Living allowance (for car and accommodation)

[Mr23]

Hi all,

First time poster, long time lurker. I've done several searches but could not find appropriate information

I'm in the early stages of a new job offer. Interviews have gone well and the next step will be negotiating salary and benefits. I've been told that along with my salary that I will be entitled to living allowances.

Some back ground info:

- I am Australian but have lived and worked in Bkk previously for several years.

- The role will be for a marketing manager position with an international company.

- I have a wife and child which the company knows about.

The monthly base salary is 160k/month. WP and all insurances will be taken care of. Allowances will be paid in addition to the base salary but I have no idea what a good amount will be. Keeping in mind I have a 3.5 year old boy who will need to attend an International kindergarten, would 60k/month be an appropriate amount? This will cover accommodation, car payments (still unsure of the final arrangements on this), kindergarten and other living expenses.

I would appreciate any input on this. Would be even more grateful if people could share with me what their monthly allowances are. Happy to answer any questions.

Many thanks.

[konying]

In the end of the day company pays what it pays .

I believe living allowance means accomodation, it does not include school fees, this is what salary is for .

Car allowance would be in line with car repayments or it could be just petrol money.

I am guessing again but with 160 000 per month base salary I would be say accomodation company would allow up to 40000 per month and about 10-20k for car.

[Mr23]

Thanks for your response, konying,

Exactly the amounts I was thinking.

[blackcab]

Don't forget to get the company to pay your income tax and social security on top of your salary.

In the hospitality industry a General Manager of an international chain would expect to receive a company car and driver (which could be used for hotel work when not in use); comprehensive medical/dental and life insurance; up to 1 million baht per year education allowance (regardless of how many children you have) and an accommodation allowance that would be variable depending on the size of your family and local market prices.

Additionally a PA; at least one member of staff to help at home; all work related costs such as work permit/visa costs; a food/beverage/entertainment allowance and dry cleaning costs.

Perhaps you can see why a lot of General Managers are single!

[Mr23]

Thanks, BC.

I think it's safe to say some of those perks are out of my reach but how nice would it be.

It's so difficult to gauge these types of things as the numbers can be so staggering.

[steven100]

The company has the salary set at 160k + allowances ... end of story ....

find a school that fits that budget for the allowances ( if covered ) .... find a car that fits the budget ....

either that or tell the boss you need more !!

Edited August 15, 2015 by steven100

[Mr23]

160K does not include allowances. This is to be determined/negotiated, hence why I'm seeking opinions.

[konying]

160K does not include allowances. This is to be determined/negotiated, hence why I'm seeking opinions.

Ask for 100 000, settle for 75 000-85 000. They would come back with 50 000, so half way would be ideal.

Decent condo's these days(high end) are around 60 000 and up, car rental 15 000 -20 000.

If you buy a car with deposit, repayments would be around 25 000 for something like a Camry , so 85 000 is a reasonable amount.

Do not forget yearly flights back home

Edited August 15, 2015 by konying

[huawei]

School fees should be negotiated and included in the allowances . They are the most important element of any allowance in Bkk.

[konying]

School fees should be negotiated and included in the allowances . They are the most important element of any allowance in Bkk.

why would a company pay any school fees?

[huawei]

They paid mine. It was an international company, you bring your kids with you..there is a cost attached. International school fees are expensive here, disproportionately so.

[Soutpeel]

School fees should be negotiated and included in the allowances . They are the most important element of any allowance in Bkk.

why would a company pay any school fees?

Because some do thats why

[konying]

School fees should be negotiated and included in the allowances . They are the most important element of any allowance in Bkk.

why would a company pay any school fees?

Because some do thats why

Some is the operative word i believe. Also i am guessing this allowance would be for more senior positions and people who are head hunted, no?

[konying]

They paid mine. It was an international company, you bring your kids with you..there is a cost attached. International school fees are expensive here, disproportionately so.

What was your position and salary? not because i care but rather for OP's sake

[Soutpeel]

School fees should be negotiated and included in the allowances . They are the most important element of any allowance in Bkk.

why would a company pay any school fees?

Because some do thats why

Some is the operative word i believe. Also i am guessing this allowance would be for more senior positions and people who are head hunted, no?

Typically yes

[green job]

I feel you are being ripped of, The posters are just being polite to you. No way can you survive in Bangkok under 200K with your liabilities,dont listen to them.

I would think more like 250 to 300k would be about right, We all know that,and many here need that to live, Dont let them take the piss out of you

[Fab5BKK]

From my 20-year + expat experience, "Expat Package" should include the following components:

*Basic salary

*Bonus (based on KPIs)

*Tax management

*Pension

*Visa + work permit

*Vaccinations

*Health insurance

*1 initial flight

*1 return flight to home per year

*Car (with / without driver depends on location and level)

*Accommodation

If family:

Visa, vaccinations, health insurance, flights, school & accommodation should be ajusted accordingly.

Again, based on the position level, the value of each component will vary.

For top positions sports club, golf club membership fees will be part of the package.

If we are talking about a local contract, the benefits would / could be vastly reduced...

Negotiation begins!

Edited August 15, 2015 by Fab5BKK

[blackcab]

School fees should be negotiated and included in the allowances . They are the most important element of any allowance in Bkk.

why would a company pay any school fees?

Because some do thats why

Some is the operative word i believe. Also i am guessing this allowance would be for more senior positions and people who are head hunted, no?

Yes. In the hospitality industry it would typically be for 1 to 4 positions;

General Manager

Executive Assistant Manager

Executive Chef

Director of Sales and Marketing

[Mr23]

I appreciate everyone's feedback here.

These questions are always difficult to answer..... It's the good old 'how long is a piece of string?' question.

I was head-hunted/poached for the role therefore I think I have a bit more leverage to play with. It is by no means a senior management role therefore I need to base my assumptions objectively on the 160K base salary.

I definitely will not be settled for anything under 200K inclusive. From the feedback, I may start negotiation at 260K package and go from there.

Cheers all.

[huawei]

I feel you are being ripped of, The posters are just being polite to you. No way can you survive in Bangkok under 200K with your liabilities,dont listen to them.

I would think more like 250 to 300k would be about right, We all know that,and many here need that to live, Dont let them take the piss out of you

This was my thoughts. If it is a truly expat deal, wanting specific skills..because he is already in Bkk and wants to stay in Bkk plus is probably more than he is on now they are looking to exploit that.

I was in the same situation 20 years ago and was prepared to walk. No airfares to pay, culturally use to the place, already had a place stay etc..my worry was if I started low very difficult to then increase.

250k minimum.

[steven100]

Tell them 300k + or your walking .... and where's the limo ... ?

[huawei]

They paid mine. It was an international company, you bring your kids with you..there is a cost attached. International school fees are expensive here, disproportionately so.

What was your position and salary? not because i care but rather for OP's sake

Senior finance with IT skills plus knowledge in that industry, already in Asia..all in package about 400k..3 year contract..slightly different...long hours, hard work..nothing is easy..that was a long time ago. Many of those old skills now redundant..retired..but one thing I learnt was if they really want you, they will pay, but it will be only until they really need you.

[Mr23]

I feel you are being ripped of, The posters are just being polite to you. No way can you survive in Bangkok under 200K with your liabilities,dont listen to them.

I would think more like 250 to 300k would be about right, We all know that,and many here need that to live, Dont let them take the piss out of you

This was my thoughts. If it is a truly expat deal, wanting specific skills..because he is already in Bkk and wants to stay in Bkk plus is probably more than he is on now they are looking to exploit that.

I was in the same situation 20 years ago and was prepared to walk. No airfares to pay, culturally use to the place, already had a place stay etc..my worry was if I started low very difficult to then increase.

250k minimum.

Hi huawei - I'm actually still in Oz. This job offer was quite unexpected as I was not looking at returning to Bkk for work. Definitely no less than 250K.

Tell them 300k + or your walking .... and where's the limo ... ?

haha Steve - best to request a helicopter with Bkk's traffic

[Aussieroaming]

Allowances are what you negotiate plus whatever your company normally pay.

Currently I have a free condo, free utilities, us$ 75 day tax free for food, all taxis paid..if I had kids the school fees would be paid.just luck of the draw on this particular contract.

All I've listed are standard and some other employees ask and get more, depending on their needs.

So ask and see what they give..don't assume you aren't eligible.

[blackcab]

I feel you are being ripped of, The posters are just being polite to you. No way can you survive in Bangkok under 200K with your liabilities,dont listen to them.

I would think more like 250 to 300k would be about right, We all know that,and many here need that to live, Dont let them take the piss out of you

This was my thoughts. If it is a truly expat deal, wanting specific skills..because he is already in Bkk and wants to stay in Bkk plus is probably more than he is on now they are looking to exploit that.

I was in the same situation 20 years ago and was prepared to walk. No airfares to pay, culturally use to the place, already had a place stay etc..my worry was if I started low very difficult to then increase.

250k minimum.

Hi huawei - I'm actually still in Oz. This job offer was quite unexpected as I was not looking at returning to Bkk for work. Definitely no less than 250K.

Tell them 300k + or your walking .... and where's the limo ... ?

haha Steve - best to request a helicopter with Bkk's traffic

That's not impossible. A Japanese man gets a flight to and from the airport to UBC 2 building quite regularly.

[green job]

Tell them 300k + or your walking .... and where's the limo ... ?

Actually thinking about it 450k is nearer the mark these days

[huawei]

Final point. You are what you think you are worth..I learnt very quickly that if you really value yourself and can bring real value to the position then don't be afraid to ask. If they reject you it will probably be because of budgetary constraints.

[Mr23]

Allowances are what you negotiate plus whatever your company normally pay.

Currently I have a free condo, free utilities, us$ 75 day tax free for food, all taxis paid..if I had kids the school fees would be paid.just luck of the draw on this particular contract.

All I've listed are standard and some other employees ask and get more, depending on their needs.

So ask and see what they give..don't assume you aren't eligible.

Great advice!

Final point. You are what you think you are worth..I learnt very quickly that if you really value yourself and can bring real value to the position then don't be afraid to ask. If they reject you it will probably be because of budgetary constraints.

Also great advice!

The truth of the matter is, I don't need this job! They approached me therefore they need me more than I need them. I will request what I need and not sell myself short.

This thread has helped me immensely! Thanks all!

[Soutpeel]

Final point. You are what you think you are worth..I learnt very quickly that if you really value yourself and can bring real value to the position then don't be afraid to ask. If they reject you it will probably be because of budgetary constraints.

In my experience you will get what you ask for within reason if they really want you, positions normally have a "banded" package attached to them with upper and lower limits of whats acceptable to the company

Anyone who is experienced and competant in their respective professions should know what their skills are worth and know typically what the packages are irrespective of what country your in, thai companies bringing in legimate expats will also know what the prevelant international packages are and budget accordingly

Where things fall down in thailand at times is the foreigner is so desperate to stay in Thailand at any cost they will accept all kinds of crap from employers such as paying for their own WP or taking massive pay cuts just for the "privillage" of living in Thailand silly IMHO

[Soutpeel]

Allowances are what you negotiate plus whatever your company normally pay.

Currently I have a free condo, free utilities, us$ 75 day tax free for food, all taxis paid..if I had kids the school fees would be paid.just luck of the draw on this particular contract.

All I've listed are standard and some other employees ask and get more, depending on their needs.

So ask and see what they give..don't assume you aren't eligible.

Great advice!

Final point. You are what you think you are worth..I learnt very quickly that if you really value yourself and can bring real value to the position then don't be afraid to ask. If they reject you it will probably be because of budgetary constraints.

Also great advice!

The truth of the matter is, I don't need this job! They approached me therefore they need me more than I need them. I will request what I need and not sell myself short.

This thread has helped me immensely! Thanks all!

Good for you thats the way to approach things dont ever sell yourself short