Here an advice on speaking Thai from me, a Thai guy. Stop worrying about tones. A lot of people gave up because the ideas of "if you use the wrong tone, you'll said the wrong thing." You'll see this "tone is important" "You HAVE TO use the right tone or else" repeated in pretty much every single Thai language class/tutorial. We CAN understand what you're saying from context. How do you think we can understand our own songs if every words must be pronounced with specific tone only?
Thankyou very much for imparting this advice!!! I was making this argument to a friend of mine who was saying “yeah but Thai is really difficult to speak” I mentioned it’s just the same as when a Spanish person visits England with poor English. You still get the message lol
@@ridge-roads the reason I said that is because the tone of your comments oozed “dooshbag that’s been out there for couple years and thinks he’s the leading authority on Thai culture” Your follow up comment only solidified my gut feeling I have been to Thailand thankyou v much and self congratulatory, smug and often obnoxious westerners were a plenty. But don’t worry Mai pen rai eh
If you just go for vacation, definetly get a local traveller SIM card there for unlimited data. In some hotels the wifi is so bad, using your phone as a hotspot is much faster and reliable.
Try getting into Thailand right now without a hotel booking. Good luck with that. I had to supply proof of accomodation to get a sixty day visa. And the Thailand pass requires proof of a week's hotel booking.
@@dreadpirateroberts6337 your insurance will not cover you if you have an accident without an international license. the insurance will try to avoid paying your bills. Looking for an insurance they cover me only 125cc not over that.
And if you do decide to sign a long term lease do it in low season not high season the last thing you want to do is lock in a year of high season rent which in some cases can be almost double.
Some things change over time, some don't. It's 10 yr since i visited so video's like this help you get clued up if you are planning to return. Always hired a motor bike in Thailand to explore, never bothered with international licences before so that's changed. Always did my own visa's so that's the same.
I've been here for 18 years and married to a Thai but don't really have many friends as I only go for a beer about once every 2 weeks but sometimes I meet people who have only just come here to live and try to dictate to me about what to do and not to do and end up getting in trouble for doing something stupid. You are right about acquaintances and not friends.
Good to see you're back on track) I'd always book a month or two via Airbnb and I never had to sign any rental agreement and mostly no deposit, while prices are much lower compared to booking a hotel room and much more privacy compared to a hotel. I never got a 1-year visa (just 60 days), but, the Thai Boxing gym I've been visiting, did offer a 1-year education visa, which, I guess, many other businesses do also offer.
Hey! Would you be able to tell me how they offer the 1-year education Visa? It's 8 hours per week right I believe, to get the education Visa. And how would you get one? Are you able to get it done before visiting Thailand through the School/Gym etc, and do you have a rough estimate on what the price would be for that full year of classes? Planning to move to Thailand for a year but having a hard time figuring stuff out
Thank you ! Standing out again from the other youtubers with some really helpful advice. I'll be moving to Chiang Mai in February and apply for a student Visa (studying the language). Cheers Brett !
I always prebook my hotel in my many trips to Thailand, but that is because I prefere one particular hotel as a base, then travel around from there. I love this place, and it is always fully booked in the high seasons (may be not now :)
use Superrich in BKK their shops or booths (there's one on the way to the airport link station at main airport) currently 42.80 =£1 for good exchange rates of 50s. Our last trip in March Nationwide could/would not supply 50s for us.
A scooter is indeed the best and most fun way to get around in Thailand. It is not expensive and the petrol price is not too bad. Between 2002 and 2011 I did literally thousands of miles there in Chiangmai. To Mai hon son and Paai, we drove for hours and days on a Honda wave. The only thing that often happens in the city is that you easily have flat tires due to all kinds of small objects that are lying on the street. But you can easily have your scooter repaired anywhere. Thai people are usually herl handy and will always help you. The light motorcycle or scooter is therefore the most fantastic means of transport. Thanks for another great video Brett and i miss Chiangmai so much. I have meny memories there ❤👌
I got a flat tire on the way to Pai recently, stuck right up on top of the mountain. Rolled the bike to a village a mile back and they fixed it for me 😄
Thank you Brett. True what you say. I have been Thailand 18 months have scooter and car. Love Chiang Mai .Has fantastic places to explore. Hope to live there. Good luck.
Great Advice spot on been living in hotels for 4 weeks moved into a brand new condo today works out at £13 a day including electricity and water and free internet still wondering what the catch is LOL pay that for my electricity alone back in the UK
Well, technically yes, you don’t have to being sunscreen, but it is much more expensive their…lol. And as for getting your own transport, I totally agree. In Bangkok, yah, I agree the public transport is sufficient and wouldn’t recommend a first time rider try riding/driving in Bangkok. But especially if you go to the islands, renting a motorbike is essential to actually experience the island, or you will spend a lot of money trying to get places.
If you are an older gent coming to Thailand, don’t go to a bar to get a girlfriend and don’t get a girlfriend in the first 3 months you live in Thailand. It’s almost a given that she will just be messing you around. I had friends who were really sincere, decent and (unfortunately) gullible men who received so much emotional abuse from their new girlfriend.
As a Thai woman, l agree! I hate to say that bar is not a good place to find women, unfortunately that is what has been happening with a lot of foreigners. Most but not all of the women who work in bars are from poor families, and they have to support their families. A lot of them have history of being abused from alcoholic or addicted parents or boyfriends. I am not trying to label these girl are "bad". They just need to be emotionally healed first. I am involved in women and children ministry work. I know some of them who really have sad stories. What I am trying to say here is that you want to get to know the person well before jumping into relationship. You don't want to be in their cycles of abuse!
@@DreamofThailand19000 It's wonderful that you do that ministry work. It's always sad to see one side of an interaction and decide that a person is purely "evil", while the reality is sometimes more nuanced.
Thanks for this bro. New subscriber here...We are planning a trip to Chiang Mai within the next year to see if this is somewhere we want to move. My wife is a midwife and we want to set up either a free or low cost birth center to help. Do you have a suggestion on what part of the country a birth center would be needed? Maybe more north near the Myanmar border? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
One thing often overlooked for tourists renting motorbikes is their travel insurance, in almost all cases it won’t cover you for anything over a 50cc if you read the details , you’d have to speak to them and add that specifically, we all know the vast majority are 125cc. I’ve known tourists get very big hospital bills after an accident and not getting paid out. Golden rule - check your insurance
Although I am Thai, I think this is very helpful for myself because I have not lived in Thailand for a long time. Just want to add a couple things, riding motorcycles can be dangerous in Thailand. Yes, it is convenient. But you have to be extremely careful including wearing helmets while riding motorcycles because fatalities rate is high with motorcycles accidents in Thailand. Lastly, I can't emphasize enough that foreigners should definitely learn Thai language. Just a little bit of Thai words and sentences, you will gain huge benefits, I can't name them all!
@@livetodaydietomorrowltdt2405 no there isn't. Having a car in the city is a pain in the arse. You only should rent on if you are going to live at least 30 minutes outside of the city.
Can you make a how to stay in Thailand long term step by step video. For each different type of nomad would be nice. I am thinking of doing a tourist visa > education visa > then have to either leave or elite visa really as I understand it? I see these questions all over the internet but no one lays out the best way in a simple manner
Hi Brett. Very helpful video. Later this year I will retire in Thailand. I agree with your point to get your own scooter or motorbike. However, I only have an EU driver license to drive a car. Are their motorbike schools there were you can; 1.) Learn how to ride a motorbike? 2.) Prepare for the motorbike examination in order to acquire the Thai motorbike driver license? Last question, is it possible to get a Thai driver license if I don't have the IDP (International Driver Permit). Due to Covid it is difficult for me to go back to the EU country that issued me my driver license to obtain an IDP before flying over to Thailand. It would save me a lot of money and stress if I would not need to go back there to get the IDP. Can an Agent help me in Thailand with acquiring a Thai driver license from my EU driver license without the IDP? Thanks, M.
I been here a long time (16 yrs) so things may have changed, but the IDP is (was) total BS. Your country's drive lic is (was) valid til it expires, then go to DMV and get a Thai lic. I got one easily, no drive or written test, just an eyesight test and they issued a 1 yr lic. When it expired, they issued a 6 yr lic to me, again with no tests. You don't need an agent (I did it myself), but visa agents also offer help with this. Anyway, this was 10 yrs ago - so check things out and don't believe everything utube posters say (they're just people with cameras).
While in Bangkok,when I have to go to place distant from my accomodation I try to find the nearest BTS or MRT station to it. I’ve learned that long cab rides are murder.
Great guide. I agree with everything accept not pre-booking. That's only true for some people and situations. If you go to the beach during Chinese New Year, definitely pre-book. We landed in Au Nang without pre-booking and could only find a room with uncomfortable cots and no AC. Our sleep suffered. Plus for a married couple, taking tuk-tuks around looking at different places when you've just arrived and are tired and brittle, can lead to bickering. My wife is Thai and bickering is no fun. I can understand quite a bit of Thai, but at times like that I wish I didn't.
When it comes to clothing, if you are a large person finding clothes can be difficult. That said, you could pay to have some tailored but off the rack, not as easy.
What size clothes and shoe size you wear? Haven't been to Thailand but lived in Cambodia and Vietnam and it was impossible to get western sizes. Even on Lazada. Is Thailand different? So better bring enough clothes unless your Asian sized, not an empty suitcase. And as far as ATM fess, For Americans, Charles Schwab has an investor checking account that does not charge international atm fees and refunds any charged by atm.
These I think were invaluable for me. I was looking at the year long leases online thinking thats not bad. I will change my approach. I'm currently trying to find options to learn Thai as a native English speaker. Do any of you fellows have some suggestions of any good sources or what worked for you to learn it?
Bolt cabs are cheap and you get a set payment so no hassle. Ive got a suitcase that holds around 25kg of clothes and that seems to be the ideal middle size. Why spend loads of money on new clothes bit pointless really but everyone has different budgets and might want a new set ect. Also I like using air B&B because all the fees are upfront and you can ask questions before you book I just got a great deal on a condo in hua Hin and booked it with just a week until I need it so bret is spot on with that
Hey Brett. A practical question. How do you do it now in terms of getting paid. Do you do this through a ltd company in the UK and still tax there or do you pay tax in Thailand? Cheers
I like to buy H20 at 7/11 or Family.I also like Starbucks ,which of course is costly, but is comfortable and has good wi-fi.But you’re not going to get h2o there for 7 baht. Also I drink iced Americanos. You get the caffiene lift and hydrated simultaneously.
1. dont stay in Patong *most go there for first trip (biggest ripoff in thailand) 2. If anybody approaches you, they want your money, say no thank you, whilst keeping valuables protected & keep walking 3. Dont ride a motorcycle at night time 4. pay for each drink as you go if in bars 5. have access to more than one bankcard & keep them separate 6. before having a meal or drink anywhere, ask if there is a service charge 7. use atm located at banks with security present 8. dont use money exchange at airport 9. dont ask for directions, use google maps 10. make sure street food is cooked 11. have travel insurance 12. dont rent cars, bikes or jet skis 13. bring carry on luggage only 14. watch where you are walking (tourists disappear down goldmines) 15. if you have used phone or laptop for crypto, leave them behind 16. dont tell anyone where you are staying (get taxi drop you off a block away or close by) 17. have paper copy of passport and visa stamp with you, leave passport in safe 18. carry arrival card with you everywhere (required for some hotels and tourist destinations) 19. if driving have international driving licence plus home country licence 20. watch plenty of youtube videos such as this well before booking trip Just a few of many
Is you do get pulled driving a car or motorbike and don’t have a international driving license and get fined keep the fine slip you will be ok for 3 days.
Brett can you do a video about air quality in Chiang Mai and how you deal with burning season? Moving in about a month and seems like the only catch to the city
I've always just taken my Uk DL and hired cars - never been an issue - the police won't accept the DL? I had no idea! The Int Drivers Permit is ok for retiring in Thailand ? - does it have an expiry date? thanks Brett
Hey Brett ... I didn't really take you seriously initially when I saw that McDonald's chicken review you did on your outing with Walkabout Wayne! 😂 But after going through several of your (very sensible, non spicy chicken related) vlogs, now sending you a huge thanks and thumbs up for sharing good info, being completely down to earth and having such a pragmatic approach to so many things on living in Thailand / Chiang Mai. 👍👍👍 Keep up the good stuff coming mate and I will tell my friends about your channel!! 💪
Brett, I've watched this a few times and i still don't quite understand the atm hack advice. So, you go in with your ATM card and passport in hand directly to the bank and they'll withdraw money from your account without an atm fee? And it can be higher than your atm limit as well?
HI Brett, Just stumbled across your channel today, "escaped" Australia Dec 6th and been floating around Hua Hin, Pattaya, Bangkok and landed into Chiang Mai yesterday, was hoping to do the mountain motor bike trip but no international licence , so glad to know that - yes I tripped up on most of the info you mentioned ( pre booking, Atm cash out, staying in same area) just extended stay ( 2nd time until Jan 18th - COVID blowing up in Australia, great excuse to stay. Thanks again, I am investigating a 3 month return in March 2022.
Great advice! I have a bankcard from Australia that gives me free atm withdrawals worldwide, so that's another option if available in your home country before you travel.
Another great video with extremely good information. There is only one point I disagree with. That is because I am what would be considered a fuller figured individual. Even in Bangkok it is difficult to find XXL size clothing. Especially underwear. Travelers you have been forewarned. But remember same day laundry service is always available.
From my experience....Shoes and flip flops in large sizes (I'm a 13) are almost impossible to find in Thailand. Also XL size condoms + deodorant (NOT anti-perspirant) are very hard to find. Best to arrive in LOS with extra of these items. Thank you Brett for all the great videos!!!
@Ralph Furley And take into consideration that what is considered large by them, is considered normal for us. I wear size 40 and it is extra-large there.
Thank you Brett, We are relocating next year on a retirement visa. We were concerned about how we transfer funds from Australia. I thought we would need to transfer through Baht Smart, or Wise and then into a Thai bank account. Thankfully, your video has show us that we can just go into a bank with our passport to withdraw.
You will need to open a thai bank account if you are going to retire here. One will be a long term savings account that you keep 800,000 baht in for your visa requirement and another that the interest will be paid into and your for regular day to day use. Easy and straightforward you will also get a debit card. Great place to retire. Enjoy.
@@lannagifts1 Hi, I'm aware of that. We have done our research for the last 3 years. We're not leaving any stone unturned for this move. Thank you though. I'm sure many just land with no plan. 🙂
Hi Brett. I have a question regarding digital marketing. Could you help me identify a few problems that companies face, that I could help them with using Facebook Ads?
@@brett_dev Okey, thank you. But when I think of your video before this one, you said that ’before you start an online business, you need to find a specific problem to solve’ (not perticulary digital marketing, but you get the idea) and that’s what I want help figuring out; what type of problems do companies usually face and that I can offer the solution for using Facebook Ads. I don’t know if this make sense or if this is the approach to have, but I hope you understand what I’m trying to say. (One example I have is to help companies get more leads through FB Ads)
I really want to do the mae Hong son loop... but I've never rode a motorbike before. Basically everyone I've asked told me to stay off scooters in Thailand cause I don't have any experience, so I feel I'm stuck in my neighbourhood in Chiang Mai, just walking around so far
Ian im with you on this point. I hear what Brett is saying but I can't fully agree, especially if you're just there on a short vacation. I rented a scooter in Medellin, Colombia (great roads, limited traffic) and I also hired an escorted guide. I still fell off the scooter after I slid on some sand...I was driving slowly but got some good road rash, bruised up and had to pay $100 in repairs When I go to Thailand, I only rent a scooter on an island and I drive like the old man I am 🤣....If I lived there, I would buy one but I can tell you I'd be geared up with the proper riding gear, not like most people that don't wear helmets, and drive around in shorts and flip flops like no cares in the world.
you have to rent a scooter. Its the only way to explore and you get such a great sense of freedom when you do. Between Thailand Islands and Bali, the latter is definitely worse. And I'm sure N.Thailand would have some even quieter roads than Koh Tao/ Samui etc. I think the danger is often exaggerated
@@Patigoooool Perhaps because I've not been to Chiang Mai yet. I can tell you that in pattaya its crazy, especially during the old days...lots of reckless drivers.
sooo don't book a hotel till day you get here at airport after a long flight ??? Bigger, people take your clothes. Very hard to find things that fit here, also they measure clothes differently than West, medium in Thailand is small in western region. Thais are smaller in size.
First time I went I booked 3 nights in bangkok to give me some breathing space and went from there usually not booking anymore, just turn up in places.
►► Get Access to My Free Digital Nomad Framework → brettdev.com/workshop
Here an advice on speaking Thai from me, a Thai guy. Stop worrying about tones.
A lot of people gave up because the ideas of "if you use the wrong tone, you'll said the wrong thing." You'll see this "tone is important" "You HAVE TO use the right tone or else" repeated in pretty much every single Thai language class/tutorial.
We CAN understand what you're saying from context.
How do you think we can understand our own songs if every words must be pronounced with specific tone only?
555555555 don’t know what part of Thailand you are from, but you could not be more wrong. But keep smiling…
Thank you for debunking that for me. I really appreciate it.
Thankyou very much for imparting this advice!!! I was making this argument to a friend of mine who was saying “yeah but Thai is really difficult to speak”
I mentioned it’s just the same as when a Spanish person visits England with poor English.
You still get the message lol
@@ridge-roads maybe they just didn’t like you lol
@@ridge-roads the reason I said that is because the tone of your comments oozed “dooshbag that’s been out there for couple years and thinks he’s the leading authority on Thai culture”
Your follow up comment only solidified my gut feeling
I have been to Thailand thankyou v much and self congratulatory, smug and often obnoxious westerners were a plenty.
But don’t worry
Mai pen rai eh
I'm gonna check out Thailand for a few months next year as a potential place to live. I'm learning lots from your videos mate. Thanks
If you just go for vacation, definetly get a local traveller SIM card there for unlimited data. In some hotels the wifi is so bad, using your phone as a hotspot is much faster and reliable.
Try getting into Thailand right now without a hotel booking. Good luck with that. I had to supply proof of accomodation to get a sixty day visa. And the Thailand pass requires proof of a week's hotel booking.
What if I'm staying at my girlfriends house? Do I need proof of accommodation?
@@hunter6719 provide address as proof simple
500 baht fine if caught no international license required
I spent 3 Months there pulled over once
@@dreadpirateroberts6337 your insurance will not cover you if you have an accident without an international license. the insurance will try to avoid paying your bills.
Looking for an insurance they cover me only 125cc not over that.
And if you do decide to sign a long term lease do it in low season not high season the last thing you want to do is lock in a year of high season rent which in some cases can be almost double.
Some things change over time, some don't. It's 10 yr since i visited so video's like this help you get clued up if you are planning to return. Always hired a motor bike in Thailand to explore, never bothered with international licences before so that's changed. Always did my own visa's so that's the same.
A 12 month lease in CM with burning season 😂 the ultimate rookie mistake.
I've been here for 18 years and married to a Thai but don't really have many friends as I only go for a beer about once every 2 weeks but sometimes I meet people who have only just come here to live and try to dictate to me about what to do and not to do and end up getting in trouble for doing something stupid. You are right about acquaintances and not friends.
Good to see you're back on track) I'd always book a month or two via Airbnb and I never had to sign any rental agreement and mostly no deposit, while prices are much lower compared to booking a hotel room and much more privacy compared to a hotel. I never got a 1-year visa (just 60 days), but, the Thai Boxing gym I've been visiting, did offer a 1-year education visa, which, I guess, many other businesses do also offer.
Hey! Would you be able to tell me how they offer the 1-year education Visa? It's 8 hours per week right I believe, to get the education Visa. And how would you get one? Are you able to get it done before visiting Thailand through the School/Gym etc, and do you have a rough estimate on what the price would be for that full year of classes? Planning to move to Thailand for a year but having a hard time figuring stuff out
Thank you ! Standing out again from the other youtubers with some really helpful advice. I'll be moving to Chiang Mai in February and apply for a student Visa (studying the language).
Cheers Brett !
How did it go?
Happy New Year Brett thanks for the great info
Deffo book a hotel for when you first arrive for one night or 2, esp if you are landing later in the day or at night.
thanks for the vid buddy 😀
Very helpful video! 🙏
Super advice! So much good stuff for a visitor in a short time. Well done you.
Hi Buddy great information thank you best wishes
I always prebook my hotel in my many trips to Thailand, but that is because I prefere one particular hotel as a base, then travel around from there. I love this place, and it is always fully booked in the high seasons (may be not now :)
Thanks a lot for the tips mate!
I usually bring over £2500-3000 in £50 notes and just use the money exchange booths..
That's what I do. Make sure the notes are new looking with no tears or markings. In USA get $100 bills.
use Superrich in BKK their shops or booths (there's one on the way to the airport link station at main airport) currently 42.80 =£1 for good exchange rates of 50s. Our last trip in March Nationwide could/would not supply 50s for us.
A scooter is indeed the best and most fun way to get around in Thailand. It is not expensive and the petrol price is not too bad. Between 2002 and 2011 I did literally thousands of miles there in Chiangmai. To Mai hon son and Paai, we drove for hours and days on a Honda wave. The only thing that often happens in the city is that you easily have flat tires due to all kinds of small objects that are lying on the street. But you can easily have your scooter repaired anywhere. Thai people are usually herl handy and will always help you. The light motorcycle or scooter is therefore the most fantastic means of transport. Thanks for another great video Brett and i miss Chiangmai so much. I have meny memories there ❤👌
I got a flat tire on the way to Pai recently, stuck right up on top of the mountain. Rolled the bike to a village a mile back and they fixed it for me 😄
@@brett_dev Haha yes i know the feeling 😋👌 Its always an adventure there 🛵
3rd day in Thailand. this place is fucking mind blowing, glad I came. Don't want to return back to the US
You're going back mister! 🤣
Very envious of you right now.
@@keithd1219 Lol nah I think I'm gonna stay. I have 0 reason to live back in America compared to Thailand
@@keithd1219 what kind of visa do you have? Thanks
@@schrodingerscat3912 What's the current situation with the jibjab if you dont mind me asking, do they look for covid carts or require tests, thanks.
@@motherearth1147 I like your username, sums it up perfectly!
So true, don't book anything. It's a different mindset and we need to embrace it.
Thank you Brett. True what you say. I have been Thailand 18 months have scooter and car. Love Chiang Mai .Has fantastic places to explore. Hope to live there. Good luck.
Great video, very useful info, thanks Brett 👍
Great Advice spot on been living in hotels for 4 weeks moved into a brand new condo today works out at £13 a day including electricity and water and free internet still wondering what the catch is LOL pay that for my electricity alone back in the UK
OMG where did you find that condo?
Well, technically yes, you don’t have to being sunscreen, but it is much more expensive their…lol. And as for getting your own transport, I totally agree. In Bangkok, yah, I agree the public transport is sufficient and wouldn’t recommend a first time rider try riding/driving in Bangkok. But especially if you go to the islands, renting a motorbike is essential to actually experience the island, or you will spend a lot of money trying to get places.
Sunscreen, and other lotions/cosmetics often come with skin-lightening ingredients in Thailand. They don't want to be any browner.
@@cdnlong1 GOOD TO KNOW!!! Thank you🙏🏻❤️ great information!
Hey Brett! What a coincidence bumping into you today! I took a flight on Coffee Airways as recommended. Hope you’re enjoying your destination 👍 Bob
If you are an older gent coming to Thailand, don’t go to a bar to get a girlfriend and don’t get a girlfriend in the first 3 months you live in Thailand.
It’s almost a given that she will just be messing you around. I had friends who were really sincere, decent and (unfortunately) gullible men who received so much emotional abuse from their new girlfriend.
As a Thai woman, l agree! I hate to say that bar is not a good place to find women, unfortunately that is what has been happening with a lot of foreigners. Most but not all of the women who work in bars are from poor families, and they have to support their families. A lot of them have history of being abused from alcoholic or addicted parents or boyfriends. I am not trying to label these girl are "bad". They just need to be emotionally healed first. I am involved in women and children ministry work. I know some of them who really have sad stories. What I am trying to say here is that you want to get to know the person well before jumping into relationship. You don't want to be in their cycles of abuse!
@@DreamofThailand19000 It's wonderful that you do that ministry work. It's always sad to see one side of an interaction and decide that a person is purely "evil", while the reality is sometimes more nuanced.
@@fightinandirish Absolutely true! Abuse is a huge and very complex topic. Both the abused person and abuser need healing.
Always good information Brett..
Phil..Australia.
Hey Brett you say come with an empty suite case, but someone who's 6'4 and size 11 feet won't find clothes easy! :)
You can usually get larger sizes in tourist areas. Their sizing system is different. I get XXL teeshirts there and L here :)
Happy New Year, Brett !!!
Happy new year Chikara
I use Bolt to get around. Way safer then a motorbike and very cheap.
I think it's very handy to learn the thai numerical language, especially if your in the sticks paying for food and shit
great insights Brett!!!
Can you elaborate on how one withdraws at a bank instead of an ATM when having an international account? How is the bank accessing your account?, etc.
I always carry a coin pouch in addition to my paper currency.This facilitates using public restrooms and buying BTS and MRT tickets.
Hi, Bret no"4 has just saved me money, No"5 just saved me money I'm saving all this money your a star Bruv*
Good advice and I appreciate it.
Thanks for this bro. New subscriber here...We are planning a trip to Chiang Mai within the next year to see if this is somewhere we want to move. My wife is a midwife and we want to set up either a free or low cost birth center to help. Do you have a suggestion on what part of the country a birth center would be needed? Maybe more north near the Myanmar border? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
One thing often overlooked for tourists renting motorbikes is their travel insurance, in almost all cases it won’t cover you for anything over a 50cc if you read the details , you’d have to speak to them and add that specifically, we all know the vast majority are 125cc. I’ve known tourists get very big hospital bills after an accident and not getting paid out. Golden rule - check your insurance
Although I am Thai, I think this is very helpful for myself because I have not lived in Thailand for a long time. Just want to add a couple things, riding motorcycles can be dangerous in Thailand. Yes, it is convenient. But you have to be extremely careful including wearing helmets while riding motorcycles because fatalities rate is high with motorcycles accidents in Thailand. Lastly, I can't emphasize enough that foreigners should definitely learn Thai language. Just a little bit of Thai words and sentences, you will gain huge benefits, I can't name them all!
Great content as usual
great video !
Brett Dev What is the difference in renting a motor bike to a car? What's the pro and cons. Is enough parking for parking a car?
Car rentals are a lot more expensive.
@@brett_dev 15,000 bath a month or more? is there enough parking while eating at restaurants or visiting bars?
@@livetodaydietomorrowltdt2405 no there isn't. Having a car in the city is a pain in the arse. You only should rent on if you are going to live at least 30 minutes outside of the city.
You right about the booking comment.that country has everything I arrive and book what I want
You will be better and better. I think Thailand has change your life too 👍
I come in 12 days can't wait
People in the US go to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Hawaii a lot and also Mexico
Can you make a how to stay in Thailand long term step by step video. For each different type of nomad would be nice. I am thinking of doing a tourist visa > education visa > then have to either leave or elite visa really as I understand it? I see these questions all over the internet but no one lays out the best way in a simple manner
Hi Brett. Very helpful video.
Later this year I will retire in Thailand.
I agree with your point to get your own scooter or motorbike.
However, I only have an EU driver license to drive a car. Are their motorbike schools there were you can; 1.) Learn how to ride a motorbike? 2.) Prepare for the motorbike examination in order to acquire the Thai motorbike driver license?
Last question, is it possible to get a Thai driver license if I don't have the IDP (International Driver Permit). Due to Covid it is difficult for me to go back to the EU country that issued me my driver license to obtain an IDP before flying over to Thailand. It would save me a lot of money and stress if I would not need to go back there to get the IDP. Can an Agent help me in Thailand with acquiring a Thai driver license from my EU driver license without the IDP?
Thanks, M.
I been here a long time (16 yrs) so things may have changed, but the IDP is (was) total BS. Your country's drive lic is (was) valid til it expires, then go to DMV and get a Thai lic. I got one easily, no drive or written test, just an eyesight test and they issued a 1 yr lic. When it expired, they issued a 6 yr lic to me, again with no tests. You don't need an agent (I did it myself), but visa agents also offer help with this. Anyway, this was 10 yrs ago - so check things out and don't believe everything utube posters say (they're just people with cameras).
While in Bangkok,when I have to go to place distant from my accomodation I try to find the nearest BTS or MRT station to it. I’ve learned that long cab rides are murder.
One thing different about Tesco Thailand to Tesco UK is iv never seen pink eggs or chicken feet in any UK Tesco.
Only having a single ATM card, only then to see it being 'eaten' by the ATM machine - multiple redunancies needed.
Great suggestion!
HAHA this happenned to me in mexico. since then, I keep two seperate checkign accounts AND a revolut card speciifcally so that I have fallbacks.
@@peterdecroos1654 My Revolut account got cancelled - so yeah multiple accounts are also important!
Great guide. I agree with everything accept not pre-booking. That's only true for some people and situations. If you go to the beach during Chinese New Year, definitely pre-book. We landed in Au Nang without pre-booking and could only find a room with uncomfortable cots and no AC. Our sleep suffered. Plus for a married couple, taking tuk-tuks around looking at different places when you've just arrived and are tired and brittle, can lead to bickering. My wife is Thai and bickering is no fun. I can understand quite a bit of Thai, but at times like that I wish I didn't.
When it comes to clothing, if you are a large person finding clothes can be difficult. That said, you could pay to have some tailored but off the rack, not as easy.
Lots of export shops in Thailand with big sizes.
@@brett_dev Have any recommendations on where to look in Chiang Mai? I went to a couple down on Samui and they basically had squat.
@@davidh1927 Yup! Already been doing so, just need to find a place to keep me in good supply in the meantime hehe
Or go jogging
@@Aspenglade The Central Airport Mall (it's not in the airport, just along the way) has a large size women's shop . . .
What size clothes and shoe size you wear? Haven't been to Thailand but lived in Cambodia and Vietnam and it was impossible to get western sizes. Even on Lazada. Is Thailand different? So better bring enough clothes unless your Asian sized, not an empty suitcase. And as far as ATM fess, For Americans, Charles Schwab has an investor checking account that does not charge international atm fees and refunds any charged by atm.
Brilliant advice from a Top Notch you-tuber.
Thanks bud when I go I'm booking nothing... !! In places like Cuba u can't get anything so remembering everything is essential
Thanks, good advice.
These I think were invaluable for me. I was looking at the year long leases online thinking thats not bad. I will change my approach. I'm currently trying to find options to learn Thai as a native English speaker. Do any of you fellows have some suggestions of any good sources or what worked for you to learn it?
Bolt cabs are cheap and you get a set payment so no hassle.
Ive got a suitcase that holds around 25kg of clothes and that seems to be the ideal middle size. Why spend loads of money on new clothes bit pointless really but everyone has different budgets and might want a new set ect.
Also I like using air B&B because all the fees are upfront and you can ask questions before you book I just got a great deal on a condo in hua Hin and booked it with just a week until I need it so bret is spot on with that
Hey Brett. A practical question. How do you do it now in terms of getting paid. Do you do this through a ltd company in the UK and still tax there or do you pay tax in Thailand? Cheers
You're bringing the conversation into a gray zone that no digital nomad is interested in publicly discussing...
100% corrected 🙏
I like to buy H20 at 7/11 or Family.I also like Starbucks ,which of course is costly, but is comfortable and has good wi-fi.But you’re not going to get h2o there for 7 baht.
Also I drink iced Americanos. You get the caffiene lift and hydrated simultaneously.
1. dont stay in Patong *most go there for first trip (biggest ripoff in thailand)
2. If anybody approaches you, they want your money, say no thank you, whilst keeping valuables protected & keep walking
3. Dont ride a motorcycle at night time
4. pay for each drink as you go if in bars
5. have access to more than one bankcard & keep them separate
6. before having a meal or drink anywhere, ask if there is a service charge
7. use atm located at banks with security present
8. dont use money exchange at airport
9. dont ask for directions, use google maps
10. make sure street food is cooked
11. have travel insurance
12. dont rent cars, bikes or jet skis
13. bring carry on luggage only
14. watch where you are walking (tourists disappear down goldmines)
15. if you have used phone or laptop for crypto, leave them behind
16. dont tell anyone where you are staying (get taxi drop you off a block away or close by)
17. have paper copy of passport and visa stamp with you, leave passport in safe
18. carry arrival card with you everywhere (required for some hotels and tourist destinations)
19. if driving have international driving licence plus home country licence
20. watch plenty of youtube videos such as this well before booking trip
Just a few of many
how do i live in thailand if visa runs are banned now?
@@davidh1927 oh wow
@@davidh1927 but when covid extension ends, then what?
@@davidh1927 do you think i should max out my mental health before coming? or should i leave asap? i have an online income
@@davidh1927 do you think travelling will get easier or perpetually worse?
Is you do get pulled driving a car or motorbike and don’t have a international driving license and get fined keep the fine slip you will be ok for 3 days.
Brett can you do a video about air quality in Chiang Mai and how you deal with burning season? Moving in about a month and seems like the only catch to the city
ua-cam.com/video/yHBuYheDKjQ/v-deo.html
I've always just taken my Uk DL and hired cars - never been an issue - the police won't accept the DL? I had no idea! The Int Drivers Permit is ok for retiring in Thailand ? - does it have an expiry date? thanks Brett
The international drivers licence is valid for 1 year from date of issue.
Somebody how can help me? Want to move from Holland to Thailand
Hey Brett ... I didn't really take you seriously initially when I saw that McDonald's chicken review you did on your outing with Walkabout Wayne! 😂
But after going through several of your (very sensible, non spicy chicken related) vlogs, now sending you a huge thanks and thumbs up for sharing good info, being completely down to earth and having such a pragmatic approach to so many things on living in Thailand / Chiang Mai. 👍👍👍
Keep up the good stuff coming mate and I will tell my friends about your channel!! 💪
😆 thanks Jeff
Don't we need to have pre-booked a "sandbox" hotel to be allowed in?
Do bring suncream with you. Its a lot more expensive in Thailand.
Chiang mai and Phuket unfortunately are the only 2 places that have volunteers at immigration how I miss them here in samui immigration is a pain
Brett,
I've watched this a few times and i still don't quite understand the atm hack advice. So, you go in with your ATM card and passport in hand directly to the bank and they'll withdraw money from your account without an atm fee? And it can be higher than your atm limit as well?
That is correct.
@@brett_dev What's in it for the bank to do that for you?
@Ba Erv So either way you're losing? I'm assuming it's still a better deal than the ATMs?
@Ba Erv Thanks for the tips. I'm thinking of getting charles swab account.
@Ba Erv makes sense now....and no reach around.
HI Brett, Just stumbled across your channel today, "escaped" Australia Dec 6th and been floating around Hua Hin, Pattaya, Bangkok and landed into Chiang Mai yesterday, was hoping to do the mountain motor bike trip but no international licence , so glad to know that - yes I tripped up on most of the info you mentioned ( pre booking, Atm cash out, staying in same area) just extended stay ( 2nd time until Jan 18th - COVID blowing up in Australia, great excuse to stay. Thanks again, I am investigating a 3 month return in March 2022.
Great advice! I have a bankcard from Australia that gives me free atm withdrawals worldwide, so that's another option if available in your home country before you travel.
Have you tried it in Thailand?
@@brett_dev yes many times and no problems at all
@@brettmichael1916 which bank Brett?
@@jarrad347 ING
yep ING is really good
How about quarantine? You need to booking before
Another good video.
Another great video with extremely good information. There is only one point I disagree with. That is because I am what would be considered a fuller figured individual.
Even in Bangkok it is difficult to find XXL size clothing. Especially underwear. Travelers you have been forewarned. But remember same day laundry service is always available.
From my experience....Shoes and flip flops in large sizes (I'm a 13) are almost impossible to find in Thailand. Also XL size condoms + deodorant (NOT anti-perspirant) are very hard to find. Best to arrive in LOS with extra of these items. Thank you Brett for all the great videos!!!
@Ralph Furley And take into consideration that what is considered large by them, is considered normal for us. I wear size 40 and it is extra-large there.
deodorant can be found in tops supermarkets in Central Shopping Malls or Big C supermarkets
Once again great straightforward and helpful content. Thank you Brett!
Thank you Brett,
We are relocating next year on a retirement visa. We were concerned about how we transfer funds from Australia. I thought we would need to transfer through Baht Smart, or Wise and then into a Thai bank account. Thankfully, your video has show us that we can just go into a bank with our passport to withdraw.
You will need to open a thai bank account if you are going to retire here. One will be a long term savings account that you keep 800,000 baht in for your visa requirement and another that the interest will be paid into and your for regular day to day use. Easy and straightforward you will also get a debit card. Great place to retire. Enjoy.
@@lannagifts1 Hi,
I'm aware of that. We have done our research for the last 3 years. We're not leaving any stone unturned for this move. Thank you though. I'm sure many just land with no plan. 🙂
The hospital have everything also restaurants and every different type of doctors.
I'm 2.032 meters. Do they have clothing for extra tall people. I'm more Tall and medium. Not Big and Tall.
Hi Brett. I have a question regarding digital marketing.
Could you help me identify a few problems that companies face, that I could help them with using Facebook Ads?
Work with companies you already are interested in and that you know something about.
@@brett_dev Okey, thank you.
But when I think of your video before this one, you said that ’before you start an online business, you need to find a specific problem to solve’ (not perticulary digital marketing, but you get the idea) and that’s what I want help figuring out; what type of problems do companies usually face and that I can offer the solution for using Facebook Ads.
I don’t know if this make sense or if this is the approach to have, but I hope you understand what I’m trying to say.
(One example I have is to help companies get more leads through FB Ads)
Good point about learning Thai language...out of respect too as you mentioned
Yeh, I don't wanna know how much money I spent on ATM fee's on my 1st visit
Ahaha seeing mistakes I made here. Just moved in August to Songkhla
What about buying clothes there, I’m sure their clothes run really small
I really want to do the mae Hong son loop... but I've never rode a motorbike before. Basically everyone I've asked told me to stay off scooters in Thailand cause I don't have any experience, so I feel I'm stuck in my neighbourhood in Chiang Mai, just walking around so far
Lol, only one way to get experience.
@@brett_dev basically everyone said if you don't have any experience, don't start in the country with the highest road fatality rates in the world
Ian im with you on this point. I hear what Brett is saying but I can't fully agree, especially if you're just there on a short vacation. I rented a scooter in Medellin, Colombia (great roads, limited traffic) and I also hired an escorted guide. I still fell off the scooter after I slid on some sand...I was driving slowly but got some good road rash, bruised up and had to pay $100 in repairs When I go to Thailand, I only rent a scooter on an island and I drive like the old man I am 🤣....If I lived there, I would buy one but I can tell you I'd be geared up with the proper riding gear, not like most people that don't wear helmets, and drive around in shorts and flip flops like no cares in the world.
you have to rent a scooter. Its the only way to explore and you get such a great sense of freedom when you do. Between Thailand Islands and Bali, the latter is definitely worse. And I'm sure N.Thailand would have some even quieter roads than Koh Tao/ Samui etc. I think the danger is often exaggerated
@@Patigoooool Perhaps because I've not been to Chiang Mai yet. I can tell you that in pattaya its crazy, especially during the old days...lots of reckless drivers.
sooo don't book a hotel till day you get here at airport after a long flight ??? Bigger, people take your clothes. Very hard to find things that fit here, also they measure clothes differently than West, medium in Thailand is small in western region. Thais are smaller in size.
First time I went I booked 3 nights in bangkok to give me some breathing space and went from there usually not booking anymore, just turn up in places.
What’s wrong with Canada 🤣🤣 don’t like our snow and -40 degrees lmao
Bang on info
Was that a freaking elephant trumpeting in the background???
Americans vacation in America.
I disagree about the towels. You need to know where your towel is.
Yea i always wonder the same thing =/
#1 Biggest mistake is bringing your western wife/girlfriend. Don't bring sand to the beach.
You win! 😆
I have been to Thailand 22 times, and brought the wife 3 times. We had a great time, but a "different" kind of holiday from my solo trips :)