Top Tips for Living in Bangkok
If you are planning to sell up everything and move to Bangkok, Thailand, you wouldn’t be the first, and you certainly won’t be the last expat who decides to relocate to the unique city and country.
Here are a few tips from seasoned expats to help make the transition a smooth one.
Obtain the correct visa – Quite a few foreigners are being rejected when trying to enter Thailand, mainly because they do not have the correct visa. Getting multiple tourist visas will eventually get you into hot water; you can apply for the DTV, or if you are aged 50 or over, a Retirement Visa is the best option. If you enrol for a series of Thai language courses, you can stay for up to 14 months on an Ed Visa, while being married to a Thai national allows you to stay indefinitely.
Rent a condo before you buy – Buying a condo is a big step, and we don’t advise this until you are sure that the area is right for you. You can rent at Krystal Court, which is right in the centre of the action, and this gives you time to explore different areas until you find the perfect place. Bangkok is a huge city, and it might take you 6 months to zone in on the right area, but there is no rush when it comes to buying a condo.
Getting around – The BTS runs through most parts of Bangkok, and it is quick, cheap and clean; taxis are everywhere, and for many, this is the preferred way to travel in the city. Choose the green/yellow combination because they are driver-owned. Motorcycle taxis offer a thrilling experience for the adventurous, and they are handy during rush hour, when traffic is backed up. You can also explore the extensive canal network, which gives you a unique perspective of the city.
Online payment – Just about every vendor has a QR code, and you can pay for things with a quick scan. Even the lottery ticket vendors accept QR payments, so no need to worry about carrying lots of cash. Taxi drivers also accept digital payment, as do all stores, even the small convenience stores you find on every corner in the suburbs. Click here for ways to add privacy to your home.
Experiment with street food – Bangkok is famous for its large variety of delicious street food, from grilled chicken to Thai desserts and everything in between. If you are into cheap living, street food is the perfect choice, and it is absolutely everywhere!
Bangkok is an amazing city that never fails to impress; whether you are a new visitor or a seasoned veteran, the City of Angels always has something new to offer. You can have so much fun exploring this sprawling metropolis, and there’s always something unexpected around each corner!