Working and staying in bangkok

[eppic]

Took me a while to reply to eppic's post. Had to light a Krung Tip, shove the bottles off the keyboard, send my girl (can't remember her name) out for some more 7-11 dinners and hang the Chang singlet on the rusty balcony railing. LOL

You do need to get out more, eppic and taste Sukhumvit. Some of the finest restaurants, shopping and executive condos are strung along Suk. My friends are oil and shipping engineers, property developers in Southeast Asia, UN business consultants, house designers, lubricant distributors, steel manufacturers, brand name hotel managers, jazz musicians and the like. We meet regularly in a Sukhumvit pub. They all dress well, are well behaved, make good money, have wives and girlfriends. Not unlike many expats in Bangkok. What you were describing is some trumped up vision of Pattaya. I might give you part of that description.

Fair enough, I exaggerated the negatives of Sukhumvit, although on any given night Nana or certain other areas may have crowds resembling those in Pattaya or Patong.

Thonglor actually is a trendy area, and has lots of nightlife and restos, but I find it inconvenient for living -- no nice condos (at least by my definition) within a very short walking distance of the BTS and the soi turns into a congested, impassable mess at times (no motorcycle taxis for me, thanks). The Asoke area is also not bad, but I also couldn't find a condo complex I liked near the BTS. I still prefer the greenery and relative peacefulness (excluding protests) of my area on Ratchadamri, and the nearby embassy district, something of an oasis in the BKK chaos. Daily life navigating Sukhumvit's narrow, crowded, or non-existent sidewalks would drive me bonkers...but one person's heaven is another's hell.

FWIW, my central city reference points are 10+ years in Manhattan, 14 in Singapore, and one in London...each has its good points, but each can also drive you insane at times...OK, maybe not Singapore, easiest place I have ever lived, just far from the most interesting or exciting

Edited March 19, 2014 by eppic

[juicetin]

Juicetin,

Congrats on the job offer.

Living in Bangkok and the quality of your life depends on several things. What you expect and what you can afford are probably 2 of the main ones.

I've lived here for 5 years and came here after having lived in Hong Kong for 35 years. I've also had family living in Singapore for many years so I know it well too.

Rental costs are approx 1/4 to 1/6th of the cost of Hong Kong, so you may well be able to live in something much cheaper than you are used to in Singapore, or larger (or both). If your budget can extend to over 30,000 baht a month then you'll be able to live in a very nice condo. You can (depending where in BKK you want to live) find good condos for much less, it just depends what you want.

My first condo was 40,000 baht a month and because of the size (150 sqm) it was expensive to keep cool. I now live in a very good studio apartment with better facilities (pool and gym), close to the BTS (Bangkok's Skytrain) and I pay 8000 baht (315 SGD) a month..... so my advice is look for a good studio first and then perhaps upgrade if you really want (need) more space.

Are you a typical Singapore expat who enjoys drinking down Clarke Quay several nights a week? Or are you more of a quiet stay at home type person? Bangkok has abundant nightlife of all types, what type of place you frequent will depend on your income level and age..... When I first arrived here I was introduced to the beer bars where drinks are cheap, the staff are all bar girls and the other patrons were mostly older retired blokes..... I made some friends but ultimately that was so far from the scene I enjoyed in Hong Kong it got boring and I had no interest in bar girls... I now drink in bars which are just like the type you find in Clarke Quay or Hong Kong.... a vodka soda will run you between 250 baht to 350 baht (9.85 - 13.78 SGD) in those places, but you will be surrounded by beautiful, young people and the music will be better!

The other factor is where your office is going to be located, if you are lucky and its on the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground) then you will not need to use taxis much or need a car. I live outside of the main heart of Bangkok, but I live next to a BTS station and my commute is only 20 mins. Being a bit outside of course keep my rent cheaper. The train journey is 40 baht each way (1.57 SGD)

Food here is affordable (even imported) simply because you and I being from Singapore and HK are used to much higher prices for imported things.

I hope that help, obviously I don't know what is important to you so if you have any questions feel free to PM me

Regards.

Hey mate,

First of all, thks vm for the info you provided. It, was definitely very useful and sufficient for me to understand more about, what is going to be like an expat in Bangkok. Well, the first thing is that, the standard of living was way more lower compare to my country Singapore. Which is a good thing, secondly, it seems the housing there is even much more lower. Anycase, believed you do know. None could get a studio/condo apartment in Singapore for the price of 300+ sgd a month. Not to even mention getting a room in one of those normal hdb flats (government owned) in Singapore.

Anyway, shall pm me you for more info if needed. appreciate it.

You are very welcome.

One of the other respondents (eppic) raised the issue of living in style.... He is right in that if you want to live in one of the premium buildings and in the heart of town then you will pay a lot more, but it comes down to what you want out of your place and how much cash you are willing and able to pour into it. As I said my first condo (5 years ago) was 150 sq/m and cost 40,000 baht a month, plus the size added to the cost of electricity and cleaning etc. But I knew no better and coming from HK where I'd been paying the same for 30 sq/m I though it was a serious bargain.

After a year here I realised I didn't need a big place, however my studio is very well equipped, easy to keep clean and has an awesome pool (average gym), it also has a proper decent kitchen (which most studios don't) which was very important to me as I like to cook at home. It is less than 60 secs walk to a BTS station that gets me to Asoke in 15-20 mins. The neighbourhood is great and there are numerous large shopping malls all within a short taxi ride.

I'd rather live here and pay what I do now, than be paying significantly more for rooms I don't need and a premium just because the building is a bit newer. Of course I also understand why people like the more expensive places, I've lived in both and at this point in time the cheaper option suits me.

Please bear in mind that advice is totally subjective, I grew up in Hong Kong, so I'm a total city boy and therefore love the hustle and bustle of a big city, pollution, traffic, crowds etc I love spicy food and although I rarely eat on the streets that isn't because I don't want to but more because I don't have anyone to eat with.... Some people have said you can't walk in parts of Bangkok, which is crazy talk... I walk everywhere unless I can take the BTS or MRT or a Taxi (car).

Then again I'm young for my age, not overweight and I don't mind the heat and humidity. I know people who having come from Europe can barely spend 5 minutes outside before they are sweating profusely and complaining its too hot!! And that is without exerting themselves!

Anyway, you did mention you've been here a few times so you know what Bangkok looks, feels and smells like. You are used to Singapore's humidity so you won't mind Bangkok's.

Yeah, I don't mind the hot weather at all. As, Singapore isn't really a country with many seasons also. We are on the equator line, Which means is hot all year round.

Yes, and I cant disagree with you on issue of living in style. As, compared to what I am paying for in Singapore right now. It doesn't makes any hell of a sense to me. Like you mention, your first condo was 150sq/m for 40k a month, which is ard 1.5k sgd. At such price, you would never be able to get a condo anywhere in Singapore. Maybe, those really old condo which was more than 25 years old. But, never at any younger ones.

I do somehow think, the most important thing would be (as what eppic mention). " Choose the correct area to live in" Btw, Thanks again for the heads up.

[jcnbkk]

Juicetin,

Congrats on the job offer.

Living in Bangkok and the quality of your life depends on several things. What you expect and what you can afford are probably 2 of the main ones.

I've lived here for 5 years and came here after having lived in Hong Kong for 35 years. I've also had family living in Singapore for many years so I know it well too.

Rental costs are approx 1/4 to 1/6th of the cost of Hong Kong, so you may well be able to live in something much cheaper than you are used to in Singapore, or larger (or both). If your budget can extend to over 30,000 baht a month then you'll be able to live in a very nice condo. You can (depending where in BKK you want to live) find good condos for much less, it just depends what you want.

My first condo was 40,000 baht a month and because of the size (150 sqm) it was expensive to keep cool. I now live in a very good studio apartment with better facilities (pool and gym), close to the BTS (Bangkok's Skytrain) and I pay 8000 baht (315 SGD) a month..... so my advice is look for a good studio first and then perhaps upgrade if you really want (need) more space.

Are you a typical Singapore expat who enjoys drinking down Clarke Quay several nights a week? Or are you more of a quiet stay at home type person? Bangkok has abundant nightlife of all types, what type of place you frequent will depend on your income level and age..... When I first arrived here I was introduced to the beer bars where drinks are cheap, the staff are all bar girls and the other patrons were mostly older retired blokes..... I made some friends but ultimately that was so far from the scene I enjoyed in Hong Kong it got boring and I had no interest in bar girls... I now drink in bars which are just like the type you find in Clarke Quay or Hong Kong.... a vodka soda will run you between 250 baht to 350 baht (9.85 - 13.78 SGD) in those places, but you will be surrounded by beautiful, young people and the music will be better!

The other factor is where your office is going to be located, if you are lucky and its on the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground) then you will not need to use taxis much or need a car. I live outside of the main heart of Bangkok, but I live next to a BTS station and my commute is only 20 mins. Being a bit outside of course keep my rent cheaper. The train journey is 40 baht each way (1.57 SGD)

Food here is affordable (even imported) simply because you and I being from Singapore and HK are used to much higher prices for imported things.

I hope that help, obviously I don't know what is important to you so if you have any questions feel free to PM me

Regards.

Can I ask where you found a good condo, with pool and gym, near BTS for 8,000b?

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

===clip===

The other factor is where your office is going to be located, if you are lucky and its on the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground) then you will not need to use taxis much or need a car. I live outside of the main heart of Bangkok, but I live next to a BTS station and my commute is only 20 mins. Being a bit outside of course keep my rent cheaper. The train journey is 40 baht each way (1.57 SGD)

Food here is affordable (even imported) simply because you and I being from Singapore and HK are used to much higher prices for imported things.

I hope that help, obviously I don't know what is important to you so if you have any questions feel free to PM me

Regards.

Can I ask where you found a good condo, with pool and gym, near BTS for 8,000b?

He mentions 40 baht BTS journey so I'm going to guess Udom Suk, having taken the Skytrain from that station many times.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Kaoboi Bebobp

[tookwan cottage]

Juicetin,

Congrats on the job offer.

Living in Bangkok and the quality of your life depends on several things. What you expect and what you can afford are probably 2 of the main ones.

I've lived here for 5 years and came here after having lived in Hong Kong for 35 years. I've also had family living in Singapore for many years so I know it well too.

Rental costs are approx 1/4 to 1/6th of the cost of Hong Kong, so you may well be able to live in something much cheaper than you are used to in Singapore, or larger (or both). If your budget can extend to over 30,000 baht a month then you'll be able to live in a very nice condo. You can (depending where in BKK you want to live) find good condos for much less, it just depends what you want.

My first condo was 40,000 baht a month and because of the size (150 sqm) it was expensive to keep cool. I now live in a very good studio apartment with better facilities (pool and gym), close to the BTS (Bangkok's Skytrain) and I pay 8000 baht (315 SGD) a month..... so my advice is look for a good studio first and then perhaps upgrade if you really want (need) more space.

Are you a typical Singapore expat who enjoys drinking down Clarke Quay several nights a week? Or are you more of a quiet stay at home type person? Bangkok has abundant nightlife of all types, what type of place you frequent will depend on your income level and age..... When I first arrived here I was introduced to the beer bars where drinks are cheap, the staff are all bar girls and the other patrons were mostly older retired blokes..... I made some friends but ultimately that was so far from the scene I enjoyed in Hong Kong it got boring and I had no interest in bar girls... I now drink in bars which are just like the type you find in Clarke Quay or Hong Kong.... a vodka soda will run you between 250 baht to 350 baht (9.85 - 13.78 SGD) in those places, but you will be surrounded by beautiful, young people and the music will be better!

The other factor is where your office is going to be located, if you are lucky and its on the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground) then you will not need to use taxis much or need a car. I live outside of the main heart of Bangkok, but I live next to a BTS station and my commute is only 20 mins. Being a bit outside of course keep my rent cheaper. The train journey is 40 baht each way (1.57 SGD)

Food here is affordable (even imported) simply because you and I being from Singapore and HK are used to much higher prices for imported things.

I hope that help, obviously I don't know what is important to you so if you have any questions feel free to PM me

Regards.

Can I ask where you found a good condo, with pool and gym, near BTS for 8,000b?

Please, can an answer be provided to this excellent question?? I can understand that one would want to keep such information under wraps, so to speak, but in the interests of altruism, a response will be much appreciated :-)

[namdocmai]

I almost can't believe the 8000 a month, or it has to be very very small. But in BKK everything is possible.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

I almost can't believe the 8000 a month, or it has to be very very small. But in BKK everything is possible.

Yeah, it would have to be about 30 sq metres. If it's up in the 40s, then that's a good deal.

[seancbk]

Juicetin,

Congrats on the job offer.

Living in Bangkok and the quality of your life depends on several things. What you expect and what you can afford are probably 2 of the main ones.

I've lived here for 5 years and came here after having lived in Hong Kong for 35 years. I've also had family living in Singapore for many years so I know it well too.

Rental costs are approx 1/4 to 1/6th of the cost of Hong Kong, so you may well be able to live in something much cheaper than you are used to in Singapore, or larger (or both). If your budget can extend to over 30,000 baht a month then you'll be able to live in a very nice condo. You can (depending where in BKK you want to live) find good condos for much less, it just depends what you want.

My first condo was 40,000 baht a month and because of the size (150 sqm) it was expensive to keep cool. I now live in a very good studio apartment with better facilities (pool and gym), close to the BTS (Bangkok's Skytrain) and I pay 8000 baht (315 SGD) a month..... so my advice is look for a good studio first and then perhaps upgrade if you really want (need) more space.

Are you a typical Singapore expat who enjoys drinking down Clarke Quay several nights a week? Or are you more of a quiet stay at home type person? Bangkok has abundant nightlife of all types, what type of place you frequent will depend on your income level and age..... When I first arrived here I was introduced to the beer bars where drinks are cheap, the staff are all bar girls and the other patrons were mostly older retired blokes..... I made some friends but ultimately that was so far from the scene I enjoyed in Hong Kong it got boring and I had no interest in bar girls... I now drink in bars which are just like the type you find in Clarke Quay or Hong Kong.... a vodka soda will run you between 250 baht to 350 baht (9.85 - 13.78 SGD) in those places, but you will be surrounded by beautiful, young people and the music will be better!

The other factor is where your office is going to be located, if you are lucky and its on the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground) then you will not need to use taxis much or need a car. I live outside of the main heart of Bangkok, but I live next to a BTS station and my commute is only 20 mins. Being a bit outside of course keep my rent cheaper. The train journey is 40 baht each way (1.57 SGD)

Food here is affordable (even imported) simply because you and I being from Singapore and HK are used to much higher prices for imported things.

I hope that help, obviously I don't know what is important to you so if you have any questions feel free to PM me

Regards.

Can I ask where you found a good condo, with pool and gym, near BTS for 8,000b?

It's next to Udomsuk BTS.

As I said in my original post it's a Studio, so one room, unlike a lot of studios it has a proper separate kitchen and obviously it has a bathroom with nice glass enclosed shower. It is 35 sq/m. I've lived there 30 months now and my landlady hasn't increased the rent at all. Similar units in my building are now renting for 10K I think which is still very reasonable. For the same size of unit in Hong Kong I would now be paying 60,000 baht or more.

There are tons of very nice studios in the 35-50sq/m range priced from 7000 baht and up... Obviously the closer to the BTS you are and the closer to downtown the higher the rent you'll be asked to pay.

Electric is charged direct from the Electric company with no markup and my typical bill is about 1200 baht a month, running AC all night and a lot during the day.

[namdocmai]

Taxi's are no fun in BKK and they don't speak english. So close to the bts is a great advantage. Also close to a mall would be nice.

If you can't live in a condo then you can rent a house in a villapark but that costs more of course and you will need a car.

Singapore is a much more developed country then Thailand but i can't change that. The best is to learn thai language if you like.

[mmh8]

funny , about the space not needed, having got the new house with 3 rooms already looking for something bigger. what about the helpers and the maid, they do get in the way when they are on the same floor, so need to move somewhere else to find space for them.

I think you will find life better here. I always found Singapore too expensive, the advantage over Europe for me is the weather mainly, but cost of living I may as well have stayed in London.

BKK will give you far better value for your money, and even though it does that I still find a way to spend more of it. But remember if you have a live in staff, you should think about that before you get your digs, even a relativly easy on the eye nanny with a penchant for short skirts and showing off cleavage gets a bit annoying iif always in the way