🇹🇭 New to Thailand? Complete Expat Survival Guide - SIM Cards, Taxis, Apps & More!

🇹🇭 **Essential Guide for New Expats in Thailand - Things You MUST Do Upon Arrival!** Moving to Thailand? Here's your complete checklist to make your transition smooth and hassle-free! 📱 **1. GET A SIM CARD (Priority #1!)** **Where to buy:** - Airport counters (Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang) - available 24/7 - 7-Eleven stores - everywhere! - Official carrier shops **Best carriers:** ✅ **AIS** - Best overall coverage (299-599 THB/month) ✅ **TrueMove H** - Great data packages (200-499 THB/month) ✅ **DTAC** - Budget-friendly option (150-399 THB/month) **What you need:** Passport + cash/card **Pro tip:** Tourist SIM packages (7-30 days) are perfect for your first month while you settle in! 🚖 **2. TRANSPORTATION - Getting Around** **Taxis:** - Always use **Grab or Bolt** apps for transparent pricing - Regular taxis: Insist on using the meter ("meter krup/ka") - Airport to city: 300-500 THB (+ 50 THB airport surcharge + tolls) - **Avoid:** Taxis that refuse the meter at tourist spots **Other options:** 🚇 **BTS Skytrain** - Fast, clean, AC (16-59 THB) 🚇 **MRT Subway** - Underground metro system (16-42 THB) 🚢 **Chao Phraya Boat** - Scenic river transport (15-40 THB) 🛵 **Motorbike taxis** - Quick but risky (20-60 THB) 💳 **3. PAYMENT & BANKING** - Get a **Rabbit Card** for BTS/MRT (deposit 100 THB + top-up) - Open a Thai bank account: **Bangkok Bank** or **Kasikorn Bank** (requires work permit or long-term visa) - Download **PromptPay** - Thailand's instant payment system - Most places accept cash - ATMs everywhere! 📱 **4. ESSENTIAL APPS TO DOWNLOAD** ✅ Grab/Bolt - Transportation ✅ Foodpanda/GrabFood - Food delivery ✅ LINE - Main messaging app (like WhatsApp) ✅ Google Translate - Thai language help ✅ Bangkok MRT/BTS app - Route planning ✅ Wise - International money transfers 🏠 **5. ACCOMMODATION TIPS** - Short-term: Airbnb or hotels first week - Long-term: Check Facebook groups, ExpatsBuddy, or Hipflat - Popular areas: Sukhumvit, Silom, Ari, Thonglor - Budget: 8,000-15,000 THB/month (studio), 15,000-40,000+ THB (1-2 bedroom) 🍜 **6. FOOD & DINING** - Street food: 40-80 THB per meal - Local restaurants: 80-150 THB - Western food: 200-500 THB - **Must-try:** Pad Thai, Som Tam, Mango Sticky Rice! ⚠️ **7. IMPORTANT TIPS** ✅ Register your address within 24 hours (TM30 form) ✅ Carry passport copy always ✅ Learn basic Thai phrases - locals appreciate it! ✅ Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders/knees) ✅ Never disrespect the Royal Family ✅ Tap water is NOT drinkable - buy bottled water 💊 **8. HEALTH & SAFETY** - Hospitals: Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital (international) - Pharmacies: Boots, Watson's everywhere - Emergency: 191 (Police), 1669 (Ambulance) - Get travel/health insurance ASAP! 🎉 **BONUS TIPS:** - **Best time to arrive:** November-February (cool season) - **Language barrier:** Smile and be patient - "Mai pen rai" (no problem) - **Bargaining:** Acceptable at markets, NOT in malls/shops - **Tipping:** Not mandatory but appreciated (20-50 THB) 📍 **Useful Locations:** - Immigration Office: Chaeng Watthana (for visa extensions) - Weekend Market: Chatuchak (shopping paradise!) - Tourist areas: Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, Silom Welcome to Thailand! 🙏 Any questions? Drop them below and fellow expats will help! #ThailandExpat #BangkokLife #MovingToThailand #ExpatGuide #ThailandTips #LivingInThailand #BangkokExpat #ThailandTravel #ExpatLife #ThaiSIM #ThailandTransport