🇹🇭 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! 

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