Tips to make everyday life easier for expatriates living in Thailand, to eat, to improve their social life, to integrate, to communicate, to get around...
Thailand is a popular place for expatriates from all over the world because of the comfortable and affordable lifestyle it offers.
Living here, you can enjoy spectacular scenery, a pleasant tropical climate, delicious and inexpensive food and a low-cost lifestyle.
On the other hand, Thailand, like any other place, has drawbacks that can make expatriate life difficult in some respects.
But don't worry, we're here to advise you on what you can do to make life in Thailand easier.
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1. Opening a bank account in Thailand
Having a bank account in Thailand will make your life much easier if you plan to stay here long-term.
With bank accounts, your salary can be deposited directly into your account.
In addition, you can make purchases with your debit card and pay your bills online.
With a bank account app installed on your phone, you can avoid going out and queuing to make payments, as this can all be done from the comfort of your own home.
In addition, most restaurants and shops allow you to make payments by scanning the QR code of your Thai bank account, so you don't have to carry too much cash around.
Even small fruit stalls accept QR code payments.
Savings accounts are the most popular type of bank account in Thailand.
It comes with a debit card and a passbook, sometimes called a bankbook, which keeps track of transactions.
A savings account is the best option for most expats, as it offers everything you need.
Bangkok Bank, Thailand's largest bank, offers a range of services to expatriates.
This bank offers foreigners the possibility to open a current account and to make international money transfers via SWIFT.
This feature is relatively rare among other Thai banks.
See : How to open a bank account in Thailand in 2022?
If you also have a multi-currency account like WiseYou can easily convert your money into baht and transfer it to your Thai account.
2. Familiarise yourself with the culture and customs
Expatriates are advised to practice Thai culture and customs in order to settle in well.
Politeness is very important in Thailand, so avoid raising your voice or being too direct.
See : Do's and don'ts in Thailand, the things you need to know
As far as greetings are concerned, it is important to know that people do not kiss in Thailand, shaking hands is practiced, but it is not the custom.
For information on how to greet, see : Learn to make wai in Thailand
3. Learn the language
One of the most important things to make your life in Thailand easier is to learn the language.
Indeed, many people in Thailand do not speak English.
By learning Thai, you will be able to easily visit a wider variety of restaurants, shops and less touristy places.
You will also avoid getting lost or ripped off.
Learning phrases like "maille phette", which translates to "not spicy", can be helpful if you want to avoid having a burnt tongue every time you eat.
Maille Saille Phrik, which means 'don't put any chilli', is a better way of telling them if you don't want any chilli at all.
As far as work is concerned, learning Thai will bring you many considerable advantages.
In addition, it will reduce the number of problems resulting from cultural differences and, most importantly, learning the language will help you to better understand the Thai people - which is the key to doing good business here!
See : Thai language, the minimum vocabulary to know on your first trip
4. Download the application 7/11
A 7Eleven shop in Thailand
Downloading the 7/11 delivery app will make your life so much easier!
In addition to being able to order snacks, this application is also useful when you run out of certain food products.
For example, if you wake up in the morning and want to make yourself a nice breakfast, but realise you've run out of eggs, 7/11 can deliver them to you within 15 minutes.
Or if you have a busy day at work and need a bite to eat before your big presentation, you can simply get your quick meal ready to eat from 7/11.
5. Download the Grab application (for transport and food)
Taxi Grab
Taking a local taxi or Tuk-tuk in Thailand can be dangerous.
And during peak hours, taxi drivers find the best opportunity to rip you off.
By installing Grab, your experience will be safer, more comfortable and more convenient.
With Grab, you'll avoid having to explain "hard-to-pronounce" Thai locations to the driver, as you simply select the location and pick-up point in the app.
Users will not have to worry about their safety either, as Grab's office monitors your journey and you can also share your location with your friends or family.
Grab also offers promotional codes so that you can book your journey at a lower price!
Food Grab
Grab offers around 37 food categories from around the world, including burgers, barbecues, rice bowls and sushi.
Most expats use Grab Food because of its wide choice, reliability and ease of use.
When you place your order, Grab Food can tell you the estimated waiting time until you receive your food, prices and delivery charges.
When you place your order, Grab locates the nearest driver to the collection point and connects you instantly once the order has been accepted.
With Grab, you get real-time updates and you can also easily modify your orders.
6. Make a metro card (BTS or MRT) if you live in Bangkok
Having a BTS or MRT card can save you a lot of time if you live in Bangkok.
You won't have to queue, especially at often crowded stations like Asoke or Silom, to get your ticket for a single ride.
On top of that, it's cheaper!
You can also use your Rabbit BTS/MRT card to buy snacks, food or drinks and in a shopping centre.
7. Take out health insurance.
It is strongly recommended that expatriates in Thailand take out good health insurance to protect against expensive medical treatment in Thailand.
For example, if you have a serious injury that requires surgery or cancer, getting top-notch treatment and hospital facilities in Thailand can put a huge strain on your finances.
With property health insurance, the insurance company is responsible for the costs of medical care.
Therefore, you can protect yourself against paying the full cost and get treatment in a good hospital without worrying.
See for example: AXA Travel Insurance
8. Download Line (a communication application)
Almost everyone in Thailand uses Line to send messages.
Although Whatsapp and Messanger are also used here, they are not the main method of communication.
Most Thais communicate more via Line and expect you to have it.
With Line, you can send free SMS, make a voice or video call and send cute emojis.
In addition, you can also watch movies and TV series via Line Live or play entertaining games.
There is also a Line dictionary that users can use to revise their Thai.
9. To have a good social life here, join Meetups
If you have recently moved to Thailand and want to make friends and have a better social life, it is a great idea to join Meetups.
With Meetup, you will have the opportunity to make friends easily, participate in fun activities and hobbies you enjoy or build a professional network.
With Meetup, you can have the opportunity to develop healthy habits by joining yoga, meditation and sports groups.
There are also courses such as entrepreneurship, real estate and public speaking if you want to develop your career.
Alternatively, you can just have fun and meet people who share your interests such as writing, dancing or photography.
10. Hire a house cleaning service
Cleaning lady. Photo: SAIJAI
Labour costs in Thailand are generally lower than in Western countries.
Therefore, it is an affordable luxury for many expatriates living in Thailand to hire a housekeeper or nanny to look after the children and help with household chores.
Having a cleaner in Thailand is not expensive, especially if you have a cleaner who comes more than twice a week.
The main market for online services in Thailand, SAIJAIoffers a wide range of qualified cleaners who will do the job thoroughly and professionally, giving you more free time and peace of mind.
See also :
How much does it cost to live in Thailand in 2022?
Living in Thailand: the good and the bad
Source: The Thaiger
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