12 Mistakes I Made (And Avoided) Living In Thailand
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
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Great video Joe - pragmatic advice particularly your prudent points on cash transfer across borders!
Yes, it was just my opinion, but I think I showed there's a place for Wise or flat rate transfers. For me, I'll take the $13 hit on small transfers to use a company I know. Plus, I'm switching to a few large transfers instead of the monthly cost and (possible) lower baht rate
Useful video for anyone wanting to check off the potential pitfalls of living in Thailand
Hey thanks for watching. Again, just my experiences. But, it could help someone avoid the same mistake
Another great video Joe. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge of BKK and Thailand in general.
I really appreciate you watching. I'm sure not an expert, just sharing my voyage and mistakes
Thanks! Great info!
Thank you very much for the generous gift. I make plenty of mistakes, but if I can help answer any questions, please ask. Thank you for watching
I’m leaving for Thailand on Monday. I’ve spent some time in Phuket but never much in Bangkok. Really appreciate your videos.
I appreciate you watching
Awesome collection of things to avoid and things to consider! Thank you!
Thanks, no complaints from me at all. But, just a few things you might be able to avoid
This is great info. Thank you!
I appreciate you watching.
nice video, could make video right side of the lotus sukhimvit 50 its a small market place i think i wanna see how much it changed over the years, thanx
Yes, I'll get back over there. If you check my Bangkok Playlist, you'll see a dozen videos in the On Nut area. I used to live on Soi 77 for a year. Thanks for watching
great advice. thanks...
Glad it was helpful!. Thank you for watching
I wear shoe size 13 US and it was hard to find them during my time there.
Yes that's pretty common in the US, not so much here. I wear a regular large T shirt. Here that large feels like a US men's small. I wear at least an XL here. I bought those knock off dry fit shirts
Think you covered it well chok dee
Thanks for watching
Along with bringing shaving razors from your home country, also shaving cream and cotton sheets.
Yes if you want nice sheets, they are way cheaper in the US. Not sure about other countries. Razors are also cheaper in the US. Shaving cream is everywhere here. Foam or gel type. I wouldn't waste space bringing that
They used to sell good shoes in basement shops at Phetchaburi road, the same side of the road as Pratunam market, the shoes were identical to the branded shoes they made in Thailand, they just forgot to label them.. (I don't know if the shops are still there)
I'm not sure, but some of those copies are nice. Thanks for watching
Whaaat? Your US Blue Cross works in Thailand? Ive always understood that US health insurance only works in the State you bought it in. Most policies will cover ‘emergencies’ elsewhere on a reimbursement basis and good luck with that. If your policy works in Asia please let us know exactly what policy you have and how to get it! Subscribed.
I have Blue Cross Federal. I think you can only get it as a Federal or retired worker. But, it works anywhere in the world. They even have "in network" providers here in Bangkok. You just pay the co-pay. I'm sure they have a policy you can buy, but it's probably very expensive. I pay $300 a month, but I think my policy is $1300 a month. One of the benefits of 37 years as a government worker.
A few of my friends have AXA (Thai) insurance policies. That's another option, but I don't know anything about it.
Yep, now I understand. That is a perk us mere mortals cant get 😉. But yeah, as you pointed out, for $300/month we can buy decent insurance there too. Thanks!
@@ActaNonVerba1961 Yes, I know I'm lucky to keep that policy in retirement. But, Thai insurance might even work smoother
Come to Bangkok thermal coffee isarel friends are there. Have arrived drink keep smiling ☺
Thank you for watching
I bring home clothes from Thailand much cheaper that UK never thought of taking shirts and shorts there lol
I hear ya. But the cheap stuff is fake. The cheapest thread and fabric. That's OK, but the first time I toss any of those shirts in a dryer, they shrink in funny ways. I'm not sure about the UK, but you can get real Adidas or Nike shirts for $10 on sale in the US that will last for years. The real stuff here costs $35
Thanks for a great video. I'm from Australia and we also get a flat sheet (top sheet) with every set of sheets. I love good quality sheets and planned to bring a set with me. Well, they wouldn't fit in my suitcase so I ended up on Lazada when I arrived as nowhere had top sheets. I found hotel quality 100% cotton and I am happy with them.
Lazada is another good choice. I haven't used Lazada yet. I will try soon. Thanks for watching
Great videos . Im sure you get asked this so many times but... I want to rent a condo for a few weeks in Bangkok . What area would you suggest , I would like a area that isn't too touristy that I can interact with the locals but also has the amenities to make my stay comfortable , also a good view would be nice.
Renting a condo for two weeks is tricky. Most places will have security doors and guards. To get in and stop on your floor. You need to register with the office and they only take 30 day plus visits on Airbnb.
The good news is nice hotels are affordable in Bangkok. Check the price on the Hyatt Place on Sukhumvit Soi 24. Close to all and has a great free breakfast. The Courtyard Marriott on Sukhumvit Soi 20 is also close to all. These are the lower end in the chains, but a great value.
Phrom Phong is the area I would suggest. Have a great visit
I always have at least 2 cards with me, one card I can top up and one card linked to my bank account, I almost always use the card I top up because if I lose it, I only lose the money I topped up the card with
That's good advice. Thanks for watching
2 thousand dollars is a lot of money, I’ve seen the flipping of the shot glass to show that you have a drink coming. Well when they wipe down the bar they take the glass with them. I don’t drink, I was with some friends and I caught it. The bartender wasn’t thrilled.
Did I say $2000 dollars? If so, I meant to say 2000 baht. Still, after you pay for your drinks, that's a $100 night. The bartender you caught was in the wrong taking back the shot glass. It sounds like they like to charge for a drink and not give it to the customer.
Can you do a video on how you transfer money please? If you have already done one can you please give me a link to it? My wife and I are moving to Krabi full time in March. Also any advice you can give on the choice of visa to get ..... We both are over 50 years old. Thanks a million!
I got a Non O for retirement visa. That's all I know. Here's a few links. Best of luck with your move.
th-cam.com/video/ec5-ypX3nBY/w-d-xo.html. th-cam.com/video/ec5-ypX3nBY/w-d-xo.html Just use the search thing on my channel. I've tried to make some helpful videos
Speaking of planes, were you in San Diego when the PSA 727 went down?
Ya, that was a sad day. I was twelve. My dad was on a US Navy Search & Rescue Helicopter. He was the medic. The Navy responded to help the city in this disaster. That changed the way planes approach an airport everywhere in the world. Air traffic control cleared the PSA to make a short approach and the Cessna was talking to another airport. That's tricky airspace. You have Miramar, North Island, Lindbergh Field, Montgomery, Gillespe, Imperial Beach & Brown Field in a very small area. Very busy airspace.
What about purchase from Amazon US? Will you have to pay vat?
I've never used Amazon here. You pay a very high customs rate depending on the item. Some things have a 100% to 300% import fee. Plus, the weight of shipping. I think international, that free shipping goes out the window. Amazon is suppose to collect the customs and the package is delivered to your building. What I've read online, many people get a notice to go to the post office to pay customs again. One guy said he had to pay $20 customs on a $50 item. Another guy said he ordered (I think) a laptop. He paid the customs to Amazon. It was held at the airport and it cost him another $300 customs, to get his package. Other people said Amazon works great. But, I have no experience. For small items many people use Lazada here. I never have, but I'm sure I will at some point
@@EagerExpat Thank you☺️
Is that $2000 baht or $2000 us to hire a agency to do your retired visa?
I've heard people tell me they paid between $1500 and $2000 US. Usually the higher amount might include a drivers license. 2000 baht was my bar tab in Jomtien tonight. It was a fun night
@EagerExpat Thanks, $2000 USD seems high for Thailand. I will probably try to do it on my own. Also your tab last night was on the high side, you had a blast last night. 😊
@@jeromeh6078 Ya, that included a 1000b steak at the Beefeater Steakhouse. That was worth it
Forgive me, but I've lived in Thailand for 17 yrs.... your way off on some info. I can buy very good quality collar shirts for about 12 bucks a pop. Same with razors never paid high prices for razors. Same with Nikes, I can buy cheaper in Thailand. Same with mobile I pay only 270+/- Baht per month and have unlimited calling or text with AIS ...same with most all of your info here. I do NOT buy in BKK. I buy in rural villages and my Thai g/f buys for me. YUP ....buy in BKK yourself and your going to pay a lot. Trick is, knowing where to buy and where not to buy. Buy in expensive Malls and shops in Bangkok or Pattaya and YUP ....your going to get soaked. Get into the rural areas .....why stay in a large city, you may as well be in New York.
I hear ya. The video is about me living in Bangkok. Some razors are cheap. Gillete Fusion is 300% more than the US. Fake Nikes are $15 or $20 in Bangkok, too. The real ones are $40 more than the US. Over $130 us. I'm not sure if you heard correctly. I said I made a mistake not getting the 250b AIS plan. I got the overpriced plan to save $300 on the $1300 phone. That was a mistake. As far as shirts, sure you can get a $10 shirt. I'm an old surfer who likes the Quicksilver or Ripcurl shirts. Those are $50 to get an import here. Fake one might be $5. Might also last 5 washings.
Respecfully, I'm not sure i was off on anything. If you want real Nikes, they cost $130 bucks. In Bkk or Issan. I can't wear the fakes. I walk 5 to 10 miles a day. I said Ripcurl shirts cost $50. Of course you can buy a plain shirt. In Issan, a Ripcurl shirt will also be $50. As far as going rural to save a few bucks, that's not for me. I need a large city. Bangkok is New York City with 1990s prices. If I wanted to live cheap in the country, you could do that in the US. I'm here to live cheaply in a major fun city. My kid is a lawyer in New York. His rent is $6000. Hardly compares to my rent in BKK of $500 US. Sure, I could live in the country for $200. But, i would be bored. No complaints from me at all. I agree, you need to buy local. I was just pointing out that many name brand items like fancy razors cost ten times more anywhere in Thailand. Sure, use a cheaper brand, and that's fine. Many guys want the latest 5 blades, etc.. not me or you, I'm just pointing it out.
As far as Bangkok malls cost more, it's the same price at any mall in Thailand. It just depends on what you buy. A Gucci purse in BKK will cost the same amount in any mall. Buying a fake purse for $10 and saying BKK is expensive isn't a fair comparison. I was comparing that real purse for $200 in BKK or Issan to the same purse in California at $150. Same with the other name brands. We have MBK if I need the fake items. Those shoes are fine, but they won't last on my long hikes each day. I was a, mailman. I pay a little extra for footwear. But after walking thousands of miles, my feet don't hurt at age 57. Again, I wasn't complaining at all. I love BKK. The first visit was 1984. Followed by 20 visits. Still, if you need real size 14 Nikes, bring them from the US. I wear a size 32 levi. If you wear a size 42, good luck with that. You can buy the Big C brand, but that's not a fair comparison. If I say Levi's cost more in Thailand, you can't say I'm wrong because you buy Big C brand for 200b. That's not the same thing. I appreciate the comment, even though you were calling me out. But, this wasn't a how-to save money video. It was a mistakes I've made video. Like the high cell bill. Even at 1600b, it's $50 bucks cheaper than the US. See ya later, man. We both love Thailand. I appreciate you watching and leaving a comment.
Great tips.
Hey Joe, can I ask a question about Koh Chang if you’ve been?
Do you know if it’s easier to take a taxi from trat airport to the ferry /pier and just walk onto the ferry by foot instead of waiting in that line for cars? Any tips on that and specific days that are better than others to avoid that long line It appears I’m reading about .?
Stay safe
Sorry, I've been to Koh Chang but that was in 2014? I need to go back myself. I keep going to Koh Samui
@@EagerExpat sounds good. Thanks
Google Fi has unlocked phones. I spend $100 on a Huawei phone in 2017 and it's still my favorite and works great in Thailand.
Good tip. Thanks for watching
Great info, on the money exchange be aware that they count the baht first, make you sign the receipt first then give you the money. If there is a mis-count on their part, on purpose or by accident, you have no re-course as you already signed the receipt saying that you received the correct amount. I learned from experience and recommend that you only exchange in a bank, where there generally is a money counting device they put the money through first, cameras and a manager you can speak to for assistance.
That's good advice. I haven't exchanged in years. I always used to hand them my bills one at a time. So we both counted. Usually five $100 dollar bills, etc.. No confusion. Like you said, mistakes can happen. Or scams
Do you know anyone whom has their Military retirement DD into Bangkok Bank?
I don't. I asked if I could have my federal retirement check deposited and they said no. Bangkok Bank has a branch in New York. You can't open an account, but some people were getting away with a US bank to US bank transfer. Using the bank code. I think they shut that loophole. I never tried it. I just read on Facebook groups, it no longer worked. Check out my video on how I transfer money. I should be on my Bangkok playlist
What mall are you in for this video?
That's the Century Movie at the On Nut BTS
I always buy shoes and sandals that can be washed in a washing machine, the heat makes me sweat and after a short time of use the shoes stink 😂
Yes, I will hand wash my shoes in the shower once in awhile. Put them in the sun and they dry out in a few hours.
If you drive in Thailand with your licens from your own country and don’t have a international licens… you will get fined, especially in the turist areas.
The international license is a gray area. You will find someone to rent you a car or moto-bike in Thailand, with any license. If you get in an accident without a Thai license, it's my understanding, you'll be in some real trouble. If you plan to move to Thailand, you have to get the proper license, just in case. A BMW in Thailand might be worth $500,000 US. Once you smash into that BMW, Not a great time to find out the car insurance only works with a Thai license only. In my opinion, it's best to get the proper license. If you're visiting, this isn't a fun place to drive anyhow. You can hire a car a 100 miles for less than $50 US dollars. Why chance it
@@EagerExpat renting car or motorbike.. They don’t care 🤣🤣 but if the police stops you without a international licens… unless you speak thai or know someone.. your probably out of luck 😂
@@noobmaster3483 I hear ya. Still, if you're gonna drive around Thailand fulltime, you should have a Thai license. It's not the police that are a problem. Most police issues are solved with a 500 baht bill. It's being correctly insured when you have an expensive accident. When they try to do anything to get out of paying. Having a US or Australian license etc.. with or without an international endorsement might be an issue in court. Not worth the risk. An agent can help you get a Thai license for $100. That's a small investment for peace of mind
@@EagerExpat agreed
Thanks for these videos! It really helps us newbies navigate the waters.
I'm a new guy, too. Qw all do our best. Thanks for watching
The wife once bought salty toothpaste in error. It was disgusting, but I got used to it. If she can make that mistake, a non Thai certainly can.
Yes, that stuff is pretty nasty. That's ok, plenty of mint flavor
Yo didnt talk about condos house renting and etc.. non expensive but good bars, budget roof tops, value for oney hotels, locations where to stay and more lol
Because I didn't make those mistakes. I got a great deal on my condo
Good point@@EagerExpat
@@druidhead Yes, I was just pointing on the many things I did wrong. I did a few things correct. On condos etc.. you can check out my Bangkok Playlist for videos on all that