From Backpack to Base Camp: How to Settle and Thrive as an Expat in Thailand

At some point, hopping from place to place feels more like a hassle than an adventure. Relearning the basics in each new country gets tiring, and sometimes, it’s nice to settle in one place without constantly finding a new gym, sim card, or coworking space.

But giving up travel entirely? Not for me.

Having a base camp, like Thailand, offers the perfect balance – an ideal spot to build social ties and still explore the world. Whether it’s the culture, affordability, or expat community, Thailand provides a unique blend of adventure and stability.

Here’s a guide to help you transition from being a traveler to an expat in Thailand.

Related read: 10 The Best Cities for Digital Nomads

Here’s an overview:

Why Become an Expat in Thailand? 

Why choose Thailand as your base?

For starters, it’s a budget-friendly paradise with a lifestyle that balances modern convenience with an exotic charm. From mouth-watering street food to postcard-perfect beaches, Thailand ticks a lot of boxes. And let’s not forget the expat-friendly visa options and a social scene that’s as vibrant as it is diverse. 

Whether you’re after a laid-back beach life or the hustle and bustle of the city, Thailand offers a little something for every type of expat.

Cost of Living as an Expat in Thailand

Living in Thailand is a bargain compared to Western countries. Depending on your lifestyle and location, you can easily live on $1,000 to $2,000 a month. 

Here’s an overview of the average cost of living in Thailand:

• Rent: ~$300/month — this budget can cover an apartment in a central location.
• Food: ~$2 per meal for typical Thai dishes.
• Transportation: ~$100/month — enough to rent a motorcycle and explore at your own pace.
• Utilities: ~$100/month — includes electricity, water, and internet.

Bangkok or islands might eat into your budget more, while quieter cities will leave you with extra cash for weekend trips and indulgences. Either way, your money stretches far here without sacrificing quality of life.

Thailand Expat Visa Options 

There are plenty of visas in Thailand that make it relatively easy for expats to stay long-term. The most popular option right now is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV visa). It’s considered one of the best digital nomad visas globally, allowing you to stay in Thailand for up to five years. 

During this period, you’re free to enter and exit Thailand as often as you like. Thailand’s central location in Southeast Asia provides easy access to direct flights to numerous countries worldwide.

There are just two simple requirements:

1. Financial proof: You need at least THB 500,000 (~$15,000) in your bank account.
2. Proof of digital nomad work: This can include a client contract, invoice, or a professional portfolio showcasing your work.

If you don’t have proof of digital nomad work, an alternative is to enroll in Muay Thai training. For long-term options beyond five years, there are retirement visas (from age 50 up) and business visas, as well as the premium Privilege Visa for those seeking a VIP experience.

Where to Live as an Expat in Thailand

Not all Thai cities are created equal, so it pays to know where you’ll fit best. 

• Bangkok is a hub for business and social life but can feel overwhelming. It’s my personal favorite. There just is something special about deciding to go out on a Tuesday night at 11pm and finding a buzzing nightlife scene.
• Chiang Mai, on the other hand, offers a slower pace with a thriving digital nomad community. It caters to a crowd that prefers things to be more laid back, who need some nature in their life or are just looking for a more spiritual angle on things.
• For island life, Phuket or Koh Samui are popular, but they come with a touristy price tag. For me personally, those are complete no-goes, but I also dislike going to the beach, so I might be biased here. They do offer though a lot of tourist infrastructure without the chaos of Bangkok.

Weigh up the pros and cons: do you want big city buzz or island serenity?

Where to Stay

Finding accommodation in Thailand is as easy as picking up your phone. Whether you’re looking for a studio in Bangkok or a villa by the beach, there are options for every budget.

• $300 – $500: You can rent a fully furnished apartment located in a prime area, such as the city center, making it easy to get around. These apartments often come with access to an in-house gym and a swimming pool.
• $500 – $1,500: You can rent a larger apartment with a nice view, such as a river, mountain, or sea view, often with beach access.
• $1,500+: For a luxurious option, like a villa or high-end condo.

*Price per month

If you’re on a tight budget, you can rent a bare bone room for less than $100 per month. Facebook groups, real estate apps, and even good old-fashioned word of mouth are reliable ways to land a place. 

Finding Work in Thailand

If you’re not living off savings or remote work, Thailand has job opportunities, though they might not pay Western salaries. Teaching English is a popular gig for travelers, but I’ve seen people do everything from modelling to becoming a pastry chef.

A good book to pick up on all the weird job opportunities that exist in Thailand is Working in Thailand.

The average salary for expats in Thailand is around $1,500 – $2,500 per month. While it may not make you rich, the experience—and the lifestyle—more than make up for it. Plus, with Thailand’s lower cost of living, many expats find they can save more than they would at home. Some expats also earn more than $3,000 per month.

This said, if you can keep your remote job (especially from a higher cost of living country) and can swing the time zone difference, that’s nearly always the better option.

Managing Money

Living abroad means dealing with money transfers, exchange rates, and banking headaches. Thailand’s banking system is solid, with plenty of local and international options. You can easily open a bank account in Thailand if you have a long-term visa.

As Thailand is becoming a cashless society, you can use your app from your Thai bank to pay for most things. You can use services like Wise or Revolut to send money to your bank without losing a chunk to fees. If you can’t open a Thai bank account, you can use a Wise Card to withdraw money from Thailand ATMs and pay for many things in Thailand.

Adjusting to Thai culture will take a bit of time, but it’s worth the effort. Thai people tend to smile a lot, but they may not speak their minds openly, which can cause a communication barrier at first. However, you’ll adjust to it over time. 

Learning a few basic Thai phrases, like greetings and how to say thanks, is an easy way to connect with locals. If you plan to live in Thailand long-term, taking a Thai language course can help you live here much more comfortably.

Respect local customs, especially regarding Buddhism and social etiquette. Always take off your shoes when entering someone’s home, don’t point at people, avoid putting your feet up in public, and dress respectfully.

Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there socially—expat communities in Thailand are welcoming, and you’ll quickly find your tribe.

Lastly, don’t forget to get health insurance. At the very least, consider digital nomad travel insurance from SafetyWing. It costs less than $60 per month and can cover you up to $250,000, which is sufficient for Thailand.