Answereda year ago
What are some essential tips for relocating to Thailand as retirees in 2026?
Hello and thank you for accepting my request. My husband and I are planning to relocate to Thailand by January 2026. We are in our 50s and retiring. All solid advice would be appreciated. Thank you 🪷
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on relocating to Thailand for retirement in January 2026. Key recommendations from the community include obtaining NON-O visas prior to arrival, preparing bank accounts with 800,000 baht before applying for visa extensions, opting to rent rather than buy initially, and utilizing services like Charles Schwab for fee-free ATM access. Additional insights suggest learning Thai, being cautious about rental agreements, and doing thorough research on housing options to avoid scams. Engaging with the local community and taking time to adapt are also emphasized.
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Neal ********
Find a newer house to rent as older houses will cost a fortune to cool. I chose the worst Visa Agent in Thailand so go with a reputable agent. I had to break a lease on my first rental as it was a disaster with frequent power outages, no garbage collection, noisy neighbors. Rental agents are not helpful so it can take several weeks to find a good place to live here.
Tamie *********
OP@Neal *******
what would you say are the quieter areas? We have 2 dogs, but they are really quiet.Neal ********
@Tamie ********
Hin Lek Fai is where I am now and I'm happy with it. Last place I was in had gaps in doors and windows and my first electric bill was around 6,000 baht. The person renting me the place spoke no English but later found that she spoke good English just didn't want to deal with Tennant. Avoid Fazwaz as they never respond to requests so check out Facebook Marketplace for homes to rent. It will be difficult find a rental property that will accept pets as well. Good luck.
Art *******
Once you get there,it is on you to adapt. Learn a little thai too. You are their guest, not the other way around.
Enjoy your retirement
Enjoy your retirement
Walrus *******
This is the scam capital. If it seems too good, then it is too good.
Many honest here but twice as many dishonest.
Get everything in black white. At least the tourist police will initially help then off to police proper.
I love it here by the way
Many honest here but twice as many dishonest.
Get everything in black white. At least the tourist police will initially help then off to police proper.
I love it here by the way
John ********
@Walrus ******
It’s too hot in Thailand for a Walrus😂😂Walrus *******
@John *******
well strange sense of humour?? Someone may understand it!Bill *********
YouTube has many thousands of hours from all sorts of people that have gone through the process from the start.
Brad *******
Get a Charles Schwab bank account and debit card so you don’t have to pay any ATM fees in Thailand. On the Thai side and US side.
Tamie *********
OP@Brad ******
that is what we were planning on doing. Rent an airbnb for a couple of months and take our time exploring to see where we truly feel comfortable.Bill *********
@James ******
Charles Schwab does not have any branded ATM machines.Tamie *********
OP@Brad ******
thank you for that information.Brad *******
@Tamie ********
get an international drivers license in the states so you can convert it to a Thai drivers license without having to take the test. You’ll just have to take the eye test and reaction test.Brad *******
@Tamie ********
the last bit of advice I would give you is don’t go looking for a place to rent or buy on Facebook. And don’t post what your budget is. Try and get a Thai person to check for you so you get the best deal. I see a lot of foreigners, getting raped and paying double what they should for a rental. Your best bet is to drive around and look at for rent or for sale signs. Put in the work and save thousands of dollars. Tamie *********
OP@Brad ******
okay, yes my husband had to get one for Vietnam.Brad *******
@James ******
any Thai bank ATM, no fees either way.
James *******
@Brad ******
are there many Charles Schwab ATMs around Thailand to avoid ATM fees ? Can you withdraw USD ? If Thai baht how is the exchange rate ? ThanksDon *********
@Brad ******
do you know whether non US residents can get this as an add-on to a Schwab trading account please ?Bill *********
@Don ********
I recall hearing people say there are problems with trying to set that up as a non-us residentDon *********
@Bill ********
yes Schwab that savings accounts with debit cards are only for US residentsBrad *******
@Don ********
not sure, but I have both types of accounts.Don *********
@Brad ******
I will ask Schwab, thank you very much for the informationBrad *******
@Don ********
I amDon *********
@Brad ******
are you a US citizen if you don’t mind me asking ?
John *********
Don’t buy, only rent, this is the only advice
Simon ********
@John ********
Why not buy ? I am looking at buying a villa in Koh Samui. You suggest the best option is to rent.
Randy *******
@Simon *******
watch the YouTube videos. When you’re a foreigner, the price on the condo automatically goes up a lot. So you lose money right off the bat and then you never know about the condo association.Simon ********
@Randy ******
thanks for the advice as I was looking at buying perhaps a 30 year lease hold. In addition all the various land titles these villas are sold under ? its quite confusingTamie *********
OP@John ********
we are looking at renting.John *********
@Tamie ********
carry out plenty of due diligence ie. Check the place out on a Fri or sat night, to see what the neighbours are like, loud music, drinking , kids running around after midnight, lots of dogs barking etc Check the Soi/immediate area is not a usual flooding area during the rainy season.
Definitely need to check these things if you want a peaceful place, especially if it’s a Soi with many locals living, otherwise. Alternative look at upmarket gated small estates, with security guard.
Don’t rush, foreigners are often shown properties that they can’t rent for various reasons, ensure the owner is the owner of the property ID card matches name on house registration document, if using a letting agent ensure you see proof. Also the letting agent is registered and accredited to rent/sell property.
Always buyer/renter beware, in all Countries, so many scams around, foreigners are easy targets. Keep your wealth abroad absolutely private, to avoid being targeted.
There is no rush, plenty of foreigners find nice places to live GL
Bob **********
Get your non-o before you come open separate bank accounts and transfer I. 800k baht to both accounts it needs to be seasoned two months before the one year extension
Reinhard ********
@Bob *********
Don't need to send the 800k to both accounts.One can get a dependent Visa so it's done with 800k.
Stuart ***********
Get 2 non-O visas before flying to Thailand.
Cris ******
@Stuart **********
yup. Honestly the only "must do" at this point.Activity
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