Good advice, Tom. Regarding visas for retirees, I just thought I should give som more info on that. You can convert from a 60 days visa exemption entering Thailand (which 93 countries get today), to a 90 days Non Immigrant O visa, based on retirement, within Thailand, at your local immigration office. You must be at least 50 years old to do so. Then do a 12 months extension, based on retirement, before 21 days of expiration date on that visa. Which you easily can extend every year, for as long as you want. That is commonly called a retirement visa, which actually is a permission to stay, based on retirement. To get your first 90 days Non Imm. O visa within Thailand, based on retirement, you need 800k baht in a Thai bank on the day of application. Before every extension from that, the amount of 800k must be held in your account for 2 months prior to your application, and must remain in your account 3 months after. You can spend up to 400k baht during the following 7 months until your next extension is due. But it must never go below 400k, and must be brought up again to 800k 2 months prior to every extension. If you choose the income method instead, at least 65k baht a month income (can be a pension, or any income), you will need an income letter guarantee from your embassy. But USA, UK and AUS, among others, have stopped issuing those, so you need to transfer no less than 65k baht into your Thai bank account for 12 months instead, if you come from one of these countries, to obtain an extension based on income. In that case, you still need to use the 800k in bank option the first year, and then show 12 transfers the coming year, to switch to income method the following year. You can also combine the cash and income method, so the total yearly amount is above 800k. If you don`t meet some of these requirements, agents will help you with that. There are ways around the money in bank requirement, but it comes with a fee, and everything is of course perfectly legal. You can also apply for an O-A 12 months visa from your own country, but agents cannot help you with that. O-A has a few extended requirements, for instance mandatory health insurance, which Non-O visas or extensions based on retirement inside Thailand, do not have. Extending O-A within Thailand is possible, but you will still need to show health insurance to do so. Most of retirees in Thailand, by far, use the Non-O solution within Thailand, instead of the O-A obtained abroad. Best of luck to you all, Thailand is the best country to retire in, of course 😊😊
@@Bax60 If you apply for 12 months O-A visa in your own country (which means mandatory health insurance), the answer is yes. That is sufficient. But if you apply within Thailand, the answer is no. If you come from a country mentioned above, US, UK, AUS, or others which no longer their embassies will provide income letters, you will still need to show the 800k in bank until you can show 12x deposits into Thailand. Or, an agent can help you with that 😊
I would look into the chemical that mozzie gizmo uses. I know some units like this in Canada use a powerful nerve agent that paralyses the mozzie and are intended for outdoor use. It really shouldn't be used indoors where you yourself keep breathing that chemical in.
I appreciate the tip. I just checked a refill box and it indicates to only use in ventilated areas. Do NOT ingest, do not use in baby room. Thanks for the info.
Hi Tom! Charles Schwab has a Checking account that will reimburse all ATM fees from Foreign Banks, and Charles Schwab doesn't charge on their end ATM fees. I have the account its awesome! Plus to buy a bus fare in the Philippines online none of my credit cards would go thru and I then tried Schwab atm card and it was approved. And no maintenance fees on the checking acct.
I also have used my Schwab Debit Crad without a problem. The only downside is. The daily exchange rate changes daily. So, I don't know what RATE I'm getting (until I can do the math). You'll later see that the fees were refunded in your Schwab statement. Confusing to see it but, it was there. Also, the various bank ATMs will vary as to a "daily maximum withdrawl amount". YES, the Schwab Debit Card it also works in Viet Nam. I don't know if the larger Chinese Jewelry stores or the Gold Stores (in Thailand) will do a money exchange but in VN it's common. And, I can oftern get a better rate. Exchanging money at the VN bank was a big hassel. When exchanging money.....be prepared to show your passport. And YES......the money exchangers are "picky" about your currency's condition. And, the lesser demominations get a lower rate.
Great video; for the last 2-3 years Scandinavian currencies are no longer accepted in exchange booths in Thailand. Still on the list; but DKK/SEK/NOK = 0,00
Where in Thailand is the best place to retire if night life and girls ARE NOT the priority where you can make many friends and be near the beech and relaxing setting for 60 + year old as Pattaya sounds more like the place to spend a weekend of fun and then leave...
So the thing to remember is the girls in nightlife is famous and Thailand, but only represent maybe 20% of the things to do here. There are so many people here that are in the same position as you describe. Living in Pattaya for instance is a great choice because of the infrastructure the cheap prices and there is just so many things to do to occupy your time. Also you were centrally located only a few hours from Bangkok and easy to move around at your leisure Another place worth note is Hua Hin, it’s much smaller than Pattaya and I feel like a bit more expensive but it does attract more family, friendly crowd. Another spot worth noting is Krabi, Still this city is even smaller, and being in the south is considerably more expensive. But still a very nice area to be in. I hope this information helps out and good luck
I use Escapees Mail service. They also set up my residence for me as well. I pay an annual fee plus postage basically. I have it set up they sort my mail to just what I want keep and once a month forward it to my fathers home. Check out there sere service, there's lots of options. escapeesmailservice.com/
I'm sorry about the number of ads you're seeing unfortunately I don't control this, short of turning off monetization but you can control the ads you see in my videos by going in your Ad Settings on TH-cam. Note that you can also view, delete, or pause your TH-cam watch history. I hope this helps and eventually you do become a subscriber. If not, I understand and I definitely appreciate the critical feedback. Thanks again, Tom
Fantastic information and well presented! Very cool 🆒 Thank you Sir 🙏🏻 I can add that FIDELITY REIMBURSES ALL ATM FEES. I use my card in many countries. Currently I am at 57 countries. I have lived in 8 different countries . Each country is extremely detailed on rules and regulations. Know them well. Above everything , your comment section should: thank you for your videos AND realize that they are in a foreign country and they are GUESTS! Stop being opinionated and arrogant. You are not better than poor Thai people, so don’t act like it! (stfu)
Hey Tom, Regarding the requirement to have $$ in Thai banks for visa’s, what if your US bank - like Chase - has locations in Thailand? Do you still need a separate bank account opened over there in some Thailand bank and transfer money into it? I’m curious what you know about banking when it comes to international banks.
Good advice on the mosquitoes but I get bites on my lower legs from small flies in the Philippines and Thailand when I’m there. So much so that I stopped wearing sandals and I sometimes use compression sleeves on my calves…so annoying and super itchy
Obviously you should do what you are comfortable with. I've never had a problem with a hotel room safe. Many hotels offer a safety box at the front desk as well. I just searched this on Google and couldn't find any recent problems in Thailand. Good luck.
Tom, Do you just have one Thai bank account with the 800,000 Baht as well as whatever you transfer in and spend? Or one for the 800,000 and another one for day to day use?
I have bought both key cards for doors and master keys for the hotel safety boxes in shops that sell locks, so if you forget which code you used on the safety box in your hotel room, just go to a shop and buy the master key 😆
@jorgenmansson4269 That's interesting, I had no idea there's master keys for safes. Personally, I've never had an issue with keeping valuables in a hotel safe or safety box. I just google this subject as well and couldn't find one article in the last year of someone loosing anything in a hotel safe in the Pattaya metro area. Lastly, I would suggest if you do have problems with a room safe, to call the front desk and have them send maintenance to the room. Might save you a few dollars going to a shop. Anyway, Thanks for the info.
I don't know if Safety boxes in banks exist here in Thailand? I've never had an issue with my hotel safe or safety box. Additionally, I just google this topic and didn't find any recent articles concerning this in the Pattaya Metro area. You definitely need to feel safe though in whatever decision you make. Good Luck.
@@MargaritasinParadise @alexwade9921 there are definitely safe deposit boxes available in Pattaya. As I recall, the fees are fairly modest. I'm not sure about the banks, but some storage companies definitely offer them. Obviously you'd want to check their fine print. It's something that I've looked into, but since I don't need it just yet, it's best to do your own research. Cash will always be king, but always be mindful of inflation!
Sand fleas are not that common in Pattaya/Jomtien, but if you happen to be bitten by them, the pain and discomfort is 10 times worse than a mosquito. I don't know when it is season is for those little devils, but I'm guessing March - June
Another TH-camr (channel : notime2bsad) recommends "Coconut Oil" (as a repellent) for the sand fleas. Thesre is another "Thai Remedy" .....if you get a sand flea bite. Though it's name doeen't readily come to my mind at the moment.
@ma96782 Interesting, I just bought some Coconut Oil Shower cream. I was reading the label and it mentioned good for flea and mites. Anyway, great information, Thanks.
@darry714 Bed bugs are the worst, I've ran across them in the USA several times but I have seen them in Thailand though I'm sure they have to be here. Thanks for the warning.
I’m at Soi 6 now, always clueless Indians crossing the roads during traffic, and you can’t get mad at Thai drivers either, like being a kamikazi pilot out there😅😅😅😅
No, I was diagnosed with the Essential Tremors 20 years ago. In the last 5 years that become really bad. I take medicine to control them. Thanks for your concern.
That question is deeply personal and inappropriate. Speculating about someone’s health, especially without evidence or context, crosses a line of respect and dignity. It's important to be mindful of others' privacy and avoid unnecessary or invasive comments.
@@MargaritasinParadise Mister Pattaya: Your incredibly polite and composed response to such an invasive question shows a lot of class. It's refreshing to see how gracefully you handled it, setting a great example of how to maintain respect and decorum in challenging situations. Well done!
Here is something you did not say. Yes you can bring 20k USD currency into Thailand, but leaving the USSA you can only leave with 10k. Of undeclared USD currency. So plan accordingly, do not declare if you do not have to. It is no ones business how much currency you bring in as long as you fall under USSA rules jurisdiction and Thailand rules jurisdiction.
This is great point and you are right. If a person departs the USA with more than $10K you must report this on the FinCEN105 form. I also believe the $10K+ amount covers family units as well. So say a man and wife traveling with 2 children are limited to $10K as a group. Thanks for bringing this up. Great information.
@MargaritasinParadise This is why I wish I could just open a thail bank account online before I get there. And then transfer money into to it now and setup my social security direct deposit to it before I get there..Then a soon as I hit the ground I can go to the bank and have an account already with cards waiting .ls this possible?
@@Thailand-Wanderer - United Socialist States of America. Cause in its current day form, it a communist country! Why you think so many people are leaving!
Thanx Big-T, I plan on viewing this one again in the near future !
Excellent
Tom you did it again,another great video.BRAVO😊😊😊
Enzo, Thank you so much 😀
All practical and essential things to know.
Thank you so much
Good advice, Tom. Regarding visas for retirees, I just thought I should give som more info on that.
You can convert from a 60 days visa exemption entering Thailand (which 93 countries get today), to a 90 days Non Immigrant O visa, based on retirement, within Thailand, at your local immigration office. You must be at least 50 years old to do so. Then do a 12 months extension, based on retirement, before 21 days of expiration date on that visa. Which you easily can extend every year, for as long as you want. That is commonly called a retirement visa, which actually is a permission to stay, based on retirement.
To get your first 90 days Non Imm. O visa within Thailand, based on retirement, you need 800k baht in a Thai bank on the day of application. Before every extension from that, the amount of 800k must be held in your account for 2 months prior to your application, and must remain in your account 3 months after. You can spend up to 400k baht during the following 7 months until your next extension is due. But it must never go below 400k, and must be brought up again to 800k 2 months prior to every extension.
If you choose the income method instead, at least 65k baht a month income (can be a pension, or any income), you will need an income letter guarantee from your embassy. But USA, UK and AUS, among others, have stopped issuing those, so you need to transfer no less than 65k baht into your Thai bank account for 12 months instead, if you come from one of these countries, to obtain an extension based on income. In that case, you still need to use the 800k in bank option the first year, and then show 12 transfers the coming year, to switch to income method the following year. You can also combine the cash and income method, so the total yearly amount is above 800k.
If you don`t meet some of these requirements, agents will help you with that. There are ways around the money in bank requirement, but it comes with a fee, and everything is of course perfectly legal.
You can also apply for an O-A 12 months visa from your own country, but agents cannot help you with that. O-A has a few extended requirements, for instance mandatory health insurance, which Non-O visas or extensions based on retirement inside Thailand, do not have. Extending O-A within Thailand is possible, but you will still need to show health insurance to do so.
Most of retirees in Thailand, by far, use the Non-O solution within Thailand, instead of the O-A obtained abroad.
Best of luck to you all, Thailand is the best country to retire in, of course 😊😊
This is great info to know. Thank you for this! 🙏
@@PLATINUMSWORDS My pleasure, Sir (or Madam) 😊
@sarlina1 Obviously you’re a wealth information and I thank you so much for writing this out. Thank You again.
Does a letter from social security count as a form of garrenteed income ?
@@Bax60 If you apply for 12 months O-A visa in your own country (which means mandatory health insurance), the answer is yes. That is sufficient. But if you apply within Thailand, the answer is no. If you come from a country mentioned above, US, UK, AUS, or others which no longer their embassies will provide income letters, you will still need to show the 800k in bank until you can show 12x deposits into Thailand. Or, an agent can help you with that 😊
Sure sometings that are nice to know .thx 👍
Any time!
Thanks , always good to see you. Will swing by your blues bar sometime to buy you a pint.
Sounds good!, I look forward to it. I'm normally there on Wednesdays & Saturday’s after 1915hrs. 😀
I would look into the chemical that mozzie gizmo uses. I know some units like this in Canada use a powerful nerve agent that paralyses the mozzie and are intended for outdoor use. It really shouldn't be used indoors where you yourself keep breathing that chemical in.
I appreciate the tip. I just checked a refill box and it indicates to only use in ventilated areas. Do NOT ingest, do not use in baby room. Thanks for the info.
Money is not the root of all evil but the love of it is..
Haha, good point.
Hi Tom! Charles Schwab has a Checking account that will reimburse all ATM fees from Foreign Banks, and Charles Schwab doesn't charge on their end ATM fees. I have the account its awesome! Plus to buy a bus fare in the Philippines online none of my credit cards would go thru and I then tried Schwab atm card and it was approved. And no maintenance fees on the checking acct.
This is good advice. No reason to carry large amounts of cash!
I also have used my Schwab Debit Crad without a problem. The only downside is. The daily exchange rate changes daily. So, I don't know what RATE I'm getting (until I can do the math). You'll later see that the fees were refunded in your Schwab statement. Confusing to see it but, it was there. Also, the various bank ATMs will vary as to a "daily maximum withdrawl amount".
YES, the Schwab Debit Card it also works in Viet Nam. I don't know if the larger Chinese Jewelry stores or the Gold Stores (in Thailand) will do a money exchange but in VN it's common. And, I can oftern get a better rate. Exchanging money at the VN bank was a big hassel.
When exchanging money.....be prepared to show your passport. And YES......the money exchangers are "picky" about your currency's condition. And, the lesser demominations get a lower rate.
Thanks for the info! Actually, I also have a Charles Schwab card and for whatever reason I forgot to mention that, but thank you for bringing it up.
Great video; for the last 2-3 years Scandinavian currencies are no longer accepted in exchange booths in Thailand. Still on the list; but DKK/SEK/NOK = 0,00
Good info, thanks.
Where in Thailand is the best place to retire if night life and girls ARE NOT the priority where you can make many friends and be near the beech and relaxing setting for 60 + year old as Pattaya sounds more like the place to spend a weekend of fun and then leave...
So the thing to remember is the girls in nightlife is famous and Thailand, but only represent maybe 20% of the things to do here. There are so many people here that are in the same position as you describe. Living in Pattaya for instance is a great choice because of the infrastructure the cheap prices and there is just so many things to do to occupy your time. Also you were centrally located only a few hours from Bangkok and easy to move around at your leisure Another place worth note is Hua Hin, it’s much smaller than Pattaya and I feel like a bit more expensive but it does attract more family, friendly crowd. Another spot worth noting is Krabi, Still this city is even smaller, and being in the south is considerably more expensive. But still a very nice area to be in. I hope this information helps out and good luck
Thankyou for the VId, do you use a water filter at the Apartment or buy all your drinking water?
I buy my drinking water but I have friends that have filter systems that work very well.
Overall, Excellent Tips!👍 What Are Some Useful Suggestions/Tips For Handling Mail While Overseas, Part-Time & Full-Time? Thank You!
I use Escapees Mail service. They also set up my residence for me as well. I pay an annual fee plus postage basically. I have it set up they sort my mail to just what I want keep and once a month forward it to my fathers home. Check out there sere service, there's lots of options.
escapeesmailservice.com/
Make sure those bills are perfect!!!
That's the best way, too avoid issues.
Awesome video. Didnt subscribe because too many ads. Cknstructive criticism here. Might want to reconsider the number of ads.
I'm sorry about the number of ads you're seeing unfortunately I don't control this, short of turning off monetization but you can control the ads you see in my videos by going in your Ad Settings on TH-cam. Note that you can also view, delete, or pause your TH-cam watch history.
I hope this helps and eventually you do become a subscriber. If not, I understand and I definitely appreciate the critical feedback. Thanks again, Tom
Fantastic information and well presented! Very cool 🆒
Thank you Sir 🙏🏻
I can add that FIDELITY REIMBURSES ALL ATM FEES.
I use my card in many countries.
Currently I am at 57 countries.
I have lived in 8 different countries .
Each country is extremely detailed on rules and regulations.
Know them well.
Above everything , your comment section should: thank you for your videos
AND realize that they are in a foreign country and they are GUESTS! Stop being opinionated and arrogant. You are not better than poor Thai people, so don’t act like it! (stfu)
Great information and advice, well said Thanks
@@MargaritasinParadise you are the best 👍🏻💯
Hey Tom,
Regarding the requirement to have $$ in Thai banks for visa’s, what if your US bank - like Chase - has locations in Thailand? Do you still need a separate bank account opened over there in some Thailand bank and transfer money into it? I’m curious what you know about banking when it comes to international banks.
I believe it has to be a Thai Bank and specifically Bangkok Bank is the one that most people use as far as I know for visa requirements.
Good advice on the mosquitoes but I get bites on my lower legs from small flies in the Philippines and Thailand when I’m there. So much so that I stopped wearing sandals and I sometimes use compression sleeves on my calves…so annoying and super itchy
We also have what I call "No See Ums", I think some bars are infested with them. They’re so annoying.
what about putting it in the hotel safe, how safe is that
Obviously you should do what you are comfortable with. I've never had a problem with a hotel room safe. Many hotels offer a safety box at the front desk as well. I just searched this on Google and couldn't find any recent problems in Thailand. Good luck.
Tom, Do you just have one Thai bank account with the 800,000 Baht as well as whatever you transfer in and spend? Or one for the 800,000 and another one for day to day use?
I have 2 Thai bank accounts. One is for everyday use.
I have bought both key cards for doors and master keys for the hotel safety boxes in shops that sell locks, so if you forget which code you used on the safety box in your hotel room, just go to a shop and buy the master key 😆
Expalins why cash and valuables get stolen from hotel safety boxes.
@jorgenmansson4269 That's interesting, I had no idea there's master keys for safes. Personally, I've never had an issue with keeping valuables in a hotel safe or safety box. I just google this subject as well and couldn't find one article in the last year of someone loosing anything in a hotel safe in the Pattaya metro area. Lastly, I would suggest if you do have problems with a room safe, to call the front desk and have them send maintenance to the room. Might save you a few dollars going to a shop. Anyway, Thanks for the info.
If bringing in a lot of cash, like 20,000 USD would you get a safe deposit box away from your accommodation to keep it in?
I don't know if Safety boxes in banks exist here in Thailand? I've never had an issue with my hotel safe or safety box. Additionally, I just google this topic and didn't find any recent articles concerning this in the Pattaya Metro area. You definitely need to feel safe though in whatever decision you make. Good Luck.
@@MargaritasinParadise @alexwade9921 there are definitely safe deposit boxes available in Pattaya. As I recall, the fees are fairly modest.
I'm not sure about the banks, but some storage companies definitely offer them. Obviously you'd want to check their fine print.
It's something that I've looked into, but since I don't need it just yet, it's best to do your own research.
Cash will always be king, but always be mindful of inflation!
Thanks for the info.
👍
Thanks
Sand fleas are not that common in Pattaya/Jomtien, but if you happen to be bitten by them, the pain and discomfort is 10 times worse than a mosquito.
I don't know when it is season is for those little devils, but I'm guessing March - June
@jorgenmansson4269 OMG, you are so right. Earlier this spring I was down for a month with sand flea bites from Koh Samet. 😡😡😡
Another TH-camr (channel : notime2bsad) recommends "Coconut Oil" (as a repellent) for the sand fleas. Thesre is another "Thai Remedy" .....if you get a sand flea bite. Though it's name doeen't readily come to my mind at the moment.
In Koh Chang also they are very common. Symptoms are very similar to bed bugs.
@ma96782 Interesting, I just bought some Coconut Oil Shower cream. I was reading the label and it mentioned good for flea and mites. Anyway, great information, Thanks.
@darry714 Bed bugs are the worst, I've ran across them in the USA several times but I have seen them in Thailand though I'm sure they have to be here. Thanks for the warning.
You can bring bad bills to Bangkok bank
I had no idea, good information, thanks
I live in Jomtien dangerous scooter and bus drivers the worst
When on the roads, you have to keep your head on a swivel.
I’m at Soi 6 now, always clueless Indians crossing the roads during traffic, and you can’t get mad at Thai drivers either, like being a kamikazi pilot out there😅😅😅😅
One-day, I want to interview these guys walking down the 2nd road, clueless to traffic around them; where do they think they are? 😂😡😂😀😄
“Lessons” Not “Lesson’s.”
Oops, thanks, fixed.
Great video Do you have a whatapp # i been thinking serious about moving there this year Thx James
Yes, I have What's App
Lessons, not lesson's..
Thank you, fixed.
Don’t sit in front if that painting…..it makes it look like you have crazy hair……unless that’s the look you’re going for…😂
I love my crazy hair. I have more hair now than I ever did before.😀😂😀
Does the Bloke have Parkinsons?
😂
No, I was diagnosed with the Essential Tremors 20 years ago. In the last 5 years that become really bad. I take medicine to control them. Thanks for your concern.
That question is deeply personal and inappropriate. Speculating about someone’s health, especially without evidence or context, crosses a line of respect and dignity. It's important to be mindful of others' privacy and avoid unnecessary or invasive comments.
@@MargaritasinParadise Mister Pattaya: Your incredibly polite and composed response to such an invasive question shows a lot of class. It's refreshing to see how gracefully you handled it, setting a great example of how to maintain respect and decorum in challenging situations. Well done!
@fwnm I’m used to that type of question but I appreciate your concern. Thanks.
17:45 😊
😀
Here is something you did not say. Yes you can bring 20k USD currency into Thailand, but leaving the USSA you can only leave with 10k. Of undeclared USD currency. So plan accordingly, do not declare if you do not have to. It is no ones business how much currency you bring in as long as you fall under USSA rules jurisdiction and Thailand rules jurisdiction.
This is great point and you are right. If a person departs the USA with more than $10K you must report this on the FinCEN105 form. I also believe the $10K+ amount covers family units as well. So say a man and wife traveling with 2 children are limited to $10K as a group. Thanks for bringing this up. Great information.
@MargaritasinParadise This is why I wish I could just open a thail bank account online before I get there. And then transfer money into to it now and setup my social security direct deposit to it before I get there..Then a soon as I hit the ground I can go to the bank and have an account already with cards waiting .ls this possible?
Whats a USSA
@@Thailand-Wanderer - United Socialist States of America. Cause in its current day form, it a communist country! Why you think so many people are leaving!
@@Thailand-Wanderer United Socialist States of America