Thailand Calling: A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Thailand
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- čas přidán 25. 03. 2023
- Are you thinking about moving to Thailand? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to become an expat in the Land of Smiles. From visas, phone and housing to healthcare and income, we've got you covered. With our expert tips and insider knowledge, you'll be ready to make the move and start living your best life in Thailand.
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Not to be a downer for anyone wanting to move to Thailand, but going there for 1-6 months to test it out may be advantageous. You should still be able to open a bank account and get an appropriate visa.
cant get bank account on tourist visa any more
The best bet is to find an agent. Of course, that will cost money @TheRealDermatologist
I'm going because I know people who have been there for many years and I just can't stand it here anymore.
Wow!! Thank you..I'm a 100% service connected looking to move to Thailand..this was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
The first video I’ve watched that covers the actual practical things you need to know. Thank you.
Thank you 🙏
Always appreciate the information. I left Los Angeles and finally came to Thailand. Your videos helped out for sure.
Great to hear!
This has turned out to be such a great video, not only for its excellent content but also for the great commentary by the viewers. Thanks everyone.
Great information. Packing my bags right now😊✌🏾
thx tony
Great video. Thank you.
Excellent information, thank you.
Excellent video Sir, very helpful information.
Thanks for the tips for moving to Thailand.
Thanks for the information. ❤
Our pleasure!
Many Thanks!
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for your detailed information
Glad it was helpful! 🇹🇭😊
Terrific video.
This was super helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. You are always very helpful.
You are very welcome
Thank you Tony for many of your great CZcams videos! I hope I can meet you when I visit Chiang Mai in last week of April.
Great video!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻🇹🇭😊
This was very informative to me. Thank you. I had to subscribe 🙏
Awesome! Thank you!
Love your video 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you very much!!! 🙏🏻🇹🇭❤️
An international driver's license should help (my information is from 10 years ago). It seems to me back then you needed some confirmation from where you were living as well, but as you said, with an existing license it is pretty easy. I will say that I rode motorcycles for years and at first just rented a scooter. I had to laugh, the first "trial" run I wobbled all over until I got used to how light weight they are. I eventually bought a Benelli 600 which was nice for longer trips, but around town in Chiang Mai the scooter was the best transportation. Also, my friend mentioned that if/when we get back there, he probably would get drunk at a bar and then just get a taxi to go back to his hotel. As you said, a taxi in Chiang Mai, especially at 1am, isn't easy to find, probably almost impossible. Tuk tuk's don't even run around that late, so a word to the wise. Either have a phone number for a private type taxi, or be able to use the online transportation services. I'm not sure about now, but the police often put up check points late at night, and driving/riding drunk might get you arrested, so be careful. And if you get the chance, take a ride up to Phayao, a great little city to visit and a beautiful road getting there.
Thanks for the helpful tips. The google voice tip is a gem. 😊👍🏻🙏🏻
Glad it was helpful!
very good Tony i been watch your vidio learn alot thx
Thank you very much for watching!🇹🇭👍
I may have watched 50 different video's about retiring to Thailand and yours is the 1st I've seen where someone actually mentions how to get medical insurance...I contacted your guy for a quote...that information is appreciated (i'm a transplant recipient, so medical coverage is mandatory, not optional for me)
I hope things work out for you. 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for your time and informations.
😊🙏🇹🇭
ANOTHER great video. Keep 'em coming. Khob Kun Puan Pom
You are a gem for information for potential expats, extremely helpful, thanks from Toronto Canada....
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for another useful video. There are far too many videos about Thailand (and other destinations) that are generic pablum. If I do decide to retire in Chiang Mai, I hope to see you there, just depends on the availability of private Thai primary schools for my son.
Wow just found you & subscribed quickly. I am looking to relocate & Thailand is on my short list of countries Ii can retire to. Thank you so much.
Welcome aboard!
Many thanks indeed for this video Tony, it is so good to hear about how one is able to move to the lovely country of Thailand. I guess they don't make it easy though. As an example for more long term VISA holders you have to have a Thai Bank Account with some particular funds in it. However you are unable to get a Thai Bank Account until you have the required VISA. So a bit of a chicken & egg situation there. Condos are okay but if like me you prefer to have a landed property then you can't purchase this as a foreigner. I hope that Thai Government (when they are not taking bank handers) are able to address this and improve the system/requirements and process for foreigners who are wiling to spend in the country.
Sound advice. I used Assist Thai Visa and also used Rob Jackson for my insurance during covid times, both great and very helpful.
Getting the insurance doesn't seem to be an issue but ive seen quite a few horror stories from expats living in Thailand where the Thai insurance companies don't want to pay out higher than normal claims and the expat has to be pay upfront and then really battle with the insurance company for reimbursement.
Thai visa folks a superb ey !
Hi Tony: It is very refreshing to see this channel with down-to-earth and useful info for people wanting to relocate to Thailand. We used live in the region for several years and know more less, the pros and cons, and it seems like many other CZcamsrs present only a utopian and distorted over-enthusiastic picture of the country, which is not helpful. Obviously it is an audience capture, so kudos to you for trying to promote trutfull and useful contents. Subsribed. All The Best, Tom
Wow, thank you
@@TheNarrowGate im an aussie im 42 and i wanna retire NOW in thailand but the retirement VISA is only from age 50, what should i do? i just wanna go there buy a SMALL apartment, im planning on being single and a bachelor forever, and just invest the rest in some stocks that pay a good dividend and live off the dividends, and maybe buy another small apartment and rent it out, what VISA is best for someone like me?
You can also have a phone with two sim cards, but I'm not sure if these would work at the same time. But what's app is great for calls and messaging people from back home
Awesome info about the phone number porting. What Visa did you guys end up using?
🙏🏼
Information I have already heard, some from you, some from others, anybody who does not take the time to research and learn from channels like yours are only setting themselves up for rude awakenings and failure. Thanks again Tony, hope to being buying you and Kindle a coffee in person this coming winter.
🙏
Thanks! I subscribed because I think you have good information and I like how you convey it. You must like Chaing Mai. I plan on traveling to a few countries and seeing. Like Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam so far. I wonder if there is a bank that exists in a few countries in SE Asia? Is it hard to travel with a large dog there? Do you see many regular motorcycles there? Thanks again!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! I’m not sure about the bank question, we use Bangkok Bank here in Thailand. We are able to travel with our dogs pretty easily, although they are small. We just make sure to book AirBnb’s that allow dogs. And the main ones over here are scooters, but occasionally see regular motorbikes.
Take care! 😊🇹🇭
Yeahhh! Assist Thai Visa! Check, check, check, check.
❤❤❤
Here's the crazy part of the comment 😅😂:
"Gotcha, you are going full detes, Choomba!"
p.s.: I can swear an oath, even: all the videos you make concerning the transition phase are gems, right there and there!
My approach is to really give a serious ear and give a thorough research to your informational section, as you know..
1MM? OMM?
You are The One ☝️ Man Media! Khap Khun Krab Tony!!! Respect 🫡
Thanks your channel is so clear i enjoy immensely ! I 'm coming on May, 2023. Curios for Google voice i'll manage to activate via my laptop. On my phone, do i require to download the google voice application too >?
Yes, download the app to your phone. Thank you for watching!
I’m still getting my income squared away but I’m on my way asap. I’m coming so I can take advantage of the affordable medical care and the affordable healthy lifestyle. I need a at least a good long year of healthy activities and good healthcare, so I’m looking at staying in Pattaya and coming into Bangkok every few weeks for vitamin, collagen, and NAD+ drip treatments. Thailand seems to be the most affordable place on earth to get your health squared away. Like a year long open air spa! I’m excited, and God bless you for making these videos and giving me the courage to do this. I really wouldn’t be able to do this without you.
Thank you 🙏
I will make it real simple for you if you are an American, over 50, have $25,000 in your American bank account. Do as I did 12tears ago in my small town of Gloster, Mississippi.
I contacted the Thai Embassy in Washington DC ( they also have a website) I learnedIcould get the visa from them. It's been 12 years but I Remer besides filling out their application for a retirement visa I went to my bank and asked them to write a litter on their bank stationary stating my account number, name on the account and the amount on deposit. I then went to the local police department and the wrote me a letter on the departments stationary that I had no criminal record. I mailed all the papers to the Thai Embassy along with a money order and a week later my passport came back with a stamped retirement visa. Once in Thailand I reported to the Thai immergration every 90 days. I have been in Thailand 13 years now.
Pattaya = "money honey" till you lose the lot, be savy & listen to guys like this guy.
🙏🇨🇷❤️
Hi. Google voice doesn’t work with companies other than US/Canadian apparently. I tried to use it with my uk number and it isn’t compatible unfortunately
Good Vid, cheers. Google Voice good for USA, Not for Australia - anyone know of similar service for Australian Mobile Numbers?
Your videos always so helpful and packed with great information about Thailand! As someone who is seriously considering moving, I am a little concerned because we have a small dog and Thailand does not generally seem as dog/pet friendly as the west. I did watch your video about moving to Thailand with dogs, but I'm curious to know what it's like now that you've actually been living there for a while. Do you find it difficult to walk them because of the soi dogs? Can you take them places? What about vets or kennels/dog sitters? If other people are curious too, maybe this could be a video idea :)
Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! And great idea for a future video, thanks. 😊 🇹🇭
We have no problem walking our Jack Russell, the soi dogs basically ignore her, we’ve never had an issue. Our dachshund doesn’t like the soi dogs though so she won’t go on walks too often. And you can take dogs most places. We’ve found a really good vet (there are lots to choose from) and a good dog sitter, too. Also plenty of dog groomers and pet stores. 😊 Hope this helps.
@@TheNarrowGate this is super helpful, thank you so much!
@@itsolivialoren Not very dog friendly with hotels or condos though. Their are some but not convenient in my opinion and huge deposits.
Imho if you are relocating with a dog you'll more than likely need to rent a house .
Hope I wasn't butting in too much.
@@kevo8498 Not at all! That's really good to know. Thank you for sharing!
The worst part is no one will cover pre-existing medical problems. Best to save money and self insure
Just budget $2,000 U.S. dollars a month for life then no worry about any surprise.
Hi Tony,! Very helpful--thank you! I've been watching you guys for a while. I've had issues with the phone. I have a Google Fi phone with the Google Fi service. It has been working pretty well over here in Europe (and it worked every time I've been to Thailand). Unfortunately, it's a little expensive, and now they've taken away my data plan, because I don't live in the US. When you say you "ported" the number go Google Voice and it was $20--is that per month, or a one-time charge. Also, do you know what would happen if you had to change the number it is ported to? Also, I'm planning on retiring in Chiang Mai using the O visa, but how are you supposed to have roughly $25 k in a Thai bank, if you can't open a Thai bank account without a visa?
It’s a one time fee. Check that link in the description for Google voice porting. Also contact visa services that I put a link in the description for to understand how that would work with a bank account and not having a visa.
Great video. I'm looking at getting METV visa so I can take time to see if this would be my new home. I have a question on social security. Do you contact them so you can cancel coverage. What do you say?. Do you keep US bank and transfer monthly???. Thank you in advance.
keep US bank and transfer monthly
Hello, I enjoyed your videos, I m curious how to find a US remote job that ok you stay in Thailand ? Have you met any expat doing so? Thank you so much!
grow.google/certificates/#?modal_active=none
Hi Tony, Always good information, have been in Phuket this March temperature range from 29o to 35o from about 10am to 5pm, is this the temperature in Ching Mai? I'm not a beach person was good to see Phuket (quite a considerable amount of Russian's in Phuket) thinking northern Thailand might be more appropriate, however have been told about the burning season from January to May is it as bad as people say?
He has some recent videos about the burning season. Myself had crust inside the nose and edges of my eyes so concerned about the long term effects of burning season. Wasn't Phuket also bad on the air quality in the past month or two? I mean alot of asian countries have this burning season.
Chiang Mai is a little bit cooler than Bangkok. Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains/hills and so pollution tends to linger.
Tony…..great, as usual. I still want to have a coffee or meal with you and Kendle. April 1 thru May 5 I am available. Jody.
May is good 👍
It’s actually really nice if it rains and washes the smoke away
1:08
Question. Say I bank at Bank of America and my retirement is deposited there. Do you open up a Thai account and just transfer money from Bank of America to the Thai account when needed or do you have your retirement go straight to the Thai account and get rid of Bank of America?
Never tried that. Ask your bank if they will do that.
I'm moving in about a year. I'll be visiting in October for 3 weeks. I plan to visit Assist Thai Visa while I'm there. Should I get hold of them first?
👍 yes
Regarding using google voice, I've read that a number of US financial institutions refuse to send text/SMS messages to known VOIP numbers. Have you run into that? Perhaps porting a number that didn't start as a VOIP number to google voice somehow tricks the systems that won't send to them -- assuming they are identified by some database of known VOIP prefixes. I'm still hanging on to my T-Mobile US number due to this fear, but I'd love to drop the monthly service fee I pay them just to have a US -- non VOIP number. Also, I think you said in this video or a prior one of yours that you had to port to google voice while you were in the US -- can you explain why you can't port once you are already here? (assuming that your US based phone roams here...).
We have had no issues in two years. Kendall said we ported here in Thailand. Guess that part was wrong. Will work either way.
After we port our AT&T number to Google Voice, can I go ahead and cancel my AT&T phone plan? My google voice # works for 98% of bank and other 2FA but its not perfect
Once you port your number, your plan with at&t will automatically be cancelled. At least that’s how it was with us and T-Mobile. I would definitely double check with AT&T though after you do the porting to Google Voice.
Thanks for watching our channel! 😊 🇹🇭
Great Video! Speaking about insurance in Thailand, do they accept Medicare?
Thanks!
That is a great question. I have no idea, but I will see if I can find out from someone.
Medicare does not pay for medical services outside the USA.
@@jeff5001 Thank You!
KC - I should add that I don't know about Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans, only about Medicare itself.
Late to the party here, but one thing I never see covered in these videos is how to maintain a permanent address (in the US in my case). I don't have a family member or trusted friend that I will use and I no longer own property. I intend on keeping essentially all my finances in the US and apparently banks and brokerages aren't always accepting of a virtual address (similar to the phone issue with VOIP 2FA). Any recommendations or actual experiences of folks dealing with this would be appreciated.
We covered it but it has been awhile. We use Ipostal one
What about getting a VPN on your phone service in the US so that when you move to Thailand it will still show as a stateside phone for purposes of bank authentication codes, etc?
Let me know if it works.
@@TheNarrowGate i honestly don't know but I did see that recommendation from a couple of youtubers who live in the Philippines and recommended that for not only their phones but for watching US based Netflix, etc because its different in se asia. It makes sense because a VPN can have a base in the US or another country so it basically shows the ip address in the US while living abroad.
You can still use a provider in the US, have an unlocked phone and use a sim card in Thailand. Even if the phone is locked into a US provider because you have a contract there's lots of cell phone kiosks in Thailand that can unlock any phone.
Some banks will send the code via email instead of text (mine does).
I ported my phone to Google Voice as well. Those two step authentication didn't work for either of my banks. Definitely caused an issue or two. Works for regular text from individuals but not otherwise in my experience
Thats what I'm afraid of as well. So it didn't work with the banks...
I heard having a VPN is the way so it looks like you're stateside. Did you look into that? I haven't tried it yet but youtubers in the Philippines recommended that way.
@@keithd1219 I eventually worked around the problem. Still it was a set back but not the worse thing in the world
@@TNKeith how did you handle it? I'm moving soon and banking 2fa is a big worry
@@keithd1219 does a vpn handle 2fa?
@@nylimoman i haven't done it yet but if I was moving I'd call my bank and ask them. Im sure you're not the only one to leave the country. Let me know what they say.
Hi Tony! If you sign up for GOOGLE VOICE, can you still keep your phone service in the US? I will be vacationing in Thailand for one month. I want to keep my US service with AT&T but I want to be able to receive those special codes from secured apps such as bank apps in case I need to use those US-based apps.
If you port your number to Google Voice, your phone service with your provider will automatically be cancelled. If you are only vacationing here, I would suggest keeping your plan with AT&T and getting an International package (make sure it includes Thailand) added on for the length of your stay. You should still get the codes texted to you that way. The reason we ported our numbers is because we did not want to keep paying our US cell phone provider monthly while living abroad, but still wanted to have access to our phone numbers.
I have Google Fi (US) and used my regular service when vacationing in Bangkok. Didn't get a local Thai sim. Fi worked fantastic. Never had any drops or slow speeds.
Not sure how coverage would be if in another part of Thailand, but for vacationing, you may not need a sim at all.
I would also add that if you have a newer phone that takes eSims, you can most likely have 2 sims, 1 for your home country carrier and 1 for Thailand. No need for Google Voice then although you would have 2 phone bills. I haven't tested that but ,in theory, it would be a great way to have the best of both worlds.
I brought 2 regular android phones over from the US. Both S 9s. I kept my t mobile acct set at 20.00 a month. Free texts basic stuff.
Got here removed T mobile sim tossed in thai sim. Off and running.
When i need serious US stuff and Thai sim wont cut it. Like a text verification to US #. I put in the T mobile sim.
With Thai internet I have had no problem accessing my US checking savings. SS acct. And pretty much all others. When I did use a cheap VPN service i got my card hacked almost instantly..
Anyways my 2 cents.
Kev, can you say more about your card (what kind of card?) being hacked when using a VPN? How could using a VPN cause you to be hacked?
i am dying to move there. probaly pattaya/jomtien. i just wana train and learn muay thai and plus i love thailand. spent few months there before and my dad used to go for years before he passed away. i dont have money, i could maybe just scrape the flight money together if i save up. it sounds impossible and it probaly is but my gut is telling me to risk everything and go. i know its hard for us to earn a living there but i have wanted to move there for the last 7 or 8 years. i would probaly take muay thai fights to pay my way if i had to but i know how tough thais are so im scared😂. any advice would be appreciated👍
Learn a skill online.
Try a google search for grow.google/certificates/#?modal_active=none
Then look up CZcams videos on how to make money with it.
How much to get a motorcycle driver license including training course?
The fee for the license is around 400 baht. The drivers course is going to vary since they are privately run and it depends on where you’re at in Thailand.
Residual income
Do you have to report ever 90 days to immigrations office?
Yes
A good visa agent can do that for you, for a nominal fee.
I did google voice and no one can reach me and I can't call anyone. The cell phone I got my phone service from keeps asking for money. Also, a bank account is very difficult to open unless you rent a place. I am staying with my girlfriend and I wasnt allowed to open an account with bangkok bank. Do you need a motorcycle license if all your going to drive is a scooter
Yes, you will need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter.
What interest rate do thai savings account usually pay? Is it considered safe to put money in thai bank or could you lose it all?
I’m not sure what the interest rate is. I have never heard of anyone, losing their money in the bank under normal circumstances. I would think it is relatively safe, but other people may have different opinions.
@mythai3460 interest rates are lousy everywhere??? Interest rates are higher than they have been in decades in usa.
@@mythai05 that's not true. You can easily earn 2% now at the very minimum in an fdic insured account.
Bank accounts are insured up to a million baht.
Passive income ideas
Dividends from investments..Checkout retire off dividends
how to find a job with work permit? I plan to move after I finish master
Job n what?
@@TheNarrowGate Do you have any recomment about recruitment agency to find a job and sponsorship in thailand?
it's too bad the google voice thing only works for americans. I'm canadian and it doesn't work.
True
Thank you so much. My husband and I are wanting to get a retirement visa. I know we are eligible but what visa do we get to get in the country? that has been my question and cant find out any info on this. So will definitly contact these people via FB. You are the bomb. I watch all your videos and will also contact Alice in the Indigo real estate. Wish us luck!!
Awesome 🇹🇭👍
oops stupid me, my bad, Sorry Kendall spelt your name wrong, wont happen again.
you not the person talk to about visa go thai immigration
Mate, you are in Thailand, you should learn how to pronounce correctly Pattaya, it is PA-TA-YA, not PA-TYA!
Mate, I agree with you, but you could have put it a bit more politely. Still, I'm amazed at the number of long-time farang in Thailand who mispronounce Pattaya and a lot of other words and names that one frequently hears Thai people saying correctly.