Our actual cost of living in Bangkok

[@VagabondAwake]

Bangkok Retire Cheap Report: vagabondbuddha.com/retire-bangkok-cheap/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥oad Map to Freedom Overseas (Retire Overseas Course)☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-retire-overseas-course/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀e vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/ Health Insurance I Bought (Free ebook, Video, Agent, not affiliate link): vagabondbuddha.com/expat-health-insurance-ebook/ What kinds of risks are you taking if you move overseas? vagabondbuddha.com/our-liability-disclaimer-the-risk-is-on-you/

[@badinage0]

Thank you!

[@martypoll]

Dan - I had a bit of a medical setback the other day. I was bending over and apparently tore a muscle in, let’s say, the gluteal region. I literally can’t walk. The orthopedist says rest and time and pain meds. For your audience though - I walked into a private hospital in eastern Thailand, saw an orthopedist, got intravenous pain meds + more to take home, and was out of there 2 hours later. Cost - $153

[@VagabondAwake]

Very helpful information Marty (as usual). Hope you are back in action soon. We all want to hear you house build story.

[@frankiesmart1113]

Thanks as always. Your videos are always extremely helpful. Safe travels you two. 🙏👍🙏

[@Anthony_99]

I hope you guys never stop making these videos. Super helpful information and the vibes are always great 🤙🤙

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Ok this is great guys, just the vid I was looking for. It's so helpful we really appreciate all you do guys. Cheers from 2 Canadians living in Mexico. Sending you love and support. ❤✌🏽

[@robcanad]

So why are you guys in Mexico??

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

@robcanad Hola amigo 👋🏼👋🏼 We have been traveling around Mexico for just over 3 years now. Many years ago the wife went to university in Guadalajara and Mexico stole her heart. Fast-forward many years we got married and came here for our honeymoon. My first thought was why are we not living here. We have been coming to Mexico for 12 years holidaying prior to moving here. We still love Mexico but are now looking at exploring Southeast Asia. We did an interview with Dan on his channel you might enjoy. It's called " the cost of retiring in Mexico" Take care and thanks for reaching out. ✌🏼❤️

[@fmdataanalyst]

When I'm in Colombia I eat out frequently. I meet new people, stimulate the economy in the neighborhood, spend time with friends... I took 2 local buddies to a premium steak house and we had drinks, apps, mains, and dessert (plus a tip) for like $70. It would have been at least 300 in the USA for the same quality. And they never had anything like that before or since. They still joke about it. Usually I grab local food for cheap or cook for myself or a few friends. I'm excited to visit Bangkok / Thailand in the near future. Thanks.

[@VagabondAwake]

Great story! Come be a guest star on my channel. Hi @calamaridog, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4SwkGWgdqhnrJY Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or KZbin channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan

[@ph5915]

Thailand / Bangkok sure sound like an awesome destination!

[@QuinnPrice]

Super helpful, thanks. I'm a expat living in Ecuador, considering a move to SE Asia. I've noticed that many in SE Asia go to Bangkok for medical treatments. Fortunately, not a need for me, but it speaks to a city that attracts excellence. I'm still trying to figure out their visa.

[@pathkris2984]

Taxation laws are changing in Thailand. 183+ days in year you become a resident. You are subject to taxation on worldwide income I believe. Not a territorial tax country anymore.

[@jimmy999-z2j]

How is the power situation where you are in Ecuador?

[@martypoll]

@@pathkris2984You are taxed on the money you bring into Thailand. US Social Security is not taxable. In my case, I have a 10 year LTR visa and the money I bring into Thailand is not taxable.

[@martypoll]

Many of the private Bangkok hospitals have branches throughout Thailand.

[@RioCrypto55]

Dan, You are an inspiration. Before I found your and other's videos, i felt hopeless. Like there was no point to working. Not anymore.

[@WilliamFluery]

Glad you are back in SE Asia. I look forward to reengaging with your vlog.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you!

[@ConcealedCourier]

Thanks for the update and the cost update too. The Big Mango is very high on my list.😊

[@KavanOBrien]

Your videos are without doubt extremely detailed and cover almost everything one would need to not be shocked if and when people visited or stayed in the places you have covered , one thing I might of missed having been a resent watcher is the cost of travel to these places be it train , plane, boat etc, only having been to very few places around our planet the most expensive part of my visit has been the cost of actually getting there , just wondering if in the future you could include or create a small section within the videos of that cost factor, if indeed you have already done so and I’ve missed that aspect my apologies, take care two nice souls = it’s only me .

[@VagabondAwake]

Great idea. Thanks!

[@blackwonderBW]

Thanks for the honest, clear, and concise assessment, Dan. I'm in Manila currently. I'm researching Bangkok and will do an exploratory visit.

[@VagabondAwake]

Here is where we stayed. vagabondbuddha.com/retire-bangkok-cheap/

[@jhumphre]

We'll be in Bangkok in early January. Me for the fourth time and my partner many, many times because she lived in Koen Kaen for grade school and high school. We're planning on moving to BKK next fall (me from Saudi and she from Dubai). Always appreciate your Thailand videos. We've been to Samui and Chang Mai, Phuket and Phi Phi, but we'll start out in Bangkok. Thanks for your content - it is truly helpful (even though we're aiming a little higher than your budget).

[@VagabondAwake]

Sounds like a great story. Come tell it on my channel? Hi @jhumphre, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4SwkGWgdqhnrJY Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or KZbin channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

This applies to us bro we also like to live local and shop and eat local. Loved the old car at the end sir. Again thank you guys, safe travels. ❤🙏🏽

[@VagabondAwake]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thecoach717]

I absolutely adore Bangkok but it is quickly becoming out of reach financially for many people. A positive is the top quality medical.

[@morganhalimi7185]

Votre post est très très intéressant. Merci beaucoup

[@Chosil]

Plus health insurance. Plus stuff one needs to buy throughout the year. Some Repairs. Plus misc. Plus cloths. And more. Realistically, a full budget for a both expats couple is 3000 to 4000 for sure. That includes everything though.

[@VagabondAwake]

Once you live in Thailand and have a budget to report, let me know. The ranges people report are anywhere from about $1000 per month to $10,000 per month. And trust me, the guy living on $10k per month will laugh at your $4k per month, and they guy at $1k per month will laugh at your $3k per month. Like any country in the world, there is no official "realistic budget." There is just people living on different budgets.

[@warrenwade8531]

Totally Awesome info again. Thanks for all the videos packed with so much information/education on various countries cost of living including places to stay and things to do while there. Qiang is too hot for you Dan, I'm sure you're burning your hands on her all the time! :)

[@nala3038]

😂

[@bmw328iowner8]

Good to know and wise goals to aim for. My plan is to move to Thailand in the next year or two. I hope to match with a female partner in SE Asia, so I won't stay at exclusively at the Nana Hotel again.

[@VagabondAwake]

Best of luck!

[@richardhowe5583]

I am always watching and always enjoying and you and your girl are so full of great information and entertainment.. I really appreciate both of you.. thanks 👍🍺🍻🇺🇸😎

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks you for the encouragement.

[@andrewbrann6231]

Some people like the big city I don't I didn't even leave the airport at Bangkok. I went up north and I was an hour from Chaing Rai 2 hours to Chaing Mai. Way cheaper

[@martypoll]

Dan, it was really great to meet you and talk while you were in BKK. Bangkok costs: My old condo in Phra Khanong, near the BTS, is still 25,000 baht/month ($720/mo). This would be considered the Sukhumvit Area. Food - I generally ate in western restaurants once or twice a week and I shop at Villa Market for some food items to cook at home. That would boost the food budget a bit.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Marty. It was great shooting the breeze with you. Talk soon.

[@ianpatrick23]

Amazing how affordable Bangkok is

[@VagabondAwake]

It really is for us. But some people are rollers.

[@tuvia4082]

Cool, thanks for sharing.

[@VagabondAwake]

No problem!

[@StanLyons-wp5vx]

Really enjoyed the costs review. Thanks. Can you say which neighborhood you like to stay in? The food really looks good. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by Bangkok, it has a lot to see and eat. Thanks again, Stan

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station.

[@aaronbux1]

So what was the neighborhood you guys were in? I def like the non-touristy areas too! Thanks for the video! :)

[@porpkw]

​@@aaronbux1 I guess they stayed in Sapan Kwai Area (North of BTS Sukhumwit line) I saw many staff with GSB bank shirt which head office is there.

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@caroljordan4316]

Sorry I may have missed it but what area of Bangkok did you stay in? Is it near a train line? Thank you for the video 😊

[@VagabondAwake]

BTS Sathon Taksin

[@andrewbrann6231]

I've been to Northern Thailand twice in two years to stay with the lady friend. Her house is paid for but she has a friend that has a place for $36 a month with just a fan but easily in the area I was at near Phayoa Thailand you can find a place for 150 a month

[@badinage0]

Hello! I enjoyed your video of your relaxing time in Bangkok. Thanks! Can you tell me the general location of the condo you rented for a month? It sounds very walkable.

[@VagabondAwake]

In the description, the first link has the place we stayed and the neighborhood.

[@dessaint5341]

So, Dan, what is the name of the neighborhood you stayed at? I usually stay at Wonwingnay , which is a local neighborhood near the Taksin Horse circle, on the Peninsula side. The place has a big swimming pool and a hot sauna and workout gym, and everything is walking distance, including Sky Line. There is a variety of street food stalls nearby and you can walk to a pretty big miscellaneous local market nearby, as well as to several 7-11s. On my monthly stays, I usually spend $1600.00 -$2000.00 and that includes everything. Roundtrip airfare to USA id usually between $1000.00 _ $1200.00 depending on the season.

[@VagabondAwake]

BTS Saphan Taksin

[@dessaint5341]

@@VagabondAwake Yes, that's my neighborhood. The place used to be called Aya Residence and Sports Club. Now, it's called Ayutthaya Resort.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

Which neighbourhood? - Thanks.

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@andrewbrann6231]

If you like the big city you won't like it but if you're from a small town in America it's big go to Phayoa

[@kevinstanford8506]

Hey buddy. It's crazy that you stayed in Puerto Morelos for sometime. I purchased a place here. It's a lovely town. However, I am thinking about renting it out and going to check out the phillipines and thailand and maybe even Vietnam for 3 to 6 months. I would love recommendations. Is there anyway to contact you? Have a great day buddy. Love your videos!!

[@VagabondAwake]

Have you seen this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnXLmWCPo6eEbMksi=rSN7OXkqePnjt5s_

[@KavanOBrien]

What’s the name of the rice cooker? Looking to purchase one with so many on the market it’s a minefield, hopefully your one is stainless steel version .

[@VagabondAwake]

Not sure. We left a few weeks ago so can't look now.

[@KavanOBrien]

@@VagabondAwake ok thanks anyway.

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

Whaaaat? In Bangkok same time as us again LOL We are leaving tomorrow, our 5 month trip has come to an end!

[@VagabondAwake]

Back to Philippines? Two ships passing in the night.

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

@@VagabondAwake Ya back to the grind LOL Be headed back to Thailand end of January though

[@alneno9840]

What Area are you talking about? You never mentioned

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@kevinr8431]

How long can you stay in Thailand on a tourist visa?

[@VagabondAwake]

They stamped us for 2 months upon entry for free.

[@kevinr8431]

@ thank you

[@unknownquantity4440]

No country for old men? NONSENSE! You're the man who's found all the best country for 'old' men. That's why I'm a LT member. Dan. Do you have a list of things that should be purchased in the US before traveling to SE Asia that are expensive over there? Same for E. Europe. I'm provision before hopping on a plane next week. Thanks.

[@VagabondAwake]

vagabondbuddha.com/what-i-pack-to-travel-the-world/

[@kevinr8431]

How much was her dermatology appointment?

[@VagabondAwake]

$33 USD for hospital-doctor visit. No medications recommended.

[@kevinr8431]

@ thank you

[@eamonkelly36]

Accomadation bit expensive i could do better but still super blog thanks welcome home😅😅

[@kevinr8431]

You mentioned just using local SIM cards. do you still maintain a US phone number? If not, how do you access your bank website when they want to send you a code for verification?

[@VagabondAwake]

Great question @kevinr8431, those are the kinds of questions I answer in detail in my free eBook here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ Thanks for watching and commenting! Dan

[@kevinr8431]

@ ok

[@martypoll]

I verify myself with my US bank using a security USB. Another US bank sends me a code by email.

[@PeterC245]

You actually don’t mention the Bangkok Neighborhood ??

[@loadofcobblers]

Where in Bangkok did you stay?

[@36handy]

You two flew back to Bangkok to relax? How? It’s a crazy city where you have to take grab everywhere! Or are you two outside the city?

[@VagabondAwake]

We ride the skytrains and surface buses. :-) Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@bruceneil8]

are you going to do and update on cambodia any time soon ?

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for the idea.

[@joehogan8234]

Thailand has the best food in the world and it is not overpriced.

[@this.is.berlin]

Maybe the chicks are a little bit overpriced! 😂

[@nala3038]

@@this.is.berlinnice!

[@carstensanonym7527]

Which area in Bangkok was it? How far from BTS/MRT?

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@nickphang2293]

What area did ya stayed for a month ?

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@mlgneo2855]

No Health insurance?

[@martypoll]

A dental appointment or a doctor visit is generally going to cost under $100. It’s not worth using insurance. The other day I went to an orthopedist. The exam and meds, no insurance, cost $150.

[@VagabondAwake]

Great question @mlgneo2855, I have one report where I explain what I do about health care and another where I show you how I search for health insurance, and a third report sharing which one I decided to finally buy. What I do about health care: vagabondbuddha.com/two-biggest-risks-of-retiring-early-overseas/ Report where I search for health insurance: vagabondbuddha.com/best-health-insurance-for-ex-pats-in-philippines/ Here is the Health Insurance I bought (and scams to avoid): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp3Id5J4eLGJgdk By the way, once you search for health care you will start seeing more offers for health insurance and travelers insurance when you are online. Health insurance is one of the most dynamic or changing industries in the travel world because so many people around the world are deciding to live or retire outside their home country. So do a search every year before you renew to make sure you have the best available for your personal circumstances because new ones come out every few months. Thanks for asking so I could answer this for many people! Dan

[@aaronn12345678]

What a coincidence. I was looking at that car just last night. Which neighbourhood do you stay in when in Bangkok?

[@VagabondAwake]

BTS Sathon Taskin

[@drd3816]

I never caught you guys say what area of BKK you stay in ?

[@VagabondAwake]

In the description, the first link has the place we stayed and the neighborhood.

[@drd3816]

@@VagabondAwake Ah cool thanks Sathon--all the best!

[@CarsonBoyd]

My Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn't have a physical SIM card. Does that still work for the phone services you recommend?

[@VagabondAwake]

I don't know. I think you need a slot for SIM cards to get the cheap local rates. But I don't know. I have never crossedd that bridge.

[@CarsonBoyd]

I tried asking Google's AI and apparently there are companies over there that support eSims.

[@EGO0808]

Funny how all low cost budget travelers always end up buying stuff at 7eleven🤔

[@neritzayelena]

What is the name of the neighborhood area you are in Bangkok.? I need that Cain of prices 🙌🫶🏼🙏😎🌎🇺🇸🇵🇦

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@imposter653]

What suburb did you guys stay in? It looks fantastic

[@VagabondAwake]

Saphan Taksin BTS station

[@wayne9489]

😊

[@RioCrypto55]

Rice rice rice rice 😂 reminds me of forest gump. Shrip shrimp shrimp lol

[@nala3038]

Hi Dan, Jose from Jose artega travels would like to be a guest on your channel. Your channel and his are my two favorite channels so it would be a dream for me to see him be a guest on your channel. How would he go about being on your channel?

[@VagabondAwake]

Hi @nala3038, Here is an example guest star video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4SwkGWgdqhnrJY Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or KZbin channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan

[@theself-helpconnection3731]

Guys, did you visit Bulgaria? I was just wondering!

[@VagabondAwake]

Yes. Google Vagabond Buddha Bulgaria. We went to Sofia and Varna.

[@sylvainhyais8166]

What's the point of making a video on Bgk cost of living while there are dozens of them on KZbin. I think Bgk deserves better...but maybe lack of inspiration after so many videos which I can understand of course

[@VagabondAwake]

Anytime we spend a full month somewhere we share our actual cost of living.

[@sydneyexpert]

Wow , so we have done 3 x one month stays in Bangkok this year but we have spent way more than you and mostly live like locals too. I assume you just stayed in Saphan Taskin area mostly? Did you travel around the city much? We are in Saphan Kwai this time and have been using local buses and ferries to save a bit (as well as the BTS and MRT) but we have still spent more however we go out most days exploring. We have stayed up past On Nut and Punnawhiti which is very local and cheap but you spend more on transport. I watch these videos and they always puzzle me as I have no idea how you all do it on these number. Even one public transport trip a day would add up to $26 a month. Did you seriously only spend 40 baht a day on snacks and drinks? I assume you don't drink coffee? I mean good on you if you can do this but to me this is very misleading. The average expat will want one coffee a day, and even at a local store that's going to set you back $35 a month and you only allow $37 for drinks and snacks and don't list coffee seperatly - however even most coconuts are 30-40 baht each, similar to a coffee. You are obviously very frugal and well done but I don't think its that realistic for most expats living here

[@VagabondAwake]

Yes, buses, water taxis, and BTS. We make our own coffee at home in our airbnb.com. Try eating in our favorite restaurant: maps.app.goo.gl/WzoUyYnbekttuiWh8

[@thajuice4me]

Your audio could really use some improvement. It was the same a couple of months ago and hasn't really changed since then.

[@nala3038]

I think it’s fine

[@PMLynch]

Wow, $1,200 a month to live in Bangkok! That means that on a $1,500 budget, you would still have $300 left over for hookers!

[@เหงียนเกาด๊าก]

@@PMLynch 😏👈🇹🇭👎

[@nala3038]

👎👎

[@PMLynch]

@NigelHyphenJones You can "breathe" in some areas of Vietnam, but stay away from Hanoi and Saigon, where the air quality can be hazardous to your health.

[@VagabondAwake]

Paying for sex can be dangerous. Have you seen my video on safety?