Moving to Thailand is one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions you can make. Not only does Thailand have a great climate and culture, but it also has stunning beaches, delicious food and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re relocating for work or moving with your family, there are several things you should do before arriving in Thailand. Here are the top 5 tips:
Get a car insurance
If you don’t have car insurance in your home country, then it is important that you get a car insurance before moving to Thailand. Thai law requires all cars to be insured and failure to comply can lead to a fine or even imprisonment.
You should buy a third-party liability insurance policy that covers medical expenses and damage caused by the vehicle within Thailand. This will cost around $200-$300 per year for most people.
But if you are moving here with children under 18 years old, then it may be worth looking into family car insurance policies which start from $400 or so depending on where you live and what kind of coverages are included in their policies.
Pack clothing suitable to the climate
When you’re packing for your move, remember that Thailand’s weather is much warmer than what you may be used to in North America or Europe. Pack light clothing so you can easily carry it around with you all day without feeling weighed down by an overstuffed luggage bag.
In addition, bring items such as a raincoat and sunglasses that are specifically designed for tropical climates. The UVA rays of the sun can still be strong even when it’s raining outside, so keep yourself protected from overexposure by wearing long sleeves and bringing along some sunscreen too—whether or not it looks like there’s sun out there.
Get travel vaccinations
Before moving abroad, you should get the right vaccinations. If you’re going to Thailand, you should check if you need a visa and/or a work permit. You’ll also need to know if you need to buy car insurance in Thailand or apply for one of those things they call residence permits.
Know the local laws
With a few exceptions, Thai laws are very different from those in your home country. You’ll need to learn which activities are legal and which are illegal before you move.
Additionally, don’t drink alcohol in public. In Thailand, it’s against the law to drink alcohol in public places or on buses and trains (although you can drink at certain bars). If you break this law, the police can give you a fine of up to $250 USD or send you to jail for up to one month—basically, don’t even think about it.
Learn rudimentary Thai
While many people choose to learn Thai through self-study, it’s a good idea to take some classes before moving here. There are a number of language schools in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket where you can sign up for group or private lessons. Some places even offer one-on-one lessons tailored to your needs.
Just make sure that the school is accredited by an official agency such as TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) or DELTA (Dialects for English Language Teaching Abroad). If you’re looking for an online option, there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started with learning Thai phrases.
Conclusion
Moving to Thailand can be a bit of a challenge, but once you get settled in you’ll wonder why you ever lived anywhere else. The wide range of foods and experiences available here not only makes it an amazing place to live but also makes it more affordable than many other countries in Asia. Since Thailand is so popular among ex-pats and tourists alike we thought it would be helpful to list some things that will prepare new arrivals before they go ahead with their move.
