dallen52 Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 If I am like many other people, I have chosen to have a go at making Thailand my home. But like many others, I'm certainly feeling the pinch, cost wise, and having overseas funds coming in to live on each month at such low exchange rates isn't helping. Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet? I dont drink, don't smoke. Have a car, rent a house just out of pattaya. Usual house comforts. Electric about 1500 Rent 8000 Water 100 TV wifi 900. Basic health care. Eat well. But little if anything else for future savings.. What's the secret guys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post watcharacters Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 I've never budgeted in my life but I tip my hat to those who do. I really don't find Thailand especially inexpensive at all. 14 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Psimbo Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject? It's been done to death. 9 2 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KittenKong Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 I find that things like insurance, fuel and most labour-related services are quite cheap here. Also condo common fees are very low. Local food is also cheap. Just about everything else often seems quite expensive to me, especially anything imported. I dont pay rent, or finance any Thais, and I dont go to bars so I dont actually spend very much every month apart from on eating out and occasionally on hotels and travelling around. So for me income largely exceeds expenditure. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tropo Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 2 hours ago, watcharacters said: I've never budgeted in my life but I tip my hat to those who do. I really don't find Thailand especially inexpensive at all. That will depend on where you're coming from. Australia is very costly these days. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tropo Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, dallen52 said: If I am like many other people, I have chosen to have a go at making Thailand my home. But like many others, I'm certainly feeling the pinch, cost wise, and having overseas funds coming in to live on each month at such low exchange rates isn't helping. Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet? I dont drink, don't smoke. Have a car, rent a house just out of pattaya. Usual house comforts. Electric about 1500 Rent 8000 Water 100 TV wifi 900. Basic health care. Eat well. But little if anything else for future savings.. What's the secret guys? The biggest difference between your budget and mine is rent and electricity. Personally, I couldn't live that cheaply, rent wise. When you've been here longer and you want to spend more time at home, you may yearn for something a bit more luxurious. I'd be interested to know how you lived in Australia before you came here? You wouldn't get a decent place to stay for 8000 baht per week in Australia. I was nearly paying that much rent per week prior to 2003. Were you sharing a place, or did you own a house? Edited July 28, 2018 by tropo 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ChakaKhan Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) Guess I'm a cheap charlie! My studio room is 3000. small but works as I basically sleep n shower there and is in prime location in CM....cable included--tv too....wifi-free----water 100bt a month..take plenty of cool showers-3x a day and use AC usually at night to cool room a bit and the cool shower helps... I eat street food which is fine for me...and I ride my bike daily and have a paid for honda dream but is old and reliable....No car....dont have Ins which is risky but can pay cash if needed, can eat well via street food if choose wisely, I dont smoke and rarely drink.. So maybe 500bt a day ? Rent=100 a day Food=100-300 a day I try to live on NEEDS--not wants--and just try to do free things--biking--helping tourists--browsing markets--reading--etc But if I want to splurge on a massage or nice meal I can--but im satisfied as well with the vendors I have found too ? My electric is usually under 1000 as Im rarely there and try to conserve it too. The more I budget, the longer I can stay...I just assimilate with the locals as I came here to become "Thai" and learn about the culture, when I tire of it, I return back home and back to the rat race and work.... Edited July 28, 2018 by ChakaKhan 13 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post nickmanchester2 Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) Date Time Transaction Channel Description Chq No Withdrawal Deposits Balance 01/09/2017 13:34 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +41,666.44 01/09/2017 13:34 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -20,000.00 +21,666.44 03/09/2017 04:25 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +21,651.44 03/09/2017 04:25 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -20,000.00 +1,651.44 09/09/2017 22:13 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +1,636.44 09/09/2017 22:13 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -1,600.00 +36.44 20/09/2017 14:01 X1 BCMS DCP 0015868697 AYUDHYA CAPITAL AUTO LEA +222,320.00 +222,356.44 21/09/2017 09:52 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +222,341.44 21/09/2017 09:52 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -20,000.00 +202,341.44 24/09/2017 23:58 FE ATM 7-11 CHOM THIAN SAI 2 S.7 -15.00 +202,326.44 24/09/2017 23:58 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOM THIAN SAI 2 S.7 -2,000.00 +200,326.44 Total -63,675.00 +222,320.00 Choose Month July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 Date Time Transaction Channel Description Chq No Withdrawal Deposits Balance 01/10/2017 02:17 FE ATS ค่าธรรมเนียม -599.00 +199,727.44 01/10/2017 06:10 FE SMS ค่าธรรมเนียม -10.00 +199,717.44 01/10/2017 13:39 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +199,702.44 01/10/2017 13:39 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -2,000.00 +197,702.44 02/10/2017 04:34 FE ATM ค่าธรรมเนียม -20.00 +197,682.44 02/10/2017 04:34 C2 ATM กรุงศรีอยุธยา (BAY) -2,000.00 +195,682.44 03/10/2017 03:58 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +195,667.44 03/10/2017 03:58 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -2,000.00 +193,667.44 04/10/2017 11:00 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +193,652.44 04/10/2017 11:00 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -20,000.00 +173,652.44 14/10/2017 13:42 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +173,637.44 14/10/2017 13:42 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -2,500.00 +171,137.44 15/10/2017 22:33 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +171,122.44 15/10/2017 22:33 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -2,000.00 +169,122.44 17/10/2017 09:39 FE ATM ค่าธรรมเนียม -20.00 +169,102.44 17/10/2017 09:39 C2 ATM กรุงเทพ (BBL) -20,000.00 +149,102.44 24/10/2017 03:36 FE ATM 7-11 PATTAYA SAI 2 SOI 16 -15.00 +149,087.44 24/10/2017 03:36 C2 ATM 7-11 PATTAYA SAI 2 SOI 16 -20,000.00 +129,087.44 Total -71,239.00 Choose Month July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 Date Time Transaction Channel Description Chq No Withdrawal Deposits Balance 01/11/2017 06:11 FE SMS ค่าธรรมเนียม -10.00 +129,077.44 06/11/2017 03:50 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -15.00 +129,062.44 06/11/2017 03:50 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA -20,000.00 +109,062.44 10/11/2017 04:00 FE ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6 -15.00 +109,047.44 10/11/2017 04:00 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6 -2,000.00 +107,047.44 10/11/2017 13:44 FE ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6 -15.00 +107,032.44 10/11/2017 13:44 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6 -10,000.00 +97,032.44 14/11/2017 14:30 FE ATM KH RUSSIAN BLVD -100.00 +96,932.44 14/11/2017 14:30 C2 ATM KH RUSSIAN BLVD -5,255.85 +91,676.59 18/11/2017 21:13 FE ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6 -15.00 +91,661.59 18/11/2017 21:13 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6 -20,000.00 +71,661.59 26/11/2017 04:27 X2 POS LE PUB BAR AND GRILL C -441.00 +71,220.59 Total -57,866.85 Edited July 28, 2018 by nickmanchester2 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My Thai Life Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 Biggest expenses Fuel for cars - 12,000 pm Alcohol - 0 to 20,000 pm Books 100,000 in the last year 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post NCC1701A Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) per month: rent 10k 3 bed room 2 bath huge yard near beach Hua Hin health insurance 9800 Motorcycle insurance 1200 electric 2500 average a huge amount of fun most people in the USA can only dream of: 21k average 6000 computer/hobbies 10k food 700 internet 800 cellphones no car don't smoke drink very little Cat 200 scooter paid cash fuel 300 650cc motorcycle paid cash fuel 700 road trips exploring Thailand 34k x 3 per year I lived for 3 years on 45000 baht a month last two years 75000 baht a month Edited July 28, 2018 by NCC1701A 11 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post johnmell Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 Wow, all these people who dont drink or smoke. Im impressed. 1 1 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post dallen52 Posted July 28, 2018 Author Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, tropo said: The biggest difference between your budget and mine is rent and electricity. Personally, I couldn't live that cheaply, rent wise. When you've been here longer and you want to spend more time at home, you may yearn for something a bit more luxurious. I'd be interested to know how you lived in Australia before you came here? You wouldn't get a decent place to stay for 8000 baht per week in Australia. I was nearly paying that much rent per week prior to 2003. Were you sharing a place, or did you own a house? Owned a decent place up to the big D.. Then after separation and splitting the assets etc.. Usual story. I agree, the 8000 is 2 bedroom and air conditioned. Wet room bathroom, laundry and kitchen. Secure gates etc. But. Wrong location and we will definitely relocate. Be it to Buriram where we have land, (she has land) or elsewhere. My totals are over 55,000 to 60,000 a month currently. Hence my question about how to do this? Its taking a full Aussie pension and a chunk of bank interest every month recently. Edited July 28, 2018 by dallen52 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post dallen52 Posted July 28, 2018 Author Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 4 hours ago, Psimbo said: My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject? It's been done to death. I was simply asking for an insight. Not your own personal lifestyle. Thanks I will look into it for ideas.. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tropo Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 51 minutes ago, johnmell said: Wow, all these people who dont drink or smoke. Im impressed. Surprises me too... thought I was the only one LOL 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tropo Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 5 hours ago, Psimbo said: My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject? It's been done to death. Why are you even here? The title was very clear, so you could have easily avoided it. 29 7 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Ks45672 Posted July 28, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2018 100k.a month usually covers it Some months a bit more, some a bit less But I could live on much less if I had to 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChakaKhan Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 2 hours ago, johnmell said: Wow, all these people who dont drink or smoke. Im impressed. I just breathe during smoky season--free! (cough) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChakaKhan Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 Since we are on the topic and the primary reason I live here is financial (cheap housing-food-healthcare). Any thoughts or ideas of those that have traveled around the world, of some other options of where a single guy with no connections or debt could set up a similar lifestyle. My dream spot is Japan, if only I could afford it.. Anywhere in the whole wide world as I'm not just limited to Asia, just curious about other folks travels and discoveries on the cheap. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melvinmelvin Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 5 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said: Since we are on the topic and the primary reason I live here is financial (cheap housing-food-healthcare). Any thoughts or ideas of those that have traveled around the world, of some other options of where a single guy with no connections or debt could set up a similar lifestyle. My dream spot is Japan, if only I could afford it.. Anywhere in the whole wide world as I'm not just limited to Asia, just curious about other folks travels and discoveries on the cheap. ? I think you could live cheap in a lot of countries if you are closer to the sticks than the metropolitan areas. Plenty countries in Asia and South America offer cheap living. surprised that you label healthcare as cheap in Thailand in my view quality healthcare and medicine is easily available, but at a price 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted July 29, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2018 (edited) Without the housing, about 15k/month. No health care, when I get to the stage of illness I can't fix myself (from the pharmacy), I intend to die. "Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?" Avoid women and bars, Once you dispense with women, living costs become very cheap If you drink at home, double the booze for the same $$$$. After reading your other posts in the thread, moving to 'her land' is ALWAYS a huge mistake. It won't save you any money but will place you totally under her control. Edited July 29, 2018 by BritManToo 6 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Peterw42 Posted July 29, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2018 OP, the only thing that could make a big difference would be buy rather than rent. A chunk of your savings now and eventually live rent free etc. If you are dipping into savings (earning 3%) every month to pay the rent, maybe those savings are better off in a property here that indirectly pays your rent forever. I have a condo I bought 3 years ago and what I have not spent in rent so far, adds up to half the condo purchase price, For the last 3 years I haven't been dipping into savings. If you want to feel good about your expenses, join a couple of the pattaya sexpat/2 week millionaire facebook groups, regular discussions going on about 10,000 baht a day budgets. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post starky Posted July 29, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2018 8 hours ago, My Thai Life said: Biggest expenses Fuel for cars - 12,000 pm Alcohol - 0 to 20,000 pm Books 100,000 in the last year Get your self a kindle I've got over 350gb of books you can have for free about 10 lifetimes worth. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post starky Posted July 29, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2018 1 hour ago, BritManToo said: Without the housing, about 15k/month. No health care, when I get to the stage of illness I can't fix myself (from the pharmacy), I intend to die. "Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?" Avoid women and bars, Once you dispense with women, living costs become very cheap If you drink at home, double the booze for the same $$$$. After reading your other posts in the thread, moving to 'her land' is ALWAYS a huge mistake. It won't save you any money but will place you totally under her control. 15000 a month! wow! that's less than most Thais I would think. I'm 150000 a month easy I don't have a super extravagant lifestyle but I am very comfortable. 3 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starky Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 (edited) 4 hours ago, ChakaKhan said: Since we are on the topic and the primary reason I live here is financial (cheap housing-food-healthcare). Any thoughts or ideas of those that have traveled around the world, of some other options of where a single guy with no connections or debt could set up a similar lifestyle. My dream spot is Japan, if only I could afford it.. Anywhere in the whole wide world as I'm not just limited to Asia, just curious about other folks travels and discoveries on the cheap. ? Most of the rest of Asia is now cheaper than Thailand excluding Japan, Singapore and some of the major capitals. Great chunks of South America same as well as Eastern Europe plenty of places cheaper in the world to live than thailand. Most of the world is living in poverty plenty of cheap joints around. If I didn't hate long flights it would be South America for me hands down but I still need to commute to work. Edited July 29, 2018 by starky 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 1 minute ago, starky said: 15000 a month! wow! that's less than most Thais I would think. I'm 150000 a month easy I don't have a super extravagant lifestyle but I am very comfortable. I cook all my own food at home, drink all my beer at home, and all my entertainment comes over the internet for 631bht/month (Movies, TV shows, Books, Music, social interactions) Without any bars, restaurants, street food, coffee shops, What else do you spend money on? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyyy Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 I do Drink, and dip snuss I have 3 kids and a wife, house paid for, we go through 160000 a month including insurances and school fees. I don't think we live high on the hog, however, i don't feel like we are suffering at all. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starky Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 1 minute ago, BritManToo said: I cook all my own food at home, drink all my beer at home, and all my entertainment comes over the internet for 631bht/month (Movies, TV shows, Books, Music, social interactions) Without any bars, restaurants, street food, coffee shops, What else do you spend money on? Not judging you mate I'm saying well done. Don't worry about my expenditure but there's no way I could live on 15k a month and I don't drink much and have no interest in bars. I do have a wife a family and certain commitments however. Just my electric is 3000 a month but I'm not and never would penny pinch I live here to the same level as I would in Australia I'm not living here to save money. Horses for courses. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Spidey Posted July 29, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2018 Heavy smoker, wife and son. House, car and scooter bought and paid for. Eat out regularly but only drink when I have an insatiable need for a gik. Flat month - 60k baht. Came here to retire, not skimp and save. Could live cheaper in the UK but who wants to? Life is for living, I spend what I want, when I want, you can't take it with you! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyyy Posted July 29, 2018 Share Posted July 29, 2018 I was just thinking about this topic again while i had my coffee. I think its up to you, what you can live on. No one can tell you what is the correct amount. Perhaps you can live in a hut with a fan and out door toilet and eat mama noodles 3 times a day and go without health insurance and the like. I was trying to break down my budget as it would be for a single guy. If i was in bangkok or pattaya. 15K Rent 30K food 30K whores and beve 10K snuss 10K health insurance 4K electric 900 baht my post paid AIS phone 900 baht internet 300 water 10K other stuff visas, transport etc etc. Hope this helps you out. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LomSak27 Posted July 29, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2018 12 hours ago, dallen52 said: What's the secret guys? More money for a start. 6 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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