Moving to Chiang Mai early 2016

[Cpkt8]

Hello folks,

I'm planning to move to Chiang Mai in early 2016 (from Singapore), to start afresh.

The biggest headache will be visa, as I'm still not qualified for retirement visa yet. I don't want to waste money on PE elite if possible. I'm planning on getting a tourist visa (60days I presume), extendable for another 30 days after which I need to exit Thailand. Don't know how long I can do that (fly out every 3 months), as I have flight phobia. I've been reading the forum about investment visa and immigration issues. Sigh...

I don't drive or ride a motorcycle. With the current public transport system in Chiang Mai and the place I stay (near the new convention centre), I have no idea how I'm going to travel to amenities like supermarket etc. Any advices/suggestions please?

Does anyone have suggestion on movers (from Singapore to Chiang Mai)? I don't have furniture, just boxes of belongings.

As for drinking water, which company to look for reliable water source? Some brand of drinking water tastes weird, can't recall the name though.

There are many queries but that's all I can think of now. Your help will be much appreciated. Thank you.

[mrmillersr]

I know Singapore is expensive, but why in the world would you want to move to Chiang Mai?

[Cpkt8]

I know Singapore is expensive, but why in the world would you want to move to Chiang Mai?

To live my husband's dream. To fulfil what he wanted...

[cyberfarang]

I wouldn`t worry about visas if I were you, as soon most of us may not be able to get visas either.

Read carefully and have a think about this.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/861438-immigration-promenada-one-stop-service-v2/

[big carl]

Try to get a 60 day multiple entry. If you can get one for three entries that will give you 270days and all you have to do is go to Mia Sai twice in the bus.

Transport around town is easy with the red trucks. and tuk tuk's. Probably much cheaper than the cabs in Singapore. Can't swear to that. Immigration can be a problem but it is only a once a year issue. If you do it your self not fun. Agents to do it for you at today's prices their charge is from 3,000 baht to 5,000 baht. Plus the 1,900 baht immigration fee. First you will need to get a retirement visa for that. You also must be over 50. There are all kinds of other Visas that you may qualify for check on the Visa forum.

[luke000]

Triple and double entry Visa are now no longer available .

Its just the METV and single entry tourist visas which are avaiable

[puukao]

Great!!! Let me say 1,000,000 great things......

Now for the small, but important, things.....please bring lots of face masks (the ones here are bad) as the pollution can get very, very, very bad. That, to me, is critical. It will likely be the death heat in April......figure out ways to stay cool ... maybe wear more wicking materials, etc...

They even tested water in BKK and it was bad....so hard to find good water. i think that is luck...but good luck

If you are fit, I would get a mountain bike with panniers and put food there. It might be a little pain (get a good lock for bike), but i enjoyed doing it

Or just take a songtaw or whatever for a few dollars and be done with it..

[Cpkt8]

Great!!! Let me say 1,000,000 great things......

Now for the small, but important, things.....please bring lots of face masks (the ones here are bad) as the pollution can get very, very, very bad. That, to me, is critical. It will likely be the death heat in April......figure out ways to stay cool ... maybe wear more wicking materials, etc...

They even tested water in BKK and it was bad....so hard to find good water. i think that is luck...but good luck

If you are fit, I would get a mountain bike with panniers and put food there. It might be a little pain (get a good lock for bike), but i enjoyed doing it

Or just take a songtaw or whatever for a few dollars and be done with it..

How long will the haze stays on average? Till July? Can stay indoor mostly or just escape to Bangkok maybe. Will bring lots of N95 mask along.

Which companies sell drinking water from reliable source? I read articles some companies actually sell tap water. Where do you get yours?

Will consider a bicycle in the future. But is it safe for a lady to ride alone, especially around the convention centre it's kinda quiet? Not sure if there are song taews around the convention area. Is it easy to get one along the canal road?

[flyDelight]

Regarding drinking water, best available might be 5 liter cans with Aura and Minere brand.

Better avoid the cheap white bottles (free in hotels, 5b in shops, 20l refill tanks) this water is really bad: filters for refill are not taken care of, tanks not cleaned properly and these nalgene bottles are toxic. Remember a scientist even linking them to hormonal disorders. And it tastes like plastic.

This may be helpful for you: yesterday I discovered a website called Chiangmaibuddy they give free visa advice sessions, know all the options and you can hire them to arrange things. You can plan an appointment directly within the website, so did I because I'm moving back to Thailand.

Red taxis are perfect for shopping, a tip: after leaving a shopping mall, avoid the 'waiting' red cars but pick one along the road to save 30b. every time. I always avoid using very old ones, this polluting crap should be banned and destroyed long time ago.

Have a good time!

[flyDelight]

Wearing N95 masks is a bit exaggerated, just basic 3M brand masks are good enough and you can get them by 100pc box in Chiang Mai, and only need them when driving motorbike or red cab. If you walk with a mask you make a fool of yourself.

Bicycle is not recommended outside the center, highway crossings are big and unsafe and you need speed to stay safe! In Thai traffic the biggest dangers come from behind. A benefit is, how stupid they drive the mistakes they make are very predictable so it's 99% anticipation. Just know that with a bicycle or motorbike on the ringroads and nearby highways you will have near-death experiences multiple times a day this is no joke.

Stay safe!

How long will the haze stays on average? Till July? Can stay indoor mostly or just escape to Bangkok maybe. Will bring lots of N95 mask along.

Which companies sell drinking water from reliable source? I read articles some companies actually sell tap water. Where do you get yours?

Will consider a bicycle in the future. But is it safe for a lady to ride alone, especially around the convention centre it's kinda quiet? Not sure if there are song taews around the convention area. Is it easy to get one along the canal road?

Edited November 13, 2015 by flyDelight

[puukao]

Whatever face mask you get is totally up to you.....but i would do your research first. google, "chiang mai pollution" or "pollution in thailand" and read for yourself......it's your health.

[Cpkt8]

Whatever face mask you get is totally up to you.....but i would do your research first. google, "chiang mai pollution" or "pollution in thailand" and read for yourself......it's your health.

Singapore suffers the annual haze too.

[justmaybe]

On the polite assumption you're not trolling, how about inviting your husband aboard to illuminate his "dreams" so you don't need to answer the customary "huh?" bombardment. "Wanted" sounds as if he's he's no longer in the equation, which leads to the question "Where is home?" Chiang Mai is no substitute for a place where you feel grounded.

Edited November 14, 2015 by justmaybe

[Cpkt8]

On the polite assumption you're not trolling, how about inviting your husband aboard to illuminate his "dreams" so you don't need to answer the customary "huh?" bombardment. "Wanted" sounds as if he's he's no longer in the equation, which leads to the question "Where is home?" Chiang Mai is no substitute for a place where you feel grounded.

He has just passed away.

[big carl]

I was unaware that there was no more double or triple entry Visa's. I first came here with one I had purchased at the Thai consulate in Vancouver. I have heard that the one in Singapore was easy to deal with. Just last night I was speaking with a lady from Atlanta George who told me that she could have gotten a triple entry at the consulate there but she had to allow time for it. She had already purchased a ticket. When I finally moved here in 2007 I got my retirement Visa there in Vancouver it was easier to do there. A physical that was easy Just five questions that were laughable a police check that just covered the city I was living in a small one of 100,000 people and a notary that said I was who I said I was. I believe there was a poster who recommended a service for you. I found it easy to do at home. I have a friend who every year goes back for business reasons and gets his extension there.

As for pollution. Yes it can get very bad. It has been known to hit three times the safe level set by the WHO but that is not often.The worst season is from mid February to mid April. This of course is a rule of thumb. Some will say it starts in December and for them it probably does. For most it is not noticeable then some are very sensitive to it. As has been pointed out the heat in April and May is the hottest. Every locality has it's hottest month.

On the positive side you are close to two major shopping malls. Should be easy to get a public vehicle. Many Temples to visit. You will probably eventually get burnt out on visiting them but you will find some with Monks who would love to chat with you. One in the old city has what they cal a Monk Chat garden. They talk about any thing. They are improving their knowledge and English.. Many theaters even have a acting group that puts on about 4 or 5 plays a year. You will hear a lot of negative things but the facts are despite them the foreign population is growing. Must be some thing many people see in living here.

The biggest attraction will be that you are going to fulfill your husbands dream.

Edited November 14, 2015 by big carl

[Cpkt8]

I was unaware that there was no more double or triple entry Visa's. I first came here with one I had purchased at the Thai consulate in Vancouver. I have heard that the one in Singapore was easy to deal with. Just last night I was speaking with a lady from Atlanta George who told me that she could have gotten a triple entry at the consulate there but she had to allow time for it. She had already purchased a ticket. When I finally moved here in 2007 I got my retirement Visa there in Vancouver it was easier to do there. A physical that was easy Just five questions that were laughable a police check that just covered the city I was living in a small one of 100,000 people and a notary that said I was who I said I was. I believe there was a poster who recommended a service for you. I found it easy to do at home. I have a friend who every year goes back for business reasons and gets his extension there.

As for pollution. Yes it can get very bad. It has been known to hit three times the safe level set by the WHO but that is not often.The worst season is from mid February to mid April. This of course is a rule of thumb. Some will say it starts in December and for them it probably does. For most it is not noticeable then some are very sensitive to it. As has been pointed out the heat in April and May is the hottest. Every locality has it's hottest month.

On the positive side you are close to two major shopping malls. Should be easy to get a public vehicle. Many Temples to visit. You will probably eventually get burnt out on visiting them but you will find some with Monks who would love to chat with you. One in the old city has what they cal a Monk Chat garden. They talk about any thing. They are improving their knowledge and English.. Many theaters even have a acting group that puts on about 4 or 5 plays a year. You will hear a lot of negative things but the facts are despite them the foreign population is growing. Must be some thing many people see in living here.

The biggest attraction will be that you are going to fulfill your husbands dream.

Thank you big Carl.

I read from the forum that Thai embassy in Singapore is one of the nasty ones. Finger crossed. Hope I can get my visa without hassle.

Singapore has the annual haze too, this year particularly bad. So I'm not so worried about that. Worst scenario, stay mostly indoor or go Bangkok. And to stay at home during Songkran to avoid water madness and traffic jams.

Do you know the name of the temple that has the monk chat garden? I would love to further understand the Thai chanting, the proper pronunciation.

The main reason moving to Chiang Mai of course is to fulfil his unfinished wish. Unfortunately he was not able to wait till then. To start from scratch in a foreign land alone isn't easy. I'm hoping to find as much help as possible in this forum to settle down there without much hassle.

[MaeJoMTB]

I know Singapore is expensive, but why in the world would you want to move to Chiang Mai?

To live my husband's dream. To fulfil what he wanted...

How old is your Husband?

I believe you can hang off his VISA as a dependent.

[MaeJoMTB]

Do you know the name of the temple that has the monk chat garden? I would love to further understand the Thai chanting, the proper pronunciation.

Wat Chedi Luang, definitely has English 'monk chat'.

But I'm not sure if monks will talk with women.

[Cpkt8]

I know Singapore is expensive, but why in the world would you want to move to Chiang Mai?

To live my husband's dream. To fulfil what he wanted...

How old is your Husband?

I believe you can hang off his VISA as a dependent.

I'll find out. Thanks.

[Cpkt8]

I read about the yellow tabian book and the residency certificate. Do I have to apply for that when I reach Chiang Mai? Which one should I get?

Thanks.

[MaeJoMTB]

neither

As for the trolling comment,

Your posts are a little trollish, being fairly trivial and never ending.

Not to mention trolls like to eek out details to invite more replies

Without knowing your nationality and age, and your husbands nationality and age, no definite advice on any VISA can be given. Different nationalities have different entrance and stay requirements in Thailand.and different lengths of stay..

Edited November 14, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[Cpkt8]

neither

As for the trolling comment,

Your posts are a little trollish, being fairly trivial and never ending.

Not to mention trolls like to eek out details to invite more replies

Without knowing your nationality and age, and your husbands nationality and age, no definite advice on any VISA can be given. Different nationalities have different entrance and stay requirements in Thailand.and different lengths of stay..

Really? To you my posts may seems trivial. But to me it's not. Any helpful info given helps me a lot to decide how/what to do. Why will I want to invite more replies for nothing? I have better things to do.

As mentioned in my post, I will be moving to Chiang Mai from Singapore. I thought it's obvious my nationality is Singaporean. As for age, I did mention I'm not qualified for retirement visa yet. Apologies if I didn't state clearly, as it didn't come to my mind how I post is correct. My mind's still at loss after my husband left.

[MaeJoMTB]

Sorry,

I misunderstood your earlier post and assumed you were coming with your husband.

Where you intend on staying is slightly unsuitable for a person of your stated preferences.

I guess you could use a bicycle to get to and from town.

But would have thought a much easier place to stay would be somewhere like NakornPing residence just off Huay Keow road.

Which has songtaws up and down nearby all day, within walking distance of KSK and Maya shopping Malls, and close to Nimman.

Not to mention it being a residence of choice for many (50ish) single foreign women with many places to eat just outside.

[mercman24]

if you bother to read the posts, the lady in question, says her husband has passed away, condolences. KC

[Cpkt8]

Sorry,

I misunderstood your earlier post and assumed you were coming with your husband.

Where you intend on staying is slightly unsuitable for a person of your stated preferences.

I guess you could use a bicycle to get to and from town.

But would have thought a much easier place to stay would be somewhere like NakornPing residence just off Huay Keow road.

Which has songtaws up and down nearby all day, within walking distance of KSK and Maya shopping Malls, and close to Nimman.

Not to mention it being a residence of choice for many (50ish) single foreign women with many places to eat just outside.

We bought an apartment unit near the convention unit a couple years back. Never would have thought he would not be around this time. Renting another unit at the convenient location means extra cost, thus can't do at the moment. Unless I can find tenant for my own unit (which is quite difficult).

I have heard riding bicycle along the road is dangerous there. Now the option for transport seems to be song taews only. If only there are taxis around. Do you know if there's public bus from convention centre to Huay Kaew road? I read there is a public bus network implemented not long in Chiang Mai.

Thank you.

[duckmandon]

My condolences for your loss. Must be difficult for you now. I hope all works out for you & you have a happy time here in Chiang Mai. Red taxis for shopping & pollution is only at certain times of the year. Take care around the city as you would normally & everything will be ok. Drinking water is probably best bought from shopping centres in large bottles. As for a visa? Good luck.

[MaeJoMTB]

Although there is a brand new and very safe cycle track from the convention center out past 700 year stadium to Huay Tung Tao lake.

From the Convention center into town I would rate as dangerous.

I've never seen any Songtaws or any other form of public transport running along Canal road.

They all seem to travel in and out along the radial roads, and not around any of the rings.

Edited November 14, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[1FinickyOne]

If you ask at your condo, surely they will know of taxi drivers who will shuttle you back and forth to shopping - it is an inconvenient location. Just expect some costs. If there is a bulletin board in the condo, post something about wanting a ride. Make some friends there and it should help.

The pollution is bad only for a month or 6 weeks and really bad for usually only a couple of weeks. You can always fly out to a beach for a few weeks.

Bottled water is fine but ask at the condo - you will not be the only one dealing with this issue.

The bicycle is up to your comfort level.

Good luck on your journey.

[fang37]

#30

I agree with all your comments except one.

Riding a bicycle in CNX is a licence to kill (YOURSELF).

[Puwa]

Welcome. Having lived in both cities, I have no question why you are choosing Chiang Mai.

Convention center area is probably a very good location for you, and you can bicycle into town on the quiet side roads.

As you probably observed on previous visits, Chiang Mai has many kinds of people from all over the world, and lots of opportunities to pursue your interests and meet like-minded folks. As long as you can keep yourself occupied with whatever activities you enjoy, I think you'll find small hurdles like where to live, how to get around, finding water etc will be easily sorted once you're here, and you will find life in Chiang Mai shiok!