The top 13 things to do BEFORE you move abroad!

[@michaelorfanos7416]

Get a Charles Swab account with a debit card. That account will credit back ATM fees. Keep a second account with an additional debit card so you have two. A pro move to always have a back up.

[@GreenyTravels]

Yep. Agree I have like 4 back ups

[@Dime333]

Hey Dad. Please come home. Enough of this. We miss you.

[@GreenyTravels]

lol. 😂

[@martypoll]

If you wear plus size clothing then stock up on shoes and clothes. It is much harder to buy large sizes overseas. Amazon does deliver overseas but there will be higher delivery charges.

[@GreenyTravels]

This is true

[@lindadorman2869]

Sometimes it cheaper to have clothes custom made. When I worked in China 20 years ago, I took a few jackets and pants to a local tailor, picked out the fabric and had them make clothes at a fraction of what I paid in the US to buy them. They kept my measurements on file and made more pieces for me for years - some of which I still have even though I've retired. I did stock up on shoes, bras, underwear and other clothing because I definitely couldn't fit into Asian sizes!

[@Rob_b0601]

Really useful oversight. I'm coming to Thailand when I retire in January, but for people from the UK, more and more banks are closing the accounts of permanent expats. Equally banks tend not to send new bank cards overseas, so at the very least, you may have to consider a mail forwarding service which offers a mailing address in your home country. Alternatively, people might need to have their income/pension transferred directly into a Thai bank account.

[@GreenyTravels]

Ahhh. Good one with the mail. Thank you. I think I’ve mentioned in the past but didn’t even think of that

[@mixingjd]

Even in the U.S. banks and brokerage firms want a qualified address. I have had an address at a private owned mailbox place for years and I have been told that it does not qualify by some institutions, so you will need a custodial address for some institutions. And with 2 step authentication, you might need a U.S. phone number as well. And I have been told that a Google voice number may not be acceptable by all institutions.

[@jonhobson3592]

Yes this worries me a little bit too , & with cards expiring in the future .

[@mdubb4855]

no. 1 - have a place to come back to. If you have a house, build an Accessory Dwelling Unit so you can come back when you want to . A reverse life - live in Thailand but spend 3-4 months a year in America. If you sell your house, rent a small apartment, in some inexpensive location. You simply can't carry everything back and forth all the time, and you need a cheap return option.

[@GreenyTravels]

Always good to have something to come back to

[@theunrestrictedfreeagent1]

Thank you for the shout out bro. I enjoyed the video and I will consider all things before making a permanent decision. Lots of things to know and consider.

[@GreenyTravels]

Yep. Do it the right way

[@fastj1962]

lol. So many things you do is great advise. Your attitude is cool man. I learn new things everyday. There are creators out there that are like my wife calls cavemen. They are stuck in their old man ways. Not us. Keep up the good work I think you need an exit plan. Your info can help with that plan of outline of your exit. Clearly as a home owner and business owner so many things to do but the first thing is selling your shit and you need a timeline. Guitars, bicycles, motorcycles, cars. Holy shit there’s so much. Fuck I have cycling aparrel, shoes jerseys, probably more than most people’s wardrobe. Most people have no idea what a move takes

[@lindadorman2869]

After working globally for 20 years, I planned to retire outside the US. I had my short list, did scouting trips and had everything lined up. I was sure it would be cheaper than staying in America. But then I launched my own business and cut my living expenses to the point where moving abroad no longer offered any financial benefit. My new plan is to keep my place in the US, put my business on hold for part of the year and live part-time in Asia & Europe. I won't have to deal with visas, taxes, moving, etc...best of both worlds.

[@GreenyTravels]

That may work. Until you get to the place outside the U.S. and enjoy it so much you don’t want to go back. That was my plan. You see how it worked out

[@sfchrisrom]

Informative video. California is notorious for gauging 13% state income tax, regardless of your current residency, unless you renounce your CA residency, prior to moving. There are a few videos on how to do that.

[@GreenyTravels]

Good advice. I hear that are tough to get rid of especially if you can’t show paying state tax in another state

[@martypoll]

Yes scan your documents as a backup but bring the originals. If you are divorced bring those documents.

[@martypoll]

Yes keep your home country phone number. Many banks won’t allow an internet phone number so check first. Your bank may also require that you have an address in your home country. Use the address of a family member or a friend if necessary. Bring several thousand dollars in cash to hold you over until you set up a foreign bank account. That sounds like a lot until you have to pay a security deposit and two months rent on your new condo. US Social Security is going to want you to use their Manila office if you apply for SS from Asia. You can use a Thai address. Understand the process to apply and receive SS benefits while overseas. Also note that you cannot use Medicare overseas.

[@GreenyTravels]

Thank you!!

[@LV515009]

Great info as always on your channel! Thanks for sharing. I will not be retiring to Thailand for another 3 years but do come from mid December-Mid January every year. Home this coming trip we can get out for a round of golf if you are still golfing.

[@GreenyTravels]

Cool. Thx

[@golfinginthailand]

Choose a number of different places you'd like to stay. Arrange an AirBnB for the first couple of months in one area. Swap until you have checked out all the places you're interested in. You will likely find other places that you need to scope out. Do them justice and then select where you want to be for a long term rental. You should also have a better feel for the area you selected and your house/condo choice will be better. If you have a pet, go on line and there are several YT videos that go through all the steps.

[@GreenyTravels]

Great advice. Initially when I retired I traveled all over for 2 months doing just this! Unfortunately coved came and derailed many of my plans for a bit

[@josebova]

LTR visa seems to be a good option these days for those wanting to stay long term & leave in and out of the country, less ibuprofen needed.

[@GreenyTravels]

Yep. I love it. The fast track at airport the best

[@roblacyclist1170]

Lot’s of good advice in this video. Thanks, Greeny. 😀

[@GreenyTravels]

Thank you

[@martypoll]

Try to have funds in two different banks if possible. Two credit cards. If something happens to your connection to one bank then you have a backup. My credit union got hacked last week and they haven’t had online banking for a week.

[@GreenyTravels]

Another excellent idea

[@paulcousins1371]

Sound advice Greeny, everyone considering emigrating should do their research👏🏿🥰

[@GreenyTravels]

Not to be taken lightly

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Greeny

[@GreenyTravels]

Thanks Mango

[@sconna4951]

Great advice as Ever

[@GreenyTravels]

Appreciate it

[@offhamsterwheel2789]

very useful info Greeny, i watched another channel where a Thai Tax atty clarified new Tax Law there apply to expats staying longer than certain time(180days?) need to file, certain repatriate money into Thailand is taxable, and , there's no Tax agreement between US -thailand. Will be great if u can bring a tax or Immigration guy for interview. Thx

[@GreenyTravels]

That whole thing has me confused

[@CJINPARADISE]

Nice video Brain. Don't😁 think you missed any of the good stuff.

[@GreenyTravels]

A few people added some good ones. Especially forwarding mail

[@BiffBurns]

See ya this fall retired Greeny. Great info bud. Enjoy your day. 😊

[@GreenyTravels]

See ya soon Biff

[@nixonbd53]

Great advice! I’ll be selling everything later this year and doing a retirement visa in 2025!

[@GreenyTravels]

Hopefully I can help. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Maybe it will be a whole video 😂

[@martypoll]

I’ve never gotten an international driver’s license. I got my Thai driver’s and motorbike licenses just using my California drivers license. Make sure it is up to date. It turns out that my Thai drivers license is also in English and I recently used it to rent a car from Hertz in Connecticut. But your Taiwan experience may suggest it is a good idea.

[@GreenyTravels]

Nice. Yea funny mine is fine is US too but not Taiwan 🤔

[@EarthCamper]

Good greeny. All of your videos recently are brilliant ones. And the videos are edit well n well made....

[@GreenyTravels]

Ok. Cool. Get ready for a real stupid one next. Will probably get way more views

[@EarthCamper]

@@GreenyTravels ok 🙂

[@richardcyphers9529]

Great video thanks for the info 👍 😀 📹

[@GreenyTravels]

Appreciate it

[@albertomelendez9848]

Please include a natura desastre category because of the belt of fire in S.E Asía please

[@martypoll]

Careful about not paying state taxes. Look to see what criteria your state uses to determine if you are a tax resident. If you still have property in your state it may be an issue. I didn’t cut ties with California for two years until I was sure I was going to stay in Thailand.

[@GreenyTravels]

Good point. California can be an issue.

[@AManAboutAVlog]

Thanks for the informative video Greeny. Does wise have a credit card now? Or did you mean to say debit card?

[@GreenyTravels]

Maybe debit. Not sure. Never looked into it. I know they sent me something. I use the Charles Schwab card. Wise just for transfers

[@billyjohnson9166]

Plenty of money and health insurance

[@GreenyTravels]

Definitely

[@malcolm9265]

How do you use the Wise card. Transfer to a Thai bank account? Where do I transfer my money to? Also can I online transfer from Wise. Please tell me the mechanics of making a transfer. Thank you...

[@GreenyTravels]

I don’t have the card. I use the App. Once you set up your home account and Thai account most transfers take seconds

[@theoldmaninthailand]

Great stuff as always. So with your medical insurance you have to pay first then get reimbursed? Looking to move there next year have checked and my insurance said have the Thai invoice sent and they’ll approve the services so I don’t have to pay upfront. That’s a big issue for me

[@GreenyTravels]

You insurance may tell you that but not always the case. These hospitals here will require a deposit. Same amount as the services then reimburse you when they receive money from the insurance company. They also take forever to bill the insurance as they do it in batches with other claims from other people. Easier to pay and file claim to you insurance yourself. I’ve don’t it both ways

[@jonhobson3592]

Most prescribed meds here are generally far, far cheaper and readily available than paying stupid £10 fee per item in the rip off uk 🇬🇧 😅

[@GreenyTravels]

Most are. Some cheaper in America when covered by insurance

[@jonhobson3592]

@@GreenyTravels ah ok but fit me it’s all good some are 20b here 😅😮

[@michaelorfanos7416]

Good info!

[@GreenyTravels]

Thanks 😊

[@jimwest4862]

Get new bank cards debit and credit, report cards lost to your bank so they will send new cards with the furthest out date, so they don't expire while your out of the country

[@GreenyTravels]

Ahhh. Great idea

[@DEALWITHTHEDEAD]

Great video, will have some questions for you as we are vacationing for 10 days in Thailand in August, then making the move around May 2025, thx for the info

[@GreenyTravels]

Awesome!!

[@Byron4RollTide]

Charles make sure you like the Southeast Asia 24/7 Heat. Greeny’s friend Scott didn’t like the heat and came back to America.

[@GreenyTravels]

Charles will definitely be waiting a while before he sells his house and belonging. He’s definitely doing a trial run this winter

[@theunrestrictedfreeagent1]

Yes, I've been there in April and it was suffocating heat and humidity. I will definitely consider the weather. Thanks for the advice.

[@Byron4RollTide]

@@theunrestrictedfreeagent1 Charles if you ever get tired of the heat you can always visit Baguio City Philippines at 7392 feet high. (Take your coat). Tagaytay Philippines at 2000 feet is a vacation resort. The best for last. The Las Vegas of Malaysia (Genting Highlands) at 6,118 feet in elevation. Enjoy the shopping, restaurants and casinos.

[@genericchannel5899]

Greeny, your pot plant is visible in the reflection from your window. Better keep that med card up to date!

[@GreenyTravels]

lol. Fake bamboo plant from index. Most of the leaves have fallen out. What a waste of money.

[@genericchannel5899]

Sure, sure. And those baggies are full of "oregano" for cooking. 😂 ​@@GreenyTravels

[@lawrencehockett8179]

Great information. Thank you for sharing this.

[@GreenyTravels]

Appreciate you watching

[@Kiefer1976]

Don’t forget to tell your wife/partner that you’re going out there to retire! Or should we tell them when we’re at the airport or when we’re actually over there? 🙂

[@GreenyTravels]

Naw. Just send them a postcard

[@mariobucci7683]

Greeny I hope you do not get mad but why Pattaya. Thailand is such a large Country. Why not the Island of Phuket where the beaches are way more beautiful and swimable The ocean is Beautiful. Just asking.

[@GreenyTravels]

I’m actually near Bang Saray about 15 kilometers past pattaya. If you came to my area you would never know even realize Sin city was there. Very quiet where I live and good proximity to airports. I like to travel. Never been a fan of Phuket. I like Samui. I may spend 3 months there next year during the burning season

[@martypoll]

You can easily get Ibuprofen in Thailand but you can’t get full strength aspirin.

[@GreenyTravels]

Ok. Something like that.

[@ronmartin5276]

Leave your attitude and entitlement in your home country.

[@GreenyTravels]

lol. True

[@martypoll]

UK pensions are frozen if they live in Thailand but not if they live in the Philippines. It depends on what country they live in.

[@GreenyTravels]

Ahh. Interesting. I bet more will be going to the PH is this new tax law legit

[@martypoll]

@@GreenyTravels I’ve got the Thai pensioner LTR too.

[@martypoll]

You can get direct deposit of your Social Security to banks in Vietnam. Vietnam does not have a retirement visa.

[@GreenyTravels]

Is that new? I thought it was an issue

[@martypoll]

@@GreenyTravels There are about 10 countries where you can’t get SS deposits and Vietnam is not one of them. You can’t send SS to North Korea though. The list is on the SS website.

[@thomasschumacher5362]

Unless you have a TRC you can't open a bank account in Vietnam

[@urallwet]

Update all shots that may be recommended for all countries you may travel to.

[@mlgneo2855]

So how do you stay in Vietnam long term?

[@jonathangoode8929]

Greeny, How did you get all of your clothes and personal belongings there? Thx

[@GreenyTravels]

I brought some things in suit cases. Maybe a little bit more each time I go back. But most of my clothes here though. Cheap. No need to overpack.

[@2Rugrats9597]

Do you have to wear pants inside temples , religious sites and or churches?

[@jonhobson3592]

Long trousers yes

[@GreenyTravels]

Can wear shorts. The rule is your knees should be covered. So long short or long skirt for lady ok.

[@marcanthonyskidmore4131]

1. Choose where to go 2. Make sure you are qualified and can apply for a work permit. ( Degree required or Not ) If you don't have a degree DONT GO! 3. Make sure your specialist skill is no on a restricted list in the country you are going to. 4. Set up a bank and have access to GBP or USD. DO NOT RELY ON LOCAL CURRENCY. The value SUCKS.

[@GreenyTravels]

Facts

[@fastj1962]

By the way Greeny, I finally found out an issue with charles Schwab. I got a letter from the DMV that my check was returned for the registration of one of my vehicles. They had some added fees and they threatened to suspend the right to drive the vehicle. after some investigation, I got a number to call..... They of course couldn't help me so they had a call back which took a couple days. When I finnally got a woman to call me back that knew what she was talking about she told me that it was Charles Schwab. They don't accept it. Weird dude. Never had an issue with Schwab any other time and many of my friends, and my son use it. Even his mom who does not like me switched to schwab after learning about it from my son...lol

[@GreenyTravels]

Weird for sure

[@paulhefner2813]

we were told that LTR was exempt but I do wonder. Get all your credit cards while you are in the states. I was just rejected by american express brilliant card for not having a usa address. To cut out the state income tax you may need to have an address in the new state. If you need online banking approval you may need to go to the bank so you can easily do a wire transfer which may be needed for buying a condo. Wise will not guarantee that the gov will accept a wise transfer. i will stop here. Thanks for the video.

[@GreenyTravels]

Good info Paul

[@Luke-ri5fo]

No way am I going to a Dentist in Australia if I was about to move to Thailand haha.

[@GreenyTravels]

lol.

[@Preceptor1111]

😊

[@GreenyTravels]

Thank you!!

[@paulcousins1371]

ps Happy 4July Greeny✌🏿

[@GreenyTravels]

Thanks Paul

[@german411]

On the international drivers license ,I used the same one for 10 years,every year i would just white out the old date and stamp in a new date,was only stopped 2 times by cops and never had any problem,one of the better cons I pulled in Thailand.Cops up in ChiangRai can.t read english anyways.

[@Jack-2day]

No valid International drivers license= no valid insurance u may have purchased

[@GreenyTravels]

Risky. Glad it worked out Soon I will get one from the Rayong office

[@User31010X]

don't forget bring your money, that's enough😂

[@GreenyTravels]

That’s all you in here in the LOS