$500 a Month Budget Food Choices - Cha Am
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- It’s not a big surprise that street food in Thailand is sold everywhere and it’s much cheaper than restaurants, even the local ones.
Check out our awesome site with all the details you need to know and networking with other like minded goo.gl/M0nMT5
There are fruit and vegetable markets in every corner and food stalls across every street. There is a variety of places where you can dine out on the cheap.
There is nothing better than food stalls along Thailand's streets. Imagine BBQ pork and chicken on skewers, deep fried chicken, fried noodle dishes, papaya salad, and much, much more.
The best time to find a good variety of food stalls is the early morning and late afternoon and evenings.
Thai street food is cheap! Even street vendors that get a lot of tourist traffic typically won’t charge more than 30-60 baht ($1-2 USD) for their offerings. If you venture into a truly Thai market void of tourists, you can eat like a king for just a few dollars.Please become a friend or subscribe to this channel and you if can, link back to my website I’d appreciate it. For more videos, books on retiring abroad and a Retirement Budget Calculator go check out retirecheap.asia
#retirecheapjc #alwaysanoption #morelifeforlessmoney
For more postings from JC and important SE Asia retirement information check out our Facebook page! / retirecheap.asia
Thanks JC for your many videos. I remember freezing my body off watching your videos in the U S and now I live in Philippines and am planning to visit Thailand in June. So excited I've lived hear for nine months now and love it! I have visited asia almost every year since 1984 and am so glad I retired at the age of 53 and sought out a life style that I've dreamed about since my teen years and watching my parents while away there retirement years in a place where they had little fun and could not afford anything!! My mom is still around an is slowly getting why I live as a RIPPER. Keep those videos coming.
+Leroy Levens Glad to see that you are following your dreams.
Fast food is horrible for you.. I love that you focus and take your time to show us the food stalls and markets with fresh foods..
Matt Tottleben
90% of my Thai family and friends hate fast food.
Im so glad they avoid it.
Yes. I remember peanuts , cashews , almonds ect where actually very expensive ,even when compared to Canadian prices. If we wanted a snack , we would get a whole watermelon for about 30 - 45 baht and cut it up at our room and put it in a big Tupperware container .That would be good for a couple of days .Here in Ottawa Canada a "mini" watermelon costs 5.00 $ ( 165 baht ) in January .Fruit and vegetables in Thailand are a great deal as long as you stay away from the western style grocery stores.
JC I can't believe you do all this stuff for free I can only imagine how many emails requests and favors people ask of you. Appreciate all of the work that you do thanks man
Thanks I need to get some help with some of this stuff and do some kind of monetization to pay the help.
I was born and grew up in Thailand. I have been living in US for 20 years now. I am thinking about retiring in Thailand. I enjoy watching your VDOs so much.
well done.. yes we can live here really cheap once you get used to eating local.
so true, and about Thai food issue, I saw many tourists or ex-pats happily buying cheap Thai foods in the big store food court or from street vendors heard them talking about how expensive it was in Thai restaurants in NY. or Chicago.
Thanks JC! I really looking forward to get back to Thailand in February and eat cheap streetfood! It is both very convenient and cheap. Don't have to cook at home even I normally love to cook. Nothing beat to sit by a beach, lake or a river and enjoy a meal. But be aware that they use some/too much sugar to "balance" the spicy food.
JC thanks for the videos. I actually find them relaxing while on my horrid commute in NYC. Would like to eventually get to Thailand at least for a vacation.
JC your videos are so informative that its almost ridiculous. I really appreciate all your work and for sharing with us your subscribers. I just subbed not to long ago and am soaking it all in. I took a trip with my wife and daughter to Chiang Mai and maybe spent more than I should of but it was a vacation so I expected too do that. I have also wanted to consider living there since I felt such at home but I am only 33 years old and my wife is 35. She is from Argentina so she can stay in Thailand for 3 months at a time but since I'm American it seems like I can only stay for a month at a time and also my two year old. I love how you show how you can live there on almost any budget, the only thing stopping me honestly that I'm not retired and we don't have much money so figuring out how to make money while living there would be my biggest challenge. Wish you all the best and I will keep on watching. Thank you
trust you had a nice Xmas jc. have a great new year. thanks for all your videos of 2015. Stay safe.
+userwl2850 Thanks same to you!! :0
I love street food, and eat it often on my travels, most places are more hygienic than a lot of restaurants here, (take a look in the kitchens) and like most places, if the locals eat there, so do I. it is a good indication that it is nice food. All the best to you and your wife, and to your subscribers for the new year
I stop by every year to see if JC is alive and well ^^ I'm too young to retire in Thailand, but I sure would like to visit.
i like that you don't waste people's time. great video.
I have a 2k monthly budget, if I move to Chiang Mai, but. Being 73, I would only want a studio apartment, where I can cook, since I love my cooking, antidote to eat poor or pork products. I Have been to Bali and Singapore, so when I leave the USA, it will be Chiang Mai. I have savings and pensions, so working days are over, and I never beg. Retirement rocks!
Thumbs up for the English captions. A great way to learn Thai.
Thanks JC, good info. And living over here I'm learning some of the language from your videos.
i-translate app is excellent for any language. i used it in Bali. English was the language in Singapore.
Great, informative video JC! I love how your videos share so much Real, and useful information. Thank You!
Hi JC. I enjoy your videos. I've spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai over the past few years and love it up there. My favorite place to shop for food is Tanin market. (half a K or so north of North Gate) I can pick up good quality greens for 25-30 baht plus a variety of other delicious options. I indulge myself with slow cooked beef to die for from time to time. 50 baht but worth it. Yum. You talk a lot of sense and I am sure you're helping quite a few green horn retirees seeking guidance. Can't wait to get back up there from Oz.
google: Judi Grace StoryCorps. My next move will be Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am an excellent Kosher Soul cook, so now I eat 99% of my own food. I grocery shop online, and personally love my retirement life, and I am Muslim. I have been to
Bali and Singapore.
I order turkey bacon which can be cooked in a microwave, and tastes better than pork bacon.
Another great and informative video JC. Here's wishing you a Happy New Year. I will be back in Thailand again this year doing another exploratory visit this time seeing if I can live on a budget. Your info is unbelievably handy to have.
+WILL GRABAREK Thanks Will. Happy New Year
l always love the the thai market food is fresh good veg and fruit.
Thanks for sharing jC enjoy as always. Coming to visit next month and can't wait.
Happy New Year JC! Looking forward to walking the markets in Cha Am and Hua Hin. We have bought a house in Hua Hin Tropical Garden Village and will be there in March. Maybe we will see you as you film your weekly updates. Enjoy.
+henry lohman Henry please complete your member registration or email me. I sent you specific instructions by email on how to complete it as a previous member but never heard back.
retirecheapjc love your videos jc ,my wife is from nam phong in khon kaen ,we're going in July for 6 weeks ,keep up the good work
i'm far from being poor but when i visit Thailand i mostly eat at street food stalls, always fresh as they buy ingredients daily where a restaurant stores food
nope never if you ever go there try it
Got that right.
LOADED WITH MSG
The best and most informative video. Great job
Thanks
Great video JC. Best wishes to you in 2016. Hope to see more of your videos. Happy New Year.
+JT and Pin Happy New Year JT
JC I really like the subtitles. It helps me choose my 50 sentences to learn before my first trip.
+Charles Jacques In my weekly member video updates my members get full conversations like this.
Impressive thai language skills, dude.
Thanks for the vid, JC. I'm sure I speak for the majority when I say I wish you would crank out vids more frequently. Happy New Year!
+Jason Thanks Jason. Producing content and corresponding with the members in the member site keeps me quite busy. I guess it is a quality problem huh? Hopefully I will get back on the road soon and crank out some more. Plus we have a surprise trip coming up as well.
retirecheapjc I look forward to it. Thanks!
Happy new year JC. Always enjoy your video series.
+Howard Thomas Thanks and same to you!!
You are.so detailed..It.can get boring but it's useful.
Great to see you. We have not missed a video in three yrs. Retirement 2016! Thailand here we come! Thanks for all of the good advice . Have a Happy and Healthy New Year !, Barb and Peter
+Barbara Zayac Thanks Barb and Peter. Happy New Year
street food is the way to go on a tight budget
JC, you said you miss bacon and I would too. Being part Mexican myself I would also miss chorizo with my beans or eggs. I think you are right about dinning outside on the beach. Here in southern CA dinning on the beach would cost several dollars ($4-5 USD) for just a coffee in say Newport or Huntington Beach.
This video is one of my favorite from JC!!!!
Twin!!! Hey! Thanks for my gifts! Next time here let's hook up.
You got it!!!
you speak terrific thai my freind -very informative too, thank's
WOW thanks! 🙏
Very informative. I see a wide variety of food choices. In your last restaurant that was a big portion of rice as well. Is bread, if they even sell that, cheap at the markets for like a loaf? That could easily help fill you up as well.
Thanks a lot. Love your videos helpful
You're welcome.
The lower end mall Thai food courts are great, saw some meals for 35 baht with meat, rice and soup
+Max Carter What would you get for the equivalent in your home country at a mall food court Max?
As a runner....I wonder if you are walking with a bit of a limp....Hope you are well for the New Year..all year! That must be fun to be able to communicate so well! Excellent for you.
+Mike H. When editing I noticed that too!! :) Hmmm.... have to check my shoes!
JC I am glade you have chance to drink that good coffee
Hallo JC, Thank you so much for all the video's. Can you tell me where this food market is located and also the restaurant you where eating at. Having been in Cha -Am many times ,I do not know this places! will be there in about 3 weeks again. I really like this Town.
+Heinz Bury Market is on the west side of Phetkasem Road (main highway) just south of the traffic light. I will add the market to MasNMore.com but for now here is the restaurant listing www.mapsnmore.com/business/Restaurants/Steakhouses/Lim-Long-Coffee-and-Steak
very informative...
If you are willing to live like local, eating street foods & home cooking sometimes, no brand name clothes, renting studio flat. You cost of living is 300$ (100$ for food, 100$ for clothes and transportation, 100$ for accommodation). This is how regular local pay for living.
My kind of life for sure!! :)
Good informative video JC. My question to you is. Is it cheaper to cook at home (thai food) than it is to buy food at the stalls. Or a mix of the two. For example a couple of boiled or scrambled eggs with toast in the morning is all I need. Would that be cheaper to do myself or to go to a thai vendor.
When it comes to traditional Western breakfasts, Thai people don't eat these traditionally. So they're more expensive to eat out then for you to make them at home. When it comes to Thai dishes though it's usually less expensive to eat out especially for one person. No waste. No cleaning. But you have more control over the quality of ingredients and what and how you cook the food if you do it yourself.
@@EscapetoThailand I suppose a mixture of the two. Cooking and eating out for me. Sometimes it can get jaded going out for every meal of the day and time consuming too.
Great video. You are the best!
i knew you were going to say Bacon! It was my immediate thought :)
YIKES I want a BLT sandwich!
hi jc...I've been enjoying your videos for awhile now ,great stuff so keep it up.. I've not been able to find detailed anything on what life is like for the handicap person there in Chiang Mai.. How are they treated by the That's.? I guess expats as well..I have mobility issues so my mode of transportation must be an eclectic wheelchair or a 4 who elect cart shown in a previous video in Cha- am.. thanks , lance
Hey Lance, I actually did a video about this issue but I'm not sure if it was a video for UA-cam or not. These kinds of details are covered mostly in the member site. But there are many options for you as far as transportation is concerned. But note it will take a little more effort on your part but the Thai people are very hospitable and accommodating.
Hi JC Ive been watching your videos and really enjoying myself learning the language, culture, as well as the different types of food available over there. I am seriously considering about retiring there in about 7 years. So, I have a question. When you buy food from the food carts or go out to eat at a sit down restaurant, is it customary to tip like we do here in the states?
If you choose to you can tip at a sitdown restaurant. But it's not expected. An extra five baht if you are by yourself or 10 baht is fine. Most Thai people don't tip and is one of the reasons why the money goes much further. I do it when I know I'll be returning and I want good service or the staff did an exceptional job.
JC you are an awesome host and make good educated videos, a question..
Is there fresh milk available in Thailand so you can have cereal, or do they have oatmeal?
Is it normal for people to always eat out / off street carts and other venues, or do many eat at home before leaving for the day?
Thank you
+sk8guitardrums Thank you! They sell pasteurized milk everywhere including 7-11. Oatmeal can be found in most supermarkets now.
Depends on whether you are speaking about Thais or Farang. Thais are used to using a simple rice cooker and then buying some of the food I show that is sold to take home. Cheap, easy and tasty.
For the Farang to try to cook without a kitchen, which most small room rentals don't have, is very difficult. But if you have too much time and extra money you could try. But when you can go out and buy a meal and be back home in 20 minutes for 40 -50 Baht compared to going to the market, washing, preparing, cleaning and possibly tossing unused food plus pay for the electric it just doesn't make too much sense cooking at home unless you have special diet restrictions and a full kitchen.
Thanks for the update on cost of living in Thailand!
In most of Asia (China, SEAsia) its very possible to eat healthily and affordably if you cook at home.Avail yourself of an optimally healthy balanced whole food plant based regimen with affordable veggies and fruit in the open/wet markets - and cook at home without the ever present endothelial inflammation causing oils replaced with herbs and spices. (Re: C. Esselstyn, T. Colin Campbell, J. McDougall, M. Greger & NutritionFacts.org)
As far as oil free vegetable based street food....you might try a roasted ear of corn. That's about all... Literally. ...Some fruit, but not enough for a meal. Except for the exceptional boutique vegan locations here, meals without some form of meat and/or oil are just not found...wishful thinking aside. So you adapt, learn the markets and plan accordingly.
Interesting as usual.
Thank u for ur lovely clips. I am a traveller and lived abroad. Thailand though will be for my first time now in April. I am also not eating meat ad i never liked the smell but bacon i like . Living good in Thailand as a vegetable person seems easy. My first trip will be to Bangkok,Chiang Mai, Laei and a at Koh Chang . Might even bump in to u for an icecoffe . Best of wishes to u 💕
Looking forward to the Anita. Yes I haven't eaten beef or pork for many many years. But the only thing I actually miss is bacon! Nothing beats bacon with a nice breakfast or a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich… Yum!
Luckily it's very easy fresh fruits and vegetables here in Thailand. There plentiful and less expensive than in the West. And up in Chiang Mai you'll find a ton of vegetarian restaurants as well.
for breakfast i would eat at home, make the usual eggs, toast and bacon with juice as i dont like coffee or stop by 7-11 to grab a ham and cheese sandwich with a drink and potato chips, lunch at a food stall, afternoon snack can be in the room or 7-11 then to a food stall again for dinner, i am asian but can't ear porridge for breakfast, sometimes i enjoy a fruit shake for breakfast.
Sounds like a good way to eat. Yes many places now serve western breakfast but it's disproportionally expensive compared to what the Thais eat for breakfast. So it's always better if you have the facilities, when you want breakfast, to cook it up in your own place.
Love your videos!....off to Thailand again in Jan...4th time in 5 years....looking forward to the move in 2017...this next visit I plan on bringing my own plastic contiainers to buy street food..think it will work?...Thailand has a terrible problem with plastic refuse I would hope to avoid it...I do there as I do here in the US...bring my own bags for reuse...thx again!...Tom
+Thomas Hamilton Sure a reusable container will work.... and bring your own canvas back or whatever to 7-11 or the grocery stores and they will use it to bag your items as well.
+retirecheapjc Thkz...happy New year!
wow so many food options, jc how do i say rice in thai? i would just point at the options available and everything looks appetizing.
ledesma: rice is Khao
this was fun.
JC, I've been living in Thailand since 2001, worked as a teacher half of that time and now retired living in Phuket helping my challenged foster daughter. My USA social security benefits are $1100 a month, so I'm in your category 3 level, I live nicely here in a 2brX 1bath plex for 7000 baht a month and have an older car that never fails to get me there and back. My question to you concerning living on 500 baht a month; If your retired you of course need a retirement visa which you normally need 800,000 baht in a secured bank account, to stay here, which for most people who only have $500 from SSB would be hard to come up with the 800,000 baht. Now I know there's an under the table way that 1000's of farangs do instead, but that still will cost you 30,000 baht or more a year to get which would still be tough if you only pull $500 from SSB, so I wouldn't think it very advisable to retire here with only $500 SSB, and most Thai ladies won't marry you if your living on the cheap.
+April Mae Thanks for your question. When I discuss the costs of living in Thailand I am speaking of monthly expenses and how far a retirement budget can go and how the quality of life would go up on the same amount of money compared to a life in a western country.
As you note you couldn't come and stay long term with only 500$ USD a month.
BUT if a retiree has accumulated any assets in their working years like cars, boats, collectables or property they could divest themselves of these assets and apply them to the financial requirement for the long term extension. Once fulfilled they then could live off their pension or benefits until death.
I hope that explains things more clearly.
Say you are in category 1 to 2, $500 to $700, trying to come up with $23,500 to cover the Thai valid retirement visa is quite a stretch unless your fortunate enough to be willed a nice some of cash, that's why most retired folks I know go for the under the table method, but even 30,000 baht saved up a year when your category 1-2 has to be a real stretch, as it is I save 5000 baht for six months to get my retirement visa, but I'm fortunate to have made enough through out my life to be in category 3. I wouldn't advise trying to make it on $500 to $700 a month.
+April Mae Yes I am sure from your statements that you couldn't.
I must say that if throughout a whole lifetime somebody doesn't have enough assets to sell to combine with income to equal the 800,000 that is a very sad statement. Not everybody can live here and that's ok.
Be aware of the fact that all the requirements for the extension are there for a reason and to game the system is to circumvent the law. This is looked down on and can get you in a LOT of trouble potentially costing you even more than complying. I have seen quite a few over the years get caught. Good luck.
JC, Yes of course anyone could get in trouble taking the second route to get a retirement visa, but as you surely know you can get just about anything for a price here, so much so that even on Phuket Gazette, Bangkok Post & Thai Visa . com, you can easily find sources for this that advertise right out in the open, and of course the authorities know this, and look the other way. Those that may get caught I would think are unscrupulous characters like drug dealers & those on the lame running from the law.
Interesting to know thanks JC
This food is way way healthier than an average American fastfood chain
Extremely informative, JC.
I am curious about the budget components and amounts for the low cost $500 budget if it can be shared?
thank you for your videos.
+noname me retirecheap.asia/retire-budget-calculator.htm
Great video mate. You can literally eat for $5-10 a day in Thailand.
Yes very well! 🍝
One thing you did not mention was that if a guy wants to eat well in a better quality restaurant he does not have to go there every night. Go every 2nd or 3rd night, or even just once a week and you can have quite a luxurious mini-banquet. Even at home I don't eat out or order in a pizza every night.
great video JC
Bro people talk shit all the time. That's what a lot of them are good for. Even here in NYC i know how to get most things inexpensively as compared to most people that aren't from here. Those are the sucka's that bring up the prices bc they are willing to spend more than the actual value of things. Keep up the great work. I love your video's.
Hello! Are there any markets where one can buy a fresh vegs like tomatoes/cucumber etc in Chiang Mai? I understand that street food is so cheap that people rarely cook but the choice seems to be quite limited for vegetarians especially those who prefer raw vegs.
Impressed mate!!
JC, great job and thanks for sharing so much information on Thailand specially.
I will be retiring in 4 years and planning to retire in Chonburi or Chiang Mai.
on a $1500 a month, is it a good idea to rent in different city or build/buy a small place to live?
I would love to join your member site. How to do that?
Thanks.
I feel renting is probably the best strategy. You never know when you get bad neighbors or they build a karaoke bar next door. Also by renting it leaves you lots of flexibility.
Thank you.
where is the beach at 14 min 30 seconds?
i searched for lim long coffee where he sat down to eat and that was in cha-am district of petchaburi province...so a little south of hua hin. it looks like a nice quiet place that is cheap and still on the ocean.
2019 ! Still living on $500 or less a month for two. No problem!
Awesome James
I can confirm that this is indeed possible, I have been living in Cha-am because of these videos for a little bit over 2 years now and most months I don't even spend over 300$ (about 11,000 baht) per month, so 500$ (18,000 baht) is more than enough.
and JC, I have seen you so many times, about 3 days ago I walked right by you on my way to Bangkok Bank, figured i'd talk to you on my way back but you were gone!
one of these days we can arrange this
+Sascha Konietzko Sascha thanks for the affirmation. And yes speak up and we will get a coffee or something.
I could deffinately handle that type of food and budget..Thanks so much,I did go to philipines and had a great time i dined out on the street every day and ate 2 time a day, It was great and i didnt get sick either, after all it is definately cooked and BBQ thoroughly.. My budget would be 1,800 per month USD ..gosh i think i could do pretty good and even help a local family out somewhat... Do families have residence available like small rooms.. Id rather pay a family than a motel or hotel...
In most traditional Thai small areas it wouldn't be too acceptable to have a Farang living in the house. But there are many "Homestays" set up doing business.
Thanks for the information.
I guess I have a little advantage when I retire. I'm a small person at 5 feet 1 inch tall, 105 lbs and only need 800 to 1000 calories per day :) Besides that, I also love to cook so I'll be cooking a lot which can stretch the food budget.
Yes you will have MANY options!! That's ALWAYS a good thing!! :)
Yes I am a chef so not eating out saves a fortune. So does making your own coffee. I also don't drink
All great traits. Not only will you save money but stay out of trouble as well! :)
Maybe I'll learn how to catch fish so I don't have to buy them :)
JC, where in Thailand is this?
good stuff!
thai dave owls
i eat a light breakfast,eg 2 eggs on toast
i stay in jomtien,but if i go to pattaya
i eat my evening dinner at
the seaside res,soi 7
it is a english,and thai res,air con
most meals on the menu are 150 bht
and big meals,big dory fish chips and peas,and saled 150 bht
water 15 bht,tea or coffee 30 bht
it is the best food in pattaya
Great vid
Hi JC my grl makes 600 dollers a month and she rents a room pays bills ect these people still want to live like the west ,i have seen meals for 99 baht that are great ,i just made my own instant coffee .It isnt a horrible life its great ,oh the rice soup the girl tried to get me to eat this but to early for spicey for me hahahaha i old farang set in ways hahahaha. What a great place to have breakfast on the promenade i miss thailand .
Would the prices be different if You weren't fluent in Thai? just (saying) asking?
+harlan51537 Depends on what type of establishment or vendor and especially WHERE you are located.
Frankly, if you only have 500 a month (Especially Australian dollars)...stay where you are...IF you are in that dire situation, you will still need to worry about visas and airfares....You would have to literally be living in a card board box to want to justify living in LOS on that money...and as I say you would need to have enuf for visas, airfares, accommodation, food, drink, health, phone calls, emails, transport, electricity, water, clothing etc. Insurance, would be hard to fit in if not impossible...so you would be treated in a Thai hospital and that is not so great. Of course health, food and drink, communication and transport, and utilities can be broken down into more and more costs. I would recommend no less than about 1,200 a month which is still pretty basic. Keep in mind if you are from Australia, you are not getting the nice exchange rates as in England and the US, so that would also need to be factored in. So, where as 500 US.. would net you around 15,000 baht ... Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars, and perhaps Canadian dollars, or most South East Asian countries if not all, much less again. So, you would get around 10.000 baht Australian. Now a Thai person can survive on that quite well - for I would have thought obvious reasons - they speak the language, have a network of contacts and support (in general) - they do not have to worry about visas, to name just a few. So, m'm probably not a good comparison to judge whether you can live for the same amount.
+Steven Monash 62 Steven I agree with your comment on the Australian Dollar exchange at the moment. But I have to disagree with your other assessments. First keep in mind when I say "monthly income" of between $500-$750 a month. This does not include assets that many have accumulated in their lifetimes. This includes equity in collectibles, vehicles, homes and possessions. Having enough to sell to deposit the necessary 800,000 Baht into a Thai bank account would take care their visa for life. I had a motorcycle accident and had x-rays, MRI, 2 days in the hospital and a neurologist and my total bill when I left the hospital was 9,000 Baht (257 USD) and the followup visits to see the neurologist were 70 Baht ($2 USD). And I have members living a great life just like I did for over 10 years on $500 a month.
So just because your lifestyle choices doesn't allow YOU to do it PLEASE don't discourage others with your examples. The same challenges with all the "extras" people use their disposable income on would be a challenge anywhere they live if they only have a Cat.1 monthly income. Oh BTW there is no price you can put on the intangible benefits you get here that cost nothing and that you would never get back in the West.
But surely this is my point .. the personal assets of everyone is so variable. Sure, if people have homes etc they can sell .. this places a whole new complexion on things...but then it would strike me passing strange that they could only manage 500 a month. And okay if they have 800,000 baht then yes, again 500 -750 could work - but again if you have that much I can not see why you would subject yourself to such a low budget. Yes, the health costs are less and other costs but the cost of living still exacts a lot of pressure when living on such a frugal budget. I was explaining my point of view - I never mentioned my lifestyle choices nor if they allow me to live in LOS - rather the examples I gave in terms of a restraint on one's budget would most likely apply to most people. And I added the exchange rate is not as generous for Australian, New Zealand and other citizens. As for others they can make their own choices - however, I reiterate that the category one budget you describe has a lot of qualifications, not least 800,000 and as you assume a lot of other assets. And as you say it would still be a challenge, which is my point to begin with - and yes anywhere. I agree there are intangibles..but lets agree to disagree that your cat 1 budget is a good idea... I still say at least 1,200 a month is a good idea. But I think your response now makes it clearer for people what you mean by a category one namely you have your visa and other assets to rely on. So all is not lost. Happy New Year -
+Steven Monash 62 Nobody said it was a good idea Steven. But if you have the 800,000 it cannot be EVER touched to keep the visa forever. So if all that is left is a fixed monthly income of between $500 - $750 an month than Thailand is a much better option in my opinion. And I personally have a very good life on a Cat 1 budget. But I think many misunderstand the intention of this project. This isn't supposed to be a choice of how to live if someone has more income. It could be though if someone wanted to save every month what income was left over though.
By all means if you have more to spend than why would you ever want to live on that amount? I wouldn't. But I could and be happy. I have for many years. No doubt that this budget is a meager lifestyle. OF COURSE IT IS! But meager here is better than the meager, or should I say impoverished, lifestyle it would allow back home.
BTW Steven if someone ONLY has the income of $500 and no assets at all to put towards the 800,000 or part of it than they should be looking staying home and applying for the social benefits that their country and living there would supply.
JC - I think too an important part of the 500- 750 budget is that the money you have is preferably not just from your savings, but rather an ongoing income. This could be a pension or from investments etc. Unfortunately, even if you are over 50 ..in Australia at least, you can not get a pension till you are 67. Yes, if you have a fixed monthly income ..and therefore, by definition not eating into your savings, then a cat one budget is indeed doable.
I agree it in some cases, or indeed, many cases it is better than the option of living in the West. M'm not sure I would be as happy as I do not have your expertise to cope, albeit I lived and work in LOS for five years and have traveled on and off there, although have not had to live there for ten years. I expect the cost of living has risen starkly.
I am not overly interested in the nite life ( but have like most frequented the bars etc...nor do I smoke, but like the occasional drink. And I certainly like the food and lifestyle, albeit I had some lonely times in the five years I lived there. So, yes against an impoverished lifestyle in the West for sure I agree.
And of course I agree with you last point as this is what some people may conclude that they can live just of 500 dollars.
Well - thankyou for the responses JC...as you know I have been a member since you began your site - and if I did not find your information useful that would not be the case. I don't take exception to your views and I hope you don't take exception to my views. I think any friendship (if i can be presumptuous on your part) anyway as I see it...should be able to withstand diff of opinions - with a healthy dose of honesty.
Look forward to having a beer with you one day and I (perhaps you don't) enjoy our banter. Funny thing is I think you and I have had this conversation before. Take care and as say I think we agree in essence and may even be talking at cross purposes 555 - At any rate the discussion has I think- teased out or elucidated some important distinctions/points on what you mean by a category one budget - for your viewers/subscribers/members alike.
+Steven Monash 62 Yes I think this point needed clarification on UA-cam. I know I have mentioned this before in the members site though. And I might even do a UA-cam video on the subject. Thanks Steven for your continued support. Without you members we couldn't touch as many lives as we do.
im amazed at how many farang go to Thailand but avoid street food or even Thai food. you see them and Mcdonalds and the usual suspects. the only time I got sick from food in Thailand was at a German place in Pattaya.
Thanks how do you handle the heat
Maybe this will answer the question. My video on the topic of how to handle the heat in Thailand. ua-cam.com/video/A8-GO5-g1QY/v-deo.html
What if you just shop at places like Big C,Tesco and Makro for food?
+Beer Monkey When doing my road trips I often mention the food courts in those places. And they are a great option. But be aware that many cities, including Cha Am, don't have those department store complexes. Also the department store itself usually has pre-cooked, pre-packaged meals that are cheap but they have sat around for a while so I find them not so tasty or fresh.
+retirecheapjc ,I meant buying groceries from those places. The food courts are generally cheap and clean.
how much for pak boon?
Nice informative video. Your girl friend is helpful seems like a nice girl. I live in the Philippines
Good timing JC. My tempeh yeast supplier in Indonesia just wanted to know if one could get by on 1,000 USD a month with the understanding he has a house and car paid for. Your vid answered his question and he has it now.
+Bob Johnson :)
Bob Johnson hmmm, tempeh in Indonesia? Rumor has it they use formaldehyde to preserve it... that and the rat meat mixed into the bakso, gotta love Indo street food. Not sure if any of it is accurate, but this is what the locals tell me!
Where is the guy with the BBQ rat? I know how much you love that on your road trips. :)
+Scott Murdocka Haa 555 funny. You don't find rat in towns except on 2 feet! :)
+Scott Murdocka Not sure we can fit that into the budget
It's probably another good reason NOT to eat the meatballs.
I noticed you never mention you could buy, and make food at home, cuz I guess most people living normal life in US/Europe, eat out at restaurant one in a while,
+steve tarros He did mention you could buy food really cheap and cook at home. :-)
+steve tarros As Svein said I did mention you could and that I gave some videos to the members about how to cook their favorites every easily. But remember that on the Cat 1 budget that this is aimed at you will have one room so you won't have a kitchen. Just an electric wok or induction cooker. So it is MUCH easier just to go out and grab cheap food.
+steve tarros if you live alone or with 2 people you not get much profit if you buy your ingredients in the store and cook it at home. it may save you 5 or 10 baht if you cook it all and not have any waste.
5 baht for 1 hour cooking? no thanks :)
If you can cook it in large quantities and put it in a freezer.. yes. Especially if it's your own special recipe and you like it.
+New Pattaya Channel I agree unless you have to adhere to a special diet it really doesn't pay to buy, cook, clean and toss the unused food not to mention the higher electric bill and the heating and odors that a small room would take on.
One person can eat on $500 a month food budget here in the States, and eat quite well if they cook at home I might add! Anyone who can't make it on a similar budget in Thailand!...they'll have problems no matter where they live!
+2010sjay Yes but that is only ONE expense. How about the rest of the costs of living and don't forget the intangibles that are better that you can't even put a price on. And if American you can't exclude the value of affordable EXCELLENT health care by compassionate people. But if you are happy where you are by all means hang there :)
I would rather try to live off cat one budget with jc s advice than Try it in the Phillipines Thai street food much safer cleaner tastier than phillipines And Thailand I think is safer medical care in Thailand is awesome thanks Jc I belive it still can be done on that budget rather be there than try living in the west on that budget makes sense to me
wow, man. A 2 pound catfish for $1.50 and shrimp salad for a dollar... that's fantastic...
Hey, JC! what's the price of nuts such as almonds, cashews, dried fruits, etc... I think anyone with basic food preparation skill could eat like a king for $150 a month.
+Syd Ray Disproportionately expensive.
Hey, I cook at home daily here in Chiang Mai. Would you like me break-down my groceries, electric, and cooking equipment cost? ($150/month is close to sufficient, but there are some externalities that play a major role.)
John-Paul Mitchell
....Sure, why not... that would be educational!
+John-Paul Mitchell hi thinking of visiting chiang mai whats the best way from Bangkok?
+Mickey Foster Here is some videos I made regarding the train option and the best bus option ua-cam.com/video/6s3IKytfsVk/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/6rwNqKSQHcw/v-deo.html
you can do that anywhere in the world, but think how hard it is at home, but if you have a family you have to teach them to ruff it for a couple weeks,that is 1quid/coffee, take your own coffee,if you stay loyal to the same shop they see how much to get ready for you when you pass every day,,, lol this is people liver,,we are going to take pasta with us(me and my daughter)
$500 a month including rent, transport and bills or just food? How much do you pay for rent?
+Jon Malacca Check out this link and it will give you an average breakdown depending on income what budget you could adhere to: retirecheap.asia/retire-budget-calculator.htm
Is it the same price in 2018?
+Christophe Paquin 👍 Yes
Street food is always fresh, tasty, and cheap.
That duck you see was alive that morning,, 55555.
Duck! Dee Mak!
+Winterstick549 Quack quack!
The only difference between Thai food and American food is, the Thai people are actually eating real food.
Xtra 5b for rice, Totally unheard of...
If you put 800k in their bank do you get any interest on that deposit?
+Tourism Club They have deposit accounts that earn interest. So there's options where you can put the money and how much interest you can make.
Put zil in moonlet wallet for 17/: plus p/a restake to compounded interest
Great content! The only thing as a german that i don't like is, that they produce so much trash. Plastic bags and the plastic dishes. If they improve on that, it would be perfect. Are those guys may feel offended if you bring your own bags and ask if they could put it into my own?
+The Buisiness Buddha No by all means bring your own. They are being more aware but it is a slow process.
And we never know. Maybe man was created just because the world needed plastic!