everything you need to know about MOVING TO THAILAND
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- čas přidán 19. 05. 2024
- If you are moving to Thailand this checklist will help you prepare. Everything form Thai Visa to packing, Health Insurance to real estate and more. Plus, 3 mistakes to avoid.
As promised, here is a list of the links to help you get started:
1. Looking for a condo or house to rent or buy when you arrive? Email us at connect@retiredworkingforyou.com and I will hook you up.
2. Health Insurance Pricing Calculators:
Nomad Insurance: bit.ly/3Ss8z8S
Nomad Health: bit.ly/47ghWfY
3. International Moving Company: myinternationalmovers.com/
4. Pet Relocation Service: www.petrelocationthailand.com/
More Tools to help you move to Thailand:
🇹🇭 LEARN TO SPEAK THAI: www.thailanguagechallenge.com...
🏠 Buying or Renting Property in Thailand: retiredworkingforyou.com/real...
🍲 Experience Thailand Like a Local With My Mobile App: retiredworkingforyou.com/teenee/
🌴 Epic Thailand Group Tours: www.rw4utours.com
✈️ Free Flights, Meetups, and Fun: retiredworkingforyou.com/memb...
0:00 Moving to Thailand Checklist
1:43 Thai Visa
5:01 Finding a Moving Company
8:09 Arrange Health Insurance
11:37 Get Vaccinations
13:05 Bank Account
19:00 Pet Relocation
20:31 Mistake No. 1
23:14 Mistake No. 2
24:32 Mistake No. 3
26:35 Renting a House/Condo
Open Thai bank account is relatively easy. All you need a mobile phone with Thai number ( you can get it at airport) , visa longer than 30 days and some letter from legal attorney ( I used Siam Legal). It took me around 3 hours from visit to legal office to prepare some paper and open account at Bangkok bank. Of course some creativity is always required in Thailand.
Where and how you get the letter from legal attorney?
@@dennythedavinchi3832you need to find the Law firm to do for you. Above comment said Siam legal, which is a Lawfirm inthailand.
If I move to Thailand it will be with a single suitcase - maybe one that qualifies as cabin luggage. I have long got over the desire to take my life's detritus everywhere with me. I'll need to buy/rent a well-furnished condo.
You can travel with a small carry on suit case and full back pack. The back pack is considered as your personal bag.
Long Term Residence and Elite (Privilege) visas include multi entry.
Also, why not just move to Thailand with suitcases only. There is no need for an expensive mover and have to pay customs taxes.
My wife and lived in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur for 5 months with just 3 suitcases and we didn't miss anything. I would go back to USA once a year to see children and grandchildren. I would have an opportunity to bring more things then.😮
Did research on Bangkok Bank, which has a pass-through branch in New York City and is on the ACH transfer network between U.S. banks and other entities.
In fact for Americans you can set up direct deposit between Bangkok Bank and the Social Security Administration.
I can not speak to other banks. Bangkok Bank has all the paperwork on their website.
The Thai government insures up to one million Thai BAHT per depositor in Thai bank accounts.
This is awesome info. Direct deposit from Soc. Sec. to Bangkok Bank? Wow! Thanks.
That’s really helpful information. I was researching HSBC and noticed they do business in Thailand as well, and have a banking center in Bangkok, and appear to have an affiliation with Bangkok Bank ATMS and branches as well. I’ve heard several stories about what a pain it is to give Thai banks your money, and seems like it should be easier. Would be awesome to just get this all set up from the states before getting to Thailand.
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I JUST made a transfer through my Bank of America account to Bangkok Bank. Once you set it up it easy to just click on the accounts you want to pull and send to.
What is the cost to transfer money? Is there a percentage or a flat rate?
I'm excited for the big move (probably within '24). You have no idea how much this new channel is exactly what I need- or maybe you do lol! I'll be heeding your advice on everything you dish out, so don't hold back anything!! Thanks again, Chris.
Hey Chris. Great content. Fellow Canadian here. Not living in Thailand now, but considering an ED visa when we retire in 2ish years. We've travelled to SEA a few times. On our 2nd trip, we booked an appointment with a Thai hospital to get all the immunizations we would need for travelling throughout the area. It was expensive but would have been about 20x more expensive here in Canada. The immunizations are the same but costs are based on GDP, so much more affordable in Thailand. The doctors we met were Internationally educated, spoke fantastic English and were extremely friendly, helpful and interested.
I'm on vacation in the Caribbean right now. I've been watching your videos since I got back from Thailand a month ago. I think my whole family are going to pull the trigger this year. We're 40 and my parents 70.
Hey Mr Parker , I decided to move to Thailand , most likely to Hua Hin after viewing your recent health check video.
I visited Thailand for 3 weeks last month ,Bangkok ,Hua Hin and Pattaya.
My desire to move to Thailand became a conviction .
So i'm watching all your new videos for the great information you freely give your subscribers .
Hope to see you ,your family and friends in Thailand .
Have a good one hey !!.
Mario from Trois-Rivieres ,Quebec
Coming from Ottawa for Jomtien Jan 16th for retirement. Thought about Hua Hin. I prefer sunsets to sun rises. I definitely will visit it.
@@mikebaker4190 i hope to see you in paradise 4190
important ....YOU CAME HERE at a glance ..but every day you will live in Thailand ,in your real mind you will need to escape and GO BACK HOME ...loulou ..thai ...22/12/2004 ..no fake ...reality lol....
@@louloufarangset i doubt it
All I can say, from one Canadian to another, is - THANK YOU ! Thank you for creating this channel, and thank you for staying who you are - a Thai - Canadian !
yes that would have been just terrible imagine if he didnt stay a Canadian and chose Thai-Mexican or Thai-Australian what then
@@bravefart1000 Well, I hope it wouldn’t have changed his character, but I also wouldn’t have gotten the answers I need in order to move to Thailand.
Obviously. But you also can’t expect to get all the answers you’re looking for out of 1 episode.
Another Canadian here in BKK considering the jump. Great channel and appreciate the videos.
Very useful information. Thanks Chris.
Thank you - always direct, fun to listen to, and informative information - love it!
Great Blog Chris, very informative
Thanks Chris for this super relevant video.
Liked and saved for future reference. ❤🙏🇹🇭
Thanks so much Chris for all your help. Thanks to you it works for all of us. God bless.
I am 43 now and want to get out of the rat race here in the US in about 10+ years and have been doing research since last year. Ive already had a great party life when I was younger so the nightscene isnt a priority. I just want to vibe out, connect with positive people and live out the rest of my life with as little stress as possible. I appreciate all the videos and I have 10 years to continue my research before deciding. Cheers!!!🎉💚💙
Excellent, thank you for all the information, I may be a year or two out, but learning from you will help me prepare! Thanks for putting this online. Kent
Thank you always 😊
awesome content once again,....super useful and indeed things that most (including me!) overlook way to quickly,....
Excited for the moving to Thailand with a dog. That's my biggest obstacle at the moment. My dog is my child and he's my biggest concern about relocating. You are killing Chris! Keep it up brother, we appreciate you!
We are moving our dog in February. Best ones suggest stopover at animal facility in Amsterdam. Great animal rest break. New intl rules must have holes no bigger than inch. Current kennels need chicken wire over side air vents to fix this.
Thanks for the information. Enjoy the day.
Your information is so gold.
Hi Chris. Loving all your vid`s they are so helpful and informative, keep them coming were learning so much for our future plans.
I appreciate you! And I can NOT wait to visit & make my plans to move there!! It feels like home to me there & I have never been there before!:)
Chris you are amazing. Thank you for your kindness and hard work. Bless you ❤
You are my most favorite CZcamsr to watch for Thailand goodies!:)
Very helpful information! Thank you for creating this channel.
Hi Chris. Thank you for your help and guidance.your videos are really so
informative and clear.Thanks again.bless you.cheers.
wanted to say hi, your content and person are special. we appreciate you and your beautiful family... hope to connect when I come to Thailand.. thanks for being u
Very useful info. Thank you.
Great info!
Thanks Chris, super helpful Vids, you're a star.
Hello Chris - your channel is full of insight and solid advice, thanks for what you do!
Thanks Chris! Love your channel! I’m in Samui now and figuring things out to make the move permanent in May. Your advice is very helpful! Will definitely contact you for a beer with ice once I have a bit more stability here.
Love this new channel. The information provided moves my finger closer to the trigger. Thank You Chris!
Thanks !!! This list is a great starting point.
Chris, Well Done ! Thanks for another great video...
Really like this new channel always useful information. Thanks Chris
Glad to hear it!
Great, informative video.
Thank you, for the time and diligence you devote to bringing this valuable information to those of us who are considering the move to Thailand.
Best regards.
John
Hi Chris, I am glad I found your channels. I visited Bangkok and Phuket in September this year. I love it so much that I will be back very soon. I have been thinking about applying for the Thailand visa. Thanks so much!
Hi Chris
Thanks for all the good information.
My pleasure!
I really appreciate both of your channels and all of your information. I'm looking at 7 to 10 years before I will probably be retiring to Thailand but I am doing all my homework and research now. Your information for me is priceless!
Appreciate the masterclass Chris! Very helpful!
This channel is one of the best resources for living in Thailand…really appreciate the down-to-earth advice based on first hand experiences 👍.
Thank you Chris! Just arrived in BKK last night for the first time and your videos gave me the confidence and info I needed! Especially your recent arrival video. Thinking about relocating here next year myself. I really appreciate your work!
Glad I could help!
I am so glad you made this video. I am an Australian looking to start a new life in Thailand. I have been living in a thai household for almost 2 years now. I have also been learning the language. But the thing that has stumped me is the Visa, so many options and Very confusing for an Australian looking to relocate 😅
Great show Chris! Stay cool kind and generous! Go Wings! 😊
Thankyou very much for this useful information. We are planning to move to Thailand in a few years. But my wife and I are both not Thai and we are in our 30’s. So it will be a challenge but thanks to your channel it’s going to be a lot easier. 🙏🏼
Thank you for all the info.
january 2024 is when i move there ,thank you for the information ,another usefull video,Thanks and Hello from from Sydney 👍🙏
A-mazing, concentrated information, thanks ! If trhere is an upcoming video, it would be also nice to learn how pet friendly the condos are.
I lived in Thailand from 2006 to 2014 but still love this new channel for referencing for my aging mind. 555555
Moving to the Land of Smiles in November 2024. Chris, you are one cool dude and always do great work on both your channels.
Some very useful stuff here Chris, I'm just waiting for my house sale to go through and then I'm moving over to live in Jomtien around Feb/March 2024, I'll be in Bangkok to begin with but would be great to pick you brains a bit more on arrival.
thank you Chris, I look forward to buying you a beer in Bangkok. I owe you one for letting me dream & now believe that I can make the move to Thailand. Still 5+ years away but I work towards it everyday. Truly appreciate your help, wisdom & advice
You sound like us, a dog and boxes of stuff . Glad to hear we don’t have to sell everything we built up over the years . This has stopped us moving forwards. Thanks for the great Tips . At nearly 70 and still working full time I hope this can be a viable off ramp . We been to Thailand several times and the culture lifestyle is much better than where we are without a prospect of retirement.
Chris many thanks for the informative vlog. You are really an excellent Canadian ambassador for Thailand. It suits you. Take care khun Chris.
Leaving California on Dec 26th. Landing in Bangkok on the 28th.Did the rent a condo for a month idea and have an agent lined up to show ne long-term options once I'm on the ground. Super excited for this next chapter of life and you've absolutely been one of my inspirations to just get up and make the decision.
Bet your stoked to get out of this place 😩 enjoy
I left CA in August, and I am not looking forward to returning to CA for a friends wedding in May 😂
I highly recommend stopping over in Tokyo if you have the time. Helps break up that long flight and not be so jet lagged.
I would also recommend doing an Airbnb or monthly rental in a few different areas of Bangkok before settling into a year lease. Asok is great, but can get very intense at times. I’m currently a little further out of city center off Bang O, very chill and peaceful yet still very much Bangkok. Still not quite my Goldilocks zone though. Best of luck, and safe travels!
as someone that has been living in Thailand for a decade, best bit of advice is spend the first few months exploring, don't sign for a lease until you know where you want to live, Chiang Mai, Pattaya/Jomtien, Bangkok, Samui... there are dozens of places I could recommend, but get your method of transport license sorted early on, and go explore , don't fall for a girl, no matter what for the first 3-6 months.. and find your slice of paradise and live your best life
Don't blame you for getting outta Dodge, it's beyond repair
@@OneJame where did you find monthly rentals?
I never comment on videos. You have a lot of good information. I’m considering visiting a few countries over there then making a plan to move. Thanks for all of the info!
Broke your duck, Donald!
Chris I am 72 years old. Will be moving to BK within 5 months. I will be watching every video you put out, not once but repeatedly so I don’t miss anything. Thank you Chris. You are a huge help .
Lived here 18 years surin provence, bangkok is dreadfull on pollution levels, good luck !
Please share how you will handle health insurance...especially if from the US.
Hey man been watching your videos, thanks for the value truly, question unrelated to Thailand lol, where did u get the lights behind you with ur channel name from and the awesome frames of breaking bad :) thanks, keep up the awesome work
Great video Chris. I would love a video about car buying/ownership in Thailand. I know there are a lot of videos on youtube already but would love one from you.
I bought a car from a Honda dealer here last year. It was pretty easy. I just needed a residency certificate, my passport with my long term visa, and then paid for the car in full with my banking app. The staff at the dealership took care of of the documentation and registration. I just bought a motorcycle from another expat and that was also pretty easy. He got the list of required documents from the local Department of Land Transportation.
Awesome checklist Chris! Retired Military guy living in Phuket 🐸🔱
Chris, you rock! 🤘So much info.👍
Bring shaving cream/lotion. Super expensive in Thailand.
Or just don’t shave 🤙🤙 just get a beard trimmer.
Great video and we will definitely use the check list. We’re about 5 years from retirement - to get our full pensions. We will mostly likely split between abroad and CAN (6/6 months).
Very nice actually usable info.
Thank you!
very helpful, thanks!
Another great data dump from the mind of Chris Parker at RW4U. I enjoy your other channel, but I appreciate the straight talk.
Video was so good. I watched it twice 555
Thank you so much for your advice. Yes, there's a lot of us interested in a better life, and there's probably gonna be a lot more soon, as shit is getting increasingly ridiculous in our so called first world countries. It's not just about retirement anymore, I'm in my early 40s with a very well paying job but I just wanna get tf out as soon as I possibly can.
Another excellent video!
Great information Chris, I thought I was a Thailand pro and I learned a few things.
Nice video Thankyou
Great advice..
Just a comment on your banking info. About two weeks ago I transferred 1.1M thb from BMO in Canada to Krungsri Bank. It showed up in my thai bank account within 3-4 business days.
I used 1M thb of it to buy the elite visa but lol I am not as you say "stinking rich" I just did the math and weighed the options and think it is best for me. I was scared of the retirement visa potentially changing so this way I know I am locked in for 20 years, I got in before Sept 15 changes to the Elite Visa.
Excellent info…
I'm in the Philippines now and will be in Thailand a few weeks from now. I intend to see Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and maybe Phuket. Hua Hin really interests me. Philippines is cool but I like the infrastructure of Thailand. Thanks Chris. You and Adam are great and your videos are invaluable.
Phillipines is third world compared to Thailand
hey Chris , I'm heading down to Hua Hin on the 12 Dec , hoping to hook up with some friends of yours and mine Ashley and Paul going to try to make it to Ko Samui for farmers birthday maybe see you there, your videos are the greatest
Regarding moving boxes, some moving companies require double-walled boxes. Check before you buy any - they may require that the moving company does the packing & boxing.
Hi I hope my answer can help you. Actually, you just walk into the AIS shop in any department store and ask them to open a new number with registration for foreigner. Yes, you are the foreigner. You need to show them your passport with VISA. What kind of visa do you have? just use that visa to register your number. If you have a driving license, it is good for you. If you have a work visa, show them your work permit. 😊
I sold everything and moved with what I could take on the airplane. Booked 1 month airbnb while looking for a one year lease. That made things so much easier so I would recommend to really think about if you cannot just sell all your things and buy new stuff in Thailand. If the answer is no, think again!
Besides way easier logistics you save money and get a nice feeling of freedom when you don't have all that luggage you have been dragging around your whole life. You probably have boxes you never opened after your last move.
When I arrived prio was a SIM card, bank account and visa as well as looking for that 1 year lease. Health insurance I bought before moving.
Im on the way. Moving in may to IDEO RAMA 9 Asoke from Miami,Florida. Lol and yes I tried to solidify my apartment this month and the agents were like just call in may the units will be available lol.
Great video! Thanks! If you get round to it, would love to hear some of your ideas about moving there with young kids. Heard there are different types of schools with (very) different types of fees. And maybe other stuff to think about?
Hi Chris
I am so thankful for both your channels. Because of your channel, I visited Thailand in March this year and decided I was moving to Thailand at the beginning of low season 2024. I have a couple of questions:
1) any tips on how I would find a trusted visa agent? What would be a ballpark of what they charge?
2) I noticed that you didn’t get health insurance through a Thai health insurance agency; is there a reason for that?
Best regards
Tonya
January 16th land in Jomtien. Visa agent 17th, for non O multi entry retirement visa. Cash will always be king.
cool. visa agent located in Jomtiem?
i planning to check out Chiang Mai this Sep and hopefully getting an edu visa next year and if all goes well, i may plan to "semi retire" in Thailand if possible ☺️
per bangkok bank website no limit on funds transferred from abroad. however must specify purpose of funds for reporting to bank of thailand by bangkok bank.
As soon as I heard "keep your documents organized" my immediate thought--and what I wrote down lmao--was that it sounds like I get to make another binder--WOOHOO! 3-Hole Punch here I come baby! And the very next thing out of your mouth....make a binder! YUUUSSSS I love binders!
Hi Chris, Love ur vids. Have u done any videos with suggestions for anyone travelling/moving to Thailand with pets (dogs in particular)? Thanks
Good video. I will add from my experience as an American who moved here 2 years ago. Banks/Money. I kept my money in American and kept my credit card. I use ATMs to get cash when I need it. My ATM card with Schwab refunds debt transaction fees every month, so I don't lose money. I do have a Thai bank account where I keep about 75000 baht for cases that my debt card is lost/stolen/damaged. This will float me until I can fly back to America to get a new card; wont' send card to Thailand. Since I have a Thailand Privilege visa, I was able to just walk in and easily get the account with KBank. Another thing on Thai Banks, make sure you pick one that has a lot of locations, not all banks have locations in every city/town. Also, on ATMs, when traveling around the world in general, never let an ATM do the conversion. Always decline it as you will lose money.
Great tips! Thanks Chris!
*** Don’t forget to get your International driver license ready! They last only ONE year though!
You need a drivers licence from your own country/state/province and the International Driving Permit.
You need to obtain a Thai driver's licence within 3 months of commencing to reside in Thailand.
A International Driving Permit is only valid for up to 3 months of commencing residency in a country - it is a condition stated in the International Driving Permit. Also International Driving Permit is only valid for 12 months.
Also under Thai law one needs get a Thai Driver's licence within 3 months.
As also both one's Drivers Licence and International Driving Permit needs to be endorsed for the vehicle type one is driving eg, car and/or motorcycle etc.
P R I C E L E S S! This information is priceless. Thanks! 😊
Fantastic info! The only thing I’m struggling to find as I’m looking into moving me and my wife to Bangkok is information on how taxation works in Thailand for example what is the taxation for renting over there and general tax costs. Thanks!
It's all changed as of 1st January 2024. Keep researching as things will probably change as they work out the bugs. Good luck 🙂
Hi Chris, I have been watching your videos for over one year- maybe more. Thank you so much for great advice. I expect to relocate in Feb / March 2024 from Ireland to Thailand and marry my Thai girlfriend, whom I have been with for 7 years. Fortunately we already have a home in Rangsit.
Bangkok Bank requires a driver's license from your home country. I just opened a bank account last week. Since I was on a non-B, a letter of residency from immigration with a TM30 to immigration was used, even though my rental contract was for only a month. I also suggest that if you can, get the non-O visa processed before you move.
Hi, how and where do you go to get a visa before leaving?
Thai embassy in your country.
like the videos. Was wondering if you are going to do any food type ones. The reason I ask is because I am on a gluten-free diet, which makes things very awkward. Tried looking on utube but most don't really give much info as in where you can eat.
I suggest a video on the Thai legal system, if not yet done. i.e. along the lines of how to stay out of hot water.
Great content!
For insurance, when I retire, I will have lifetime insurance. Currently, I have Kaiser, which will cover me, but I would have to cover costs initially and then get reimbursed. I am planning to switch soon to a Blue Cross/Blue Shield affiliate, so that when I retire I will be a part of that system. Bangkok hospitals and Bumrungrad international hospital are Blue Cross/Blue Shield affiliated and some are Geo Blue which is related (don't hold me to this). These and other affiliated hospitals may actually be able to file directly, so there won't be a two step process for health coverage and will cover annual checkups as well. One thing you didn't mention and I will be looking into is dental insurance. I'm not sure if there are any insurance plans here that have affiliated globally recognized insurance like for health insurance.
You mentioned finding a place to rent 2 months before we could be faced with all kinds of problems, but you did not give one example of a problem you could encounter; what are a couple issues are you faced with going more than a month before you move? I think the first thing to consider is where you want to live, e.g., countryside, near the ocean or sea, or in a big city. Aside from renting, you may want to purchase a place, if you can afford it as prices are rising in Thailand.
Wanted to also add that there are visa places that can help with setting up a bank account and simplifies this process and will walk your passport through the local immigration office.
My $0.02. Aloha, Jon
Thanks you so much for your videos!!
I am still in the phase of dreaming, not yet making detailled plans to move to Thailand. But I have two concerns, where I am interested in hearing your and other‘s opinions:
1) Dont you miss your family, especially your children and grandchildren? How often do you see them?
2) what are you doing the whole day if you are not a successful CZcamsr? Maybe 2 or 3 months I can spend my time with traveling in Thailand and doing sightseeing. but after half a year or more I might need to have a „job“. I dont expect that someone would want to see my videos . 😅