What to know before moving to Bangkok
A move to Bangkok goes smoothly when four things are settled in the right order: the visa, the budget, the neighbourhood and the first week's paperwork. This is the short version of each, with links to the detailed guides.
1. The right visa
Thailand has more than a dozen visa categories, and the rules change often: the visa-free stay for most nationalities dropped from 60 to 30 days on 15 September 2026. The right visa depends on why you are coming. The most common routes for people moving here:
Read how to choose your visa and the LTR guide. For other visas, confirm your route with your employer's HR team, the Thai embassy in your country or an immigration lawyer. Note that since 31 August 2026 the DTV must be applied for from your home country or country of residence.
2. Before you fly
- File the TDAC online within 72 hours before arrival. It is free on the immigration website; ignore sites that charge.
- Keep documents in paper and digital form: passport, visa, employment letter, degree certificates, marriage and birth certificates, and your children's school records.
- Book a serviced apartment for two to four weeks. Viewing condos in person, once you know the commute, gives a better choice than signing from abroad.
- Pets need planning months ahead: microchip, rabies vaccination and an import permit. Check which buildings accept pets before you shortlist.
3. The budget
- Rent: on this corridor, well-located 2- and 3-bedroom condos for families typically start from about ฿50,000 a month and rise quickly with size and building.
- Cash at signing: two months' deposit and one month in advance. Tenants pay no agent fee.
- Utilities: electricity (air-con is the big item), water and internet are usually on top of rent.
- Schools: international school fees vary widely by school and grade; check the current fee schedule before you choose where to live.
- Health insurance: private hospitals are excellent but priced accordingly; arrange cover before you arrive.
4. Your first week
- SIM card: buy one at the airport or a phone shop with your passport.
- Apps: LINE for messaging (most landlords, buildings and agents use it), Grab or Bolt for rides, and a Thai banking app for QR payments, which are used almost everywhere.
- Bank account: requirements vary by bank and branch; a work permit or long-stay visa makes it much easier. Bring your passport, visa and a letter from your employer.
- TM30: your landlord must report your address to immigration within 24 hours of moving in. Ask for a copy. See the renting guide.
5. Where to live
Start with your commute and the school run, then choose the lifestyle. Each station between Chidlom and Ekkamai starts the day differently. Read the neighbourhood guide.
6. Rent first, buy later
Most people moving for work rent for the first year. It lets you learn the city before committing, and buying later is easier once you know which building and which side of it you like. When you are ready, the buyer's guide and leasehold vs freehold explain the rules.
Tell me your arrival date and where you'll work.
I'll suggest neighbourhoods and line up viewings for your first week, in English, Thai, Chinese or Japanese.
General information, not immigration or legal advice. Visa rules change frequently; check official sources before you travel.