If You Want to Move to Thailand in 2025, I’d Do This…

Summary

In this video, the creator provides a comprehensive guide for anyone considering moving to Thailand. Key steps include ensuring your passport is valid, choosing the right visa, and researching your budget and living costs. Practical advice includes how to handle mail, finances, and setting up communication through a local SIM card. Tips for selecting a place to live, the importance of consulting a visa service, and how to manage pets and banking in Thailand are also covered. The video offers valuable insights for a smooth transition and encourages users to plan thoroughly before making the move.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before moving to Thailand and has enough blank pages.
• 😀 Research the appropriate visa for your stay in Thailand based on factors like your age, employment status, and how long you plan to stay.
• 😀 Consider using a visa service company to simplify the process, especially for your first year in Thailand.
• 😀 If you're planning to work in Thailand, explore online income opportunities that can be paid from your home country, as most local jobs are not available to foreigners.
• 😀 Research the cost of living in Thailand carefully, as some expenses like electricity can be higher than expected.
• 😀 Decide what to keep, sell, or store before moving to Thailand. Make arrangements for valuable items you don’t want to bring.
• 😀 Be mindful of voltage differences in Thailand, especially with electronics, and check if your devices will work with Thai outlets.
• 😀 Research different regions in Thailand to find the best place to live based on your preferences, whether it's mountains, beaches, or urban areas.
• 😀 Set up a mail forwarding service like iPostal1 to manage important mail while you're living abroad.
• 😀 Notify your bank and financial institutions about your move to Thailand to avoid issues with card transactions or withdrawals.
• 😀 Use services like Wise to transfer money from your home country to Thailand, and research alternatives if Wise is unavailable in your country.

Q & A

What is the first step to consider before moving to Thailand?

The first step is to ensure that you have a valid passport, making sure it doesn't expire within the next 6 months and has plenty of blank pages for entry stamps. It's also important to research the passport requirements specific to Thailand.

Why is it important to research visa types when moving to Thailand?

Researching visa types is crucial because Thailand offers various visas depending on factors like the duration of your stay, your age, and whether you're planning to work or retire. It's important to find the right visa to match your situation.

What should you do if you're unsure about which visa to choose?

If you're unsure about which visa to choose, it's recommended to consult with a Visa Service Company. They can help clarify which visa suits your needs, and assist with the process, especially for your first year.

What is a good way to make a living in Thailand if you're not retired?

If you're not retired, a good option is to make money online from your home country while living in Thailand. This allows you to earn a salary in your home country's currency, which can go further in Thailand due to its lower cost of living.

What factors should be considered when determining your budget for living in Thailand?

When determining your budget, consider the cost of living for essentials like housing, food, transportation, and utilities. Some things in Thailand are very cheap, but others, like electricity, can be surprisingly expensive. Research is key to understanding your true budget.

How should you handle your belongings before moving to Thailand?

Before moving, decide which belongings you want to keep and which you want to sell. You can ask friends or family to hold onto some items you don’t want to bring to Thailand. Additionally, consider the costs and logistics of shipping or carrying items, especially electronics, which may need voltage adapters.

What should you research about the area you're planning to live in Thailand?

It's essential to research the area you're planning to live in thoroughly. Consider factors like climate, lifestyle, and whether the area suits your preferences. For example, areas like Chiang Mai offer more outdoor activities, while places like Phuket are known for their beaches.

How can you handle receiving mail after moving to Thailand?

To manage mail while in Thailand, consider using services like iPostal1, where your mail is sent to them, scanned, and forwarded to you digitally. This way, you can stay updated with important mail even after you’ve left your home country.

What is the importance of notifying financial institutions when moving to Thailand?

Notifying financial institutions like your bank about your move is crucial to prevent issues like declined cards due to security concerns. Make sure they know you're relocating to avoid disruptions when using your cards abroad.

What should you do to manage your finances between countries?

To manage finances between your home country and Thailand, you can use services like Wise to transfer money affordably from your home account to your Thai bank account. Research alternatives if Wise is not available in your country.

What are some tips for settling into Thailand after arrival?

Upon arrival, it's advisable to withdraw as much cash as possible from the ATM at the airport to avoid multiple transaction fees. Additionally, get a temporary SIM card at the airport and later switch to a long-term plan at a local store. Also, consider getting a Thai driver's license and setting up a local bank account, both of which are easier with assistance from a visa service.