Im pretty sure well be back and forth a lot even if we live in other countries. This is why I always recommend to people to put boots on the ground and search out accommodation. You worked hard you whole life, why not enjoy your golden years? Thats a big issue for foreign retirees. The cost for that Japanese food is STILL about 30 to 40% of what I pay here in the US. Annuities provide steady income in retirement, but some financial planners prefer alternatives. Retire Earlier on Less. If you arent comfortable being around these types of critters, make sure you research Thailand a bit before moving. Need an international bank account that holds multiple currencies and lets you transfer, receive & spend wherever you are, with a MasterCard. Many Thai people speak English. I dont plan to move until hes in college though. Global economic shifts have devalued some Western currencies and made Thailand more expensive. That is renting a furnished home that will allow friends to visit. They are usually friendly and helpful and will fill in the form for you. A typical Social Security payment is likely to cover basic costs in these areas. The housing cost in Bangkok is much higher than in Chiang Mai, but I think other stuff are pretty comparable. Well see. Very little snow except at elevation of course. And if you don't spend that much, it's more to leave your kids :). Is the average retiree at 65 years old going to be worried about road traffic accidents or poor electrical wiring standards? You really need to live there 3-5 years to get used to spending down instead of spending up to find out where to get all the great deals. However, if you compare a popular U.S. city for retirees like Sarasota, Florida, consumer prices are 52% higher than Bangkok when you exclude rent. Read some more info HERE. Many foreign restaurant owners offer by-the-glass wine promotions to attract diners. Perhaps when medicare kicks in so I dont have to worry about medical cost as much. Please review our Retiring in Thailand The mantra used to be that you could move to Thailand and live off your pension (which would translate to lots and lots of baht), strolling along Phuket beaches, shopping in Bangkok or living a quiet life in Chiang Mai. Enter the country on this visa. Best VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy, 5. I think people need to stop looking at pictures of beautiful Thai beaches. It took six months to decide that Kamala Beach, a two-traffic-light town, was the right spot. After he married, he couldnt get a U.S. visa for his wife to meet family, and theyve only been able to meet her on Zoom. You can then get a good microwave oven. There are some lower cost Japanese (Yipun) food in what amounts to a fast food version of a traditional restaurant usually found in some of the malls. i am setting aside $1000/month for paying down debts primarily student loans. of course, I would have to keep 400,000 baht in the bank for the visa. we been Thailand over 30 times with kids so far. However, Im also looking in to retiring in South America. Like many second world countries, regular reports of police corruption may worry some, but these problems always seem to exist where it's cheap. According to March 2022 Numbeo, a site that collects cost of living data from around the world, the average cost of living in Thailand is roughly 40% lower than the average cost of living in the U.S. He thinks itll be cheaper if he needs more healthcare. Camping/rustic countryside trip over the weekend $50. The myth that Thai girls love us partly because they don't like Thai men is just that - a myth. I think anywhere in central city would work because Chiang Mai is not that big. My dad, on the other hand He enjoys going to nicer places and doesnt like eating at food stalls. The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 50, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 59 , The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 65, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 66, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 70 . I think it might work out well for a retired couple with ties in Asia though. But your familys living on $1,300 per month sounds pretty luxuriant too so I guess it could really be possible to make a good living there for around $1,500. Im looking for safe, friendly cities to retire abroad on $2,500 or less a month. There are about 130,000 people living in the city itself and nearly 1 million people in the surrounding sprawl. nice write up i might do it by 40 but i am 51 now and looking into it when i turn 57 and i probably live south near phuket and enjoy the beach but my first 2 years i plan to buy a street glide if harley still makes them i know the cost twice as much but i want to ride through Laos Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia and of course Thailand, i know i have to keep a residence there in order to stay there to retire, and obtain a multiple entry visa to do that, If you could email me back Id greatly appreciate it Im 31 years old and Im retired military so I make about 34 hundred a month I do have a lot of medical needs more or less I need for scriptions for things such as pain high blood pressure stuff like that are those medications readily available or do you have to get them through a doctor like for instance my blood pressure medication and my pain medication in Mexico I could go to the corner and purchase them at the local pharmacy in Thailand what I have to go to a doctors office get the prescription to get them filled or are there local pharmacies. Even with the insurgency in the far south? In the past we have had excellent medical care in Australia, New Zealand, Jordan, Turkey, and Mexico for a fraction of the USA costs before Medicare kicked in. She has one more year syndrome and Im a bit tired of waiting. Vendors offer fresh pineapple, mango, watermelon and even stinky durian. , Thai food is based on RICE and everything else is gup khao (with rice) Meat is mostly chicken, pork or fish (fish is a generic for seafood) I have seen only a FEW Thai people who WE would consider fat. She shoveled snow all day yesterday. Great post! Having a Thai girl by your side makes it possible to get to get to know the Hey Everyone, Im in Chiang Mai and it is great here. Ive been thinking more about central and South America. Its probably an advantage because usually the US dollar strengthen during time of financial crisis. I'd be happy to do that--but how? I have not research much yet how that would work for taxes though. I don't plan to travel outside Thailand once I go back (unless I win the Thai Lottery!). Foreigners can own property in Thailand with restrictions. Fixed. I think Thailand is actually much easier than 10 years ago. It's how I started learning. Well have dinners with a dozen friends every few weeks. I like South America too. In Thailand they START AT 7 and go to maybe 15. But then again if I were going to have that much in retirement funds I would just retire in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California where Ive spent most of my life. Retired military at 31? Interesting. I want to know, what people are saying and I want to be a full part of society there instead of being a tourist or bystander. I jest. What am I still doing in the US!? A cursory search shows that even the most open countries, such as Ecuador, Panama, and Mexico, seem to limit long term stays to 180 daysat least in terms of convenient applications or process. Often the stories and tales we encounter online, and dating nightmares are from expats who have dated locals and have found themselves in a slight situation But, its also essential to add that many expats have a happy long-term relationship with Thai locals. Quality health care is widely available in major Thai cities at affordable prices. Let me know if you have any specific questions and Ill get the answer for you. Find out how it stacks up against North America, Europe and Asia. I am about to take 6 months of work And get A 3 month visa stay in thialand I want to give chang Mia Ago around June and rent for 3 weeks Can you recommend a good location that is quite close to shops and all amenities this will be with a view to retire with my thia girlfriend in 2017 Any help would be appreciated. . We're back from our retirement research trip in Thailand and I've got good info to share. There were some riots and coups, but they generally leave foreigners alone. Hi, My name is Tom and I am 49 and live on Ko Lanta Island in Thailand. Chiang Mai is cheaper than Bangkok, but it sounds as if it isnt THAT much cheaper any longer. Sometimes it makes more sense for one member of a married couple to keep working. Itll be a while though. And when they want to travel in Asia, Phukets status as a tourism mecca means theres no shortage of flights for less than $100. It should be fun for a few years though especially if you have money to spend. My mom, in particular, doesnt like to spend money at all and lives a simple lifestyle. Instead of 800,000, youll need at least $3 million baht in a Thai bank account, and youll need it at least 12 months prior to your application. About a week ago we had a meteor shower. This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau. You can live dirt-cheap or super expensive in Thailand. A part-time career could mean a stressful future if you don't use some of these tips to prepare for retirement. The retirement visa also does not allow you to work in the country. Motorbikes and scooters rule the roads in Thailand. However, if you can choose to eat the local foods and not go to 5 star restaurants, its not too bad, Healthcare in Malaysia is a lot cheaper than the US and is just as good. New cars are another one. Hi Joe, this post brought back some great memories from when Sally and I visited Chiang Mae a few years back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The cost of living is low, as is the cost of healthcare. My thoughts are turning to retirement however, I would still like to work as I am fit and healthy. And, if you choose to bring money into the country and give it to your wife to buy a house you are required to sign a legal document stating that you have no rights to the house in the event of a divorce. I have heard many men are going to The Phillipines to meet younger women and it seems easier there than in Thailand. I,m single and spend 4000 per month. My wife is Thai and we have been planning for our future in Thailand even since we got married 9 years ago. . Once this money has been in the account for 60 days you can apply for a 1-year extension of stay based on retirement at a local immigration office.
