Expat Toolbox

New to Bangkok?

A starter checklist for landing, getting oriented, and not losing your mind in the first few weeks. The city can be overwhelming — here's a sane approach.

First Week Priorities

Get a Thai SIM card (AIS, True, or DTAC at the airport or any 7-Eleven)
Download Grab and set up payment
Download LINE and set up your account
Figure out the BTS/MRT — get a Rabbit card for the BTS
Find your nearest 7-Eleven (shouldn't be hard, they're everywhere)

First Month Goals

Find longer-term accommodation (if you haven't already)
Set up a Thai bank account (easier with a long-term visa)
Register your address at immigration (TM30 — your landlord should help)
Find a reliable laundry service
Locate your nearest hospital (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital are expat-friendly)
Get health insurance sorted if you don't have it

Neighborhoods to Explore

Sukhumvit (Asok to Ekkamai) — Expat central. Lots of restaurants, co-working spaces, and nightlife. Can feel like you never left home.

Ari — Trendy, local feel, great coffee shops. Popular with remote workers and young Thais.

Silom/Sathorn — Business district. More Thai, less touristy. Good for a more immersive experience.

Old Town (Rattanakosin) — Temples, history, and amazing street food. Worth visiting but harder to live in.

Survival Tips

Carry cash — not everywhere takes cards, especially street food
Learn basic Thai phrases — "sawadee krap/ka" and "khop khun" go a long way
Stay hydrated — the heat is real
Be patient with traffic — it's legendary for a reason
Smile — it really is the land of smiles, and it helps

Don't panic. Bangkok looks chaotic but it works. Give yourself time to adjust, and don't try to figure everything out in the first week.

New to Bangkok?

First Week Priorities

First Month Goals

Neighborhoods to Explore

Survival Tips

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