31 Things to Know Before Moving to Thailand

Before I moved to Thailand the first time, I had very little idea of what moving to Thailand actually entailed. All I knew is that I wanted an adventure, a chance to live a bigger, better life than the one I was starting out with in England.

I am so lucky and blessed that moving to Thailand was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I am now lucky enough to help other future expats realise their dreams of living in Thailand.

However, the best thing to help you prepare for your Thailand move is to research and gain some understanding of what it is like living in Thailand before you move here, both mindset wise to handle your emotions and practical wise to prepare your documents.

1. Manage Your Expectations

When you are living in Thailand things will not work the way you expect them to – and that’s okay. You moved here because you wanted a change and you thought Thailand living would give you that.

This means letting go of some of our assumptions and understanding that bureacracy will feel frustrating, the way that people do things will be different from what you are used to, such as hand gestures and the way people speak or drive or live.

After 8+ years of living in Thailand, I know that my patience has been tested many times and the best way to deal with that is to accept that things are done differently here. This is Thailand, not my home country of the UK.

2. Moving to Thailand is different from travelling here

It’s likely that you visited Thailand before you decided to move here, that’s what I did and many of my friends and my partner here. When you are on holiday your mindset is very different; we tend to be more relaxed, openminded and carefree.

Moving to Thailand is unlikely to feel quite so relaxing.

Moving abroad and becoming an expat, whether for the first time or for the 10th time, can feel overwhelming, frustrating and confusing.

I think it is good to remind yourself that you aren’t on a holiday and that is is okay for things to feel overwhelming. If I could move here age 24 with very little idea about the world – then you can too!

3. Manage your money

While Thailand is a very affordable country and has a low cost of living, many expats still get into trouble with their finances and it can cause people to have to return home. I think all this can be avoided with planning and having adequate savings. Living in Thailand usually means cheap rent, cheap food and cheap travel.

However, don’t underestimate how much money you will need to live here. For example, when putting down a deposit for a condo you will likely need 3 months rent upfront 2 months for the deposit and 1 month rent upfront before you move in. This will take a significant chunk out of your savings and should be taken into account before you move.

4. Paperwork and admin

If you are moving from a country that is far from Thailand, then you will need to ensure you have all possible paperwork with you before you depart. This will range from the obvious; passport, visa documents, bank statements to the items people often forget or lose; qualification certificates, driving license, birth certificate.

5. The weather is crazy

If you visited here during dry season before moving to Thailand, then rainy season may shock you! Flash floods and crazy loud storms happen on a weekly basis. While on holiday this might be funny, it can hit different when you are trying to make your way to work and end up drenched! You should also note the usual weather patterns are disrupted lately and there are still storms happening in dry season.

6. Making friends

I have always found making friends and new connections in Thailand easy. Making new friends is always my main concern when moving to a new country (I’ve moved countries 6 different times in my life) but it ALWAYS works out okay and I end up with incredible, inspiring people in my life that are there for good (even after I’ve bounced countries – usually moving back to Thailand again!).

7. Customer service is…different here!

I feel like this one is particularly appropriate for people moving to Thailand from the US. Thai people are so friendly and welcoming. However, customer service is much much slower in Thailand than in the UK or USA in my experience. People will not fall over themselves to pander to the customer and you are unlikely to be treated like the customer is always right!

8. Thai people are welcoming…but it can be hard to integrate

While I’ve always had close Thai friends I know that is not the case for many expats. If you are in a digital nomad world then you are likely to meet other foreigners and this is often true when working for schools or international companies.

I found I had to go out and make the effort to make Thai friends and all my Thai mates previously lived abroad so align with the ‘expat’ community. Once you have found your Thai friends, they are yours for life!

9. Insects and pests

If you haven’t lived in a tropical country before then you may be shocked by the insects you encounter. Mosquitos are common everywhere in Thailand although it is not a malaria area.

You are likely to see cockroaches wandering the streets, in restaurants and sometimes even in your condo! Ants also seem to manage to get everywhere no matter how hard you clean.

You will frequently see geckos on the outside (and sometimes insides) of buildings. I’ve been very grateful that living in Bangkok in high up condos has meant I never see spiders – so that’s a perk!

10. You say you’re moving for a year

And end up staying 8! I think a lot of expats say that they are just moving to Thailand for a year, but then find they love it here and extend, find a better job here and start to settle. Even if this means you won’t be here permanently, I think it’s good to be open to the fact that you may stay longer than you planned!

11. Private healthcare is AMAZING

Coming from the UK, we have state healthcare which is amazing but often very underfunded by multiple governments. I was so surprised the first time I went to a hospital in Thailand- they feel like hotels!

They have expansive lobbies, beautiful decorations and you are treated more like a VIP guest than a patient. Please note I am only referring to private hospitals which you can access with health insurance. I have never used a government medical facility in Thailand.

12. You can buy anything here

When I first moved to Thailand, I read on a blog that you couldn’t buy tampons in Thailand and I brought LOADS from home! 😂 Turns out, you can totally buy tampons in Thailand.

You can pretty much get everything you want from branded cosmetics to birth control to designer clothing and high street shops we recognise from the UK and US.

I do have some recommendations to bring items from home, but this is usually because the cost is more in Thailand for some imported goods so it is cheaper to buy from home.

13. Nature is INSANE

We all know that Thailand is home to many elephant sanctuaries but I had no idea that you can see wild elephants, pink dolphins and whales in Thailand! There is so much to discover here if you love wildlife and nature. And even BETTER if you learn to scuba dive!

14. Weed is legal but vaping is illegal

Many visitors to Thailand find this amusing and weird but it is the truth. Thailand legalised weed in 2022 and you can find it everywhere – too many shops to be honest in my opinion!

Vaping is illegal due to the nature of not knowing what is inside the vape. You can still buy them here but please note it is illegal and police can fine you.

15. Some things just work better than home

Along with the impressive private hospitals, I have found the banking systems in Thailand to be excellent. You can easily set up a bank account with your paperwork and pay for things using QR codes, even street stalls use them.

You can walk into a new bank and walk out with a card on the same day. None of this waiting 2 weeks to receive one in the post like with UK banks (and I hear American ones too).

16. ATMs give cash first and your card after

Try to avoid being caught out like I have…ATMs present your cash first and then give you your card back. If like me, you are used to the card first and cash second system then you will probably leave your bank card in the machine and walk away.

I think I am currently in my 5th card in the last few years as I KEEP leaving them inside machines, particularly as I get distracted! Try to avoid being me!

I also recommend using an ATM next to the actual bank as they will be able to access the machine for you if your card gets swallowed. Also note that when withdrawing from foreign bank accounts all ATM machines charge around 220 baht per withdrawal.

17. Monks

You’ll see monks everywhere in Thailand, dressed in bright orange robes and they are deeply respected members of society. On public transport, you are expected to give your seat to a monk, the same way that you would for a pregnant or elderly person.

You should not stand near monks (even in crowded places – I got told off once- even though the boat was packed!). Some monks are also children and in Thai society you can become a monk for a short time. It doesn’t have to be a life decision.

18. Buddhism and Religions

Thailand is a majority Buddhist country. You’ll notice it in daily routines—like spirit houses outside homes. Outside your condo you will find a spirit house and many Thai people will bow to it and often leave offerings there.

Visiting the temple is done frequently by practising Thais and weddings can involve monks and Buddhist ceremonies. In the morning monks will walk along the streets and people will stop them and offer them ‘alms’ – often food or drinks. Many Thais will visit the temple to ‘make merit’ – a way of praying.

There are also many Muslims and mosques in Thailand. The south tends to a bigger Muslim majority and lots of the islands are majority Muslim. However, you can still find Muslim communities in Bangkok and various mosques.

There is also a Christian community in Thailand with various churches, particularly in Bangkok.

19. Cultural differences and surprises

Thailand has unspoken social rules that might surprise you. The head is sacred—don’t touch anyone’s, not even a child’s. Feet are considered dirty, so never point them at someone or put them on furniture. And yes, smiling is huge here and Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. BUT it doesn’t always mean happiness; smiling in Thailand can mean discomfort, embarrassment, or even frustration. This is really helpful to know for many situations.

When I’ve scolded a misbehaving student before and they smiled, my initial response is to assume they are being insolent. That was not the case and it often isn’t, it was for me to adjust my expectations to the culture that I am in.

20. Monarchy and government

In Thailand, you do not discuss the monarchy or government critically as it’s illegal. The lèse-majesté laws are strict and taken seriously. Avoid speaking about this in public or sharing social media posts that could be seen as negative.

21. Visa options and be legal

One of the most confusing aspects of moving to Thailand can be your visa options. If you’re a teacher like me or working for a company within Thailand, then they will organise a work permit and non immigrant B visa for you.

If you are a digital nomad like my partner, then you can apply for the DTV visa.

There is a new visa that Thailand have just started talking about so all visa routes will be shared on my How to Move to Thailand facebook page here.

Do not believe influencers or random youtubers that it is a good idea to come here on a tourist visa and do multiple visa runs. These are known as ‘border runs’ where tourists go in and out of the country on the same day to ‘restart’ their tourist visa. Thai immigration are cracking down on people doing this and you risk not being allowed back into the country or even banned.

22. Disrespectful expats and tourists

Unfortunately there are some truly awful expats in Thailand (and tourists) and I think it’s important to be aware of them. We have the ‘sexpats’, nicknamed because they are old white men trying to find Thai girlfriends who are young enough to be their granddaughters. There are those so in the expat bubble that they won’t make Thai friends and appreciate local culture. Then you have people who are here treating Thailand like a cheap playground, driving topless around Thailand (which is disrespectful and illegal) or starting fights in local bars and being drunk and disorderly.

23. Shops are open ALL the time

One of the small joys of living in Thailand is the accessibility. Need water at 3 a.m.? A snack after a night out? A phone charger? Just walk to the nearest 7-Eleven. They’re everywhere, they never close, and they stock everything from hot meals to beauty products. Supermarkets do have closing times as do malls and banks but they are open LATE and open 7 days a week. Something that really surprised me coming from Europe where there are Sunday closing times and things close randomly on Mondays!

24. Bum guns and toilet paper

Ah yes, the infamous bum gun or toilet hose, a handheld bidet next to every toilet in Thailand. At first, it might seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I never feel clean without one now! Just note: most Thai bathrooms don’t offer toilet paper, so carry a pack with you.

It takes some practise to use so try the one in your condo before using any in public! They are more hygienic and more eco-friendly. Win win.

25. Learning Thai

I thought I was good at languages before moving to Thailand. I speak French fluently and some Spanish and previously learnt Portuguese. Thai is a whole different level. The tones are challenging for me to hear and the writing sometimes feels impossible to learn (I still have flashcards to look at!). But it is so worth it. Thai people are so happy when you make the effort to speak Thai to them and it makes you feel like you belong just a little bit more. Not to mention I get great discounts in the market when haggling in Thai! No, you don’t need to be fluent but you are in a foreign country and effort to learn the local language is important.

26. Laws that are surprising

Apart from the shock of vaping being illegal and cannabis being legal, there are more laws in Thailand that may surprise foreigners living here. You can’t buy alcohol at certain hours from supermarkets or 711 between the hours of 2-5pm or before 11am in the morning (that last bit I ONLY just learned last month after 8 years of living here!)

Gambling is illegal in Thailand which also covers using playing cards! Uno is fine though!

27. Mythbusting – Thailand as a ‘poor’ country

Many foreigners arrive expecting poverty, but Thailand is incredibly developed. Bangkok is a major city with skyscrapers, financial districts, Michelin star restaurants and 5 star hotels. There is poverty here, including slums but I think the development in the big cities here shocks many first time visitors to Thailand. Thailand is recognised as an upper-middle income country nowadays although a lot of inequality still exists and there is a huge disparity between the rich and the poor here, like in many countries.

Some of the most efficient systems I’ve used, from delivery apps to banking are in Thailand.

28. Thai salaries

One of the main things to be aware of when you move to Thailand is that there is a huge discrepancy in salaries. Unfortunately Thai salaries tend to be lower than their expat equivalent which really shocked me.

Even among foreign teachers, salaries can be widely different. In some local schools teachers can be on salaries as low as 20,000 baht a month whereas in the top international schools in Bangkok teachers can earn as much as they would in London or their home countries.

This really made me think that when I organise events for friends or birthdays and celebrations it is wise to consider the cost to the individual and if people you are inviting will be able to afford it. To be inclusive I always recommend meeting at a low cost place so that nobody is excluded based on finances.

29. Forward Thinking Steps

In 2025, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a historic step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and one that we all had been waiting for for a long time, especially given the open attitude of Thai society towards gay couples and the trans community. Abortion was also decriminalized in 2021, and both changes reflect a growing openness in Thai society, particularly compared to some Western nations still grappling with these issues.

This progressive environment is one reason why so many LGBTQ+ expats feel comfortable moving to Thailand.

30. Thai Food: What to Expect

Thai cuisine is one of the amazing perks of living in Thailand with such delicious food available and affordable, even for vegetarians. You will come across a range of more unusual delicacies in Thailand such as crickets, grasshoppers, frogs and in some areas monkey brain (although this is rare!).

Cutlery in Thailand is unique: you eat with a spoon in your right hand and use the fork to push food onto it. You won’t find knives on the table because everything is served ready to eat.

31. Living in Bangkok vs Living in the rest of Thailand

As you can expect, living in a big city is going to be very different from living in rural Thailand. Some teachers have had a shock before when rocking up in a tiny village in the mountains and realising no-one speaks English and this can be isolating at first. Think carefully about the best place for you to move to.

Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have the appeal of being developed cities with sizeable populations and many activities to do there. However, both suffer from bad traffic and poor air quality at certain times of year so this is important to consider before moving to Thailand.

Digital nomads tend to feel excited that they can bounce around to different locations. However, this can be lonely as they don’t make strong social connections because of moving frequently. These are all things to know before moving to Thailand to help you make it a success.

More Move to Thailand resources

You can find all my free resources here.

Reasons to move to Thailand (if you needed any more convincing!)

Are you planning to move to Thailand by yourself? I’ve done that twice!

What to think about before moving to Thailand to make sure you are fully prepared

My Youtube account with videos on How to Move to Thailand (run by Jason, who moved to Thailand from the US)

We also have an Instagram account where we share videos of tips for moving to Thailand

Take our free quiz to find out if you are ready to move to Thailand!

Jason and I have written an ebook on how to move to Thailand. In it we share all our first hand experience of moving here on different visas, it has an American and British perspective and a teacher and digital nomad one too. We are so proud of our ebook and it’s been helping people make their move to Thailand come true since we released it earlier this year. It’s more than an ebook because every purchase gives you lifetime access to our private community so we can support you along the way.