Moving to Bangkok: A Step-by-Step Checklist for Expats
Moving to Bangkok is one of the most exciting things you'll do — and one of the most logistically involved. Between visas, housing, banking, health insurance, and simply figuring out how the city works, there's a lot to coordinate. The good news is that Bangkok is one of the most expat-friendly cities in Asia, with well-worn paths for international arrivals.
This checklist walks you through every stage of the move: before you leave, when you arrive, and once you're settled.
Before You Leave: 3–6 Months Out
✅ Sort Your Visa
Thailand offers several visa options for long-term stays:
Non-B (Business/Work Visa) — if you have a job offer or are setting up a company
Non-O (Retirement, Family) — for retirees or those with Thai family members
LTR (Long-Term Resident Visa) — for remote workers, high-income earners, and retirees (10-year visa, streamlined process)
METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) — a short-term option while you sort longer-term plans
Thailand Elite Visa — a membership-based long-stay program
Research which visa matches your situation before you book flights. Some visas require employer sponsorship or financial proof that takes time to prepare.
✅ Research Neighborhoods
Bangkok is large and varied. The neighborhood you live in will shape your daily life significantly. Key areas for expats include:
Sukhumvit corridor (Asok, Phrom Phong, Thonglor, Ekkamai, On Nut) — BTS access, international amenities
Silom / Sathorn — central business district, good for CBD-based workers
Ari — quieter, creative, residential
Ladprao / Ratchada — MRT access, more local feel, lower rents
Read area guides, visit forums like ThaiVisa and Expats in Bangkok Facebook groups, and talk to people already living there before committing.
✅ Set a Housing Budget
As a general rule, expats in Bangkok spend 25–35% of their monthly income on rent. Factor in:
Monthly rent
2-month deposit upfront
Utility costs (electricity in Bangkok can be high due to AC usage)
Common area fees (usually covered by the landlord, but confirm)
✅ Arrange Health Insurance
Thailand has excellent private hospitals, but they are not free. International health insurance is essential. Major providers used by Bangkok expats include AXA, Cigna, Allianz, and BUPA. Some employers provide coverage — confirm before purchasing independently.
✅ Notify Your Home Bank
Let your bank know you're moving abroad to avoid blocked transactions. Also research which international cards have low foreign transaction fees — Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Charles Schwab are popular among expats for ATM withdrawals.
1–3 Months Before Arrival
✅ Begin Your Condo Search Remotely
Most Bangkok landlords and agents are comfortable with remote viewings via video call. Start narrowing down your shortlist:
Use DDproperty, Fazwaz, and Hipflat for listings
Contact a local agency (like Eastblue) for curated options and virtual tours
Shortlist 5–8 units to view in person during your first week
Avoid signing a lease before arriving if possible — photos and virtual tours never fully capture a unit or a neighborhood.
✅ Arrange Short-Term Accommodation
Plan to stay in a serviced apartment or extended-stay hotel for your first 2–4 weeks. This gives you time to view condos in person, explore neighborhoods, and sign a lease without pressure. Serviced apartments with monthly rates are widely available and affordable.
✅ Sort Shipping and Storage
Decide what you're bringing versus buying locally. Bangkok has excellent and affordable furniture (IKEA, Index Living Mall, local markets), so shipping large items rarely makes financial sense. Ship personal items, sentimental belongings, and specialty equipment — buy the rest locally.
First Week in Bangkok
✅ Get a Thai SIM Card
Available at the airport on arrival. AIS and DTAC offer reliable tourist SIMs; True Move is also widely used. For a longer stay, a postpaid plan offers better value. Monthly plans start from around ฿300–600 for unlimited data.
✅ Download Essential Apps
Grab — taxis, food delivery, everything
LINE — the dominant messaging app in Thailand (landlords, agencies, and services all use it)
Google Maps — reliable in Bangkok, includes BTS/MRT routes
PromptPay / SCB Easy / Kasikorn — once you have a Thai bank account
✅ View Condos in Person
Use your first week to view your shortlisted properties. Go at different times of day if possible — traffic and neighborhood noise vary significantly between morning and evening.
✅ Sign Your Lease
Once you've found the right unit, review the lease carefully, negotiate where appropriate, and sign. Keep a signed copy and photograph the unit thoroughly on move-in day.
First Month: Getting Settled
✅ Open a Thai Bank Account
Required for many practical purposes: paying rent, receiving a Thai salary, setting up utilities, and using PromptPay. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank (KBank) are the most expat-friendly. Requirements vary — most need your passport, visa, and a letter from your employer or embassy.
✅ Register Your Address (TM30)
If you're staying in a private condo (not a hotel), your landlord is legally required to file a TM30 report with Immigration within 24 hours of your arrival at the property. Confirm with your landlord that this has been done — it's needed for visa extensions and 90-day reports.
✅ Set Up Utilities and Internet
Your landlord will typically handle the electricity and water account setup. For internet, contact AIS, True, or NT directly — installation usually takes 3–5 business days.
✅ Register with Your Embassy
Most embassies offer a voluntary registration system for citizens living abroad. It's worth doing — it ensures you can be contacted in an emergency and simplifies consular services.
✅ Find Your Local Essentials
Nearest BTS/MRT station
Closest international supermarket (Tops, Villa Market, Gourmet Market)
Nearest international hospital or clinic
A reliable laundry service (most condos lack in-unit laundry)
Your go-to street food stall (the most important one)
Ongoing: The First 3 Months
✅ File Your 90-Day Report
If you're on a non-immigrant visa, you must report your address to Thai Immigration every 90 days. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at an Immigration office.
✅ Sort Your Tax Situation
If you're working in Thailand or spending more than 180 days per year in the country, you may be subject to Thai personal income tax. Consult an accountant familiar with expat tax obligations — the rules changed in 2024 regarding foreign-sourced income.
✅ Build Your Local Network
Bangkok has a thriving expat community. Facebook groups (Expats in Bangkok, specific neighborhood groups), meetup events, coworking spaces, and sports clubs are all good starting points. The city rewards those who explore it — and local friendships make navigating it significantly easier.
Ready to Find Your Bangkok Home?
The Eastblue Real Estate team helps expats at every stage of the move — from neighborhood advice and remote shortlisting to lease review and negotiation. Whether you're arriving in two weeks or two months, we're here to make the housing side of your move as smooth as possible.
Start your search ateastblueth.com or reach out directly for a free consultation.