10.5 million people live in Bangkok right now. And when you get here, you'll see that a good many of them are foreigners. Over the past few years, the Thai capital has become a central business hub in Southeast Asia. So much so that it's become the new home of many expats. Though they had to adjust to the tropical weather here. It stays warm throughout the year in Thailand, with a few months of moderate to heavy rains during the wet season. At the same time, foreign residents have to learn Thai in order to truly understand life here. It is their main language after all.
As busy as Bangkok is, it's that difficult to travel around here. The city's public transport has many systems, each as efficient as the next, and accessible enough for everyone. The most commonly used is the Metropolitan Rapid Transit, or 'MRT,' which travels throughout the city. It's more commonly used than the Skytrain— another railway system in the Thai capital that's relatively faster—because it's more affordable. Though the cheapest has to be the tuk-tuks, small taxis that run on motorcycles which can only go so far. Just be careful not to be tricked into paying more than you should by some drivers here.
Even from an outsider's point of view, Bangkok already seems like such a diverse city. Diverse in the sense that its many districts and neighborhoods are so different from each other. And that's the truth! Practically no two districts are ever alike, so you have to choose which one you'll stay in wisely. If you're more into the swanky city life, Sukhumvit is your type of area. Malls, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife spots dominate this part of the city. Pathumwan, on the other hand, is both more residential and more affordable. Here is where you can live a quieter life.
Now, let's talk about living costs! Living in Bangkok can actually cost you a pretty penny. How pretty? Well, the common median price for a monthly rental fee here is ฿21,014.71. That takes into account the place's location and the number of bedrooms. If you go for a luxurious home with up to three bedrooms, for instance, expect that the highest monthly rental fee you'll face is ฿100,000.00. Overwhelming, isn't it? Well, it doesn't stop there! If you want to own your own property here, expect to shell out around ฿60,000.00 to ฿250,000.00 per square meter for it.
Want to find new employment in Bangkok? You have nothing to worry about! For starters, the country's job market is currently at its most stable. With an unemployment rate of just 1.00%, it just goes to show that you'll have no trouble landing employment here yourself. Especially since there are many ways to find a job in Thailand. You can log into many job-seeking websites like Craiglist Thailand or Bangkok Post Jobs and try your luck there. Or join the many networks in the country, such as Bangkok Young Professionals, Bangkok Networking, and InterNations Thailand. Either will work just fine for you!
Education isn't a problem in Bangkok. Whether it's for your kids who need to continue their education or for you who needs to learn Thai, Bangkok has plenty of schools to enroll in. But let's focus on the latter for now. The Thai capital is home to many prominent institutions, some even international. Not only will your little ones continue their education here, but they'll be provided with the highest quality! The likes of St. Andrews International School, the International School Bangkok, Harrow International School Bangkok, and the Concordian International School are just some worth checking out!
Highly regarded and well-raised, Thailand's healthcare system is one of the finest in the world. And this is good news for you who's about to move to Bangkok. The moment you become a legal resident here, you can get access to both the country's public health coverage or private insurance plans. Whichever you choose, it will still benefit you and your family better if you're covered. At the same time, Bangkok has many respectable hospitals too. From Bangkok Hospital and <Samitivej Hospital to the Bumrungrad International Hospital and Yanhee International Hospital, it's no wonder Thailand is a go-to medical tourist destination.
But is Bangkok safe? That's a question most commonly asked by those going to the Thai capital. And the answer to that is yes, it is. At least, for the most part, it is! The city's crime rate remains moderate at best, currently at 42.48%. It's a lot lower than in other cities, but it could be better overall. In terms of walking around in the city, it's 78.60% safe during the day and 55.53% at night. Just don't venture off into the dangerous areas, namely the city's many red-light districts. No matter what other people say, many of the sketchy on-goings in such places are illegal.
The moment you become a legal resident in Thailand you'll automatically become a taxpayer here. So make sure you already know the country's tax system before you get here. Study up on the way they do their taxes in Thailand, most especially those kinds that you'll have to pay yourself, like your income tax, for instance. If not, expect to face high penalty fees and possibly even some jail time. That's how seriously the Thais take on their taxes, or money in general. The country didn't get to be as prosperous as it is now if they didn't!
You have no reason to not get a local SIM card when you move to Bangkok. Thai mobile networks are not only trustworthy, they offer a lot of exciting deals too. From unlimited calls & texts to great wifi data, you'll get what you pay for when you join any of them. At the same time, you need to open a local bank account in Thailand as well. You won't be able to manage your finances properly without one. And it's not exactly wise to just rely on online money-transferring platforms. They won't just cost you a lot, but your money is never really 100% safe in the digital sphere to begin with.
Living in the "Land of Smiles," specifically the country's capital city, Bangkok, won't have to be as daunting as it seems. As long as you brush up and follow what's on this relocation guide, you'll be fine. It has everything you need to do and get in order to settle down in the city seamlessly.
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