5 Things I Regret NOT Doing Before I Moved to Thailand!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thanks for watching everyone! Support me here: www.buymeacoffee.com/peteonretreat

[@TowManDave00]

It is always a good idea to call your Bank and/or card company before you go and let them know you will be wherever you are going for X amount of time ... I have done that in the past and had no issues with my cards for the duration of my trip

[@peteonretreat2023]

Yes, for traveling it’s a great idea and I always have but for moving abroad… my research showed US banks don’t like it and you can’t change your address online to another country. I could be wrong or maybe it’s not consistent but that’s what I read before I moved here.

[@daveschafer2555]

My USA bank no longer requires or even allows such notification.

[@peteonretreat2023]

@@daveschafer2555 that’s great in some ways but 2FA is a great safety measure. I’m not sure but I think I prefer having the hassle along with the added security.

[@frederickkrewson638]

Yes - the US Mailbox companies will forward your mail. ( like credit cards )

[@lkabong5529]

Unless you do something stupid like I did. I signed up with iPostal1 and the service I use is based in my home town in the states. They receive my mail, scan it shred it, all the things you'd expect except for one thing. They don't forward any mail internationally. It looks like if I would have set it up in the next town over from me, well they DO provide that service.

[@GarNelson1]

I was a bit of a weirdo before leaving the US. I didn't like giving out my home address so I used a mail forwarding service in Las Vegas (which also happens to be a no state income tax state.) I still have the same service a couple of decades later. I personally use MailLink Plus, but there are several available.

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’m still a bit of a weirdo… nothing wrong with that 😅

[@Riseaboveandsmile]

WOW!! You see now those are TIPS I have not heard about on KZbin! You’re awesome bro…So helpful and the littlest details go A LONG WAY!!! Ty for that Pete!! Keep the videos coming!!

[@kloud1174]

facts bro!! he just help me out big time!!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼 I forgot how good it feels when I can help others following in my footsteps. Thank you for always dropping comments too, I appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@TheMikeyStory]

The best way to get 2 numbers is get pre paid this way the number is yours and you pay as you go each month and your not locked into a contract

[@somluck2813]

A International Driving Permit is only valid for 1 year. It is written on it. :-) Also it is not a driver's licence. It is required to be used in conjunction with a driver's licence. Its purpose is to standardise the information on the hundreds, probably over a 1,000 different driving licences on the planet into a standard format. For example the US would have over 50 different licences as each state and territory issues licences, also Australia, Canada etc. Again this is written on the International Driving Permit. Also the International Driving Permit is only valid for 3 months if one is staying in one country. It can actually be a shorter time period, depending on the local law. Again written on the International Driving Permit. A International Driver's Permit is only valid for 3 months, if you residing in Thailand. In Australia if one moves between states, one is required to get a new licence and motor vehicle registration and insurance within 3 months of moving. Not sure about the requirements in the US about moving between states. Also a International Driving Permit is only valid for vehicle type for which one has a driver's licence if one only has a car licence, then the International driver's permit is only valid for cars, not motorcycles. Again written on the International driver's permit. I suspect many people do not read what is written in the International driver's permit. :-) Very easy to get Thai drivers licence. Just take your driver's licence, International Driving Permit, Passport and letter from Immigration confirming your residential address in Thailand to Government Land Transport agency. Confirmation of residential address is obviously required as it is information attached to the driving licence. A local diving licence is a great form ID and can sometimes get you Thai price for National Parks etc. Who​ knew that a local driver's licence could be used for ID. :-)

[@MrDanny2501]

tip nr2 is a golden one , which i haven't considered up until now,......solid advice!!! thanks

[@peteonretreat2023]

I can get one here it appears through a 3rd party company. I’ll try to look into that soon.

[@sirsillybilly]

Some good advice about banking and phone numbers. Not sure about toiletries. As an Australian they seem to have everything we have, at fair prices. I think maybe because Australia is close to Asia we have more similar brands than say America. Re buying a car, Thailand is one of the biggest manufactures of cars in the world. If you buy one that is locally built then you will avoid the import tax. If your budget is low then just rent for a month when you need one. Re learning to ride a scooter, learn about Target Fixation. Which is the bike will follow your eyes. So the idea is don’t focus on the danger but the path of least resistance. Have to be zen about all the surrounding chaos and just trust in Buddha 😅

[@peteonretreat2023]

Trust in Buddha 🙏🏼😊 Great advice on scootering safely, thank you. Yeah, if I buy a car it’ll be second hand and built locally. Last week I was talking with a friend about what makes and models are produced here… there’s a very large selection. We were both pleasantly surprised.

[@Mr-rl5ik]

Glad to see you back on you tube. Hope you continue with you're channel!!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Feels great to be back! I hope I stay with it too 😅😂🙏🏼

[@betweendrinks8885]

Great to see you back

[@peteonretreat2023]

It’s great to be back Thank you 🙏🏼

[@njosborne5540]

Glad you're making videos again, Pete!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Feels good to be back. 😊

[@richardwoodhouse8397]

It's easier to take your test there it's simple 30mins in and out full Thai bike licence it's near the bura race track

[@peteonretreat2023]

You’re probably right. I just need to go do it.

[@Chef_Boy_RD]

Look who’s vlogging! It’s Peter Joel! Very informative… keep it going bruh.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank ya chef!

[@youdeservethis]

Thanks so much for this video! I am hoping to relocate in October (before it snows!) and need all the advice I can get!

[@peteonretreat2023]

My pleasure, hope it helps.

[@davidhumber6955]

Hi Pete really good to see that you are again doing some blogging! I really do enjoy your content and style, keep up the excellent work. Hoping to hit Thai soil in July of next year for a longish visit to see if it’s my next life adventure. Currently living in Tennessee … Keep them coming mate and thank you!

[@peteonretreat2023]

It feels good to be back, thank you 🙏🏼 I’ve got a growing list of video topics and I think I’ll be motivated to keep going for a good bit this time around. Only time will tell though… Thailand awaits you, make it happen!

[@RetireandGo]

Outstanding Keep planning and moving forward Thailand awaits!

[@jons7077]

Great video, I hope you are enjoying life to its fullest now and in the future.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Just had another trip to Koh Chang… life is amazing. Thanks for the comment and good to see you around 🙏🏼

[@jons7077]

You are one of the good guys, I am so glad you are living your best life!@@peteonretreat2023

[@GarNelson1]

You're a young guy, I'm an old guy. I'd also agree with getting an online "MySSA" account before leaving the US, since if you have issues with getting one, you can easily visit an SSA office to get assistance with getting any issues resolved. And you don't have to be old to get a "MySSA" account and have it ready for when you are old. On a tangent, if you get a Bangkok Bank account here in Thailand, government checks can be direct deposited via the NY branch office of Bangkok bank. My federal pension money is direct deposited in NY and automagically appears here in Thailand. Social Security payments can work the same way without needing any interactions on your part before the money appears in your Thailand Bangkok Bank account.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Great information, thank you for sharing. I do have an account with BK so maybe I’ll set that up… in a decade or so. I’ll add getting a mySSA to my list for my visit back home… in 2025

[@GarNelson1]

@@peteonretreat2023 You can try it online from here. My failure was on the address verification, and the Manila office was no help. If you didn't move around as much as I did, you might not have the issue I did and be successful with the online account setup.

[@roberth7894]

All great suggestions, very helpful, hadn't heard many of these mentioned before by others.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Looking back, with all of the advice videos I watched before coming here… I don’t think any of them were about what you should do at home before coming.

[@gif24gt60]

Does thailand have amazon?

[@peteonretreat2023]

We don’t have Amazon here (but I did get Amazon to ship here from the US for a camera accessory I couldn’t find here). Instead, Thailand has Lazada which I use all the time, Shopee and I believe some other services very similar to Amazon. My Amazon video works here though… which reminds me, I need to cancel that account still. 😅

[@Grimreapervlogs]

Very useful info mate. I definitely recognise some of that area from our walk 😃

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you GR! 🙏🏼 Yeah, this is my wonderful neighborhood. On my list is to do an update video on the Main Street here. It’s changed so much this year!

[@Grimreapervlogs]

@@peteonretreat2023 bonus tip don't find yourself a thai gf online before U arrive ull find many options when U have arrived 😂. Looking forward to seeing what's changed since I was there mate

[@Martyslife]

Thanks Pete

[@peteonretreat2023]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@somluck2813]

Yes, always keep a home country phone number unless one completely shuts everything down. Phone number is pretty much required, it is a defacto ID. Every form on the Internet requires a phone number. Until the last few years, home country banks, insurance, government agencies required a home country phone number. SMS, two factor authentication works pretty well through the roaming facility on phones. I pretty only use my home country phone number to complete my home country banking and government agency form filling on the Internet. They cannot contact me because I have that SIM in a different phone, which is turned off and sitting in a desk draw. :-)

[@peteonretreat2023]

Yeah, definitely my biggest regret is not keeping a home number in the states but I’ve been able to get by for a year without.

[@Ncseventeen1976]

Great video, and very useful info for someone like myself who is planing on moving to Thailand in the next few years. I was also wondering how the D & D group was going, glad you have managed to keep one up. Now that you have been there a year, it would be interesting for you to do a cost break down video. How much on average do you spend a month? What are some hidden costs that have popped up that you didn't expect? Do you still live in the same condo or have you found somewhere else?

[@RS-do6tv]

Learn the language help a lot

[@peteonretreat2023]

I love the 1 year cost video idea. Maybe I’ll do that this week. I kept very thorough records on every baht I spent. I haven’t done an average for the year yet, but I’m guessing it’s about $2,200-2,400 usd (77k baht) and that’s including all my travel to other countries) I’ll have to think about hidden expenses, it’s been pretty straight forward so far. I have upgraded condos. I have a much bigger place now with a more exciting view but for only 2k baht more a month. While I am tempted to move to Jomtien, I’m very comfortable here now and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Thanks for the great idea and questions.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Oh, and D&D is going well. Just finished a 2nd campaign (1 each in two different groups) Now it’s time to give back so I’ll be running my own game soon 😅😂

[@sixx_xlr]

gonna be getting my passport next year brother :)

[@peteonretreat2023]

Right on! 🎉

[@markwilkinson2511]

Good video pete good to see you back before I moved here I bring international license car and bike and now have full Thai licenses and retirement visa and bank account using agency .. I forgot to renew my most important card but luckily they sent to my condo with small charge only took 3 weeks great service. Toiletries I bring from England because 3 x times the price here. My biggest regret was not learning Thai before I come here .. I could say the basics . I was just too lazy to learn 🙈

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’m glad the bank was cool with sending your card here. I didn’t bother trying to learn thai before coming as I was busy with work and selling everything off. After 6 months of Thai school I do know some Thai but I thought I’d know more. It’ll be a video topic soon.

[@jameshall2299]

Headed to Thailand in 3 weeks and wondering if I should buy a SIM card at bkk or wait until I get to pattaya. I know it’s usually 999 thb at airport. Not sure how much in pattaya?

[@peteonretreat2023]

Good question. For me, having a working cell phone asap is worth the extra charge but for many others it isn’t. I just feel more comfortable having it. When ever I travel to a different country, I get a SIM card at the airport. I’m not sure how much they are once you get into Pattaya.

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Pete

[@peteonretreat2023]

Many thanks 🙏🏼 MSR

[@randyday21]

great practical advice

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thanks… I think I’m going to try to do some more practical advice videos. They’re east to do and seem to be popular.

[@AzerPaul]

I had a local Thailand sim card and gave that to my bank via their online banking app. (I had not kept my U.S. telephone number--or monthly bill), and subsequently the two-factor authentication text messages came to it. My bank is USAA, which is used to dealing with military people all over the world, so it might possibly do things that others don't. I don't know.

[@peteonretreat2023]

That’s awesome it worked out for you! I’m not sure but it does make sense a US military bank would be more friendly to foreign SIM cards.

[@Azdbacksfans]

Hey Pete - I am moving in January and wondering if I need to wait to sign up to Wise until I get my Thai bank account?

[@peteonretreat2023]

No need to wait. Just download the app and set up an account. You can add other bank accounts to it at anytime. You can wait though because it only takes a couple of minutes.

[@PaulMartin-ut9lj]

Hi Pete, I did wonder about banking, do you have a video about this? I assume you use you family’s address back home to maintain you US accounts and do not change to your new home ?

[@peteonretreat2023]

I haven’t done a specific banking video but yeah, I use relatives addresses back home. They open any mail I get and let me know of anything important.

[@nathanmoncayo]

Pete glad to see you back, your such a nerd I love it. Question about the visa before arriving to Thailand, donyou get it from the Thai embassy or apply for one online?

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’ve read you can apply for it online but I’m not 100% sure. It might vary depending on the country you live in. 🇹🇭

[@LUCKHEF]

GREAT info about cards lol I just had to get a replacement for my Wise card sent to me 😅 living in Thailand you will forget a card in atm machine because it’s a different process then the US

[@peteonretreat2023]

Yeah… so many people forget their atm cards in the machines here. It’s on a list I have for another video… “what KZbinrs don’t warn you about”

[@richiemochi]

This is very informative. People like myself living in U.S. im still planning my retirement there. I am also planning on visiting during Songkran 2024 for 3 weeks. My main focus is setting up the financial stuff. Gives me anxiety the most thinking about it cause I heard horror stories where expats had been locked out and they purposely had to go back to U.S. to verify their identity in order to gain access to their account again.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Whoa, that would be a horror story for sure. 😳

[@edwardruiz8920]

Great video! The dog in the beginning was cute. Scooter! I knew it might eventually get you. Culturally inappropriate not to own one. The US is slowly going to have a lot more. Teens aren't driving as much anymore. Go electric and look in the highest quality battery systems. Always scoot mellow. Intersections are the big danger. Assume no one will stop or see you at all times.

[@peteonretreat2023]

All solid advice, as usual. Marijan and Shelly just got some sweet new electric bikes and are loving them. Send my love to the fam please 🙏🏼 ❤

[@frederickkrewson638]

What's the charge when you are using WISE?

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’m not sure but looking back at several transfers it appears to be about .75% The rate follows the global market rate.

[@ExtraGuac007]

You haven't visited a DMV lately if you think it's easier to get a motorcycle license in the US. Use an agent in Thailand instead.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Hahaha… yeah, it’s been a couple of years I think. I was fortunate to have a good DMV in Austin. You could get in a virtual line at home and I was never there more than 30 minutes at a time.

[@WallaceDunn]

I will add on SSA website you should verify your income amounts. You only have three years to make corrections.

[@what.i.see.photography7077]

I think you will only be able to get an IDP in your own home country.

[@lkabong5529]

Yes,this is true.

[@mdoc140]

If you have a Thai license then you get an IDP there in country

[@lkabong5529]

​@mdoc140 That's interesting, I think I've heard that if you get a Thai license, it also works in Vietnam?

[@joeltardiff1105]

Whats app..as you know i still run my construction business back cali ( while livin the dream) and all my employees have whats app..and calls are free 😮

[@peteonretreat2023]

According to my research, you can get an IDP in another country but you must use a third party company (so of course it’ll cost ya)

[@josephbranch2342]

You remind of Agent Smith from the Matrix movie with those sunglasses on buddy.

[@peteonretreat2023]

My baby blues hate the sun. I can’t function without sunglasses. 😅😎

[@somluck2813]

I do find it strange, that many many companies and government agencies go on about how modern and up to date they are, but they really do not like international phone numbers and insist on one having a domestic phone number. :-)

[@peteonretreat2023]

I can’t really figure out any reason for it idko

[@shuttlemanjack]

Unfortunately, an International Drivers Licence is only valid for 1 year

[@peteonretreat2023]

Is it? Shoot, that changes things a bit.

[@jameshall2299]

Hey Pete, besides the millions you’re making on KZbin, what is your source of monthly income? Is it savings or do you have another income stream?

[@peteonretreat2023]

It’s all savings… mostly from selling my house.

[@wolfmccarron]

My buddy uses Magic Jack for his US phone number.

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’ll look into it, thanks!

[@lemonfarmthailand]

You literally do not need an agent to get a drivers licence. It takes about two hours of your time at the local office. Also, be aware that it is also illegal to use an agent to get a drivers license as most of them are fake.

[@peteonretreat2023]

It’s illegal to use an agent to get a fake drivers license or to obtain one illegally (like having someone else take the test for you) It’s not illegal for an agent to help you get your Thai license though. Legitimate agents help you study, make sure you’re prepared, help with paperwork and take you to the office. You don’t need an agent to do most of the things agents do for people here. Some people however feel these services are worth the cost for many reasons. Others don’t and would never pay an agent to help them. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with anyone choosing either method.

[@ReformationsGlassArt]

where does your income come from ?

[@peteonretreat2023]

No income 🎉 I sold my house and 99% of my possessions and that’s going to fund my life abroad for at least 10 years. After that, I have a retirement account and hopefully SS 😅

[@ReformationsGlassArt]

@@peteonretreat2023 thankyou:)

[@kloud1174]

Thank you Pete!!! Aye guys can we get the likes up, my like came in from Maryland ☺

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you so much kloud 🙏🏼

[@hikikomorigaming2419]

For your number 1 In my case I use my mobile phone number to identify me. Can't u do the same ? Not use your home number but mobile phone number.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Some of the banks require a U.S. number. 😞 I don’t have a US mobile number anymore.

[@PATThaiA]

Liked.นะครับ.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Many thanks 🙏🏼

[@tmahan1234]

Google voice

[@peteonretreat2023]

This is the way

[@priortokaraew7569]

pete, frankly, these are a bunch of rookie things. i'm surprised people are taken by surprise when these basic things aren't considered.

[@peteonretreat2023]

There’s already so many things to consider and I researched moving here for about a year before I did it. Sure, they are rookie things but the vast majority of people that make this huge life changing move are rookies when they do it. Some of these things I had known about but decided to deal with them here when I had more time. Not only was I working full time back home, I was fixing up a house, selling it and spending a good amount of time selling off 30+ years of accumulated possessions.

[@rs5801]

Hi Pete- good vid. yeah C. Schwab is the best. WISE is cheap however you can take your CS debit card into your Thai bank teller and bring over funds with $0.0 transaction fees. Years from now, You can set up your SS account online from Thailand (i did) you will need a US bank account. 0% no aluminum stick deoderant -FIC HOMME. Shopee or 'Zada not expensive. Aloha!🙏

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you for the advice and reassurance. Yup, FIC is what I found and am using.

[@rs5801]

@@peteonretreat2023 PS : I've had CS & Amex cards FedExed to my door (up country TH) no charge . Had to call their cust. service but it was no problem. 4-5 days.😊

[@peteonretreat2023]

@@rs5801yeah, I’m learning they will ship here but it requires some phone contact first. As it is, my new cards are automatically sent to my domestic addresses on file. It’s a good excuse to get a little care package from back home too 😊

[@stanleykyle]

get a google voice number for your us number. I use mine here all the time.

[@peteonretreat2023]

I think that’s what I’m going to do. Thanks for the advice 🙏🏼

[@garyde9650]

I've been doing that too. Kept me going for over a decade abroad and will continue using it.

[@Bubs-Travels]

Get you a Google Voice US number.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Looks like that’s what I’ll be doing.