Life in Thailand

Looking for accommodation in Thailand is not difficult, but there are some specifics. There are no “single databases” like in Europe, and often the best options are in Facebook groups or simply “from hand to hand”. In addition, the landlord rarely checks you as a person - but almost always expects respect for the conditions that are prescribed, and sometimes not recorded anywhere.

Where to look for housing?

1. Online platforms:

• RentHub.in.th - English version, many options in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
• Hipflat - convenient filters, photos, info on condominiums
• FazWaz - up-to-date ads all over the country
• DotProperty - more options for houses and villas
• Airbnb (for the first month), Booking - if you are looking for a temporary stay

Prices on websites are often higher than you can negotiate directly.

2. Facebook groups are the main “market” for expats: “Apartments & Condos for Rent in Bangkok / Phuket / Pattaya”; “Expats in Chiang Mai”; “Ukrainians in Thailand”; “Digital Nomads Thailand”.

Here, ads are often posted without intermediaries, and you can also ask your question and get recommendations.

3. Real estate agencies

• Free for the tenant (the owner pays the commission)
• They usually work in large cities (Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket)
• Plus - they will help you with the contract, minus - they do not always look for the most favorable options

If you have an atypical situation (for example, you don't have an account or have just arrived), an agent will help you “bypass” some formalities.

What documents are needed?

In Thailand, renting is not very bureaucratic. Often, the owner is satisfied:

• Passport
• Entry stamp or visa
• Address in Thailand (temporary - hotel, Airbnb)
• Contact number (can be Ukrainian, but Thai is better)

A simple lease agreement is often signed. If you are renting an apartment in a condominium, you may be required to register with the building administration.

What to look for in the ads?

• Deposit 1+1/2+1 - the first digit is the deposit, the second is the first month's payment
• Water / Electricity - check the tariff (some houses have their own, overpriced tariff)
• Internet included?
• Pet friendly? - not all properties allow pets
• TM30 is a registration with immigration. Some owners do not want to do this - choose someone who is willing to do it.

Tips that really work:

1. Are you looking for a long term? Start with a short-term rental

Stay in a condo or apartment for 1-2 weeks on Airbnb and look for a permanent option on the spot.

2. Always see the apartment live or via video

Photos are often old or “decorated”. Ask for a video review or make a video call.

3. Agree on payment right away

Ask what is included in the price, who pays for repairs, what about the Internet, and whether the deposit is refundable.

4. Do not hesitate to bargain

In Thailand, it is normal - especially if you rent for 6+ months.

5. Keep proof of payment and the contract

It is advisable to make copies in English, or at least a translation of the main points.

💡 Not sure about the terms of the contract or want to check if everything is transparent?

Visit Ukraine lawyers can help you check the lease agreement, living conditions, and registration. You can get an online consultation, a translation of the terms and conditions, and recommendations for neighborhoods.

Products are available here if you focus on the local market, but the adaptation to food can be surprising: buckwheat is a delicacy, there are almost no ovens in apartments, and the tap water is not potable.

How much does an average family spend?

Eating in Thailand can be very budget-friendly if you cook at home, buy at the market, and avoid imports. But if you want the usual “from home”, prepare your wallet.

Average grocery spending in 2026:

• One person - 6,000-9,000 THB/month.
• Couple - 10,000-14,000 THB
• A family with a child - 15,000-20,000 THB

If you often buy ready-made food or eat in a cafe, the cost increases by 30-40%.

Where do people buy food?

Locals and expats combine several sources of purchases:

1. Markets - the best place for vegetables, fruits, eggs and seafood. Fresh, cheap, but you need to get used to the format: open counters, heat, minimum hygiene (but this is the norm).

2. Supermarkets: Big C, Tesco Lotus, Makro. It is convenient to make purchases for the week, everything is clean and organized. Makro is a wholesale chain, with discounts for 2-3 items.

3. 7-Eleven/FamilyMart mini-markets are real “rescuers” on the road: here you can find snacks, drinks, milk, bread and ready-to-eat food. But on a regular basis - expensive.

4. Imported stores: Villa Market, Foodland, Gourmet Market - places that sell the cheeses, kefir, buckwheat, herring, hummus, and sour cream we are used to. Prices are 2-3 times higher than in Ukraine.

5. Delivery: GrabMart, Foodpanda, HappyFresh, and delivery from Makro and Big C via apps are available. In Facebook groups, you can find small farmers who deliver fruits, vegetables, or organic meat.

After 20:00, supermarkets often offer discounts of up to 50% on ready-to-eat food.

How much does food cost?

Food in Thailand is generally cheaper than in Europe, but more expensive than in Ukraine - especially imports.

Examples of current prices:

• Rice (5 kg): 120-180 THB
• Chicken fillet (1 kg): 85-120 THB
• Pork (1 kg): 120-160 THB
• Eggs (10 pcs.): 40-60 THB
• Milk (1 liter): 50-65 THB
• Bread (loaf, imported): 80-150 THB
• Bananas, mangoes (1 kg): 25-50 THB
• Buckwheat (500 g): 150-200 THB (imported, Kaldi or Villa Market)
• Water (1.5 liters): 10-15 THB

Drinking water: what to drink and how much does it cost?

People do not drink tap water in Thailand. You can:

1. Buy bottled water (1.5 liters = 10-15 THB)

2. Order delivery of 20-liter bottles (60-100 THB)

3. Or install a filter in the apartment (often allowed in condos)

Many buildings have filtered water vending machines on the ground floor (1 THB per liter) - this is the cheapest option.

Ready meals: affordable, tasty, but not always healthy

Thai street food is almost a religion. In big cities, you can eat only from the street: It's tasty, fast, cheap. But it is important to choose clean and crowded places.

Prices:

• Pad Thai / rice with chicken - 40-70 THB
• Tom yum soup - 70-120 THB
• Catfish salad - 40-60 THB
• Coffee / tea with milk - 50-90 THB
• Smoothies - 30-60 THB

In Thailand, it is not customary to leave a tip in street vendors, but in cafes - 5-10% is appropriate.

Features that you need to get used to

1. Small refrigerators in apartments - this limits purchases “for a month”.

2. Kitchens often do not have an oven - Thais rarely bake, the maximum is a microwave or a slow cooker.

3. Meat in the markets is often not refrigerated - it is better to buy it in the morning or in a supermarket.

4. Fried foods are cooked over an open fire, so odors in the house are normal.

5. Alcohol is not sold around the clock: only from 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 00:00. On religious holidays, there is a ban on sales throughout the country.

Tips for adaptation

• Bring your own reusable bag - bags in stores are charged.
• Use Makro or Big C to save money, especially if you have a bigger refrigerator.
• Buy fruits and vegetables in the morning - they are fresher and there is a larger selection.
• Choose local brands of milk, sauces, rice - they are not inferior in quality, but much cheaper.
• If you plan to cook “at home”, it is better to look for housing with a full kitchen at the stage of moving.

If you are looking for products for special nutrition (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free), they are available, but not in every supermarket. The largest selection is in the Villa Market, Tops, Gourmet Market chains or in online stores for expats.

In Thailand, transportation is always part of the adventure. There are convenient subways and buses, but at the same time, there is complete chaos during rush hours, dozens of taxis, and not always intuitive stops. Tourist regions have their own logic of transportation, and what is convenient in Bangkok does not work at all in Phuket.

Public transport: what, where and how does it work?

Bangkok is the only city with a well-developed subway system:

• BTS (Skytrain) is an elevated subway that covers the center, large shopping centers, and business districts.
• MRT - underground subway, connects the north and south of the city.
• Prices: 17-55 THB per trip (depending on distance)

Rabbit or Blue Card - reduces the cost of travel, conveniently refilled.

There is no subway in other cities. They use buses:

• City buses - cheap (10-30 THB), but often without air conditioning and schedule.
• Pisawas/songteos are open pickup trucks. They are common in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Samui.
• Tuk-tuks are for tourists and short trips. They do not have a fixed price - always bargain.
• Motorcycle taxis are fast, but not very safe. For short distances - 20-80 THB.

In tourist cities like Phuket or Samui, there is no full-fledged public transport - only minibuses, private buses or taxis.

Taxis, Grab and apps

Taxis in Thailand can be either metered or “on request”. In Bangkok, it is worth insisting on using a meter - it is legal and more profitable.

• Starting price: 35 THB
• Around the city: 100-200 THB
• During peak hours and in the rain, prices increase or taxis become “by appointment”.

The most convenient way is to use apps:

• Grab is the Thai equivalent of Uber. It shows the price immediately, you can choose the type of car, pay by card or cash.
• Bolt, InDrive - operate in some cities (for example, Pattaya).
• LineMan Taxi is another local app.

Rent a motorcycle or car

Motorcycles are the most popular means of transportation among expats. But it is not always safe and has legal nuances.

What you need to know:

• You can rent a bike without documents, but this is illegal - you need an international driver's license of category A.
• Without a license, insurance will not cover anything in case of an accident.
• A helmet is required, even for “short distances”.

In Phuket, Samui, and Chiang Mai, almost everyone rides bikes - it's hard to get around without them. In Bangkok, on the contrary, the subway or Grab is preferable.

Car: convenient but expensive

Only those who are confident drivers, have insurance and know the rules well should rent a car.

Rent a car:

• The cost is from 12,000 to 25,000 THB/month.
• Additionally: deposit (5-10 thousand THB), insurance, gasoline

Parking is not always available. In Bangkok, paid parking is rare, but the risk of getting a fine is high.

How do I get around between cities?

Intercity transportation in Thailand is convenient and affordable:

• Buses - large companies such as Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour have comfortable night flights.
• Trains are slow but scenic. Tickets can be bought online through Thai Railway.
• Flights - domestic flights cost from 500 to 2000 THB. The cheapest airlines: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air.

Thailand's financial system is stable, but not very friendly to foreigners without official status. It is possible to open an account, but the rules depend on the bank, the region, and even the mood of the employee. The main thing is to know who to go to, what documents you need, and what to expect after opening an account.

Which banks to choose?

The most loyal banks to foreigners:

• Bangkok Bank - often opens accounts with a tourist visa or even an entry stamp. It has English-speaking support and online banking.
• Kasikorn (KBank) - convenient mobile application, but often requires a work permit or Thai ID.
• Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya) is popular among freelancers and digital nomads, but the rules vary by branch.
• SCB, TTB, Krungthai are less flexible and often require more documents.

In resort areas (Phuket, Samui, Pattaya), opening an account is easier because they are used to foreigners.

What documents are required?

The basic set:

• Passport
• Thai phone number (available at any 7-Eleven)
• Address of residence (hotel, rented accommodation - confirmation is required)
• TM30 - residence registration (issued by the homeowner at the immigration office)

You may be asked for additional documents:

• Visa (any, even tourist)
• A letter from the embassy or a certificate from the hotel
• A photo from the place of residence

In some cases, an account can be opened only with a work permit or student visa, but it depends on the specific branch. It's always better to check by phone or online.

What do you get after opening an account?

• A card (Visa or Mastercard) - often a debit card, with the ability to withdraw cash and make purchases online.
• Online banking - via a mobile application (all major banks have English-language interfaces).
• Account in baht (THB) - sometimes you can connect multi-currency access.

Currency exchange, SWIFT, transfers

1. You can withdraw from Ukrainian cards at almost any ATM, but:

- Thai bank commission - 150-220 THB per withdrawal

- Plus - your bank's commission + conversion

2. Currency exchange is the most profitable in networks:

- SuperRich (green/orange) - best rates in major cities

- Value+, Twelve Victory - also good conditions

3. SWIFT transfers - possible, but not in all banks. Be sure to find out the IBAN and conditions in advance.

For small transfers from Ukraine, it is convenient to use services such as Wise or Revolut (if you have an account).

Important nuances

• Many banks do not open accounts on weekends - plan a visit on weekdays before 15:00.
• If you are refused in one branch, try another (sometimes the rules are “by eye”).
• Thai ATMs do not always support Google Pay / Apple Pay - it is better to have a physical card.
• If you are planning to stay for a long time, it is worth applying for a local card - it will simplify purchases, reservations, mobile recharge and travel.

It's difficult to live in Thailand without a Thai SIM card - you need a local number to open a bank, connect services, communicate with your landlord, and call a taxi through apps. And without home internet, it's difficult to work or watch movies because the mobile network is not always stable indoors. Fortunately, everything is connected quickly and easily if you know where to go and what to choose.

Mobile operators

There are three main players in the mobile market:

1. AIS - the best coverage, especially in mountainous regions

2. TrueMove H - the best combination of price and quality

3. DTAC - the cheapest tariffs, but weaker coverage outside of cities

All operators offer both prepaid and postpaid tariffs. For most newcomers, prepaid is the most convenient because it does not require any documents.

How to top up your account

• Through mobile applications (in the Thai App Store / Google Play)
• At any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart - just say the number
• ATMs or online banking if you have a Thai account

Home internet

Most condominiums already have Wi-Fi connected, either included in the rental price or paid separately (~300-600 THB/month).

If not, the Internet is connected directly through the provider or through the building administration.

The main providers:

• AIS Fibre
• True Internet
• 3BB

What else is important to know:

• In many apartments, the 4G signal can be weak due to concrete walls - check coverage on site.
• Keep your passport with you to buy a SIM card - in 2026, they still require registration of the number in the user's name.
• Wi-Fi in cafes, shopping centers, coworking spaces is often free, but requires SMS confirmation (Thai number required).
• The quality of the Internet in hotels can be unstable - it is better to use your own Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot.
• The SIM card is activated immediately, but check if mobile data access is available - sometimes you need to set it up manually or contact a service center.

Tips:

1. Do not buy a SIM card at the airport “on the machine” - prices are higher there. You will save money if you do it in the city.

2. If you plan to stay for a long time, sign a contract, it's cheaper in the long run.

3. Compare speeds and coverage in a particular area - sometimes the best operator in the city works poorly in your house.

Kindergartens: how does it work?

Preschool education in Thailand starts at the age of 2-3 and is not compulsory. However, most parents choose kindergartens to help their children socialize and adapt to the language and environment. There are two main formats: public (they are available, but usually entirely in Thai) and private/international, which offer English-language or mixed education.

A big plus is flexibility. You can choose a half-day, full-day, with or without meals. Private institutions often practice Montessori or British Early Years methods, which are familiar to Ukrainian parents.

In cities where many expats live - Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai - the choice of kindergartens is huge: from compact private centers to large schools that start with a nursery group.

Cost:

• private Thai kindergarten - from 5,000 to 12,000 THB/month
• international or bilingual - from 15,000 to 40,000 THB/month, depending on the level of the institution
• entrance fees: one-time 3-10 thousand baht
• meals - sometimes included, sometimes - an additional payment of about 1,000-2,000 THB/month

Upon admission, usually only the passport of the child and parents, a medical certificate, and contact information are asked for. Sometimes they may ask for a certificate of vaccination.

School system: what are the options?

Compulsory education in Thailand starts at the age of six. School is divided into primary (Prathom), secondary (Mathayom) and high school. You can study in public schools, private schools, or international schools, depending on your budget, language, and future plans.

Public schools are the most affordable. Foreigners are not accepted everywhere, and often the teaching is entirely in Thai. But if you are planning to stay for a long time and your child is young, this is also an option that will help you “blend in” with the local environment.

Bilingual schools are an intermediate format: some subjects are taught in English, some in Thai. It is easier to adapt here, and there are programs for foreigners. The cost is 30-70 thousand baht per semester.

International schools are the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Teaching is entirely in English (or another language), modern methods (IB, Cambridge, American, Montessori), foreign teachers, infrastructure with swimming pools, studios, STEM laboratories.

Cost: from 120,000 to 400,000 THB per year, plus entrance fees, uniforms, textbooks.

Popular schools:

• Bangkok Patana School (British curriculum)
• International School of Bangkok (ISB) - American program
• HeadStart International School in Phuket
• Chiang Mai International School (CMIS)

How to enroll a child?

The process is usually simple, but you should start early. It is best to contact the school 2-3 months before the start of school. You will often need:

• passports of the child and parents
• medical card (or vaccination certificate)
• grades from the previous school (for middle school)
• photo and address of residence

Many international schools have an admission interview or test. Not for “selection” but to understand the child's English level and needs.

Adaptation and language support

For young children, integration is easy - through games, joint activities, and a multicultural environment. Most institutions have adaptation classes or ESL (English as a Second Language) programs, where children are helped to gradually “enter” the learning process.

If your child does not speak English, it is not a problem. It is worth choosing a school with an integration program, and the child will learn in just 3-6 months.

Clubs, sections and leisure activities

Most private schools and kindergartens offer a wide range of clubs: from yoga to robotics. Often, sections are already included in the price.

There are also dance, music, and martial arts studios outside of school - just choose according to your child's interests.

In Facebook groups (“Ukrainians in Bangkok”, “Expat Parents Thailand”) you can often find advice, tutors, or communities for parents.

Most of those who move to Thailand for a long time sooner or later face their first visit to a doctor. Sometimes it's just a cold, sometimes it's an allergy to local food or a jellyfish sting. But even a simple visit to a clinic can cost over 1000 baht. Therefore, the main rule for everyone who is in Thailand for more than a few days is that insurance is not a formality, but security and a financial cushion.

How does medicine work in Thailand?

Thailand has one of the best medical systems in Southeast Asia. Especially in the private sector: modern clinics, qualified doctors, equipment at the level of European hospitals, and English-speaking staff. Most foreigners choose private hospitals, and the prices are reasonable.

For example:

• a doctor's appointment - from 800 to 2,000 THB
• basic tests - from 1000 THB
• ultrasound, X-ray - 1200-2500 THB
• a day of hospitalization - from 5000 THB and above

In public hospitals, the cost is lower, but often there are queues, poor English skills, and more complicated procedures.

If you don't have insurance, you will have to pay for the treatment yourself - even in case of an emergency.

Is it mandatory to have insurance?

It all depends on your status in the country. For tourists and those staying without a visa (up to 30 days), insurance is not legally required, but clinics do not provide services on credit.

Instead, for those applying for an ED (study), Non-B (work), O (retirees, families), or O-A (long-term stay) visa, insurance may be a requirement for documents. And it is important that the policy covers exactly the amounts required by the migration service.

For example, for an O-A visa, you need to have insurance with coverage of at least $100,000, including for COVID-19 treatment.

💡 Which policy to choose?

It all depends on how long you plan to stay in Thailand and whether you have a job/status in the country.

1. Ukrainian international insurance

Ideal for tourists, freelancers, seasonal workers, or those who do not yet have a Thai address. It is issued online, is valid in most clinics, and has support in Ukrainian. Covers treatment of injuries, illnesses, and hospitalization.

➡️ You can apply for a policy online at Visit Ukraine.

2. International insurance (Allianz, AXA, Cigna)

If you plan to stay for a long time or travel frequently. Such policies are suitable for migration visas, provide wider coverage (sometimes dentistry, visits to a psychologist), but the cost is much higher.

3. Thai insurance (AIA, Bupa, Luma, Pacific Cross)

Designed for residents or those who have a Thai bank account, address and sometimes a work permit. It is usually issued on the spot or through an agent. The advantage is lower rates for treatment in local clinics.

What documents are required?

For a Ukrainian policy, you only need a passport.

For Thai / international insurance, you may need

• passport
• copy of visa or entry stamp
• address of residence
• Thai phone number
• medical questionnaire (sometimes a medical examination)

Check in advance whether the chosen clinic is included in the list of insurance partners. This affects the speed of admission and the level of compensation.

What to look for when choosing?

Questions that are often overlooked - but then regretted:

• Deductible (the amount you pay yourself at each visit) - for example, 50 or 100 USD
• Coverage for COVID-19, tropical diseases
• Restrictions on age, pre-existing diseases
• Emergency evacuation coverage - important if you live on an island or in the mountains
• Language support - whether you can contact a Ukrainian/English-speaking operator

After moving to Thailand, everyday life quickly becomes more than just a little thing. Where can I meet other Ukrainians? Can I smoke on the beach? How to avoid getting a fine? What to do in your free time? And how do you cope when you are a stranger in a new country?

Fines and bans that are often ignored

Thailand is a country where smiling is part of the culture. However, fines for breaking the rules here are quick and without long explanations. Especially for foreigners.

The most common situations in which it is easy to get caught:

• Smoking in prohibited places (beaches, parks, airports): fine up to 5,000-10,000 THB
• Throwing garbage on the street or cigarette butts - from 2,000 THB
• Riding a bike without a helmet - a fine of 500 THB, and the possibility of confiscation
• Crossing the road in the wrong place - 200-500 baht
• Public drinking of alcohol - prohibited in many tourist areas
• Insulting the royal family (even in social networks) - can lead to criminal proceedings

Tip: keep copies of documents on your phone, do not argue with the police, and always have a copy of your passport with you.

Language courses: do you need to learn Thai?

Although English is understood in big cities, tourist areas, and many clinics, in everyday life Thai is the real key to adaptation.

Knowing at least basic phrases is useful not only in everyday life, but also for respect for the culture. The locals really appreciate it.

Where to learn Thai:

• Online courses (Ling App, ThaiPod101, YouTube channels)
• Schools for foreigners (there are language centers in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai where you can learn the language from scratch)
• Groups on Facebook/Telegram - there are often offers of free meetings or tutors

Thai is a tonal language, so it's important to listen to live speech and repeat after native speakers.

Leisure, events, communities

You have moved not to an office, but to one of the most touristy countries in the world, so your free time here can be really busy. But the main thing is to find “your own” people and not to be locked in your apartment or work.

What you can do:

1. Attend free events - language exchanges, Digital Nomads meetings, movie nights for expats

2. Volunteer - for example, in animal shelters or refugee assistance funds

3. Sports and hobbies - Thai boxing (Muay Thai), surfing, diving, yoga, cooking classes

Many cities have free fitness programs in parks (especially in Bangkok and Phuket).

Adaptation: how to go through this process more smoothly

The first weeks after moving may seem like a “survival test”. New sounds, smells, heat, different rules - everything is unfamiliar. But usually, after 2-3 weeks, the first “tipping point” occurs - and real acceptance begins.

Tips for adaptation:

• Establish a daily rhythm - shopping, sports, walks
• Choose “points of contact” - a nearby coffee shop, a favorite park bench, a familiar market
• Don't hesitate to ask questions - Thais are willing to help even if they don't speak English
• Communicate with those who have already been there - their advice sometimes replaces consultation

How Visit Ukraine can help you in Thailand

• Medical insurance with treatment coverage in Thailand - online registration
• Legal advice: lease agreement, documents, visas
• Plane tickets to Thailand from Europe