Your life in Thailand starts here
Make your move to Thailand
Beaches, temples and street food come at very low cost in Thailand, where foreign income is taxed only if you bring it in. A dedicated retirement route suits older arrivals with savings or steady income.
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Photo: Nextvoyage / Pexels
At a glance
Thailand, in brief.
How Thailand compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Thailand ranks among the best for cost of living (4th of 77) and property affordability (4th of 75) and tax friendliness (25th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~28°C)
- English
- Limited
- Expat community
- Moderate
Retirement visa (50+, ฿800k or ฿65k/mo)
Foreign income taxed only if remitted
Life in Thailand
Robin Ann Martin.Where, when and why did you move abroad?I moved abroad in 2006 to the Sultanate of Oman.I was tired of the nationalism in America, along with…
Health insurance in Thailand
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Thailand, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
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Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Thailand into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Thailand.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Thailand moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Thailand share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Thailand stories
- Bangkok
Tiffany
My name is Tiffany, but you can call me Tiff!Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Bangkok (Thailand)…
- Near Phuket
Jim Mielke
Originally from upstate New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life overseas, where at times I receive that gratifying comment: “Gee,…
- Isaan
Allan Wilson
My name is Allan Wilson, lifestyle and travel blogger at Live Less Ordinary, and author of A Potato in a Rice Field.…
Fresh from Thailand
Latest articles.
Thailand Health Insurance Explained: Public, Private, And International Cover
Retiring or working remotely in Thailand? Understand local vs international health cover and how to choose the option that suits you best.
Retiring in Paradise: An Expat’s Guide to Healthcare and Health Insurance in Thailand
Thailand has become an increasingly popular retirement destination for expats looking for adventure, beautiful beaches, low costs of living, and year-round warm weather. Approximately…
Finding Serenity: Meditation Retreats Close to Urban Thailand
Thailand, with its rich Buddhist heritage, is renowned for its serene temples and meditation retreats. For expats living in the bustling cities of Bangkok,…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Thailand.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Thailand episodes
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