Taking the time to plan thoroughly for any move is important, but it’s all the more critical when you are moving abroad – particularly to a big capital city like Bangkok, Thailand. In this article, we’re going to list some of the most important things that you must consider before making the move to Bangkok. Here’s everything you need to know…
Research and apply for your visa in advance
Depending on what visa you’re going to need, it always pays to research and apply for it in advance. That way, when you arrive, you’ll have no trouble getting into the country (or remaining).
Make sure you have enough money behind you
Always have a safety net to fall back on should you run into any financial troubles. Make sure that you have enough money for a ticket home and the means to start again should you need it – especially if you are traveling in Thailand alone.
Only take what you need – most everything else can be purchased in Bangkok
Don’t worry about shipping furniture and the like to Bangkok – take only what you need. You can buy pretty much anything once you arrive.
Pick up some of the basics of the Thai language
It’s worth learning some of the basics of the Thai language. This will help you settle in nicely and make a good first impression. It’s also worth looking into Thai culture, such as Wai etiquette, and so forth.
Research schools if you are moving with children
If you are moving to Thailand with your family, make sure you do plenty of research in advance. There are loads of high-quality international schools, but you should find the perfect one close to where you plan to be living in Bangkok. The same applies to after-school/extracurricular activities.
Look into healthcare and other vital infrastructure
Similarly, to researching schools for your children, make sure you brush up on healthcare and all of the relevant infrastructure that will be critical in maintaining a decent quality of life. You’ll want to make sure that the area you are moving to will have everything you need to thrive. The good news is that so long as you are close to a main BTS Skytrain hub, you’ll be able to access most of Bangkok in as little as 30-40 minutes.
See what accommodation is available
Most important of all, make sure you do some research into the various kinds of accommodation in Bangkok. You can check out the condos for sale at Chamchuri Residence as a fine example of the quality of accommodation that’s available.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, there’s only so much planning and research that you can do. At some point, you’ll need to take the plunge and embrace the adventure. The fact is, Bangkok has excellent infrastructure and the locals are exceptionally friendly and accommodating. From the staff at your children’s school and your condominium complex to your prospective employers and new neighbors, you’ll have plenty of people to rely on for advice while settling in!
In any case, we hope you found this article helpful and wish you all the best on your adventures.
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