A Guide to Overseas Travel

How To Be A Digital Nomad In Thailand: The Ultimate Guide

Digital Nomad In Thailand

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Thailand is quickly becoming a go-to destination for digital nomads. Digital nomads want to run their businesses and earn a living while also seeing the world and experiencing other cultures, but it can be difficult to know what steps need to be taken to become a digital nomad.

How do you become a digital nomad in Thailand?

  1. Get a Visa.
  2. Find a place to stay.
  3. Figure out how to get around.
  4. Understand your budget, savings, and ways to save.
  5. Find or purchase internet.
  6. Always be sensitive of the culture and speak Thai when you can.
  7. Utilize work-share spaces.
  8. Enjoy!

This guide will cover visas, finding a place, getting around, staying connected, Thai language, and Thai culture.

Why Digital Nomads Choose Thailand

Thailand is very popular for expats and digital nomads mainly because the cost of living is pretty low without a lot of sacrifices in the way of comfort. You can live in a large city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai without paying city prices. Thailand also has great weather, even during the rainy season, making almost everyday a wonderful opportunity for exploring the beautiful scenery and the colorful culture of Thailand.

Moving to Thailand for any length of time requires planning. The longer you plan to stay, the more you need to plan. You should think about how long you want to stay in Thailand because this will affect many things, like:

  • the type of visa you get
  • the type of transport you use
  • the amount you pack
  • the amount of money you may want to have saved
  • type of housing options you have.

You do not have to know exactly how long you want to stay. You can always find a more long-term housing situation or apply for a visa extension later, but having a general idea of how long you want to stay can save you time, energy, and money in the long term.

How Do You Move to Thailand? Getting Your Visa

If you are an American citizen, you can get into Thailand without a visa. When you arrive in Thailand, immigration officials will give you a visa exemption stamp on your passport that will let you into the country for 15-30 days. However, it is not guaranteed that you will be let in.

Immigration can reject you for a couple of reasons, but this is not typical. A lot of people use the visa exemption policy when they are just visiting Thailand for a short time or if they are planning a future move to Thailand, but they want more time to plan.

The downside to getting into Thailand with a visa exemption is that you cannot get a Thai visa once you are in the country. To get a visa, you will either have to go back to your home country or go to a border country like Laos. If you know you are going to be spending some time in Thailand, it is best to go ahead and purchase a visa in your home country before going to Thailand.

Once you are in Thailand, you can extend your visa, but be careful to not let it expire. Late fees for extending an expired visa are about 500 baht for every day your visa has been expired for. You can even get deported if you accumulate 25,000 baht in late fees. To extend your visa in country, you can go to the Immigration Office early in the morning.

Bangkok Immigration Office:

Immigration Division 1 Office

Chalermprakiat Government Complex

Chaengwattana Rd (soi 7), Laksi, Bangkok

Chiang Mai Immigration Office:

G/F, A Building

Promenada Resort Mall

Tambon Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai

There are a number of options for obtaining a Thai visa. The two most popular options are the Tourist Visa and the Student Visa.

Tourist Visa (TR):

Tourist visas are the most popular visas to obtain. They are also available in a few options depending on how long you plan to spend in country.

  • A single-entry visa allows you to stay in Thailand for 2 months.
  • A double-entry visa allows you to stay for 4 months.
  • A triple-entry visa allows you to stay for 6 months.

It is important to note that you can only get double- or triple-entry visas in your home country. You can purchase single-entry visas in border countries like Laos.

With each “entry,” you are permitted to stay in the country uninterrupted for up to sixty days. You can extend each of these entries by 30 days for 1,900 baht at the local immigration office. Once one of your entries expires, you have to do a border run. With a border run, you cross the border of Thailand to exit and re-enter Thailand, ending your first “entry” and beginning your next “entry.”

Once you run out of entries on your visa, you can either do a border run to reenter the country with a visa exemption for 15-30 days or you can do a visa run to go to Laos and obtain a new single-entry visa.

If you are travelling with a tourist visa, make sure you have at least 2,000 USD in your bank account at all times. Immigration officials do random checks to ensure you have access to at least 20,000 baht at all times and they can deny entry into Thailand if you do not pass the check.

You can lower your chances of getting spot-checked if you look like you have money: when you are doing your border or visa runs, try to dress well and look put-together.

To get the most out of a triple-entry tourist visa follow this schedule:

Day 1: Enter Thailand on a triple-entry visa acquired in home country

Day 60: Purchase a 30-day extension for 1,900 baht

Day 90: Border run

Day 150: Purchase 30-day extension for 1,900 baht

Day 180: Border run

Day 240: Purchase 30-day extension for 1,900 baht

Day 270: Go to Vientiane, Laos to purchase a new single-entry visa.

Student Visa (ED):

Student visas are a popular option for people who do not want to worry about doing a lot of border runs. You can also get a student visa in country, so it is a good option for people who want to enter Thailand on a visa exemption and then get a visa later. You can also get a student visa ahead of time in your home country.

Student visas last for 3 months and can be extended every 90 days. Signing up for Thai classes is the most popular way to obtain a student visa. You will have to report to immigration so they can be sure you are not abusing your student visa.

If you are taking Thai language classes, they will speak to you in Thai and if you cannot communicate, they may revoke your visa. They may also administer a verbal or written Thai exam to confirm you are learning Thai. The following are popular Thai language schools in Chiang Mai:

6/4-5 Nimmanhaemin Rd. Suthep, Mueng, Chiang Mai (also has branches in other locations in Thailand)

86/2 Kaewnawarat Rd. T. Watkate, A. Muang Chiang Mai

12 Huay Kaew Rd., Tambol Chang Puek, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai

152/1 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai at Pantip Plaza.

Another option for obtaining a student visa is to take a self-defense class with Hand to Hand Combat in Chiang Mai. This self-defense class is taught by Jongjiet “Jet” Pungsai, a member of the Royal Thai Army Military Police.

The above schools are great because they will help you fill out your visa application when you sign up for classes.

Finding a Place to Stay in Thailand

When you begin to look for a place to live in Thailand, you should make a list of everything you need/want in your living situation. Do you want to be near a certain store or coworking space? Do you need a kitchen? Do you need a private bathroom? There are a lot of housing options in Thailand so it is important to narrow your search by thinking about these things beforehand.

Once you start your search, you can look in a lot of areas:

  • Google apartments in the area.
  • Check out Facebook groups where owners often list available rooms, apartments, and houses for rent.
  • Check out couch surfing and AirBnB if you are looking for something short-term.
  • Stay at a temple.
  • You can also take a look at hotel and motel rooms to stay in while you look for someplace more long-term.

Note: If renting, always see the place in person before you put down a deposit. 

A Nomad in Thailand: How to Get Around

There are a lot of ways to get around Thailand depending on your needs:            

  • Tuktuk:
    • short-distance travel
    • carries up to 3 passengers
  • Songthaew:
    • small pickup trucks that transport 10-15 people
    • To make a stop, press the buzzer on the roof of the vehicle and the driver will stop.
    • Fares start at 10 baht.
  • Bus:
    • 2 types – government owned and private owned.
    • Private buses travel longer distances and are good for travelling between different cities. Private buses also have sleeper options for longer trips.
  • Train:
    • Great for travelling between cities.
    • An overnight train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is about 800 baht.
    • Great option if you want a more scenic route to your destination.
  • Taxi:
    • Run by the meter starting at 35 baht. Increases by 2 baht for every 2 km.
    • Always agree to use the taxi’s meter before getting in the taxi, otherwise you could end up overcharged by paying a fixed price.
  • Motorcycle Taxi:
    • 10-100 baht.
    • Great way to take a taxi through heavy traffic.
  • Motorbike:
    • You can either buy or rent a motorcycle while you are in country.
    • Some rental places require your passport or cash (approx. 1000 baht) as a deposit.
    • Daily Rates: 120-600 baht
    • Monthly rates: 3,500-10,00 baht
    • Automatic bikes are generally less expensive to rent than off-roading bikes.

How Much Do You Need in Savings?

Cost of Living

One of the biggest draws for digital nomads to move to Thailand is the low cost of living.

1 USD is approximately 31.82 Thai Baht. So, 1,000 USD is about 30,000 Thai Baht. Most people can make 30,000 baht last for a month and a half to two months.

If you are in Thailand on a tourist visa, expect to spend 350-400 USD every nine months in visa fees and transport costs to keep your legal status in Thailand.

It is also wise to keep some money for emergencies. $1.500 should be good to cover emergency medical costs.

Saving Money as a Digital Nomad

It is easy to save money in Thailand, but if you want to save even more money follow these tips:

  • If you are staying long-term (over six months), invest in a motorbike. It will save you on transportation costs and you can sell it when you decide to leave. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike as well.
  • Obey the law:
    • Make sure you have a license if driving.
    • Always wear your helmet if driving a motorbike.
    • Do not litter.
    • Foreigners are often targeted by Thai police for fines.
  • Save money on housing with the following options:
    • House sit for someone on vacation or a business trip.
  • Live like the locals
    • Avoid Western-style food. Importation raises the price and it often is not as great as it would be at home.
    • If you have a housekeeper, ask your housekeeper to pick up groceries for you and they will be able to find great deals
  • Learn to haggle.
  • Take out larger amounts of money at one time to avoid atm withdrawal fees.
    • Keep the money divided up in various places to keep it safe.
  • Know how much baht your frequently bought items cost and how much they cost in USD. This will help you plan your budget better.
  • Wearing darker color clothes can cut down on how often you need to do laundry because sweat and stains will not be as obvious.
  • Try to avoid bars. Have a few drinks in a sit-down restaurant or at home to save money.
  • Tipping in Thailand is not expected unless you are at an expensive Western-style restaurant.
  • Use your electricity only when you need it. Electricity costs can add up fast.
  • Use water bottle refilling stations instead of buying bottled water all the time.
  • Do your own laundry at a laundromat or in your sink and hang your laundry up to dry instead of paying for laundry services.
    • Laundry services run 10-20 baht per piece of clothing or 40-50 baht per kilo of clothing. Doing laundry yourself at a laundromat will cost 30-40 baht/load.
  • If you are going to travel around a lot, travel by bus or train at night to save money on hotel rooms and save your days for exploring.

Learning to Stay Connected as a Digital Nomad

Obviously, access to internet is essential to keep your business or hobbies up and running while traveling. Here is how it works in Thailand:

Internet Reliability

Thailand has relatively good internet across the country and you can access it at local cafes by buying something small; however, purchasing an internet plan is the most reliable way to stay connected.

There are a lot of options in Thailand and hotspots are probably going to be the best option for someone doing a lot of travelling. Check out TrueMove, AIS, and DTAC. These are Thailand’s biggest cellular companies.

Note: Before you arrive in Thailand, download Simlock onto your phone, especially if you have an iPhone. This will allow your phone to use new SIMcards and can be difficult to download once in Thailand.

Cost of Internet

To purchase an internet plan for a mobile hotspot, you will need to purchase a SIM card in country. It is best to purchase the SIM card at the airport. You will need to show your passport when doing this. You should also be aware of what size SIM card you need: normal, micro, or macro. After you have a SIM card, you can purchase an internet plan. Purchasing a SIM card at the airport is about 49 baht.

Once you have a SIM card, you can choose an internet service plan. Internet plans vary in price. Tourist plans are typically more expensive and only last for a few weeks. It is better to get a monthly plan if you are going to stay in country for a month or more.

Monthly plans range from 199-599 baht/month. Look at how much data you typically use and only pay for what you think you need.  A 399 baht plan usually offers about 2.5 – 4 GB of data a month. Here are some prices for three of the most popular Internet services in Thailand:

  • AIS: known for reliable, stable 3G/4G signals.
    • Unlimited Data Plans:
      • Daily: 19 baht
      • Weekly: 79-89 baht
      • Monthly: 488 baht
  • 14 GB/month: 888 baht
  • TrueMove:
    • Unlimited Internet Plans:
      • Daily: 15 baht
      • Monthly: 599 baht
  • Weekly, depending on consumption: 55-199 baht
  • Monthly internet with various data limits: 199-899 baht
  • DTAC: known for great customer service for English speakers and faster internet speeds.
    • Daily depending on consumption: 19-49 baht
    • Weekly unlimited internet: 59 baht
    • Monthly internet, depending on consumption: 299-799 baht

Workspaces with Internet

If you purchase internet service, you do not have to worry too much about where to work. You can work at home, on the train, in a park, etc; however,it can be helpful to have some form of designated workspace.

Due to the increasing popularity of Thailand as a destination for digital nomads, coworking spaces have become very popular and widespread throughout Thailand.

There are even coworking locations specially designed specifically for expats. These spaces have high-speed internet and can offer a change of scenery while you work. These spaces also vary in the amenities they provide: some have private rooms for Skype calls, some have unlimited free coffee, some are open for 24 hours. Listed below are some of the most popular coworking spaces in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

  • Bangkok:
    • Hubba:
      • 299 baht/day
      • 2,990 baht/month
      • 3 locations in the city
      • Includes a lounge area, bean bag chairs, meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace, boxing bags, trampolines, and shower rooms.
  • Wolf:
  • 290 baht/day
  • 5,200 baht/month
  • Features comfy chairs, free coffee, a kitchen, an outdoor terrace, and a library.
  • The Hive:
    • 250 baht/day
    • 5,500 baht/month
    • Features a rooftop bar and garden and all office basics.
  • Draft Board:
    • 250 baht/day
    • 5,900 baht/month
    • Created to cater to designers and creative freelancers
    • Open-space concept with natural light to facilitate collaboration
  • Launchpad:
  • 260 baht/day
  • 5,400 baht/month
  • Boasts high speed internet, ergonomic chairs, bean bag chairs, private offices, a recreation area, and a coffee shop that sells pastries
  • Chiang Mai:
  • Punspace:
  • 289 baht/day
  • 3,899 baht/month
  • Three locations in Chiang Mai
  • Open 24 hours
  • Features lockers to store belongings, office equipment, a meeting room, and webcams.
  • CAMP:
  • No membership price, simply purchase anything over 50 baht to use the Internet for two hours
  • Stable internet connection
  • Includes a library, an outdoor terrace, lots of desks and chairs, a working café, and floor cushions.
  • MANA Coworking:
  • 19 baht/hour
  • 99 baht/day
  • 120 baht/day to also get unlimited coffee
  • A quieter and less crowded option as it only accommodates up to 14 people.
  • Includes full office appliances, a skype room, free jasmine tea, free water, and a café to order drinks and pastries.
  • WakeUp Coffee:
  • No membership price, simply purchase anything over 50 baht to use the Internet for four hours.
  • Serves coffee from Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia
  • Serves tea sourced from Japan
  • The Brick Startup Space:
  • 250 baht/day; 3,700 baht/month
  • More sophisticated style
  • Features three meeting rooms, a call room, lockers, and a snack bar.
  • Also hosts monthly community events to help members meet each other.

How Does a Digital Nomad Stay Safe in Thailand?

Medical Care

Medical care is less expensive in Thailand than in other nations, especially Western countries like the United States, but you should make sure you are aware of the more reputable hospitals in the area.

  • Bangkok:

You can (and should) buy traveler’s insurance. Depending on your plan, traveler’s insurance can cover medical expenses, theft, loss of property, and more. Be careful to read the details of your plan though as some plans will only cover you when you are in Thailand, so you will be out of luck if you get hurt in a neighboring country.

World Nomads is a popular company for frequent world travelers to use.

Visiting Other Countries

Digital Nomad In Thailand

If you have a Visa, be careful when travelling in and out of country. Every time you leave, it ends an “entry.” Exiting the country can use up all your “entries” and shorten your visa time, costing you more money in the long run.

What is Thai Culture Like?

Key Thai Phrases

Many Thai know a bit of the English language but knowing some key Thai phrases can help prevent miscommunication and get you a lot of brownie points with the locals.  

Note: Respect and courtesy are especially important in Thai society. To be polite, if you are male, you should end sentences with “khrup/krap.” If you are female, you should end sentences with “ka/kap.”          Ex. Sawadee khrup/ka.

Below are some basic words and phrases that can come in handy when moving to Thailand.

Basics
EnglishThaiAdditional Notes
HelloSawadee. 
How are you?Sa bai dee mai. 
I’m not well.Mai sabaii. 
I’m fineSabaaidii. 
GoodbyeLa gorn. 
I/My (female)Chan 
I/My (male)Pom 
YouKun 
He/She/TheyKao 
Addressing someone younger than youNong ______ (their name). 
Addressing someone older than youPee _______ (their name).Someone may also be referred to as Pee ____ if they are of a higher status than you (even if they are younger than you).
What country are you from?Kun maa jaak bprateet arai? 
I am from (America).Pom (m)/Chan (f) maa jaak (ameerigaa) 
What is your name?Kun chuu arai? 
My name is ____.Pom (m)/Chan (f) chuu _____. 
Yes.Chai. 
No.Mai. 
Maybe.Aaj ja. 
Thank you.Khop khun. 
Sorry/Excuse me.Khor thoad. 
Where is the restroom?Hong nam yoo tee nai? 
No worries/ Oh well/never mind.Mai pen rai.This phrase is very common and is used in a wide variety of situations including breaking your leg, spilling a drink, bad weather, the death of a relative, etc.
Can you speak English?Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai? 
Where?Tiinai? 
What?Arai? 
When?Muarai? 
How?Yangngai? 
Why?Tum mai? 
Speak slowly.Puut chaa chaa noi. 
Emergencies
EnglishThai
I need a doctor.Phom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa.
Hurts.Jep.
Where is the police station?Sataanii dtamruat yoo tee nai?
Where is the hospital?Rongpayaabaan yoo tee nai?
Call an ambulance.Dahm rot pa-ya-bahn.
I’m lost.Long tahng.
Can you help?Choo-ay dai mai?
Food, Shopping, and Getting Around
EnglishThaiAdditional Notes
RestaurantRaan aahaan 
CafeRaan gaafee 
What is this?Annii arai? 
HungryHiu. 
May I have the menu?Aow meenuu noi? 
VegetarianMawng sa vee rat 
VeganGin jay 
WaterNaam 
BeerBeer 
ChickenGai 
RiceKaao 
ColdYen 
HotRone 
No iceMai aow nam khang 
No sugarMai aow nam tan 
One more please.Khor jik nung. 
Not spicyMai phet 
A little spicyPhet nit nawy 
Really spicyPhet mak 
I would like to order.Sang aa-haan. 
DeliciousAroyIt is common and polite to say aroy as you pay for your food in any restaurant.
That’s expensive.Paeng mak. 
How much does this cost?Ra ka tao rai? 
How much?Taorai? 
I want this one.Ao annii. 
Can you give me a discount please?Ga ru na lot ra ka hai nio? 
Do you use the meter?Chai meter mai?Always make sure your taxi driver uses the meter before you get in the car.
NearbyGlai glai 
Go straightDtrong bpai 
Go leftLeo saai 
Go rightLeo kwaa 
StopYut 
Go to the airportBpai sanam bin 
StationSataanii 
Bus stopBpaai rot mee 
SkytrainRodfai faa 
SubwayRodfai dtaaidin 
AirplaneKruang bin 
MinibusRot dtuu 
CarRot 
BicycleJakgrayaan 
MotorcycleMoodteesai 
BoatRua 
Numbers
1Neung
2Song
3Saam
4See
5Haa
6Hook
7Jet
8Baat
9Gow
10Sip
20Yii sip
21Yii sip et
22Yii sip song
30Sam sip
40See sip
50Haa sip
60Hok sip
70Jet sip
80Bpeet sip
90Gaao sip
100Nung rooi
500Haa rooi
1,000Nung pan

For more vocabulary and phrases checkout this Thai phrasebook.

Understanding Thai Customs

Thai culture is incredibly complex and interesting with an exceptionally long history. Foreigners who come to Thailand can often experience a great deal of culture shock unless they do some research beforehand. This culture shock can lead to a lot of unfortunate misunderstandings. To help you out, here are some major characteristics of Thai culture.

Thais greet each other with a wai.

 A wai is basically a slight bow with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like way. Normally, your hands are pressed together in front of your chest, but the wai can vary depending on the status of the person you are greeting.

Who greets who first depends on status of each party. If a layman is greeting a monk, the wai will be higher meaning that the bow will be deeper and the hands will be in front of their forehead instead of their chest. It is not expected for a monk to return the wai. If you are given a wai, it is customary to return a wai.

Thailand is primarily Buddhist.

The official religion of Thailand is Buddhism and most Thai Buddhists practice Theravada Buddhism. The Buddhism practiced in Thailand stems from a unique blend of influences, so there are some aspects of Thai Buddhism that may seem strange even to those who have studied or practiced Buddhism.

It is infused with Hindu, Chinese, and local animist beliefs, so amulets, talismans, and belief in spirits is common. The design of various Thai temples also includes Hindu, Chinese, and animist influences.

Monks are highly respected. When passing a monk, it is customary to give a wai to monks and it is not expected for them to return the gesture. Other tips to know about monks:

  • There are designated seats for monks on public transport.
  • You should always give up your seat to a monk if there are no other seats available.
  • Females should never touch monks, even accidently.
    • If a monk accidently touches a woman, they must undergo a cleansing ritual.
    • If a woman wishes to give an offering to a monk, she should place the offering on the ground in front of the monk or give it to a man to be given to the monk.
    • Women also should not sit next to a monk or their belongings.

Primarily, Thai culture is characterized by a blend of Fear/Power and Shame/Honor worldviews.

This means that Thais place great emphasis on relationships with other people and with the spiritual realm. They have a great respect for elders and are often close to their extended families. There is no Thai word for “cousin,” so cousins are referred to as brothers and sisters.

Status within the community is important. One’s status can change over time and is determined by age, family, job, education, and income level. Status can also be affected by one’s actions in the community. “Losing face” is a very big deal. It is vital to be respectful at all times. You must understand that displaying negative emotions in public is looked down upon and can make Thais feel uncomfortable.

A few more tips for navigating Thai culture:

  • Do not yell at somebody in public.
  • The phrase for “No worries”: “Mai bpen rai” is used to respond to a lot of situations including breaking your leg, failing an exam, spilling drinks, and even the death of relatives. This can be shocking to foreigners, but it does not mean Thais do not feel negatively about the situation. It is just their culture.
  • Thais smile all the time, but it is sometimes a mask. They do not always feel positively, but they do not like to show negative emotions in public.
  • Thai do not like to let others down. They often say yes when they really mean no. They also rarely admit to not knowing things. If you ask for directions, they might give you what they think will make you happy rather than simply saying they do not know.
  • The Thai worldview also lends itself to belief in the supernatural. Many believe that amulets and talismans can provide protection from spirits and ghosts. You may also hear Thais speaking about auspicious days whenever they are planning things like weddings.
  • Another curious result of the Thai worldview that can be confusing to foreigners is the Thai tendency to give newborns nicknames to trick evil spirits who may want to gain power over the child. It is best to avoid complimenting parents on new babies as well.

The Thai are very patriotic.

The national anthem plays twice a day and it is expected for people to stop and stand until the song finishes.It is important to remember that while foreigners are often welcomed, they are never going to be fully accepted into the culture as they are not Thai.

More advice:

  • Do not visit someone’s home without bringing a small gift.
  • Remove your footwear and wear conservative clothing when visiting temples or visiting someone’s home
  • Do not point at anyone, especially not with your feet. This includes any image of a monk, any Buddha image, or an image of any royal family members.
    • Feet are considered dirty and should also never touch anyone.
    • You should also avoid crossing your legs, holding doors open with your feet, touching objects with your feet, etc.
    • Thais often use pursed lips to point or their entire hand. Beckoning someone with your hand should be done with the hand palm-side down with fingers extended and movement with the wrist.
  • Do not touch the tops of peoples’ heads, especially not children.
    • Thais do not like touching a lot in general. They especially do not like public displays of affection.

For more information about Thai culture check out the following books:

            Thailand – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture by Roger Jones

            Thailand’s Cultural Etiquette: A Guidance for Tourists and Expats by Donna Sarwatta

Conclusion

Thailand is a beautiful and interesting place to live. It is quickly becoming a popular place for digital nomads to live and explore as it boasts low costs of living, reliable internet, and friendly locals. Following this guide will give you a solid foundation to help you get plan your adventure and get acclimated in Thailand.


spun from https://nomadisbeautiful.com/travel-blogs/digital-nomad-guide-thailand/

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