Moving To Phuket, Some Questions...

[rawlings]

Hello, I recently graduated from a good US university with a BA in English, and I am planning to move to Phuket in the beginning of April to teach English for a year. As a disclaimer, I have not seen the leo dicaprio movie, I do not plan to pay for sex (not that theres anything wrong with it), and I know realistically that I will be putting in a lot of hard work. That being said, I am incredibly excited to make this move, and cannot wait to set foot on the island.

A lot of posts I see online, however, warn foreigners against making this move, saying that Phuket is not as nice as it sounds and not a good place for a foreigner to live/work. To what extent would you agree with this statement? I am planning to go out there with around 6k$ USD or around 200k bhat, and I know how to live on the cheap. I plan on registering for the 4-week TEFL Phuket training program, which houses for a month, in the meantime I would be looking for a job and an apartment. I have no expectations of saving up money, and am totally fine with dipping into my 6k savings whenever I need to. Will I be able to live a good, comfortable life style? Ideally, I would like an apartment within walking distance of a nice beach, not too far from the main touristy spots for when I feel like a night out on the town.

I'm writing this because a lot of the negative reviews I've found online are giving me second thoughts. I have lived in foreign countries by myself and travelled alone very many times, and I have a knack for meeting new and different people, so the culture shock is not much of a worry for me. I just want to be able to live on a beautiful island and experience something totally different from my cold cold New England homeland. Is there anyone here who can reaffirm that Phuket is still a beautiful place to live, and that a foreigner with the right attitude (and some money in his wallet) can be happy there?

Thanks to anyone who can offer any advice/wisdom.

[CroBiker]

Rawlings,

despite what many people say, Phuket is fantastic place to live. It is however more expensive then any other Thai tourist spots, but hey...it is tropical paradise.

Most of us who live here post some negative comments but not because we are disillusioned with place but because we care and hoping our comments would have further improve things.

There are lots of foreign teachers here, some are just in transit looking for greener pastures in Australia and New Zealand (mostly South Africans). Others either stay for contracted period of time or settle for good.

The fact that you have open minded attitude and been living in many other countries before will help you adapt pretty easy into island lifestyle.

I am sure many foreign teachers will respond in this thread and give you more information.

As far as accomodation is concerned, I'm sure you be able to find something within your budget.

In case you need help obtaining teacher position in quality school, let me know and I will connect you to some people.

Welcome to Phuket!

[LivinLOS]

200k baht ?!?! Unless your a tea total monk who likes to cook thier own roots and leaves thats 2 maybe 3 months of living expenses on Phuket.. For me it would be 1.5 months living as an expat with little bar expenses.

People continually think you can live here on 1000 USD per month etc.. And if you want a normal lifestyle its pure dreaming. Money goes substantially further up north.

Also read the teaching forums about work permits, the lack of them, and the punishments for not having them. Be aware you will be lied to by many schools that one is coming, or you can get it after a trial period, also be aware that if caught your the one that goes to the immigration detention centre with the Burmese refugees and gets deported not the employer.

Just a word of warning. And yes its still a beautiful place (tho getting over done) and a farang with money in his pocket can have a great time.. Sounds like you have enough for a long vacation only tho.

[LivinginKata]

I plan on registering for the 4-week TEFL Phuket training program,

Will you pay for this from your 200K Baht ?

I agree with LOS, you have only enough money for a good holiday, and time to look about for job opportunities. If you have not been to Phuket Island & Thailand before, then make the best of your time here.

[steelepulse]

Any chance of trying to line up a job before you come and maybe getting the necessary certs first?   

You might want to work back home and save up some more cash before you come.  If you could come out with 500,000 baht, that would give you enough time and cash to see if being here is for you.

That having been said, I do know a couple of people that teach English ( with a real work permit) that make 30K baht per month and they can survive off of this.  This generally means maybe having beers one day a week and eating from the 30 baht carts most everyday.

[DrDave]

The "what does it cost to live in Phuket" question has been asked and discussed to death on this forum. The bottom line is that the only person who knows whether you'll have enough money to live here is you. You might want to search this forum for these threads.

Armed with a budget, and knowledge of the cost of goods and services here, you can make that determination just as if you were going to live anywhere. You say that you're used to living on the cheap. Only you know the lifestyle that you'd be happy living here.

Here's a little info on essentials to help get you started:

Apartment - probably the biggest variable in terms of lifestyle and cost. A western standard one bedroom or studio apartment with some sort of cooking facilities and a TV on a long-term rental reasonably close to a tourist area and beach will start at about 10,000 baht plus electric and water (another 1,000+). Of course you can go significantly upward from that.

Motorbike Rental - You'll most likely want/need your own transportation. Figure about 3,000 - 3,500 baht/mo + 200-300 for gas.

Food - another big variable. Are you happy eating Thai food every day, or do you need western food? A simple Thai dish will cost about 40 baht (take out), or 60-80 (and up) in a restaurant. There's not much of a cost saving in cooking Thai food at home. Western food is substantially more expensive!

Beer - at the 7/11, about 25-40 baht (depending upon brand). In a bar, 50-100 baht (depending upon the bar).

More - a lot more little (or not so little) things that can contribute to your quality of life here. Hard to estimate the cost, as only you would know what's important to you.

I'd suggest two budgets: first, a holiday/adventure budget that covers the time that you're in school and not working. This will determine how long you can stay without a job. Second, a long-term budget that takes into account having a job and salary. You may (or may not) choose to have a different lifestyle during these periods. I can just about guarantee that your spending habits will not be the same in these two periods.

You'll need to have an idea of what your salary will be if and when you get an English teaching job. This is what will really determine whether your time in Phuket will be a short-lived holiday, or something sustainable. Remember that as a salaried employee with a work permit, you'll be paying taxes (rate dependent upon income). In the event that a job doesn't materialize, make sure you have an exit strategy!

[donna]

and remember from that 200k you have to take out your 3 months deposit for your house/apartment rental.

[hkt83100]

and remember from that 200k you have to take out your 3 months deposit for your house/apartment rental.

... which you probably won't get back when you move out.

[MyphuketLife]

Paying for a house, food, motorbike/car rental, electric, phone, water... You can expect to pay out around 2K usd (unless you live in some pool villa then excpect to pay out more)

I don't know that I would move here on that little money. You would need to find a job right away, and I am not sure how long once a school hires you it would take to get the visa and work permit needed to actually work. Then you should also think about the economy, this term for private schools is already paid for, but if things keep going down hill I suspect that many Thai parent won't have the money to send their kids to the private schools, I really wonder what the job market will look like in 3-6 months for english teachers.... I am not an english teacher so maybe an english teacher could chime in on this and let you know how long a fresh out of the TEFL course one could expect to find a job, and what kind of pay a rookie teacher could expect to recieve.

Not saying moving here is not possible, but staying longer than 2-3 months on your 6k would require things to line up just perfectly. Come here, spend 4 weeks in school, get a job one week after finishing school... It depends on your risk level really... You could come here and it be the best choice you made in life (has been for me), or you could come here and wish you had not (has been for many)

Good luck to you!

[rawlings]

Ha, these were the kinds of responses I was expecting. I think some of you may have misunderstood me. The $6,000+ would not be my main financial resource. I would be going to Phuket in April with my plane ticket, and the one month TEFL course (including one months lodging) already paid for, and then over 250k bhat left in my account. I have a BA degree from a good university and I have extensive teaching experience, so I don't think it would be too difficult to find a half-way decent job in the months interim while I am taking the course. Then, I could hopefully begin in may or june with a 30-40k bhat income and get an apt for around 12k or so a month. I will have money to put down for 2 or 3 months advance. Ideally, I would make some extra money giving private teachings and playing music, but this I'll find out.

Is all of this really so unreasonable?

[Quero]

Ha, these were the kinds of responses I was expecting. I think some of you may have misunderstood me. The $6,000+ would not be my main financial resource. I would be going to Phuket in April with my plane ticket, and the one month TEFL course (including one months lodging) already paid for, and then over 250k bhat left in my account. I have a BA degree from a good university and I have extensive teaching experience, so I don't think it would be too difficult to find a half-way decent job in the months interim while I am taking the course. Then, I could hopefully begin in may or june with a 30-40k bhat income and get an apt for around 12k or so a month. I will have money to put down for 2 or 3 months advance. Ideally, I would make some extra money giving private teachings and playing music, but this I'll find out.

Is all of this really so unreasonable?

No it isn't. There are lots and lots of young expats living here on the amount of money you envision having. Many of them work as teachers (the pay may be less than what you're expecting, however), and many work in the dive industry. Most of these people live in the less expensive lodging houses, in apartments called "rooms" here. Basically it's just an efficiency with a fridge, and generally no or shared cooking areas. An air-conditioned room is more expensive than a fan one, but in the less touristy parts of the island, you can get these for substantially less than 10-12K per month. Most expat dive staff that live in these pay about 7K, I believe. Make sure to ask about utilities when you are renting--sometimes they're included (which is why air conditioned rooms cost more) and sometimes not.

Motorbike rental by the month is cheaper than by the day, but make sure you have good health/accident insurance as mishaps are very, very common. Four wheels costs more, probably more than you can budget for. Also pick up an international DL at AAA before you come.

FWIW, I am an English-language teaching professional, teacher educator, textbook author, TESOL Board of Directors member, and public speaker. My opinion of the sort of course you intend to take when you get here is pretty low. If you have any professional pride as a teacher, please consider getting your TESL certification from your excellent university at home before you travel here. The students deserve better than the inadequately-prepared teachers these quickie courses crank out.

[geriatrickid]

So you want to teach and maybe play some gigs? ( I may be a cadaver vulture, but I can still manage the lingo of young scalliwags ) Well, 1st off, have a look at your visa. If its going to be for educational purposes then that will be all you are allowed to do. No crooning of Perry Como for the hipsters vomiting on Bangla Rd. If you are going to get a teaching job, apparently your employer is supposed to help with a visa. Good luck on that game. Go ask some of the folks in the teaching forum what they put up with so you can take care of yourself. There are unscrupulous schools that exploit freshly minted teachers.

I haven't a clue about budgets but one thing I know is that if you want to make your money last you cannot stay in Patong. If you want to be that close to a beach, then you will pay through the teeth unless you are out in the boonies. Besides, beach locations aren't all they are cracked up to be, particularly when you will get bored of it after a month. Do you know what an anxyliotic is? You will learn why it is prescribed after you spend a few weeks with some of the inattentive brats. You will want something quiet and safe where you won't be robbed while you are out all day. Yea, that's right, there are lots of burglaries sopay close attention to security.

Phuket is 25% more expensive than BKK if you are a farang that cannot converse with the Thais and have no knowledge of the public markets. All those online budget guides go out the window if you get the munchies at midnight or like to meet nice girls.

Phuket has many beautiful affordable places to live, but you have to drive around a bit to see where you will be comfortable. Depending upon the location of your future job, you may wish to hold off on renting a place until you know where you will work. It's a hassle living in Karon and commuting to Rawai, especially in a rain storm with slick roads. Maybe you will meet someone decent, a roomie, at your course, so again, you may want to go slow. And before you sign anything, I suggest you ask people in here if the pricing is fair. There are all sorts of issues like cost of electricity & water, deposits, and reasonableness of rent that believe it or not, they give good advice on. Sometimes you can luck out on a rental.

It's a great opportunity and as much as I dislike the teaching crowd, I was young once and recall not bathing too. (Mind you, I was working in the jungle at the times and the river had leaches, so there was no incentive to bathe.) One last thing, if you want to make your money last, avoid the Patong bar scene. Trust me on that.

[choppychugger]

Hey Rawlings,

I came here 7 years ago and started off by teaching English to underprivileged children, am still living in Phuket albeit not teaching anymore, have a lovely family and just bought our dream home.

You don't seem to have too many high expectations which is a good thing.

On the south of the island you can get yourself a little bungalow, electric and water included in the 7,000thb a month rental fee and only a couple of minutes on your moped from the golden sands of Nai Harn beach.

I would say go for it!

Choppy

[vanalli]

People continually think you can live here on 1000 USD per month etc.. And if you want a normal lifestyle its pure dreaming. Money goes substantially further up north.

I lived happily on less than that for more than a year in Phuket. My lifestyle was that of a normally 26-year-old.

[zidane]

My advice to you Rawlings is to go for it. I moved here 4 years ago in my late 20s and am still here. I live in Chalong (south of the island), and I pay 8,000baht per month for a two-storey townhouse. Do what normal people do... go to the supermarket and cook at home, sometimes eat at Thai or international restaurants.

30k - 35k per month is enough to live on, if you are not going out every night to girlie bars and drinking yourself into a stupor. And remember, you will be working in the daytime and not spending cash.

If it works out, it works out. If not, these things happen in life. But you won't know until you try. Take the negative suggestions in mind, but be totally positive and things will probably work out... go for it!

[jts-khorat]

200k baht ?!?! Unless your a tea total monk who likes to cook thier own roots and leaves thats 2 maybe 3 months of living expenses on Phuket.. For me it would be 1.5 months living as an expat with little bar expenses.

People continually think you can live here on 1000 USD per month etc.. And if you want a normal lifestyle its pure dreaming.

I do not think your advice is correct; as the OP states, he can live on the cheap, will not partake in the expensive side of the night life and it is only a transitionary step towards a different future, not a permanent lifestyle. You must have misread his post to come to your conclusion.

If the OP can keep to his good intentions with regard to work and girls, his expenses will be considerably lower than yours as he will not worry about having no car, no house, no family or attachments, no saving up for the future and all the other things that might make life nice after all the 'adventure' stuff has been done already.

As such he will actually have plenty of money to live from -- and yes, I would nowadays not be able to exist on such a budget, but there certainly was a time I was happy with considerably less.

[Ping]

You may wish to also look on the teaching sub-forum for some advice:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Teaching-Tha...-Forum-f46.html

[1000baht]

I think you will be just fine. The biggest expense for alot of expats is the bar scene. If you only go 1 or 2 times a week you'll be fine, you can live comfortably for 60 K a month. Some people spend 100+ some only 30, all depends on the person!

[rawlings]

thanks a lot for all of the replies. You've helped alleviate a lot of my fears, though I do know that I'll have to be cautious with my spending. Regardless, I'll be arriving on March 13, and I'm excited as hel_l. My only concern now is whether it is worth the risk of renting/buying a cheap motorbike. I plan on feeling out the road and traffic situations (I know, theyre pretty abysmal) before making that decision.

anyway, THANKS AGAIN, and any more advice you may have is greatly appreciated.

[taxin]

Go for it ! 200k will give you at least 2 weeks (if your careful) of sheer bliss on Bangla Road. Believe me, It will be the best 2 weeks of your life !

I would rather do that than live in Chalong for 6 months living off sticky rice & noodles. Not that I have anything against Chalong of course.... or sticky rice for that matter.

Another alternative is to head for a place called "Nanai Road" in Patong. Theres loads of places over there who will let you invest 200K in a bar business for a great return. Its great, you dont even have to do any work or lift a finger.

[rawlings]

that sounds really, really sketchy. I think I'll stick with my original plan (leaving in less than a weeK)

[1000baht]

Go for it ! 200k will give you at least 2 weeks (if your careful) of sheer bliss on Bangla Road. Believe me, It will be the best 2 weeks of your life !

I would rather do that than live in Chalong for 6 months living off sticky rice & noodles. Not that I have anything against Chalong of course.... or sticky rice for that matter.

Another alternative is to head for a place called "Nanai Road" in Patong. Theres loads of places over there who will let you invest 200K in a bar business for a great return. Its great, you dont even have to do any work or lift a finger.

Do not invest in a bar. I think you will be fine. Just beware of some of the women! Im looking for an english teacher actually to send my gf to. PM when you are on phuket.

[YaiJung]

Find a cheap room in a guesthouse before you plop down your 3 months rent to move into an apartment. Being close to work is key. March is the beginning of the low-season and there should be plenty of rentals to choose from. People on here are dead serious when they say you probably won't get your deposit back. Out of 7 landlords that I have rented from, only one gave me my deposit back in a straightforward manner(the only foreigner I have rented from). 2 others gave back small portions after lots and lots of chasing around. 4 flat out refused and got threatening with me when I insisted...several of these I had pegged as decent folks(guess I was wrong). The Thai way is to put off paying the last month's rent and then leave in the middle of the night, ducking out on all the bills and stealing anything that isn't bolted down.

As for the motorbike, you will definitely need one. Phuket's public transportation leaves a lot to be desired and you could easily spend a fortune just trying to get around. There are a couple of bus routes, but they are packed with people and few and far between. I dont believe they run past 6pm, but could be wrong on that. Not to mention getting from beach to beach is impossible without going first back into Phuket Town to change buses(takes hrs and is very hot). The taxi mafia are a real headache to deal with and you don't want to subject yourself to them if you can avoid it.

You can find a motorbike rental for about 2500 baht per month. Used bikes are around and you will probably pay 15,000 baht for an older model. New bikes can be had for 33,000 and up, with most foreigners spending around 45,000 or so for something with a little more power.

Phuket is a wonderful place to live and has and incredible amount of variety compared with other locations in Thailand. It is a large island and takes some time to learn the ropes, but that's all part of the adventure.

Best of luck.

[barrybike]

rawlings dont mind some of these guys bull shitting .200k will last you longer than 2 weeks no matter where you go in thailand..two hundred thousand baht will last you a good while depending on your life style

[JetsetBkk]

What ever you decide to do, don't forget to keep posting on Thaivisa. I look forward to your subsequent threads...

"Got ripped off by the airport minivan driver"

"Is electricity really 10 baht per unit?"

"Landlord didn't give me my deposit back"

"Fantastic night with a girl, but says she wants money for it"

"Fantastic night with a girl, but turns out she wasn't"

"School refuses to get me a work permit, Immigration threatens me with jail"

"My money has run out, now begging at Central World Plaza"

Only joking - take care!

[christina]

heyyy, i also graduated from a US Univ w/ a BA in English and live in New England..weird eh

now i live in phuket town and do social work but have some friends who worked for dowroong wittaya school which is in need of English teachers.they put you up with a cheap but nice apt w/ A/C and in walking distance to the school. It's not near a beach though. De

I would suggest lining up a job before you come and applying for the appropriate visa before you come here b/c it's really difficult to get a non-tourist visa after you've already arrived in the country.

I would be hesitant to say that 6k would last you a year in Thailand b/c you'll probably get the urge to travel around the country, to neighboring countries and the islands around phuket. Phuket is expensive and often staying on even more remote islands is even more expensive.

But if you're willing to eat cheap aka noodles for breakfast lunch and dinner then you'll be pretty fine i think.

Renting a motorbike is like 200 baht a day (divide by 36 for $US) and even less monthly.

[chefshane]

Phuket is a GREAT place to live and can be affordable if you don't go "all expat" and get pissed at bangla 2-3 nights a week with your mates, ending up with extras.

Accom is ok.

All my expat friends told me to live in expat areas for 15 - 35K a month - beacause it is hel_l living in 'local' area.

I disregarded their "advice" and ended up spending 6000 baht a month on a nice 2BR house in a quiet area near Supercheap and bypass road.

To move in?

6000 baht.

No bullshit, deposits or advance fees.

And all the help and respect in the world. Even visits with food, and occasional trips out to local events and beers with the "landlord" and his family.

If you show up to gated communities in "good" areas, full of 'established' Englishmen with new cars and investor landlords, then expect a Western financial experience with deposits, forms, dramas and expenses, plus a supercilious bunch of neighbours into one-upsmanship and expat superiority games

Transport is more expensive than rent.

tuk tuks, taxis and motorcycle drivers are a rip off.

Buy a motorbike new for 45K, or secondhand for 20K - but beware injuries.

Cars are 10K a month to rent or 16K if you ask your expat mates :-)

If you can afford it, buy a car and make payments, if you can commit for long term, or buy second hand.

It may be cheaper to pay more rent and live walking distance from work.

Cost of getting around here really shits me.

When I was on 150K a month, it was just enough to live on in Phuket

Between jobs, 30K a month was more than enough, including food, broadband internet, laundry, fuel, utilities, rent, the occasional treat, corner shop beer and groceries.

Your lifestyle will contract / expand to suit your budget.

You already mentioned your lack of desire for paid jollies and island jaunts, so I am sure you'll be loving it and living well within your means.

The thai food is more expensive than most of TH, but I eat often for 30-50 baht, and I eat better than many of my ripped-off mates who try for cumberland sausages, Aussie steaks, pizzas and pies at 250 -450 baht a shot, and whinge about the quality after.

Local food is great, fresh, cheap and plentiful.

Of course, I will get flamed relentlessly for "going native" because I enjoy Thai food.

Trust me, in Dubai I ate Arabic, In Australia I had bread, steaks, potatoes and pasta and in Central Asia I had lots of peaches, lamb, shashlik and plov. Common sense, not elitism. Especially on a budget.

People are friendly, more so in the local areas than the expat or tourist areas where you are seen as a walking ATM.

Thai areas will get you a supportive local network who can pull more strings and give better advice than all of the ex SAS specialists on these forums

Good luck with your move.

Welcome to Phuket.

[cotambear]

You have a wisdom, which is to know your own ignorance and seek advice.

Go for it.

[Super Hans]

I had some mates who did similar. They got 30k a month, so had to share a room (splitting the 5k rent) and rarely went out, but seemed ok with their lifestyles.

What is absolutely crucial here is transport. If you are not an EXTREMELY experienced motorcyclist, forget it. It can't be stressed enough what a complete pain in the arse Phuket is to get around if you've never ridden a bike and can't afford a car.

Finding accommodation can also be a complete nightmare without serious help.

Personally, I'd head for Chiang Mai, where there are loads of english teachers who have a ball. Lovely place, too.

[JetsetBkk]

...What is absolutely crucial here is transport. If you are not an EXTREMELY experienced motorcyclist, forget it. It can't be stressed enough what a complete pain in the arse Phuket is to get around if you've never ridden a bike and can't afford a car. ..

Absolute tosh. I first rode a bike on Samui and then Phuket. Just copy what the other riders do and you'll be alright. Don't ride like you would in your own country