Life as a Single Female Retiree in Chiang Mai, Thailand | Retirement Visa | Retirement Costs

[@beverlyweber4122]

I spent a year as a retiree in Chiang Mai. As a widow, first-time traveler, I discovered Chiang Mai was remarkably easy to settle in. I moved abroad alone and had the time of my life. One year was fantastic and I can't wait to get back!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much for sharing, Beverly! We're so happy to hear you love Chiang Mai. Here's to future travels!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

It's difficult to find info on single women retiring abroad!! Thanks for this. I have been searching for several years for the ideal place to go in retirement. I have been to Panama and although it's lovely, I want to see how things would be in other places.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi there, thank you for you kind comment. Chiang Mai has a lovely retiree community and so many things to do, as well. Feel free to email us at [e-mail] if you need help or have any questions.

[@nsj4377]

I also intend to retire in Chiang Mai as a single woman next year. It was supposed to be this year, but along came COVID. Jennifer is such an inspiration!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Nice! Yes, isn't she? Glad to hear you're planning to retire in Chiang Mai. Feel free to set up a free consultation call with us and we can answer any of your questions. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18489815&calendarID=3350626

[@WildSky-kh9vv]

Love the video, the 'Settle in Abroad' team helped me with my move to Thailand. I actually decided to live in Bangkok for the first year (when that is up I will move to the beach areas). Even though I chose Bangkok, they helped with visa, accommodation, bank set up and a number of other items. Having that support when you are a single female was invaluable. I think it would have been too overwhelming for me without that help. But i have settled in nicely and loving it!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi Linda, thank you so much for your kind comment and for sharing your experience with Settle in Abroad's relocation services! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to provide you with the support you needed during your move to Thailand. Thank you again for choosing Settle in Abroad for your relocation needs. We wish you all the best in your new adventure!

[@mlrussell1]

If Minnesota Nice was a person, she would be this lovely woman. Loved her enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject. Excellent interview.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Very sweet :) Jennifer is just the best! Thanks so much for your kind feedback.

[@latebloomerabroad]

I loved this interview! I was going to retire in Chiang Mai last month, but with Covid, I'm working one more year and now will be retiring in Palm Springs with my best friend. But I'm still going to Chiang Mai for 2-3 months January-March 2022 (if the burning season isn't too bad by March). I can imagine myself doing exactly what Jennifer is doing, it sounds like so much fun to me!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. Feel free to reach out to us if you want any recommendations for your trip. Happy almost Retirement!

[@latebloomerabroad]

@Andy W Too bad! I know the government just issued a new law that says they can't burn in March or April, but I doubt they will enforce it.

[@Catalystresource]

Burning season can go Jan-April and March / April the worst. Can't see, can't breathe, don't recommend then.

[@jodyweikal7596]

Late bloomer abroad…..we need to connect. We live here in Palm Springs, and Chiang Mai may be in my future.

[@latebloomerabroad]

@@jodyweikal7596 I'm still traveling around the world and won't be in Palm Springs until this fall, and I'll try to remember to message you then. I was in Chiang Mai for 2 months this spring.

[@tamimcdonald]

Jennifer is my hero ❤. I am getting ready to travel full time next April. Thailand is on my list of places to visit. I’d like to have Jennifer’s email or however to get with her to discuss about Chang Mai and SE Asia. I plan on traveling through there for a couple of years then deciding on a final retirement home base. I’m glad I found your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi Tami, thanks so much for your kind comment. That's so exciting that you are planning to travel to Southeast Asia and find your home base. Please feel free to set up a call with us here via the link below. settleinabroadconsultations.as.me/schedule.php This way we can discuss your options and answer any questions you have.

[@pjb4294]

Love this! Seems like Chiang Mai has something to offer for everyone!

[@SettleinAbroad]

You're absolutely right! It does have something for everyone.

[@kwaicaine1417]

Hello nice video. please ask Jennifer if she shipped any of her household goods to Thailand. 2) If she did use a moving company which moving company did she use? 3) How much was the shipping? 4) When she arrived in Chiangmai, did she stay in hotel before finding a permanent house or apartment or was a place already arranged for her before landing in Thailand? 5) is she renting, leasing or buying?

[@positivevibes2468]

Jennifer seems like is such a kind hearted open minded lovely lady! Thank you for sharing!

[@SettleinAbroad]

You're welcome! Jennifer is the best :)

[@pdxtran]

Hi, Jennifer. I don't know if you remember me, but we were in the same water aerobics class at the Uptown YWCA. I'm glad to see that your move to Thailand has been so successful.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Aww so great to hear from you. Thank you so much. -Jennifer

[@beinaj]

Lived in Chiang Mai for many years before relocating to the Gulf of Thailand. This interview is spot on. If Chiang Mai had ocean and sunsets, I would never have left. I still have more friends in Chiang Mai than my new city. Suggest you stay there for six months and re-assess.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi there, thank you for your lovely feedback and suggestions. Hopefully, you're happy down south. The sunsets by the ocean sure are stunning.

[@aprilsigmund556]

Another great video full of valuable info and insight!! Keep em coming!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much! Happy to hear you've been enjoying the videos.

[@CrimeFighter1943]

Nice interview Jennifer, it's good to see you are still in Chiang Mai, and doing well. :-)

[@SettleinAbroad]

:) she's the best!

[@norrisbethke7770]

Stumbled across your vids (ouch !) and found them interesting, have been coming to Tland since 2008 and plan on a move there..so many options there for anything and everything, there is a CM Expat Club where you can get all sorts of info from folks who live there plus the activities they’re involved with..been there many times during the burn season but didn’t know it, the sunsets were spectacular though, many go to the beaches for a few weeks, flights are very inexpensive, will be watching more of your vids, thx 🙏🏻🇹🇭

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hello Norris, thank you for your kind comment. Yes, some expats choose to leave for the islands when the burning season arrives and return back in a couple of months. Domestic flights are super cheap indeed. Stay tuned for more videos!

[@veosavan3735]

I will be retiring in CM also as a single woman, I am waiting for covid19 to go away and less gvt restrictions on quarantine and testing.

[@SettleinAbroad]

That's amazing! Let us know if you have any questions about the relocation process or visas. Feel free to email us at [e-mail]

[@JenniferThornburg1]

I'd like to learn more about retiring in Thailand as a single woman. I'm planning on retiring there in 5 years and all the videos seem to be about men retiring there dating women.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi Jennifer, thank you for getting in touch with us. There certainly is majority of men retiring in Thailand, but we have helped many ladies as well as couples to successfully relocate to Thailand. Why don't you send us an email at [e-mail] and we can answer any questions you might have.

[@LearnThaiRapidMethod]

Nice to see you on KZbin (again), Jennifer! :)

[@SettleinAbroad]

Jennifer is the best, isn't she? :)

[@msvaj]

Chiang Mai has so much to offer, cheap prices, greens (landscape), weather, etc., etc.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Absolutely, yes! Chiang Mai is the best :)

[@clintsheehan2535]

Great interview, Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much! Happy to hear you enjoyed it.

[@thecobra...1716]

professional and classy interview. been to CM 5 times for work loved it and can't wait to get back enjoy

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much. Happy to hear that! Feel free to reach out to us when you come back the next time.

[@thecobra...1716]

yes hope to do so

[@nananoodles4346]

I am happy to share my experience. Also, LOVE the food and coffee at Overstand.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Right, Overstand is just the best!

[@lindablake6022]

Was so excited and encouraging to find how a single retired women decides to move to another country.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi Linda, thank you for your kind comment. Thailand is a great country to relocate to as a single woman. Jennifer is an amazing lady and an inspiration to many others.

[@cocoscabana]

So glad you did this video....I'm going to be calling you, after my year long solo female motorcycling across Australia. As I'm a serious future ex pat in Thailand, Malaysia or PH....but I will definitely look you up, your videos are terrific

[@SettleinAbroad]

Amazing! Wishing you a great year motorcycling across Australia, sounds like an incredible adventure. Look forward to hearing from you in the future!

[@alexstark8075]

So inspiring!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much, glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@shawnhealy4993]

Such great information! Can't wait to retire in Chiang Mai.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much!

[@duanghareutai]

Hi Ms. Jennifer, I'm glad u liked Chiang Mai. I'm hoping to retire there too. Stay blessed and healthy!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Awesome! We hope you retire in Chiang Mai one day too. Feel free to email us if you have any questions. [e-mail]

[@dawncleaveley4875]

I would love to hear more about how Jenifer lives and cost of things in Chiang Mai. I am about to turn 60 (single woman) and I am thinking of taking early retirement and run away. Are there language/cultural barriers? How are older women treated there? I have soooo many questions..lol Does Jenifer have any social media? She makes me excited to know that this is a real option for me.❤🇨🇦

[@SettleinAbroad]

Yes! Isn't she so inspiring? We would be happy to answer all of your questions on a free consultation call. To schedule one please follow this link. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18489815&calendarID=3350626

[@denise5334]

Just go. It’s fabulous.

[@t.q.6639]

You should go see for yourself. Try it out for month or longer. I bet you will love Thailand.

[@BoninBrighton]

I’ve just started to learn Thai it’s harder than advanced maths!

[@babyburma]

Thank you

[@nananoodles4346]

I completely trust Amanda to make sure that the transition is smooth. She is a delightful "safety net"

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much!

[@BlueFairyRose]

Please let me know how to contact Jennifer. Your agency is something I would use. I retired to Phuket 8 years ago but returned after my husband left me almost immediately for a ladyboy (that answered many questions I had about our marriage), still I loved Chiang Mai and would travel there monthly for meditation, kind people, wonderful food.

[@Simon-vt1zp]

What a lovely lady 🙏

[@SettleinAbroad]

Right? Jennifer is just the best!

[@diannaboyd7876]

Thank you, Jennifer, on my way!

[@sofiasofia6648]

Great interview my grandson is born in Minnesota he is American

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much. Aww, great to hear!

[@georgeherr5567]

Not sure, but I got the idea u may have or work for a business helping retirees. I,m I right. Do u help in getting visa also?

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi there! Thank you for reaching out. That is correct, Settle in Abroad helped many retirees to successfully obtain a long-term visa, find accommodation, relocate and get settled in Thailand. Feel free to email us at [e-mail] or schedule a Free Consultation Call via the link below and let's find out how we can assist you. settleinabroadconsultations.as.me/schedule/f607b374

[@frankwright2469]

Awesome!

[@elainemccarthy2272]

You make it all sound easy!

[@SettleinAbroad]

It is! You just need to make the decision to move and we'll handle everything else. You get to enjoy the fun parts about moving abroad :)

[@TaraVanhonacker]

So I went to the airport with a friend and wanted to check in and was told I could not because I have been banned for life from Thailand ... for an overstay of 17 days ... accidental ... I stood there with my friend and ... I am in shock because I got a COE last friday from the Thai embassy in Brussels ... I had paid for the quarantine hotel, health insurance, plane, return ticket, everything ... so now I loose that too ... and why ? I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I HAVE BEEN BANNED FOR LIFE FROM THAILAND ... some good people in Belgium are already sending emails to ask the embassy what I have to do ... I just wanted to go to my house and talk to my lawyer ...

[@SettleinAbroad]

Wow very sorry to hear that this has happened to you. Please feel free to email us your details to [e-mail] and we can talk to our legal team and see if anything can be done.

[@TaraVanhonacker]

@@SettleinAbroad I believe even Thai people are in shock ... I have many Thai friends and I still believe that some day they will come to their senses ... anyway ... I will wrote you an email but about the "ban" ... I have no paperwork or anything ... I really did not know and I received nothing about this ... just a cold voice from within Bangkok ... telling an airline attendant I could not board my Emirates flight ... that is all ... They do not want anyone to come to Thailand , do they ?

[@BlueFairyRose]

Tara, people have wanted to help you, yet I’ve found we cannot demand in Thailand, we are not Thai and do not have that privilege.

[@giavonnie]

Wow..I think I would retire in Chiang Mai

[@SettleinAbroad]

It is a lovely place indeed. Feel free to email us at [e-mail] if you need any assistance.

[@sofiasofia6648]

I am 64 years old and want to ritire in changmai kindly guide me how much money requires to move there

[@SettleinAbroad]

Everyone's lifestyle and medical needs are varied from person to person. If you are interested in moving to Chiang Mai you can set up a free call at app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18489815&calendarID=3350626

[@shilpikar5756]

Great!

[@joeuwest489]

Very informative! How much does her condo cost or rent per month

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much. Her condo in Chiang Mai costs her 10,000 baht per month.

[@ruthmajor6566]

How about Pattaya as a single retired female...

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi Ruth, thank you for getting in touch. From our personal experience, Pattaya doesn't have as much of a community for single retired females as in other parts of Thailand. We'd suggest joining Facebook groups and try to find out some communities in Pattaya. We hope that helps. If you have any more questions, feel free to email us at [e-mail]

[@susanpiacun4195]

Wow Jennifer! Fabulous!

[@SettleinAbroad]

Isn't she the best? :)

[@anniereynolds1220]

Can a person retire in Thailand with pre existing conditions and buy health insurance before arriving. The condition being motor neurone disease??

[@SettleinAbroad]

Yes, it may be possible to get insurance with a pre-existing condition. We can check with our Insurance team to see what your options are. Please email us [e-mail] and we can let you know.

[@dovoso5685]

555 Beautiful young lady but a key point is missing = How much all this cost ? My estimation, with all those trips, rent, food, health insurance, flights, visas, and keeping Medicare- just in case, would be at least 50K annually after tax. I am happy for her but this is not cheap. Most Guys retire overseas to save money. I will be very happy if you prove me wrong, lol.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hello, thank you for your comment. Living comfortably in Chiang Mai can cost less than $2,500/month. Initial moving expenses may be high, but overall costs are lower than in many Western countries. Affordable housing, food, and healthcare contribute to the lower cost of living. $50,000 annually after tax is likely an overestimation. Chiang Mai is an appealing and budget-friendly option for retirees.

[@anniemanley5642]

Which area is the best for single females to live in C M

[@BelaMasz123]

Jen, are I still in biz? I’m thinking of retiring to Chiang Mai. I live in Washington DC.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks! Great that you are considering moving to Thailand. We can help you enter the country and get a Visa as well as all of the other services you might need to make Thailand your new home. To Schedule a free call please click the link settleinabroadconsultations.as.me/

[@sammiewagner4657]

I am a senior woman from America, I have limited mobility, how can I find a maid or aide to help me before I get to Chiang Mai? I want to come live there in early months of 2023.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hello Sammie, thank you for reaching out. Yes, absolutely. We can assist you with finding a maid or caretaker before you get to Thailand. Feel free to email us at [e-mail] with more details. Alternatively, you can set up a Free Consultation Call via the link below. settleinabroadconsultations.as.me/schedule.php We look forward to hearing from you.

[@georgequek7996]

It's nice to say good thing about retirement americans in chiangmai and that's not my cup of coffee or tea in the kingdom.🙏

[@dhaferhashem-usa5726]

Yes, have questions. how she receives her SS checks, Thailand banks or US banks.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi, Dhafer! Jennifer has her checks direct deposited into her USA bank. The bank she chose, after much research offers 10 transfer requests for free each month. Therefore, she transfers money from her USA bank to her BKK bank account no more than 2 x a month usually.

[@dhaferhashem-usa5726]

@@SettleinAbroad Thanks,

[@SettleinAbroad]

@@dhaferhashem-usa5726 No problem!

[@pomargent4464]

Do you know the name of the Bank she used in USA? I may open account with them as my current bank charge $5 + 3% each time.

[@Catalystresource]

I live in MX and travel for months at a time to other countries. Just deposit SS into US checking account and use ATM's. I have a debit card with NO international fees- highly recommended.

[@elainemccarthy2272]

Also, I'd like to order that avocado toast! LOL

[@SettleinAbroad]

Right! It's always so delicious. Overstand is the best.

[@sharonla8071]

My biggest concern with Chiang Mai is the pollution. How do you deal with it? I've heard of long term expats leaving due to health issues related to the air quality.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hey Sharon. Thanks for your comment. Yes, the 2 months of pollution in Chiang Mai is definitely the biggest downfall to the city. Most long term expats do choose to live in the South of Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Hua Hinh etc.) in that time. Otherwise, those who choose to stay in Chiang Mai, have air purifiers in their house and just wear masks that block the PM2.5 pollution when outside. Most restaurants and cafes indoor have air purifiers inside of them now. This year the Smokey season has been better as there has been more rain than usual, which clears up the air.

[@CHANTIP]

is she still loving it?

[@SettleinAbroad]

Yes 🙂

[@marysu7094]

Welcome to Chiang Mai na ka 🙏🌷💕💝

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thanks so much :)

[@jada1230]

is Jennifer on a retiree visa?

[@SettleinAbroad]

Hi there, yes that is correct. Jennifer is on a Retirement Visa.

[@jada1230]

@@SettleinAbroad retirement visa is only 1 year?

[@SettleinAbroad]

@@jada1230 Yes, the visa is valid for one year and needs to be extended every year. The visa extension is an inexpensive and easy process, though. You can set up a Free Consultation Call vis the link below. settleinabroadconsultations.as.me/schedule.php This way we can answer any additional questions you might have.

[@learnthaiwithme1041]

You are so adorable 🎉❤❤❤

[@SettleinAbroad]

Thank you for your kind comment ❤

[@trishsmartcomedy]

I'll let my mom know

[@SettleinAbroad]

Yes please do! :)

[@americanwoman445]

Never to smart to publicize you are a single woman alone...

[@SettleinAbroad]

Sure, thing. In this video we want to make women feel comfortable moving to Thailand alone. By the word alone, we mean no romantic partner. Jennifer is single in her relationship status, but she has plenty of support from friends, neighbors, and locals in the community.

[@sarabeth8050]

I was wondering if someone who is black and works full time remotely would be welcome to settle in Chaing Mai.

[@SettleinAbroad]

Yes, of course. We can assist with relocation for digital nomads and help you find the right visa.

[@bloodbuddy7]

There is a little bit of racism- or, more like, colorism and anti-blackness- in Thailand, however I would say it is much less than in many other parts of the world. I only experienced it a little when I was working in a government school way out in the countryside in the south of Thailand- but if you work remotely in Chiang Mai, chances are you won't really come across much of that, as Chiang Mai is a peaceful place and people are usually very chill and respectful. Chiang Mai is a fairy international city and I made friends with black and brown people from many different countries while I lived there. I would say most faced greater issues with racism/ insensitivity from the white foreigners who live there than from the Thai people in most cases. The CMARC (Change Making Anti-Racism Coalition) was also set up in Chiang Mai last year for people of color to share their experiences work towards spreading awareness about racism and how to counteract it. Overall, I think you would be welcome and would have a great time.