Twenty Tips For Moving To Thailand
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- Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
- I took a walk down Sukhumvit Soi 39. Here are twenty tips for moving to Thailand. Hopefully, it will help someone plan the move over.
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Mr Joe thank you for supporting and be friend with that shoe repair guy. He can make a living from our little help like this.
The shoe guy is cool. Plenty of guys like him just trying to feed his family. In the past, I'd just throw my shoe away. For a few bucks, I still wear those shoes if it's raining and messy.
@@EagerExpat 👍
Pefect timing with this video. I'm two months out from my move to BKK and taking notes.
That's great. Hopefully, some of my videos will help. I love Thailand.
Me, too! Well: Pattaya, but -- me, too!!
I'm thinking I'll have to make a day trip to the "Treasure Factory on Soi 39"! Because I will need a toaster oven, myself. 👍
@@annthrockmorton1517 That's great man. Pattaya is fun. I love the Pratumnak Hills between Pattaya and Jomtien. I did a video last year.
ua-cam.com/video/9zxS2ptRchU/v-deo.html
I wouldn't make a special trip, but that Treasure Factory is fun to find a few bargains.
Just got to Thailand last week on my retirement visa, and now live in Noble Refine. Love the area so far, and learning by going out and exploring, and also from your videos.
That's great. I'm meeting a few guys from the channel at O' Shea's on Soi 33/1 tonight. Stop by and say hello if you're free. I'll be there at 5:00pm
@@EagerExpatI might stop by and say hi. Thanks for the invite. If I do, I’ll have my wife in tow, so can’t stay long. Maybe see you then.
@@fordguy61mi Ya man. No pressure. If you happen to be around. Well be there.
I've watched a ton of videos, and your channel is one of my favorites. They're unique and full of good info. If I get there next year I'll buy you a beer. BTW, I'm from Boston. We make Thai drivers look sane!😅
Yes, I drove in Boston a few times. Bangkok isn't that crazy.
Great tips Shipmate! Retired Navy saying thx from Jax, FL ! Hope to be there soon…
That's great. Say hello when you arrive
Hi Joe, thanks for the invite tonight! Aw crp, I have a realtor at 4pm and dinner afterwards with my Thai Kru. I'll look for you again next week!
Ya man, no problem. I take off for a dive trip, but I'll be back soon. Shoot a message later. Maybe a drink at Stella's on Soi 41
hey Joe, just stumbled upon your channel. I think it’s pretty good. I’m a retired lawyer from San Francisco living in central Bangkok for the past seven years.. it’s a nice channel you have going👍👍
Hey thanks. I'm just having a little fun
I've been a NFCU member since 1991. They are the only bank I know that still gives car loans to members living overseas.
I heard that, too. Some UA-camr in the Philippines got a NFCU loan.
Three minutes in and already learned good info thanks !
Glad to hear it
thanks for explaining about the motor guys...always wondered how it worked
100% of the time, I just use Grab/Bolt for a bike. You order as you walk out the door and he pulls up as you get downstairs. Same at a pub. Order a bike and pay the bill. In 5 minutes he pulls up. Now if it's pouring rain, all bets are off. Good luck getting a bike or car. You can't even get food delivered on a really stormy night. But, when there is a foot of water on the ground, we all just cancel plans anyhow.
Damn. I wasn’t aware that February is so hit or miss. Probably should have scheduled my next visit for a different date. Oh well, such is life, just have to make the most of it. Thanks for all the great tips and another outstanding video Joe.
I said hit or miss? Oh with the perfect weather? You can't predict any of that. Today is the middle of the rainy season. It was a beautiful 80 degree day with a nice breeze and zero rain. It may be 95 degrees in 24 hours in-between showers. It's all hit or miss here. No big deal. Anytime is a great time to visit.
@@EagerExpat oh, I get that. I’ve been there at least half a dozen times so far but usually November or December. My thoughts were more in regards to the extra pollution due to burning season. I guarantee I’ll still have a blast, it is Bangkok after all. Thanks again.
My wife almost made this mistake today, even after I warned her. Takes time to adjust 😊
Ya those bikes come out of nowhere. She'll adjust pretty fast
Joe... Great tip on increasing the 800000 Baht transfer amount to avoid immigration headaches. Never heard it before on any Thailand Retirement tip videos.
Ya it would be rare to have that issue, but it can happens. Some guy was whining on UA-cam that immigration wouldn't approve his extension because he dropped to 799,000 baht. He forgot his Netflix came out of his Thai bank. He had to start the whole visa over. Some people agree to a small life insurance policy (usually $40 a year) to open a bank account. That can also decrease an exact 800k to 775, etc..
If you use 1 account, you usually keep an eye on things. If you get two accounts, you better keep a close eye on the account balance. It's a little silly, but some offices want to see every charge you made over the year. That could be 50 plus pages of info. Some banks require 3 or 4 days to complete that. I think that's why some people want two accounts. I'm not sure, but BKK seems to want page one of each month. Every office works different. My paperwork seems to be 4 or 5 pages long. Granted, I don't use the Thai account for everyday spend. So I might only have a few hundred line items a year. Every year I show up at 800am at the Bangkok Bank brank at Bangkok immigration. When they open at 8:30, I'm usually out before 9:00am with my current banking info. I then head upstairs for my 9:00am appointment. Other offices around the country require you to go to the office you opened the account. That hasn't been an issue for me in BKK. All the major banks are in the basement. There's 10-15 people in line at 8:30 am, so get there early if you want to try and be done before the lunch break. Best to make an appointment on the immigration website.
Thanks for being a good human
I appreciate you watching. I just try to be a normal person. I'm grateful to be living here.
Hi Joe, I need to watch this, but super busy since I arrived last night here in Sukhumvit. Please let me know when's good to meet up and I can buy you a drink. See you soon bud.
Hey welcome to town. I'm meeting a few subscribers at O'Shea's at 5pm tonight. Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. Come have a drink if you're free. I get on the road tomorrow, but I'll be back next week. BKK is home.
I've visited both Le Raffiné's, the one on soi 39 for a wine delivery and in the one on soi 24 I had friends live there for a while. The buildings are absolutely bananas. Several supercars parked by the entrance of the 39, because of course there is. The door to the apartment was enormous. Then, and you can kind of se it in your video, from 31:03, mid and upwards the building, each apartment have a private swimming pool on its balcony. Almost unfathomable for a working class individual as myself. :)
Yes, it's a nice setup. As crazy as the price might be, it's probably still a bargain compared to New York City or many major cities. Still, I'm happy with my $500 high rise. A $400 place would also be fine, but I treated myself.
@@EagerExpat For sure a bargain! The feeling of value for money is so much higher in The Big Mango. You treat yourself every chance you get!
@@stormstereo I agree. I haven't rented since the 1990's in California. I feel like the prices were the same in San Diego as BKK is today.
Great Infos
Thanks for watching. More to come
Great video, Joe. Hey, you mentioned that your address on record is in Florida. I know you spent most of your life in San Diego. How were you able to establish the Florida residence, if you don't mind telling?
Ya, my good buddy lets me live at his place when I'm in the states. I got a FL drivers license, etc.. They have those mail centers, but I'm not sure how that works.
thanks for the day and time.....
Ha ha, ya I'm just trying to give the big picture of day to day life in the Big Mango
Hi Joe, what happened was I was denied a "senior" Rabbit card, by a ticket agent who assumed I wanted the senior card, when she looked at my passport and dob. Only Thai citizens can have the "senior" Rabbit card with discounts. On this quiet Monday at Ekkamai BTS I was easily able to get a regular adult Rabbit card. Thanks for your help!
Ah yes, I had heard the senior card was for Thai's. I've also heard non-Thai's getting the card. Maybe you need a Thai residency card. Another day, try and switch the Orange card to the Senior. Maybe you'll get lucky. I think it's half price rides? But, if they say no, it's still affordable.
I just went to a few parks in Krabi. Boon paid 20b and I paid 400b at one. Another she was free and I paid 200b. I get it, I'm the visitor. Keep a color copy of your passport page on you. Movies and a few other places "might" give a senior price. I think AIS had a deal. But I just turned 58, so I haven't looked to hard.
Thanks for the tips. I arrive in Bangkok next Friday at 1:00am. Any suggestions on a midrange price hotel in downtown Bangkok. What is the best way to get there from the airport at that time of day. Thanks.
The airport train stops at midnight. You can get a cab. You'll have to make sure he turns the meter on right away. If not, get out and go to another cab. You will be expected to pay the toll road if you ask to use it. I forgot the price. Maybe 120b in tolls. You can use Grab or Bolt apps. I'm not sure where they pick up. I'm usually following my girlfriend. As far as hotels. The Holiday Inn express and Travelodge on Sukhumvit Soi 11 are close to everything. But, there are a thousand places to stay at an affordable rate. If I don't book with the hotel directly, we all use Agoda
@@EagerExpat Thank you.
Can you buy any cds, bonds or mutual funds? I don't like to see 800k languishing not collecting any interests or return on equity.
I'm not positive. I think the answer is no. There are certain CD type savings accounts that get about 1.5%. You get penalized if you touch the money for 12 months, etc.. It does stink to have the 800k not earning, but the payoff is renting a nice apartment for $400. So factor that in to your overall savings. I can't get 5% on $22,000, but I save $1000 a month in rent and live in a great affordable country.
I'll take option B. In fact, many people pay for the opportunity with an Elite Visa. I'm sure those 45 year old's wish they could just park 22K and live here. Maybe one day they will allow funds from abroad to be proof. But for now, we lose the earnings on 22k, but we go back in time to 1990 on many living expenses. It's a personal decision if it's worth it to you.
There are other Visa options. The new ones are being sorted out. I believe the NON-OA you can show proof of funds in the US/UK etc.. but you need to buy health insurance. That might be a good idea. It also might be $300-$400 a month. I have a federal pension with health that covers me here. So I tie up the 22k. I'm still ahead of the game.
Just to back up what you said, I emailed Siam Legal just two weeks ago about a Thai Bank Account as a tourist, and they said that it is no longer an option for tourists and you have to have a proper visa.
Yes, there are some people that still get it open, but the price has gone up from about $100 US to closer to $300. This is just rumors I've heard. I guess you can get a Non OA abroad. You can show funds from abroad. Then you will have a 90 day visa. That should work for opening a bank account. I stayed away from that, because my US health insurance works in Thailand. I didn't want the Non-OA Insurance
Oh no.... I eat carnivore style and was hoping to find a condo that I could have a 1 burner butane stove and cast iron pan for steaks. I'm here in the Philippines in a high rise and can't use this balcony for cooking either. I'm burnt out on air fryer steaks 😂
Ya the BBQ isn't a big thing. We do have these places at the Gourmet Market. You Hunt We Cook. They will perfectly grill a steak you buy for 100b. I go all the time. You might get away wit cooking a steak on the balcony when everyone is at work.
They sell portable plug-in induction burners that work really well with cast iron. They go up 1800 mhz which should get a cast iron plenty hot to do steaks in the kitchen.
24:00 if you didn't wire the money from your US bank, how did you get the approx. $22,000 (800,000 thb) from the US to Thailand?
No, I said I wired a million over. I brought cash, but that doesn't count towards the 800k. I deposited the cash I brought and still had to get a clear path of at least 800k from abroad. I mentioned I sent 200k extra because the exchange was 37/1
Excellent tips Joe! Thank you👍🏽 I was thinking to first get a 12month lease, then open up Thai bank account (I heard showing 12-month lease helps to open Thai bank acct.). Then showing bank acct. and lease at immigration for retirement visa. All this doing it on my own. What do you think? You think this is a good plan? Of course arriving with the 90 day retirement visa that I will apply from home.
If your getting a Non-OA from abroad, I think it's easy to open an account. The issue is most people want a Non-O from Thailand. You don't need to show health insurance for a Non-O. Having insurance is probably a good thing, bit I have US insurance that works in Thailand. But, it doesn't work for the Non-OA I would have applied for in California.
If you get the Non-OA, open an account in the first few days when you arrive. You will have a long term visa. That's the requirement, not a lease. Most of us arrive on a tourist visa or visa exempt. You need a long term visa to open an account, but you can't open an account without a long term visa. Catch 22.
Come with the Non-OA. If you live in Bangkok, make an appointment exactly 15 days before the 90 days expire and get the first 1 year extension. Open the account the day you get here. The money has to be "seasoned" in the account for at least 60 days before you go for the 1 year extension. If you didn't watch it, here's my video on getting a Non-O and extension. Get the Non-OA in (I guess) the US. Get over here on open an account on day 1. It may take 3 days to wire the 800K plus from home. Let that be in the account for 60 days. The earliest you can go into Chang Wattana is 15 days before your 90 expires. Make an appointment and be there on that day. You may mess up a form and have to go back. It's not good to have 2 days to complete the extension. If you blow it, you have to start the visa over. An extension is easier than getting the visa and just extending it each year. Best of luck
Thank you for the great explanation/answer to my questions😀 Now I owe you 3 San Miguel light😅. Do you need anything from the US I can bring for you? Im visiting in November
Thanks for watching man. All I ask for is a thumbs up. That helps me with UA-cam. See you in November. Well grab a beer. 1 will be fine. Ha ha, you'll have some bills setting up your new pad.
Opinions on VASU money exchange? It's the only place I use. Good video Joe!!!!
To be honest, I haven't exchanged money in 3 years. They are all pretty good. Way better than the rate you'll get in the bank. Go with what has worked for you.
VASU is a good place but quite frankly all of the newer ones have caught up. They’re all pretty much the same now but back in the day I agree VASU was the best.😂😂
Greetings Joe, it must be great to have such an enormous amount of liquidity for tipping at will😊. Did you know that the Fluent Talk device translates from English to Thai as well as many other languages at the rate of ninety five percent? It’s a great asset to have on your person to help negotiate the Thai language barrier. Thanks for sharing with amazing video.
Ha ha ya, those 1 dollar tips are killing me. You can use Google Translate for free. But 99% of people speak English in the expat area
Hi Joe can people live on a boat in Bangkok on the river?
Ya, I'd guess you can. It just rained about an inch in the last few hours. I'm not sure it would be fun. And I've lived on 5 sailboats. Of course that was in California. Here a nice high-rise is $500, it's time for me to move ashore.
Nice video. ? how hard is reporting you thai bank account to US goverment? Thanks
It took 15 minutes to figure out how to register and file. I think it's called an FBAR. No big deal at all. I'm not sure.
The irs.gov website will have a link to FBAR reporting. It is pretty straightforward to fill out. By law you must do this each year where you hold more than $10,000 of US currency equivalent in foreign assets. There is additional reporting if you hold over $50,000 in assets aboard. The IRS site gives a pretty good explanation on their site. I’ve had to do this for the last 10 years living aboard. It is just reporting. It has never triggered any type of audit for me.
Do you have to do US taxes?
I can't give proper tax advice. I pay US taxes on my federal pension. Most other guys I know do as well. I've heard there is a rule about not filing if you don't live in the US. But, I just keep it simple and file with Turbo Tax like I've did for decades. They take tax out of my pension, so I usually get a small refund anyhow.
Why not a sombrero? Must be better than the Adidas hat 😊
Ha Ha. That would work. Plenty of heat down in Mexico too.
Hey there, with a retirement visa how much in USD do they want to see in your bank account?
800,000 baht. You have to be 50 years or older
Thanks for responding. I'm looking to move there in a couple months. I don't quite have that amount of money in the bank. What should I do? Please help
@@chameleonlux8642 800k is the required amount. There are agents that let you "borrow" the 800k. Of course there is a fee for this service. I have no idea how to use an agent. I believe may people use Thai Visa Centre. But, there are may good visa agents around town. You can email them and ask how to go about things. I did my visa without an agent. Best of luck.
Thank you
@@chameleonlux8642 Best of luck
What are some of the things you miss from Cali or US?
I miss my friends and family. I also miss the ocean. There is no surf in Thailand. Life in Bangkok is trickier than the US. You get spoiled walking into a Wal Mart or Target in the US. You can get anything. Here, if you want a laptop, you go to the laptop store. If you need socks, you go to the sock place. No big deal, but it's an adjustment.
@@EagerExpat that’s right, some give and take. The closest surf is 3 hours away in Bali as an excuse for a visa run lol. Keep up the good work!
@@Tenzo7515 Ya, I've been to Bali a few times in the last few years. You can surf around Phuket, but it's very hit and miss. Plus, it's over a sharp reef. I'm a sandy bottom long board guy these days. Even the soft top boards in Bali are fun.