Moving to Thailand Checklist: 10 Things to Prepare Before You Fly

From visa paperwork to finding a place to live, here’s your 10-step checklist to help you get ready before you board your flight — created by Thai Kru, your trusted relocation partner in Thailand.

 1. Choose the Right Visa for Your Lifestyle

The first and most important step is choosing the visa that fits your purpose.
Different visas apply for different goals:

• Tourist Visa — for short-term stays up to 60 days.
• Education Visa (ED) — for students studying Thai or other programs.
• Long-Stay Visa (O, OA, OX) — ideal for retirees or long-term visitors.
• Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
• Business Visa (B) — for those setting up or working in a Thai company.
• Thai Elite Visa — long-term, hassle-free stay for high-net-worth individuals.

Thai Kru Tip: Don’t worry if you’re unsure which visa suits you — our team can assess your situation and recommend the best visa type for your goals.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Once you choose your visa, collect all essential documents in advance. Common items include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Passport-size photos
• Bank statements or proof of income
• Health insurance (required for some visas)
• Police background check (for retirement or long-term visas)

 Thai Kru Tip: Document requirements vary — and rules often change. Thai Kru helps clients prepare and submit everything correctly the first time.

3. Plan Your Finances

Before you move, review your financial setup:

• Open an international bank account or prepare to transfer funds to Thailand.
• Research currency transfer options (Wise, Revolut, etc.).
• Understand local cost of living (Bangkok ≈ 45,000–70,000 THB/month; Chiang Mai ≈ 30,000–50,000 THB/month).

Thai Kru Tip: We can guide you in how to open a local Thai bank account after arrival and connect you with financial advisors familiar with expat needs.

4. Research Housing Options

Finding the right home is key to a happy start. Decide whether you’ll rent short-term or long-term.

• Bangkok: modern condos, convenient transport.
• Chiang Mai: peaceful, affordable, great for digital nomads.
• Phuket / Samui: coastal lifestyle, higher rent but stunning views.

Thai Kru Tip: Our relocation team helps clients find reliable landlords, trusted agents, and even negotiates leases on your behalf.

5. Pack Smart (and Light)

Thailand is warm and humid year-round. You don’t need heavy clothes — but don’t forget:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes
• A few modest outfits for temples or government visits
• Power adapters (Type A, B, or C)
• Basic medicines and toiletries
• Important documents (in carry-on)

 Thai Kru Tip: Essentials like clothing, electronics, and home supplies are easy to buy once you arrive — travel light!

6. Sort Out Health Insurance

Health insurance is required for certain visa types and strongly recommended for all foreigners.

• Choose international or Thai-based coverage.
• Check if your plan includes outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care.
• Private hospitals in Thailand are world-class but can be expensive without insurance.

Thai Kru Tip: We can recommend trusted insurance partners offering expat-friendly policies.

7. Get a SIM Card and Internet Access

You’ll need a Thai SIM card to stay connected.
Popular providers: AIS, TrueMove H, DTAC.
Most airports and malls sell prepaid or monthly plans for foreigners.

Thai Kru Tip: Our “City Guide” team can help you set up your SIM, banking, and transportation apps right after you arrive.

8. Learn the Basics of Thai Culture

A little understanding goes a long way!

• Always greet with a wai (palms together).
• Remove shoes when entering homes or temples.
• Avoid touching people’s heads or pointing feet.
• Smile — it’s truly the Thai language everyone understands.

Thai Kru Tip: We can even pair you with local guides who’ll show you around your new city and help you learn basic Thai phrases.

9. Stay Updated on Immigration Rules

Thai immigration rules can change — sometimes quickly.

• Check updates regularly.
• Keep copies of all visa and extension documents.
• Track your 90-day report or re-entry permit deadlines.

Thai Kru Tip: When you become a Thai Kru client, we notify you of every immigration update that might affect your visa — so you’ll never miss an important change.

10. Connect with Local Support

Settling into a new country takes time but you don’t have to do it alone.
Join expat groups, attend meetups, and stay in touch with your relocation advisor.

Thai Kru Tip: Our clients get access to ongoing support from immigration questions to daily living advice. When you move with Thai Kru, you gain a local friend who’s always ready to help.

Ready to Start Your Thailand Journey?

Moving to Thailand doesn’t have to be stressful, not when you have a local team guiding you.

At Thai Kru, we help you every step of the way from visa application to finding your home, setting up local services, and feeling confident in your new life here.

Contact us today and let’s plan your smooth move to Thailand together.