Beginners mistakes...

[welshfowlers]

All - UK family relocating to Bangkok from Singapore - I have read so many blogs, posts and web pages that infer that 'newbies' like ourselves, make so many mistakes on their first 12 /18 months rental in BKK - rather than repeat those mistakes, am looking for the TOP 5 things to avoid or realise/consider - Appreciate all and any advice - Thanks

 

 

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[allane]

Many newcomers get their first month's rent notice and discover that they are paying more for electricity than for rent. Govt. power is about B 4 per unit. Any price more than about 6 is expensive. Use the air- con sparingly until you get your first bill. If you never shut it off, it could account for 90% of your electricity bills. Avoid "serviced apartments". In return for some hotel-like services, and (usually) some staff with some English, you will be paying prices that are as close to hotel prices as they are to apartment prices.

[Peterw42]

Some leases may include a clause that the tenant pays for repairs to things like pumps, airconn, hot water etc. 

[funandsuninbangkok]

Before bringing her to the hotel, check below for sausage and two eggs

[steven100]

Beginners mistakes ....    meeting a good honest girl in Nana ..

[aussiandrew]

Its all part of the fun in living in another country that you look back in time and have good laugh. ???

[williamgeorgeallen]

thailand is a great place to live. just dont get stuck buy buying a property or starting a business. i made both mistakes. was lucky on the business side of it but ended up with a house i could not sell for 3 years.

other things would be doing get emotionally involved with a thai girl. have thai friends but cut them free if they as for money. chances are it is going to happen.

i loved living in thailand for 10 years. last thing is leave before you get sour. good luck.

[mstevens]

My advice would be the same as what someone once told me - don't do things in Thailand you wouldn't dream of doing in your home country.

 

So don't do things like sign a contract in a foreign language you don't understand, or jump on the back of a motorbike taxi if the rider has obviously been drinking.

 

If you are ever in doubt what to do, ask yourself whether what you're looking at doing is something you'd be happy / ok with back in the UK.  If it is, then go ahead.  If not, it's probably best not to proceed.

 

Good luck and hope it all goes well for you!

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

thailand is a great place to live. just dont get stuck buy buying a property or starting a business. i made both mistakes. was lucky on the business side of it but ended up with a house i could not sell for 3 years.

other things would be doing get emotionally involved with a thai girl. have thai friends but cut them free if they as for money. chances are it is going to happen.

i loved living in thailand for 10 years. last thing is leave before you get sour. good luck.

 

Errr, the OP says 'UK family relocating to Bangkok from Singapore...'

[AGLV0121]

3 hours ago, scorecard said:

the OP says 'UK family

Exactly. Maybe they also want to find about medical facilities, etc.

 

[akirasan]

Yeah don't loan money to anyone unless you never want to see it again.

What else..if you're renting the biggest problem will potentially be your neighbours who will either have a new baby that cries all night, or perhaps they're tone deaf karaoke enthusiasts..don't get settled in until you know your neighbours habits.  

In rainy season which is around now, Bangkok spends a lot of time underwater.  

I'd suggest taking multivitamins daily as the food here, while it tastes good, can leave you feeling tired and lacking in energy.

Don't let your passport out of your sight.  

The train system (bts/mrt) is pretty good, use it when you can.  The taxis are another story...avoid them as much as you can.

Probably the most dangerous thing here is the traffic.  If you're walking or driving you have to assume everyone is trying to kill you.  People ride motorbikes on the sidewalks, up the wrong side of the street.  Be careful when you're walking around, try and avoid stepping on drainage covers.

Oh and be careful with the mosquitos.  What looks like a mosquito bite can also turn into a staph infection.  I treat all open sores with an antiseptic cream.  If you have what looks like a mosquito bite that feels hot, or its starts getting bigger, don't mess around, go to the hospital and get it treated.  

Edited May 15, 2017 by akirasan

[Srikcir]

 

15 hours ago, welshfowlers said:

I have read so many blogs, posts and web pages that infer that 'newbies' like ourselves, make so many mistakes on their first 12 /18 months rental in BKK

You should be able then to list your own 5 top mistakes and successes according to what is important to you and your family. You'll get no consensus in a forum.

 

Suggest Google "Singapore vs Thailand" for comparisons (cost of living is far less than Singapore so can skip)

Do a couple 20-30 day trial visits before moving.

Be versed with immigration requirements and employment/business opportunities/requirements if applicable.

Get an understanding of the cultural (95% Buddhist) and socio-economic environment (ie., law enforcement, education systems, judicial system, consumer rights, traffic safety, class inequality, transportation options).

Understand human rights limitations imposed by a military junta that controls the government with absolute powers.

Understand what you can bring into Thailand duty-free and subject to tax.

[smutcakes]

If you have a common sense and any level of street savvy you will have no problem, at least from a family, living perspective.

 

There is more danger from your personal choices on the lady, drink front which have waylaid many a good man, and not just in the early days. However, like many people, i am sure you know about all the potential problems, whether the brain in the head keeps you away from them, or you are led astray is up to you. I don't think there is much advice anyone can give which would be listened to once the other head takes over.

[Kabula]

There are too many to list!

 

The best advice that I can give you is find ex-pats that of been here for a minimum of five years and whenever you do anything, ask them their opinion.

 

It is especially important to ask opinions in the purchase of real estate, renting, banking, relationships, scams, Immigration, crime, and driving.

 

Understand the reasons behind love bombing and don't give all your money away.

 

If you ask questions from reliable sources you will love the country.

[williamgeorgeallen]

3 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

Errr, the OP says 'UK family relocating to Bangkok from Singapore...'

yes i read that.

[Muzarella]

Rent an apartment just for 6 months or less.. Get all the insurances you may need, car, ealth, etc. Do not ride or drive if it is not necessary. Avoid dating sites and bar girls and use condoms if you are single. Get out of the tourist areas at night and just use public transportation. During that period, take the time to travel around to decide where you will live to live and find your next housing. May be not Bangkok. Never pattaya. Very close to Bangkok you may like Rayon or Cha Am, ot just the mountains of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai or Phayao. Do not take responsabilities or commite to nothing right away.  Learn first. Good luck. Welcome to Thailand.

[Mrjlh]

No one seems to have asked the all important question.  Just what is meant by UK family?  kids or just the wife?  If kids think about schooling if they still in school.  I hear that is the biggest mistake underestimating school cost.  Just what Visa are entering on?  Retirement means you can't legally work and if caught game over.  Other visa's you need work permit and other issues in play.  So who's coming?  Then you 'll get better answers.

[Tony125]

Need to know a little more info about you to give correct information. You say UK family  moving to BKK, is that wife, kids. school age ? You are relocating , is this for retirement or being transfered  by a company? Ages as need to get life,health accident insurance. What's a ballpark figure for your accomadations and how much room do you need 1 bed room 2 ?  Have you been to Thailand before ?

[welshfowlers]

No one seems to have asked the all important question.  Just what is meant by UK family?  kids or just the wife?  If kids think about schooling if they still in school.  I hear that is the biggest mistake underestimating school cost.  Just what Visa are entering on?  Retirement means you can't legally work and if caught game over.  Other visa's you need work permit and other issues in play.  So who's coming?  Then you 'll get better answers.

All - thanks for all the replies appreciate the inputs.
Just to clarify - yes have been an expat for a while - latest stint - 5 years in Singapore. Been to Thailand about 20 times over the last 10 years, but just for holidays or business meetings. All visa's being taken care of by the company as part of the relocation. Moving with Wife and Son - have shortlisted schools already. Understand the cost of living and tax variances. Been happily married over 25 years and have travelled extensively so no 'girl issues or concerns' - again do appreciate the advice.

Was particularly keen to understand any Housing / Condo rental mistakes or advice. Contract lengths, gotchas that other people have fallen into - trying to maximise my learnings and not make simple 'newbie' errors.

Again - really do appreciate you all taking the time.


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[trogers]

Don't show off your wealth. Dress simple and have only a couple of thousand bahts in your wallet. Never keep loads of cash and jewelry at home. Use bank services.

 

With regards to accommodation, condos in general have better security than houses. Choose a location close to the mass transit, but not one along the main road to reduce air and noise pollution.

 

The make, model and age of air-con in the property is a general indication on the attitude of the property owner towards the importance of customer satisfaction.

Edited May 15, 2017 by trogers

[welshfowlers]

Need to know a little more info about you to give correct information. You say UK family  moving to BKK, is that wife, kids. school age ? You are relocating , is this for retirement or being transfered  by a company? Ages as need to get life,health accident insurance. What's a ballpark figure for your accomadations and how much room do you need 1 bed room 2 ?  Have you been to Thailand before ?

Thanks - Wife with Son aged 14 - health and accident insurance - good shout - will double down on that. Looking for three or 4 bed - have a Daughter staying in SG and assume she will visit a lot.


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[thaifoodruns]

Don't show off your wealth. Dress simple and have only a couple of thousand bahts in your wallet. Never keep loads of cash and jewelry at home. Use bank services.
 
With regards to accommodation, condos in general have better security than houses. Choose a location close to the mass transit, but not one along the main road to reduce air and noise pollution.
 
The make, model and age of air-con in the property is a general indication on the attitude of the property owner towards the importance of customer satisfaction.

What's considered alot of money?, I keep about 40k at home for monthly expenses


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[ThaiWai]

My apartment in BKK had a view of the pool and you could here people loudly playing music and swimming until 5 am even though the pool "closed" at 10 pm.  Staff gave a crap.  I left. If I was to go back there (like as part of a prison sentence or something) I would stay near the river with a view of that not the pool.  Probably in Bang Rak to be near the river and Dean & Deluca.

 

 

[thaifoodruns]

My apartment in BKK had a view of the pool and you could here people loudly playing music and swimming until 5 am even though the pool "closed" at 10 pm.  Staff gave a crap.  I left. If I was to go back there (like as part of a prison sentence or something) I would stay near the river with a view of that not the pool.  Probably in Bang Rak to be near the river and Dean & Deluca.
 
 

What's the name of that sandwich? It looks delicious


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[LawrenceN]

Try to avoid driving in Bangkok. You'll spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. Ideally, find a place within walking distance of the BTS or MRT. Saves you time and money.

[trogers]

46 minutes ago, thaifoodruns said:

 

 

What's considered alot of money?, I keep about 40k at home for monthly expenses


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Would you be in dire straits should this amount be stolen?

 

Isn't it safer to deposit it into the bank and make payments from your account, or to draw cash as when needed, using the ATM?

[thaifoodruns]

Would you be in dire straits should this amount be stolen?
 
Isn't it safer to deposit it into the bank and make payments from your account, or to draw cash as when needed, using the ATM?

No and yes, I draw it out beginning of each month, guess I will draw it when needed to be safe


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[madusa]

18 hours ago, trogers said:

Don't show off your wealth. Dress simple and have only a couple of thousand bahts in your wallet. Never keep loads of cash and jewelry at home. Use bank services.

 

With regards to accommodation, condos in general have better security than houses. Choose a location close to the mass transit, but not one along the main road to reduce air and noise pollution.

 

The make, model and age of air-con in the property is a general indication on the attitude of the property owner towards the importance of customer satisfaction.

I think the above advice given is the most sensible and correct. I find the others not that good.

Air condition is important - you should insist on a new one if the existing one is old and making some noises. Or just find one with good air condition.

[SiSePuede419]

"The best advice that I can give you is find ex-pats that of been here for a minimum of five years and whenever you do anything, ask them their opinion."

 

And whatever they say--do the exact opposite. ?

 

[stbkk]

4 hours ago, welshfowlers said:

 

Thanks - Wife with Son aged 14 - health and accident insurance - good shout - will double down on that. Looking for three or 4 bed - have a Daughter staying in SG and assume she will visit a lot.


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A big consideration for me would be the travel time between home/work/school, as I would assume you don't want to spend a big proportion of your time here stuck in traffic. Don't just look at the distances, consider the journey method and time. Skytrain/Mrt will be a lot quicker and more reliable than car, so its worth looking at that when you are looking for accommodation.