What Is My Bangkok Budget?
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
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Really interesting video Joe, definitely different to the usual “how cheap can you live” ones, so thanks for taking the time to give an alternative view.
Thanks for watching. We all know how to live cheap. I'd rather live well for a reasonable amount. Go out to dinner a few times a month in California or do anything I want in Thailand.
Hi Joe, thanks for such valuable, thorough and honest content. I'm from New Jersey, and retiring to Thailand in August. You completely validated my own anticipated budget and cost of living. safe travels, all the best-
Hey Peter. Thanks for watching. Again, this is just what I do. I basically spend the same amount of cash as California. It just goes 50% further in Thailand. I can travel twice a month, eat out everyday, etc.. Doing that in New Jersey or California would cost double or triple what I pay in Bangkok. Of course Bangkok cost double than Issan. But, I don't want to live in Issan
Just subscribed to your channel I love your style in that you’re behind the camera and not in front! It’s more relaxing and less distracting.
Welcome to the channel. Ya, I try to show Bangkok more than Bangkok over my shoulder.
Very informative. I appreciate your honesty and your in-depth explanation of everything.
Love your content. Keep up the great work 👍
Thanks for watching Scott. More videos to come
Thanks, a good estimate for a reasonable lifestyle. Lots of people on here quoting anywhere from 1000-2500 US per month. Maybe, but not for me. I have always planned on 5000 a month to live how I want. I.do understand hhow budget drives lifestyle but it does everywhere.
I think $2500 is ok in many parts of Thailand. Not really in Bangkok. I also roughly guessed I would spend close to 5K a month. I retired early to travel and dive, etc.. I'm going on year two and haven't spent that amount often. I just bought a few airline tickets to the islands. For two people it was less than $150 round trip. Plus, a decent hotel is $35 a night. Sure, you can spend $250 a night once in a while. I still live sensibly
Great informative video. Have seen several of same topic but yours is much more honest and realistic for those who want to enjoy living in Bangkok. Unfortunately too many expats just don’t have the funds to live a decent life in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. I’m just a regular visitor but have met too many who end up going home broke and humiliated because they didn’t budget correctly, or over estimated their own will power or found the bars and girls too addictive. Really enjoying your channel.
Hey thanks for watching. Ya, I don't pretend to have it all figured out. But, it works for me. If a person had a very small budget, they would do ok in Thailand. Bangkok probably isn't the place to live on a small budget. But a smaller city would work out fine. You are correct about the bar girls. It's really easy for some guys to get a small room and eat local. Then they spend another $2000 at the bar each month. That's cool, but you have to have the funds in the bank.
You are doing fine Joe 👍! I am very much in line with you. My budget when I am in Thailand long time is probably between 2500 and 3500. Yes - I want to live a little bit fancy, too.
That's a reasonable budget. That same 3K will go a lot further in Thailand than many places in the world. I just signed a new condo lease. I paid 19k for a year and they accepted a two year extension at 19K. Try doing that in Southern California. The home of the 17% rent hike a year. Even owning a home in San Diego cost more each month. Insurances and up keep doubles each year. I replaced a roof in 2000 for $6000. My buddy just replaced the same size roof for $26,000. And that was cheap. A few people wanted closer to 30K. Plywood used to be $8 a sheet. Today it's over $80? Thailand and renting works for me today
Your budget and philosophy are pretty much aligned. I want the highest standard of living possible while my investments are maintained.
That's the thing. Most of us will spend what is available. It's just the dollar goes a long way in Thailand. In California, 4k a month is just getting by. In Bangkok, I eat out everyday, travel every few weeks, dive, etc.. I could live here on much less, but why not enjoy. I worked hard for 45 years. It's time to relax
Really enjoy your content. I'm 55 and ready to retire next year to Bangkok. Seems our budget will be very similar, so this is really helpful.
That's great. Yes, you'll spend some cash in Bangkok. But it goes so much further than many parts of the world.
I just started watching your channel today and subscribed. I'm really enjoying listening to your story! I really appreciate many nice tips and advice that you are giving about living here in Thailand.
Hey I appreciate you watching. I'll warn you though, I put out a video every day. At least for 14 months I have. Watch what you can. Maybe run a search on my search bar. I've always worked hard, and making videos is just fun.
Great video Joe! I appreciate you. I’m preparing for retirement and your videos help.
Hey man, that's good to hear. Come have a drink when you arrive. You'll probably pass through Bangkok. Congratulations on retirement.
Thank you, Joe. Keep up the good work.😘
I really appreciate you watching. I'm out filming tonight. More to come
Hi Joe, very useful information. Thanks for the great video. Also, congratulations on renewing your tent for 2 years! That's awesome news
Yes, I lucked out on the new lease. It's a nice place to stay
@@EagerExpat and I was hoping to take it off your hands lol😆
@@No_Strings Ha ha. I lucked out. The first year flew by
My husband also works for the postal service as a custodian in Daytona Beach Florida. Will be coming to Thailand this November. We enjoy your videos. Will be visiting Bangkok , Phuket ,hua hin. My husband loves pickleball. If we decide to move there he needs pickleball. lol
That's great. My buddy is a custodian in Florida near Tampa. It's a great place to work. The retirement benefits we receive are going to be a thing of the past for new workers. No shortage of pickleball in Thailand
When you had the scan on your heart does it show your any blockages etc? I'm 49 and I've had blood tests for cholesterol etc and everything is OK but I'm imaging scans are a bit more in depth and ive heard once u get into your 40s fifty percent of men have plaque building up and genetics play the biggest part.
@@Stephenuk-zc3xo Ya, this was the test where they inject the heart with dye and then put you in the cat-scan. They gave me a booklet of a dozen color pictures of my heart. The doctor told me, something along the lines, my plaque was a 2. I asked if that was out of 1 to 10. He said a 2 on a scale of 1 to 100. I'm sure he told me some precise number I forgot. I have the booklet he gave me. He said I had very little plaque and zero blockage. I did have slightly high cholesterol. My good HDL was fine. My bad LDL was 84. He wanted to see below 50. I read online 200 is really bad. Maybe that was a US number. He said he would like close to 50. I started a statin three times a week. I already exercise 4 or 5 times a week. No smoking and my diet is as good as it will get. I try to eat healthy, but I'm gonna eat a variety of food. I like a few beers once and again, but nothing crazy. So the statin got me down to 60 I believe. I'll keep doing blood work at least once a year. But, you are correct. Plaque can be an issue. I was surprised I got the all clear. Or the 2 out of a 100. I asked him where a guy who needs a stent might be. I think he said 60 or 70 out of a 100. I'm making that scale up. I'm sure it was some fancy blockage scale. Either way, I guess all those years of carrying mail 5 or 6 miles a day, plus a half-way healthy life is paying off later as I'm turning 58
Outstanding video, THANKS......
Thanks. See you when you return
Nice breakdown Joe cheers. Retirement visa part was particularly helpful. We’ll be there permanently in August. Can’t come soon enough
Thanks very much. I'm not sure if you have your visa. This is my non-married Non O, but this is the video from Bangkok. It's a little dry, but it shows the process. ua-cam.com/video/ec5-ypX3nBY/v-deo.html
@@EagerExpat Cheers Joe. Think I’ll go with an agent first time round to make it easier but need to understand the process all the same. That footage of O’shea’s made be BKK sick
@@SiamFam Yes plenty of fair agents in town. But, like you said, it's good to understand the process. You don't want a guy who runs off 100 miles to get a visa stamp. You want the local office where you live. In case you want to do the extension yourself. You might have some explaining to do a few years later. Why does your lease say Bangkok and your visa say Issan, etc..
@@EagerExpat Yep it’s a minefield from what I can see. We’ll get set up in Phrom Phong first then get it all sorted. Boon seems like a nice lady Joe … it’s good to have good company!
@@SiamFam Nah it's not too tricky. You'll get it sorted out pretty easy. Boon is great
Finally some honesty. I always thought I would need 4K-5k guarantee a month to live my life. I’m not renting a 15k baht a month apartment. I want 50k apartment.
Yes, not everything is cheap in Bangkok. Still, for the same amount I would spend in California, I can live like a king. Travel, dive, etc.. In California, I'd be paying higher taxes and expenses
@@EagerExpat 500k in the bank and SSI and you will live better then any middle class in America. Thanks for the realistic review.
@@BirdDog. I agree. The dollar goes way further in SE Asia. I still spend about the same as California, but I travel a few times a month, go out 5 nights a week. Buy anything I want, etc.. I'm not waiting for my home insurance to double because of a wild fire 500 miles away.
@@EagerExpat my homeowners insurance went from 2800 to 4900 in the last couple of years . I know some may say I’m crazy but Im having a hard time raising a family on 200k a year.
@@BirdDog. No man I understand. I got lucky and was done with the heavy lifting 15 years ago. I remember putting a roof on my small house for $6000. Today, that same roof is $26,000. And I'm not talking about the 1970's. That was in 2010? Expenses in the US (and many parts of the world) are out of control. To a smaller extent we have inflation in Bangkok too. But, it still reminds me of 1990's prices. Raise that family. It's probably $300 for the same football or cheerleading today, that was $30 not that long ago. Get them in college and come live the easy life. Budget in a few plane tickets once a year. Fly the kid to you. Travel is important and they can handle a coach seat better than us
Those are good internet speeds & more importantly at a *great price!!* we recently purchased our home in Palmdale, CA and opted for the 1 gig at 149.00 dollars with Spectrum... we had the 800 mbps for years at 60 bucks a month.
I did my cross country private pilot from San Diego to Palmdale. Enjoy the new home and thanks for watching. Come visit Thailand soon
I am coming up on 1 month in Thailand this round. The prices here in BKK have increased significantly since 2019 but it is still less than inflation in the West specifically the US. My wife and I had a dental checkup and deep clean for 1100 baht each. We were both impressed by the cost and service. I will be signing a 1 year lease next week for a 21k condo at True digital Park.
True Digital is a popular spot. I hear you on the prices, but that's happening world-wide. Still, we're coming out ahead living in Thailand
@@EagerExpat I agree 100% especially if your retirement has COLA protection every year.
@@Robmar40 That was the only trade-off for retiring at age 56. No COLA until age 62. That's ok. I was prepared for that. I just signed a two year lease at exactly the same rent I paid for the last two years. I owned a home in San Diego, but I'm sure rent went up yearly in San Diego. Plus, I still have a nice chunk of change in a 401K and Roth.
@@EagerExpat Ok. You must fall under FERS then. I am lucky and blessed to receive my cola every year from my military retired pay even though I am only 54. It really makes a big difference.
@@Robmar40 I am under FERS. I only did 4 years in the Navy. That's ok. Under FERS I get 75% of Social Security at age 56. At 62 I then decide if I'll take it or not. Plus COLA's start on the FERS pension. No COLA is a small trade off for me to retire early. Many pensions don't have a COLA. So it's nice it will kick in one day
not a long ago , most of cost of living videos about Thailand was in range $500-$700 a month. not possible anymore. i personally think $3K-$3.5k a month is a sweet spot. but of course everybody is different. If you get pension etc then it changes things too.
Yes, I saw all those videos. I'd guess you can survive in Thailand on a $1000 a month today. I'm here to live. Everyone has there idea of living. Me, I want to travel often, dive, eat out, etc.. That cost me between 3K-4K a month. Compared to my buddies that also retired and live here, we spend about the same
Excellent video breakdown.
Much appreciated. Again, everyone is different. But, the "live on $1000 US" is just click bait
Good video, compared to most. For me 5500 - 6000 is the sweet spot. Don't drink but my rent is 65k a month for a 2200 sqft Penthouse condo.
Ya man. Nothing wrong paying a little extra for a nice condo. That same apartment would be three times as much in California
As long as you enjoy your life. Everyone is different. I'm the same if I can afford it and need it i do it. But I love a brand name
I hear you Michael. Nothing wrong with that plan
Well said sir everyone is different if not life's boring cheers 👍
Hey Brian. Thanks for watching brother. Life sure isn't boring in Bangkok. I love it here
Anybody that tells you how you should spend your money based on their wants and needs, would never tell you that you should wear their shoes, whether they fit or not. How one lives within ones means is nobody else’s business.
Yes, I agree. But UA-cam and Facebook comments can be a little crazy. There are plenty of guys that have a 1300 pension that has a need to set me straight. I'd be mad if I tried to live on 1300 bucks, too. Ha ha
The truth is it does not matter how much you spend, your happiness is a state of mind, there are many living on $1000 and are happy and on the other hand some people can spend $5000 a month and not be happy. Just find out what works for you and be happy with it $3500 a month is way more then enough to live a very comfortable life in Thailand for most people per the data that I can find posted can range from around between $1400 and $2300.
Of course being happy is the most important thing in life. You need to decide what makes you happy. Most of my friends and myself like going to the dentist, have quality healthcare, etc.. Even in Bangkok a root canal and a crown might cost $700. I guess the guy living on $1400, just pulls the tooth. That wouldn't make me happy, but you need to make your own decision.
Plus, this isn't a living in Thailand video. It's living in Bangkok. You can't compare living in New York City to a small room in (insert small town here) It probably cost 30% more in Bangkok than even Pattaya. Bangkok can be 75% more than the Issan area. Plus, as I explained in the video, I choose to live in the most expensive part of town. Sure, you can take a train 20 minutes to meet your buddies. I pay a little extra to live where I want.
Good video…lots of interesting info. Do you ever worry that you’re under spending. For example, your condo is nice, but there is so much nicer in Bangkok. You could get a two bedroom with more space, have your own little office to work on UA-cam stuff. It just seems like with your budget and savings (without prodding too much into your finances) you could easily afford a 50-75k a month condo which I think would really take your experience to the next level.
No. I'm fine with my setup. Most people I know take a trip 4 times a year. I've had months where I visited four countries in one month. Of course, that all costs cash. I'm not really a hostile guy. Everyone is different. I have friends that enjoy a 100,000 baht condo. I'm fine with 19k. In the next 30 days, I'll be in 3 countries. That might cost 60, 70, 80k. Whatever. That's what works for me.
Honestly, the cost of living in Thailand is a lot cheaper than the USA, Europe, Australia, and other Asian countries. First of all rent is cheaper. Playing golf is cheaper. So are food, drinks, clothes and transport. You can live pretty well a lot less than your own country. However, always keep it in mind you may have to go back home when your last days come. Don't burn your pocket. Just live sensibly as you do back home. You can make Thailand your base to travel abroad, too. Enjoy different cultures and tropical climate. If you're willing, you can extend your heart to the unpriviledged local people. There are many as in your country.
Thanks for watching. I love living in Thailand. 2 years has flown by. I can see myself living here for a very long time. I'm only 57. But, even an older person might benefit from living in Thailand in their final years. A personal caretaker, maybe a beautiful home. Plus, world class hospitals such as Bumrungrad. Probably a nice way to go out, versus a nursing home in the west somewhere. If I get a serious medical condition anytime soon, I won't be returning to the US to deal with it. I'm lucky to have good insurance.
Nice detailed breakdown. I think your numbers are more realistic.
I realize they're a little high, but I'm sure I paid much more living in California. There were always extra expenses. A roof, fence, water-heater, etc.. Plus, home and car insurance doubled every five years (it seemed). For less than $4000 a month, I live like a king in Thailand. It's like going back to 1990's prices. Even with expensive hobbies and constant travel
That number is less than 100% VA rated disability pay, so that's pretty good.
I was fortunate to never get injured in the Navy. But, I worked as a mailman 33 years. So I get a nice pension. That and some savings and you can live a nice life in Thailand.
Sort of different subject. Can you talk about when / how to make a reservation at a bar in BKk?
I've only did that a half dozen times. They will only hold a table for larger parties. Trivia night or UFC fights, etc.. There are so many spots around town. you can always just walk in somewhere
On target -- as usual. I live on about the same budget. And live with all the luxuries (travel, gadgets, etc) that I want. So about half of what it used to cost me in the US.
Ya man, living the good life. I'm not here to save cash. I'm here to get much more for my savings and pension. Thanks for always watching.
Good video. It is different for everyone. Everyone has different needs and tastes. Everyone has a unique financial situation. $3700 is a good retirement amount. It is nice you can "range it" from $2000 to $5000. That enables flexibility when needs and wants vary, and when situations vary as well.
It is even more vital to have a nest egg that you don't dip into but CAN anytime. The safety net savings portfolio is the ultimate "peace of mind" factor in real retirement. It should be compounding safely in low or no risk investment instruments. Liked the vid!
I agree. I didn't even get into savings, but I'm fortunate. I basically spend pension earning. I haven't had to touch savings in the past few years. Maybe one day, I'll buy a small house or condo. But, today renting is the way to go
@@EagerExpat A reasonably priced condo in a safe and proven area close to a good hospital system is perfect for retirement. No need for a house, as foreigners really can't own land in these countries, nor should we. Better to rent in the interim until it drops in price, which it will...
@@donnguyen8443 It all depends where you want to live. Where I want to be, my condo is 190K. I doubt I'll live in Bangkok when I'm 70, so today I'll just pay $525 rent. I'll probably end up on a beach someday
@@EagerExpat I'm referring to Bangkok (and in general Thailand) real estate, which is currently overvalued. Rent prices don't justify the high ownership prices.Neither do typical Thai incomes.
@@donnguyen8443 I hear ya
Are you able to pay your rent with your AAdvantage credit card to get the miles? Love your videos… Helping me a lot with my move to Thailand… 🙏🏻
Like I wrote in the other comment, I wish I could use a card. But, to a regular landlord it's 99% impossible. Maybe if you found one that owned a business and offered to pay the 3% Visa fee? Even then, they would have to want to co-mingle rent and business income. That would be a rare find.
Great video as always. Just a few questions: (1) is this budget based on single person lifestyle? (2) any advice on how to save, I believe you mentioned pension but I assume that a defined benefit (which is non existent) now is probably very helpful (3) how does one get kidney stones?
Thanks for watching. I was in the US Navy for four years and a mailman for 33 years. So, I'm fortunate to have a 37 year pension. Yes, this is my budget. I did put a line item for dating. I have a girlfriend. So, I'll often buy two plane tickets or two dinners, etc.. As far as savings, that is easy to do in Thailand. You can live a nice lifestyle for say $2000 a month if you live in a modest room and limit the partying to once a week, etc.. Me I take multiple trips a month. So that can double expenses. Even on a modest budget you can take a local trip once every few months. But, I'm not the guy to ask. I just do anything I want.
As far as the kidney stones. My dad and uncle got them and so do I. You can watch the diet, leafy greens, chocolate, etc.. but I still get one every few years. I just got a cat scan a month ago. I have 3 small stones in one kidney and 2 in the other. I had a procedure to remove them 2 years ago. So I grew five in two years. They may pass today or in two years. No big deal. Much people have to deal with so much more. It's not pleasant. But, I don't lose sleep over a kidney stone.
Great video Joe! Would you consider doing an interview to a young generation person who you know well about the HONEST budget with their different life style, as you said living in a small place and eat local but spend most on chasing ladies 😂
Ha ha, that's an idea. But, I've never did an interview. Just replace a girlfriend expense for a $80 date. You do the math on how many of those you want. All the other stuff is pretty much the same
I spent a few months in BKK last year and its definitely more expensive than it used to be by quite a margin. I have considered a long term move there and I am coming out at a similar budget to you. The only real issue I have is the new tax system, if it wasn't for that I would have probably already moved there.
I'm not worried about the tax system. Many rich Thai's have been able to invest abroad. They can buy a building in Malaysia for 2 million US. As long as the money returns to Thailand in 365 days (plus one day) it was tax free. That's who the new tax law is going after. Not me moving over $20,000 a year. Money that has already been taxed in the US. There are tax treaties in place with Thailand and 90 (?) countries. I have no idea what's going to happen. I'm guessing worst case is us expats will have to file another form (or tax report?) showing the cash has been taxed. Other guys online talking about 35% on every dollar are just wrong. It's a progressive rate like may countries. I think the US, you get 20K tax free, than 20K to 30K is 10%, then 40K to 50k is 12%, etc.. In the US, it takes a ton of money before you get taxed 35%. Same with Thailand. And I'd guess Thailand also has write offs. Facebook warriors claiming your pension will be taxed 35% are just panicking. But, if the worst happens I need to pay $500 or even $1000 in tax each year, I'm still saving $3000 a month not living in the US. You'll have to do that math for yourself
It seems to me that living in the central part of a capital city isn't too outrageous. I probably wouldn't live in a capital city or suba - SE Asia travel certainly. Girlfriend expenses... I don't think my wife would allow that expense!!
Ha ha. I've had a wife. Triple those girlfriend expenses. Ha ha
@@EagerExpat:))
How you choose to spend your money is totally your call Joe. YOU worked x number of years to be able to afford your lifestyle. So SCREW what the internet warriors have to say about it. They're probably just jealous because they can't do it. You earned your retirement buddy. Enjoy it!!
Hey I appreciate the comment. I remember growing up and seeing a fancy sports car zoom buy. My dad would tell me to work hard and maybe one day I would have that nice car. Today, some kids are taught, go scratch that car. Why should that guy have a nice car. Where is my free sports car. It's the same on UA-cam at times. Why should this guy be retired at 56. Well, I carried mail for 33 years. I was fortunate to work overtime five or 6 days a week for all those years. I saved and planned for the future. Nothing special about me. But, I did work hard.
Most people in these comments or around the world are like you and me. Just normal hard working people trying to get ahead in life. Other people are just very angry. Angry I get a pension because they don't, etc.. I just deleted a guy who heard the word pension and he decided I was on a "fake" (his words) military disability. I did four years in the US Navy, but I never had an issue. So I don't get a VA check. There's always guys trying to beat the system. But, I hope the folks that did get injured get that check each month. It's out of my paygrade who decides who receives that benefit.
So ya, I'm a grown man who doesn't really care what anyone says of thinks about me. I don't get in arguments in the comment section. I just delete the angry people in life. If it's in person, I just walk the other direction. If it's on UA-cam, I just hit the delete button. No room for negativity these days.
But I do appreciate the comment. Trust me, I'm on the same page as you. If I bothered to care, I would feel bad for some of these people. We've all had challenges in life. But, in a two sentence comment you can tell what kind of person you're dealing with. You seem like a guy I might kick back and have a beer with. The guy who just typed, in all caps, so I guess he had a need to yell, A 50 MINUTE BUDGET VIDEO! NO THANKS, DIDN'T BOTHER TO WATCH. Um, ok. But you bothered to comment. That's the strange guy at work that nobody likes. He's angry at women, honks at older ladies crossing the street.
These clowns in life stopped bothering me 30 years ago. Maybe they'll move over here one day. They'll be the guy that does nothing complain about immigration. Or how the women think your an ATM. You can't run away (or move 7000 miles) from stupid.
Hope you're close to making the move over. I love my country. But, I can just get so much more in Bangkok for my retirement budget than California. I love it here
Also, Cigna global good for healthcare . How come you didn’t port your US phone number or take on Tello , much cheaper than $55 a month . Just my 2 cent 😊 I watch your channel daily ! Take forever for me to downsize….to move .
Port my number to a Thai plan? I have a relationship with T-Mobile. They put me on an active duty military plan. Most companies in the US will shut the phone off it it doesn't hit a US cell tower within a year (sometimes two) I keep the US number for friends and family that don't want to figure out how to us wi-fi calling or what's app. I might ditch the US phone one day, but it's been pretty handy. Plus, it's my go-to phone for travelling. The Thai phone is a hassle to go to Malaysia or Japan. The T Mobile works in 200 (?) countries. 20 cent talk, free 3G internet. Plus, the US number is handy for OTP verifications, banking, etc.. My buddy said Magic Jack didn't work well for that.
Thanks for watching. Just give all that stuff away. I was the same way. I must have had a few thousand in tools, tons of clothes, etc.. Today a good friend of the family is using those tools. Way better than me putting two hundred in my pocket. We never know how much time we have left. I used to have a house and garage with dirtbikes, boats, ona and on. Today I have a small condo with a few things I use every week. It's pretty nice to be rid of all that stuff. Get on over here. You'll love living the simple life.
@@EagerExpatno he’s saying you could have ported your number to Tello. It’s a u.s. company that uses the t-mobile network. They have free calling Tom/from Thailand using Wi-Fi calling and they don’t shut off your number for not being in the u.s. you can get plans for as little as $6 a month and keep your u.s. number.
@@Tra980 I'll look into that. I was told by T Mobile and Verizon all US companies will shut off the number if it doesn't hit a US cell tower every year (Verizon) or every two (T-Mobile). They said it was an FCC law. So I'm not sure. I haven't been back to the US in over 2 years and the phone is still working. It's also free to call on wi-fi. But, yes $6 is better than $55
Money is alright. It's the bills that bites the big one.😮
I hear you. Bills stink anywhere in the world
Aloha great video, good info.
Thanks for watching Joe. More to come
True. 3-4K USD is more realistic
It is for me. But again, I travel often. I eat out almost every meal. I have expensive hobbies. But, I didn't retire to sit by the pool 6 hours a day. Everyone is different. I can spend $3500 in California as my home insurance doubles each five years, or live like a king in Thailand
All depends on what activities you do, 2500 USD is doable for the basics
@@vincem8065 Basic living isn't what I'm going for. Like I said in the video. I travel a few times a month, I Scuba dive, sail, fly small planes. Other people play golf, chase ladies 3 or 4 times a week. This all cost money. Spending 30K a year doesn't leave much room to enjoy the extras I enjoy. But, that's just me. Of course this was a video on my budget. Living in an expensive area of Bangkok in a larger apartment. That's going to be near impossible on $2500.
@@EagerExpat I do it, but I have a different lifestyle than you. That's all I was saying ..
@@vincem8065 I didn't mean to speak out of line. It's true I spend a little extra cash on flights.
Enjoy your early retirement, you've worked hard for it!
Hey thank you very much. I'm grateful for the job I had. But, I enjoy everyday of retirement
45k - 50k baht per month for me
We all have out budget. That money will go further in Thailand than many western spots
Great video!
Thank you very much Pamela. More videos to come
Good information 👍🏼
Thank you very much. Just my opinion's, but maybe it will help someone
Your internet speed is great compare to my xfinity in California Bay Area. I pay $65 USD for only getting 280Mbps download & a slow 14Mbps upload speed. Everything is less for more money in California thanks to our great governor. :( I can't wait to go Thailand again. Everything is cheaper and better. I can roam around the street without worrying crazy people harassing me.
I used to live on Treasure Island when it was a Navy base. The city was great in the 1980s
Really enjoyed this video thanks. For the retirement visa could you just have 1M baht in the bank, draw down on this and just do 200,000 bht transfers when you get close to 800k and not do the monthly transfers?
That's what I do. I transfer money into my Thai bank when the baht is high. I then spend the cash and never drop below 800k. I never drop below a million. I think you can go to 400k and then back to 800K before you go to immigration. But, I don't need to cut it that close. So I haven't paid attention to that rule
Does the scan show blockages and stuff mate? Ive heard once you hit you 40s half of all people have plaque build up and genetics plays a big part.
Yes, it shows it all. I was lucky to get an all clear. No plaque, no blocks
And you like to eat meat and you got the all clear so it shows all this vegetarian propaganda is bullshit lol@EagerExpat
Paid an agent 44k baht for 15 month Non O multiple entry last year including establishing bank account, 22k baht for 1 year renewal, 1500 baht for 90 day.
That's a very good price. Was that in Bangkok? I know Jomtien is also cheaper. My lawyer, who opened my bank account, quoted twice as much as that. One subscriber told me he just paid over 100,000 baht. Again, that's a lawyer here in Bangkok. Some of these agents "sharing" bank info scare me. Maybe one day that's a problem. If you're not into paperwork, it's a wise investment. But it's only 4 forms. I think it took me 30 minutes to fill out. 6000 baht a year for a multiple entry. 1900 for a single entry. But, I travel. Thanks for watching
@@EagerExpat Yes, in Bangkok
@@vincem8065 Sounds like a great deal. I usually don't do the 90 day passing through the airport every 4 or 5 weeks, but i did an online the other month. It's really improved. Give it a try. It's way better than years ago.
@EagerExpat I've heard that a few times now that 90 day online has improved, I will give it a try thanks👍
@@vincem8065 www.immigration.go.th/ I think that's the link. If I remember, you have to register to use the system. Enter you're passport, etc.. You get a confirmation email. The website is a little clunky, but better than before. In Bangkok the rule is you have to do the first report in person. I assume the agent counts as in person. You can do it 15 days (I think) early. But that counts against your 90 days. So I'd wait until say day 80 on the first attempt. Especially if it's on a weekend or near a holiday. I believe it's still reviewed by a human. You submit and get an email (I think) two days later. Screenshot (I print it out) in case later there is a question that you did the 90. Online it says you can do it 15 days early (day 75) but once again you lose the other 15 days. The next report is due 90 days later. It doesn't work like a visa, where they add the early days onto the end of the visa.
Maybe try it on day 80. You'll have an answer by day 83. If it doesn't work out, take the passport to your guy on day 89. If it does work out, next time do it on day 88. The other thing you'll see online, is you have 5 days to be late and your ok. I've had two buddies get a small fine for being 1 or 3 days late here at Chaing Wattana. So maybe Bangkok doesn't like the 5 day late rule? I try to keep immigration as clean as possible. No lates, no overstays, etc..
Nice vlog
Thanks as always Mario
For there 800K thb saving account, I wonder if you can put the money in a brokerage account and holds other assets like ETFs
I'm not sure. Everyone I know has it sitting in a regular savings account. That's OK. It's only 22k. Sure, you lose interest on that cash. But your rent is $500 a month. I'll take that over 5% interest on 22k. Plus, Thailand isn't the US. I think the best you can do here is close to 2% on a CD type vehicle. I leave the real money in US accounts.
If you are retired in a western country. They you will save money by retiring in an Asian country. To be sure you will be living a better life.
It's like stepping back into California 1985. On some items like rent. Gas, etc.. is still the same as the west
What is your annual budget?
I don't have one. I just try and live smart and do most anything I want to do. I said in the video, that cost between 3K-4K a month. So I guess you could say 40K a year
Summary: Life is pretty easy if you're not a broke ass woman chasing alcoholic. ;-) Love that they have cricket games on the sports channels.
Ha ha, that's a pretty good way to sum it up. But, I don't judge. If you want to chase women and drink everyday, just put that in the budget. I like a few beers, but I'll have them at a beach bar when I go diving in Bali.
Hello friend,
Does your Geo Blue insurance accepted in Bangkok? I too have one through my state retirement
My Blue Cross federal works fine. They even have in network hospitals like Bumrungrad. Give them a call. Hopefully, if you have the Geo Blue attached you'll be fine. I had a city worker in Cleveland tell me his Blue Cross did not have Geo attached.
@@EagerExpatThank you so much for the information. And yes my BC/BS does have Geo Blue attached
@@svaytong219 They your all set. It's nice to be covered for medical needs
What is the name of your current apt/condo? My lease is up later this year.
I live at Condo One X on Soi 26. There are 35m and 52m. The larger ones are usually listed at 22000 to 25000. Make an offer of 20000. The only issue is a low spot near the entrance. It will be really flooded for a few hours in a downpour. If your cool with a low-rise, Dwell on 26 had some affordable 1 bedroom 35m around 16000. The Kramm next door can be 80000. Phrom Phong can be expensive. But the central location is great.
@@EagerExpat your UA-cam profile does not have your email, I like to private message you so we can link up for a beer I live in thong lor and I’ve been in Bangkok for one year. Cheers hope to hear back from you.
@@mrwongus Ya I had it there for awhile. I spend about 30 minutes answering each comment every day. The email was turning into travel agent/advisor/visa questions, etc.. All which has been answered in a video. Shoot me a comment in the next week or so. I'm running out of town, but next week I should be around. I'm always up for a beer at Stella's on Soi 41 or O'Shea's on Soi 33/1
@@EagerExpat sounds great. I will message you in a week or two. Thanks. 🙏
No matter where you go in the world, you can always find a "pub" with a fake Irish name. I call them all "Slappy O'Happigan's." For some reason, if you slap a fake Irish name on a burger joint, people will will drawn like moths to a flame. O'Shea's in Bangkok is keeping the BS alive, complete with shamrock in the logo - too funny.
Well, I'm only 25% Irish. Dad is half. But, I've been to Temple Bar a time or two. O'Shea's has just as many Irish and UK folks as I saw in Ireland. It's also the home to the Celtics Football Club of Bangkok. Viewing parties and an Irish Band in Kilts. Bagpipes even. Although I think that's a UK group. The UK fans and Irish get along. One night it's Celtics, the next it's UFC or Man U. They even fly players in each year for the annual party. It's hardly a Southern California chain calling themselves an Irish Pub. Is it Ireland? No. Like myself, we want to live in Bangkok. Not Dublin, London or San Diego. This is a nice spot for the folks that want to hang out and watch a game. Including this California guy. What's wrong with that? I miss a California bar on the sand. Other guys might miss the local in Ireland. But, this is a really nice place to have a pint. Soi Cowboy gets a little old if you live here. And heading 7000 miles to a proper pub isn't a very smart choice.
fatFIRE
Thanks for watching. Retirement is great after 40 plus years of saving.