left and overtake on the right during the first few days, even though they seem to do it however they please. 😅😆
2. The traffic rules are not respected: The Thai driving style is a bit more "organic," to put it one way. The main rule is the largest vehicle has the right of way.
3. Don't drive without insurance:As mentioned earlier regarding medical insurance, if you have an accident, it could end up costing you a lot.
4. Driving in Thailand is not safe: It's one of the countries with the highest road mortality rates. In 2020, there were days with more traffic-related deaths than the entire year, due to COVID.
5. Rent a car in Thailand: to find good prices, I recommend this car rental searcher, where I've found cars for less than 20 euros (21.50 USD) per day.
6. Driving a motorcycle in Thailand: However, the most popular choice is riding a scooter or motorcycle, for which you'll need a specific driving permit.

⭐ You may also be interested in this other How to Rent and Drive a Motorcycle in Thailand.

How to exchange your driving license?

The international driving permit is valid in Thailand for 60 days, after which you'll need a Thai license to continue driving.

To initiate the exchange, you'll need to schedule an appointment at the transportation offices, which may be referred to as the Office of Land and Transport or simply Transport Office.

Documents required for the exchange:

• Passport and photocopies of the page with the photo, visa or entry stamp, and the TM6.
• Driving license and a photocopy.
• Residence certificate, which you can obtain for free at the Immigration Office.
• Medical certificate, available at many clinics and provided instantly. I paid 150 bahts (€3.90 / 4.20USD).
• Fill out a form.
• Payment of a 100 baht (€2.60 / 2.80USD) fee.

Keep in mind that when you schedule an appointment, they won't give you one for the next few days but rather several weeks ahead, so it's better to plan in advance.

If you're planning to stay for more than 30 days, you can go ahead and apply for the driving license exchange.

Another option is to go through an agency that handles the entire process, and it usually takes a few hours. The procedure can cost between 3,000 and 5,000 bahts (78 to 130 euros / 84 to 140USD).

👍 My two cents: If you’re looking to stay connected during your trip, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Thailand or this one for Asia both with unlimited data and work perfectly. Just use that link for a 5% discount.

Living in Thailand with children

Since I don't have experience in this topic, I won't delve too deep, but I'll just mention one thing that I know my friends with kids have encountered challenges with.

If you're thinking about living in Thailand with your younger ones, I suggest looking into the education aspect before taking the plunge.

Mainly because public education in Thailand isn't of good quality, and children need to speak Thai to attend school.

On the other hand, private education is extremely expensive.

So, if you're coming to Thailand for a more cost-effective lifestyle, paying for a good school might make it not worth it and end up costing you more.

Another option some foreigners choose is homeschooling, which can be a real challenge.

Traveling to Thailand with Pets

If you have a dog or a cat and want to bring them to Thailand, the process is quite straightforward. You just need to get the following documents:

1. Export permit from your home country.
2. Vaccines, including rabies.
3. Passport for your pet.
4. Health certificate.
5. Import permit to Thailand (they might not respond, but print the email and present it at the airport).
6. Tax of 1,000 baht (26€ / 28USD) upon arrival.

Getting to Thailand is easy, and if your furry friend weighs less than 8 kg, they can travel with you in the airplane cabin.

However, once you're in Thailand, using public transportation might be challenging because many means of transport do not allow pets. Therefore, the best thing in this case is that you drive.

When it comes to housing, if you have a small dog or cat, many people will tell you that they don't rent to you, but it won't be difficult to find something.

Regarding accommodation, if you have a small dog or a cat, some people may initially refuse to rent to you, but it won't be too hard to find something. On the other hand, if you have a large dog, it might be more challenging to find someone willing to rent to you, unless it's a house.

👍 Friend's tip: Never rent a place without notifying in advance that you have a pet, as you could run into serious problems. I know a girl who once arrived at her apartment, and everything had been thrown out, including the cats.

Another inconvenience you might encounter with a dog is when taking them for a walk. In Thailand, there are no dog parks, and there are many stray dogs and animals with rabies.

🐶🐱 In this other article you can read in detail about how Traveling with Pets by plane: a complete guide.

Advantages and Disadvantages of living in Thailand

Disadvantage

I have to admit, I hesitated a bit about writing this part because I've noticed that many people prefer to hear only the positive aspects.

If that's your case, feel free to skip this part and head straight to the advantages in the next section. 😉

While living in Thailand has plenty of advantages (probably more than the 5 I listed below), there are also some drawbacks.

From my perspective, it's good to know them in advance, both to avoid them and, if you're unlucky enough to encounter them, to try to prevent things from getting worse.

If you come to live in Thailand, you'll find many things that you might wish were different.

Personally, I take most of these things as unique quirks and don't give them much importance.

However, I believe the main disadvantage is that as a foreigner, you don't have rights. Though it may seem obvious, many foreigners fail to grasp this point.

• The rights you have in your country don't apply in Thailand.
• What you consider common sense might not be the same here.

Keep in mind that in Southeast Asia, local people don't have as many rights compared to most Western countries.

But as a foreigner in Thailand, you have none, and you'll always be at a disadvantage even if you're in the right.

Fortunately, this has changed a bit in recent years thanks to the tourist police, who can assist you in any unfortunate situation.

Whatever happens, never get angry or yell, these attitudes are considered a serious offense in Thailand and will only make the situation worse.

Things here are resolved through amicable negotiation, and sometimes you'll have to accept that you've lost.

Moreover, Thais see fellow Thais as brothers and will always side with them, regardless of the circumstances, even if they don't know each other, including the police.

If you travel to Thailand, take note of the Tourist Police telephone number: 1155

5 Advantages of living in Thailand

1. It's affordable: It is much cheaper than the US, the UK and Australia, you can live comfortably from 500 euros.
2. Good weather: It is hot all year round, it is ideal to take advantage of doing a lot of outdoor activities and enjoying its exuberant vegetation. You will also save a lot on clothes and shoes because you won't need much.
3. Varied and economical food: Thai cuisine is delicious and varied. You can find a meal in Chiang Mai and other northern areas for as low as 30 bahts (€0.78 / 0.84USD). Although, the usual range is between 60 and 90 bahts (1.6 to €2.4 / 1.7 to 2.5USD).
4. Good healthcare: Unlike some countries in the region, healthcare in Thailand is excellent. You can receive treatment in high-quality hospitals as if you were in your home country. In contrast, in countries like Cambodia, if something serious happens, they will transfer you to Thailand for treatment.
5. It is safe: It's generally a safe country for both men and women. While women need to take care, as they would anywhere, Thailand is much safer than most European countries. You can read more about Solo Female Travel to Thailand, based on my experience as a woman living here.
6. Scams are rare: Although there may be a few individuals trying to scam tourists, it's not common. The government has worked to change the locals' mindset, and scams are infrequent. You can learn more about the 15 Most Common Scams in Thailand and how to avoid them. They even established the Tourist Police to assist tourists or any foreigners in complicated situations.

Final Thoughts

Here are some tips if you're considering making a change in your life and deciding to live in Thailand. For me, it has been one of the best life experiences I've had.

While at times, dealing with things that work differently can be a bit frustrating, the quality of life in Thailand is immensely better than in many places, including Europe.

I've lived in various countries on different continents, and I can confidently say that Thailand has been the best.

If you have any questions, drop a comment below, and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article helpful, feel free to share it with fellow travelers. 👋😃

I'll leave you with a quote that I love, and perhaps it will inspire you to take the leap to live in Thailand.

"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it's lethal."

Paulo Coelho

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