Living in Thailand 1 Year Update - Tips on What We Wish We Knew Before Moving. Part One

[@TheNarrowGate]

Part two kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoGvn3mDatx_bJI

[@emilyacana341]

Always bring a packet of tissue with you.

[@navyguy3857]

Thank you guys. Very informative and valuable information

[@TheNarrowGate]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😎🇹🇭🙏🏻

[@alsosean]

Thanks for the great video! I first travelled to Thailand almost 30 years ago and am finally planning a trip back. Will also use the trip to assess whether or not i might want to consider retiring there full time or just seasonally. Your channel is a great resource. Cheers!

[@TheNarrowGate]

Awesome thank you 🙏

[@pongpitwipasuramonton4092]

An aircond consumes much more power in a hot country than in the cold one like USA. You can save you elec bill money by (1) Set the target temperature to be a bit higher e.g. 26 degC (2) turn on a fan when you use air cond this makes the room cooler earlier and (3) use inverter-type aircond. thr return of investment is around 1 year if you use inverter type aircond instead.

[@jerryschafer3267]

Love it! Thank you for the great video. I didn't realize you could keep your number. I appreciate you guys!

[@TheNarrowGate]

Our pleasure!

[@uwegrauert7680]

Thank you for information. We love Thailand ❤️

[@liveandlearnwithmike]

Great Channel, I just found it a few days ago. Im here in Thailand now from American and looking to move here!

[@TheNarrowGate]

Welcome!

[@DIAMONDGIRL57]

I am on my way to retire there! Love authentic Thai food; don’t care about American food. When I am there, I stick with the Thai food.

[@nikkian9254]

Thank you Tony and Kendall! appreciate your videos~

[@TheNarrowGate]

Thank you very much we really appreciate it! 🙌🏻❤️🇹🇭🙏

[@bgzwlz5119]

At the time of this video the price of used cars in the USA had exploded as well. You are just confirming that this is more of a world wide problem rather than being isolated to just the US.

[@SEdwards1000]

My electricity bill was usually never over $15 but I never ever use air conditioning.

[@gregorysavage7527]

Thank-you, I'm probably a bit different to you so just about every negative you mentioned, I saw as a positive.

[@anna_m59]

Just got across to your Chanel. Great advises! Question: bug spray can you buy there or bring from the states?

[@TheNarrowGate]

They have American brands here and Thai brands. They both work well, but the Thai version is cheaper.

[@bubbakemp5817]

Great information! I've never been to Thailand but would like to visit. The whole process of visiting seems so difficult.

[@scottjohnson921]

Super easy now. All restrictions have been dropped.

[@DIAMONDGIRL57]

It’s not! Just go!

[@bobx1034]

ive lived in Thailand for 20 years plus, the last 7 years in Chiang Mai, u can find pepsi, sprite, root beer ALL the time-- in recent years, pepsi, pepsi max, and pepsi raspberry, lime, etc A&W root beer most often at Big C, Rimping, Central Festival, Makkro. Plus, there are other more specialty places. For electric, prices might be large if u are living in a rented apartment or condo and are being charged DOUBLE the govt rates u might be paying 8 bt per unit rather than about 4, and have not received the benefits of covid discounts on utilities in past years. Boy, i would never advise anyone to ride scooters unless they had previous experience--i would also make sure car or motorcycle, to have good private insurance-- if ur in a serious accident with a thai citizen, u will have serious costs to pay. Mosquitoes are Mosquitoes -- you really think thai Mosquitoes are different-- if u live on a high floor, then they are less of a problem, but thai Mosquitoes can carry dengue fever, very serious illness. anyway that's it

[@rijkie226]

Good vid. But why do you need a car in CM? Renting one for odd weekends or a holiday is an option. How about an extra phone. My Dutch one is in the safe and I check it on a daily basis. Other than that I use a cheap second hand Samsung with Thai sim card. Take care and thank you for sharing

[@makeyourlifeeasier5794]

Well done video...Just wondering how did you get control of the scorpions & other assorted unwanted visitors?

[@TheNarrowGate]

We never did. 🥹

[@ariefraiser140]

To the point about used cars being expensive in Thailand....Used cars everywhere have become more expensive. There's a few theories why. Such as the pandemic and part shortages. The 2016 Camry LE I bought at a year end sale in 2016 for $19000 (it was a great deal because after the year end sale the same cars were selling for $23000) is selling for between $16000 and $20000 today depending on the condition and mileage.

[@carefulconsumer8682]

What health insurance do you use? Thanks.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Retiring or living in Thailand | Medical Care Insurance | Visa Questions kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqymnyXr7eHhdU

[@alive4082]

You have to leave every month due to the visa?

[@TheNarrowGate]

It depends what kind of visa you have.

[@stevenhuber829]

How much are your monthly expenses as a couple? How much one needs there?

[@TheNarrowGate]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqbHln2JYrySlZY

[@markmarkmark1821]

I have lived in Thailand about seven years I bought industrial fans costing 2,000 Baht or £40 And have found no need for Air con My electric bill is only just over 1,000 Baht

[@blindfoldsanddaggers5350]

What is the process to use the Google voice and port as you called it so I can still receive texts at my cell ? That's a great tip because I wouldn't have thought of that.

[@TheNarrowGate]

You may need to google that. We did it a year and a half ago and I don't remember. We googled it to find out.

[@Swampzoid]

I love Thailand especially Chiang Mai. I think I'd enjoy living there.

[@hookywookywithmalarkyman704]

Pollution is a huge problem up Chiang mai as with constant tuk tuk drivers touting whilst strolling ,i moved down to Surin years ago.

[@deanbenson9322]

Hello. I like your channel! Lots of vloggers doing what you do but yours is consistently informative and helpful. And easy on the ears and eyes. Moving to Chiang Mai in Jan. 2025. Bringing my cat. My plan… Airbnb or hotel for a month. Then find a 6-12 month condo (nimmaan area) or house (not nimman area) to rent. Then I’m going to buy a house. My question, (finally) will it be very difficult finding Airbnb, hotel, condos or houses that will allow my cat? Condos and houses being the most important. I have seen one person on a Chiang Mai Facebook page say it is VERY difficult to find a condo that accepts pets. I plan on speaking with you at a later date. I have all your info for the One on One meetings. Thanks! (and I understand if you’re too busy to answer) ✌🏻 Dean in Los Angeles

[@TheNarrowGate]

Condos are difficult but everything else is pretty easy. We have two dogs. 😊👍

[@Sheeeerkhan]

Thanks and all the best 🙏🏻

[@styledoggie]

good summary, thx

[@suayhughes8103]

Great video!

[@TheNarrowGate]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wichetleelamanit6195]

Amazing, it has been one year since your first video. I always keep watching your journey, from your Thai FC.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Thank you!!! 🥰🇹🇭🙏🏻

[@MartyM.]

The Wells Fargo security code texts don't work by default (along with a lot of other businesses) since it's flagged as a virtual number, as I found out after much reading. I was able to call them and have them override it so I can receive their texts on my virtual US number in my Hushed app. Not always an easy process, but I got it done. Or use the RSA device they offer for $25 for account holders (I got one in case). Whenever possible though I use my Authy authenticator app for websites or businesses that support it to avoid this and easily get a code instantly. (Ex.: PayPal, Amazon, and some other logins.)

[@buzzy1011]

with your phone.....did you keep your service in usa.....?

[@TheNarrowGate]

We did not keep our phone service from the US.

[@Lamlukka_Geo_rge]

What are you doing for driver license? Do have a Thai license for car and scooter? Do you have Thai ID? what type visa?

[@TheNarrowGate]

I have a Thai drivers lic for motorcycle and car.

[@larslars235]

Chiang Mai is a nice place but i think it become very expensive to live there. Still, if i ever move to Thailand there`s the place i be. Thanks for the video.

[@civivva4501]

Mobile number bank verification was a good tip thanks.

[@jeegmanz]

❤❤❤

[@MarkAdams12000]

We love your videos, they are so well put together and informative. I need to speak to you about video production at some point too.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffsoh71]

Hi Guys .. which pet groomers did you send your dogs to? thanks in advance!!!

[@TheNarrowGate]

Igroom g.co/kgs/qS4Pqz

[@jeffsoh71]

Thanks so much!

[@vimut2020]

If you are looking for an authentic brand in Thailand, Lazada is not the place. You should go to JD central. But for me, I have never bought from JD central yet.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Thank you!

[@vimut2020]

@@TheNarrowGate My pleasure. :)

[@paul2081ok]

Pets Are A Problem because few hotels or motels will allow them. That means you will sleep on a park bench! The exception are expensive international hotels like the Hilton and Sheraton…Cheers

[@ipitrader]

Thanks for this post. That makes a huge difference in my decision. You never know how a little tip is a great tip.

[@neilc6506]

Re: phones. I live permanently in CM and I use both USAA and Navy Federal banks back home. Both WILL send verification codes to my Thai phone number.

[@norrisbethke7770]

Order a steak…local or import ? Rajavej Hospital has a once-a-year checkup for people over 50, I did it for comparison purposes and it was very good, x-ray, sonogram, blood and urine checks, then a bit of wait until the test results finish, then a consultation with a doctor… 3 hours or so…and..it doesn’t hurt ! About $120, did it 3 times..they give you a booklet of all results, they were spot on in comparison with Kaiser here in Ca..$8 for a temp cap replace at a dentist at Kad Farang 5pm Sunday evening…then….there’s them cockroaches, big enough to ride to Rimping…could go on ad infinitum but…thx for the vid 🙏🏻👍🏻🕊

[@TheNarrowGate]

Always good to hear from you!

[@norrisbethke7770]

@@TheNarrowGate hope you can do the Rajavej checkup, interesting to know what you think…and..it can’t hurt 🙏🏻🤓

[@scottbieber1731]

My water bill was 319bt ($8.73 US) and my electric bill was 8002bt ($219.23 US) last month!

[@raymondwebb2029]

Blimey mine was water 65baht electric was 1100 dont skimp on anything either

[@MrMrLeechill]

Do you pay for Google Voice?

[@TheNarrowGate]

It’s a one time fee of $20 per number.

[@sharbymj]

Fantastic information. You covered some items I have been fretting over. How to keep the same number I've had in the US for 25 years for one. I live in Florida and we have a rainy season too. My electric bill here runs me as much as $250 a month and my water bill is about $88 a month.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulg6309]

you can keep your U.S. Number as long as you don't mind paying for it. I use it to connect to the internet and use whatsapp or messenger to talk to family, doesn't charge you. Also, look into magic jack, it is cheaper and uses your U.S. Number

[@walkertongdee]

Cars hold their value and reliability as well a 20-year okd Toyota will still runs and looks good and can be repaired cheaply be prepared to spend 1,500 US. for reliable transportation. we have 4 cars the 20-year-old car has never had a major or expensive repair nor has our 30-year-old truck. Newer cars are too expensive to repair stay away...

[@walkertongdee]

Large scorpion's arent poisonous enough to kill you but the coin sized ones are deadly...

[@PeterC245]

Re motor bikes , if u have a accident, and u don’t have a home country driving Lic for same, forget your travel insurance, null and void,

[@deeweb985]

Might mention ordering cloths. They seem to think your Asian so large to them is small for you . Maybe better to buy from clothing shops here and try it on first.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ThatOneGuy-hp2pb]

United States mosquitoes are awful

[@TheNarrowGate]

Yes they are!!!

[@irishpete5472]

A year...really! Hard to believe.

[@kennethboehnen271]

$18 for a haircut is very expensive.

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

RC Cola , Est Cola , Big Cola ,too 😉😁

[@GroovJunki]

Bro..you might as well let her talk. She talk faster than you.. before you take a breath she in lol

[@TheNarrowGate]

Ha ha. 😁

[@GroovJunki]

@@TheNarrowGate High electric bill lol. I think you either need to find a home rental that has solar power offered. Well seeing you both have already experienced the ‘first time issues’ then tell me where are the nice (roomy) affordable long term house rentals? If in province close to shopping

[@timcargile1562]

Thanks for creating and uploading. I've been living in Bangkok for 13 Years - Some tips 1) Don't own or drive any kind of motor vehicle. 2) Do not ride motorbike taxis or tuk-tuks. If riding in a taxi use seat belts. back seats usually do not have them available so ride in the front passenger seat. No seat belt there? Then don't take that taxi. Thailand has tightened down the seat belt lawys and the are usually available in all mini-van seats. 3) Avoid Thai Restaurants and street food. Even FoodLand prepared food can be food-poisonous. you because of poor preservation practices. 4) Avoid buying imported food because of high prices. 5) Avoid Salons - learn to cut your own hair - I use scissors and a mirror. 6) Avoid Thai bank accounts and ATMs - I go directly to the bank's debit card processing window and get better exchange rates and a much lower ATM fee. 7) Have a laptop with a working built-in battery to avoid having a UPS. Power outages are usually very short duration (in central Bangkok anyway) but even a spike of a few milliseconds is not good. Use a UPS if powering a hard drive from 220 VAC (not USB). A power outage while transferrng data to/from a 220 VAC-powered drive could corrupt the drive's file system. 8) Don't bother to learn the Thai language beyond the barest phrases. Speaking Thai well requires being able to read and write the language first. Do you have time or desire to do that? Improve the level of skill with your native language instead. 9) Use electricity frugally by installing LED lights and avoiding running the A/C for long periods. Get a low wattage fan and use wind-chill cooling when possible. My electricity bill is around $20-25 USD per month at a 5 baht per kwH rate. My rooms are heavily insulated by reflective, polyeurathane foam, insulating 6mm sheets purchased at Home-Pro Rachada. Used to reflect sunlight from hot-spot windows and other sources of heat. Don't get dead by doing senseless, crazy risky things like riding motorbikes (even avoid tuk-tuks). Do a little research and find out why motorbikes are a bad idea in Thailand.

[@TheNarrowGate]

Thank you for the information! 😀

[@peterconnolly9828]

What about health insurance

[@TheNarrowGate]

Just posted a video on that subject. 😎👍