Moving to Thailand? Here’s 5 Things You Need to Know
Thailand has long been considered a paradise for expats and retirees, with its stunning local culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, laid-back lifestyle, and low cost of living.
Moreover, Thailand has become a top destination for medical tourism, attracting many people who are seeking medical care.
If you are planning on moving to or travelling to Thailand, you may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your new life.
To help you get ready for your adventure, we have put together some useful tips to ensure you make the most of your time in Thailand.
Guide to Living In Thailand
1. Hot Weather
Thailand is a popular destination for those looking to escape the cold winters in their home countries. However, it's important to note that summers in Thailand can be equally challenging.
The average temperature in Thailand is 18 - 38 °C. However, in Summer (March - June), the temperature can go up to more than 40 °C, making it tricky for those who reside in colder regions (like the United States or Europe) to adapt to this type of weather.
Still, it does not mean that Thai people are not immune to this hot weather. That’s why AC is one of the most common electronic devices in Thailand.
Apart from that, they have come up with different ways to cope with the Summer heat, such as:
- Using cooling powder
- Drinking a lot of water (the heat could be a reason why Thais love iced water)
- Having a hand-held fan / compact electric fans with you
Despite the challenges of summer in Thailand, it's worth noting that Thailand is an attractive destination for those looking to escape the cold even in the hottest months. By taking steps to stay cool and hydrated, it's possible to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer.
2. Cost of Living
One of the most appealing aspects of living in Thailand is the relatively low cost of living, which allows you to adjust your budget according to your desired lifestyle.
Your budget could be a little bit higher if you want to live a convenient life. For instance, living in the city centre near public transportation (Skytrain and metro), eating at restaurants, and using taxis as a means of transportation.
Warning for those who want to use taxis: the traffic in Thailand is pretty terrible. This could affect your expected cost for each transfer.
If you want to lower your budget, you can also choose to live outside the city centre, eat local food, and use public transportation instead of living in the city centre or using taxis all the time.
Apart from taxis, popular Thai public transportation options are Skytrain, metro, buses, motorcycle taxis, and the famous tuk-tuk, the three-wheeled open vehicles.
The same holds true for healthcare costs. Depending on the hospital you choose, the cost of each treatment can vary widely. Therefore, it's important to research healthcare options beforehand and compare costs to make the best decision for your budget and needs.
Overall, living in Thailand offers a range of options to accommodate different budgets and lifestyles, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an affordable yet fulfilling experience.
3. Thai Food Is Everywhere
One excellent advantage of living in Thailand is that you can find food everywhere and anytime, even at night!
There are markets (including night markets), food stalls, restaurants, and convenience stores that open 24 hours a day on every corner.
Despite this amazing fact, authentic western cuisine is more expensive and harder to find in Thailand, especially in suburban areas or areas outside tourist destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.
One misconception about Thai food is that it is only about spices. It is true that there are chillies and spices in most Thai food.
Still, there are plenty of Thai foods that are not spicy such as Pad Thai, Khao Pad (fried rice), Noodles, Grilled Pork, Chicken rice, and many more! Also, you can always tell food vendors to make it less spicy for your taste.
Overall, if you're a lover of Thai cuisine and enjoy a bit of spice, Thailand is the perfect place for you to explore and indulge in the flavours and variety of its cuisine.
4. Learn the Language
When it comes to speaking English in Thailand, the reality is that only 27% of the population can communicate effectively in the language.
This is largely due to the fact that Thai is the only official language in the country, and the standard of English education is not particularly high.
It is possible to get by in Thailand without speaking Thai. This is because Thai people may put effort in communicating in simple English with you.
However, it is advisable for those planning to stay in the country long-term to learn at least some basic phrases.
This will not only make communication easier, particularly in local markets, but it will also help you gain a better understanding of the local culture.
For those who are worried about making mistakes in Thai language, fear not! Thais are known as kind and proud of their culture. They will often find it impressive if you make an effort to speak their language.
So, if you're planning to make Thailand your new home, investing some time and effort into learning the local language can go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.
5. Sending Money Back to Your Home
Even if you live and spend your life in Thailand, there might be some cases where you need to send money from Thailand to your home country or overseas.
There may come a time when you need to send money to your family either for gift-giving or for emergencies. Otherwise, you might want to send money to buy products from outside of Thailand.
In Thailand, there are many services that can help you send money at a better rate, faster, and easier. One of them is DeeMoney Neo, the app that can help you send money from Thailand to the world using only your mobile phone!
All in all, there are both exciting and challenging parts of moving to Thailand. It could be fun and chilling, or it could be a little bit stressful. What you can do is make sure that you are well-prepared and learn enough information to adjust to your new home.
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