Living in Bangkok
The majority of ex-pats who end up living in Thailand find themselves in Bangkok. There are by far the most job opportunities in Bangkok, both for teachers and people in other lines of work. But ex-pats are not simply forced to live in Bangkok against their will, Bangkok has a lot going for it for people who make their home here as well as people passing through on holiday. Even if you live elsewhere in Thailand, you cannot help but avoid making regular trips back up to the metropolis, and for many people that is a joy rather than a chore.
The frenetic pace and intense atmosphere of the Bangkok streets can be draining for some, exhilarating and exciting for others; the seemingly endless options for night time entertainment is a paradise for some, an exercise in money mis-management for others and the unfathomable array of Thai food options puts some people in culinary bliss. With its traffic congestion and immense populations crammed into a concrete mass of highrises, Bangkok may not be for everyone but one thing is for sure, you’ll never have a dull moment while living here.
It goes without saying that Bangkok is quintessentially Thai at its core, and if you want to you can really get stuck in and live the Thai way: Thai food is on every street corner, there are Thai language schools everywhere to help you pick up the lingo (essential for really connecting with the Thai people), and you can live in areas where there will be scarcely any Westerners to be seen. But if you prefer to live a Western lifestyle then all the mainstays are available allowing you to do just that.
In this guide we hope to make your transition in to Bangkok life as smooth as possible. Tips on how to find work, the latest visa situation, how to secure your accommodation, how to keep tabs on your money and where to hang out. We’ve also included a ‘how to’ section which has extensive articles on Thai culture and customs, navigating the city, keeping in contact with friends from back home as well as tapping into the social network in Bangkok.
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VisasEverything you need to know in order to legally stay in the country and how to extend your stay with visa runs in hassle-free ways... more |
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Property and condosFrom plush exclusive penthouses to cheap apartments and residential houses, Bangkok has it all, here’s a quick introduction on finding digs...more |
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Cost of livingBangkok can be one of Asias most expensive, or dirt cheap depending how you want to live, and where you stay, eat and party, here’s a guideline... more |
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Teaching EnglishThailand’s signature product makes a fantastic gift or garment, pick up a silk scarf and tie or go the whole hog with an quality outfit made from the best...more |
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Speaking ThaiYou can’t leave Thailand without a handful of charming Thai handicrafts as gifts or souvenirs, here’s were to find the best of the street vendors on your final night... more |









