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What should I consider when moving to Thailand long-term as an Australian expat?
Long-term visaRetirement visaMoving to ThailandBank accounts while abroadInternational driving permitMedical considerations for expatsMaintaining Australian residencyFinancial planning for expatsPension while living overseasLiving expenses in Thailand
Aug 18, 2022
4 years ago
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi , this is a bit of an " everything else " post . In the last 16 years i have spent approx 3 years on the ground in Thailand on the Tourist visa system . I have just this year obtained the Old Age Pension in Australia and can now leave the country and live overseas . Since coming of OAP age i have been in the "dreaming phase" about leaving this country and making the move to Thailand long term . But now things get a little more serious . I dont own my home , i rent , i'm single and have no dependants.
So now i am heading into the " Planning Phase " and suddenly there is a lot to consider , letting go of all my possessions ( car , motorbike , household goods ) How to maintain bank accounts and the reissuing of debit cards ( do they send them overseas ? ) , how and should i maintain my Aussie Drivers License , medical considerations ( i have no major medical problems , although the knees are starting to complain about the extra weight i am now carrying ) and many questions i haven't even thought of yet .
I'm sure i will find the answers to many questions on here and on the internet as a whole but the one thing i am interested in is the experience of people who have done this already and how they felt leaving everything behind . Any regrets , anything you forgot to do after leaving , how difficult or easy was it making the move . I have friends in Thailand , i speak a small amount of Thai and love the place in general so i am fairly comfortable over there . 👌
Sorry for the long post and i would appreciate any sharing of experience no matter how small or seemingly insignificant . Sometimes it's the small things we forget that can have a large impact. 🤔 ........ Thanks .
So now i am heading into the " Planning Phase " and suddenly there is a lot to consider , letting go of all my possessions ( car , motorbike , household goods ) How to maintain bank accounts and the reissuing of debit cards ( do they send them overseas ? ) , how and should i maintain my Aussie Drivers License , medical considerations ( i have no major medical problems , although the knees are starting to complain about the extra weight i am now carrying ) and many questions i haven't even thought of yet .
I'm sure i will find the answers to many questions on here and on the internet as a whole but the one thing i am interested in is the experience of people who have done this already and how they felt leaving everything behind . Any regrets , anything you forgot to do after leaving , how difficult or easy was it making the move . I have friends in Thailand , i speak a small amount of Thai and love the place in general so i am fairly comfortable over there . 👌
Sorry for the long post and i would appreciate any sharing of experience no matter how small or seemingly insignificant . Sometimes it's the small things we forget that can have a large impact. 🤔 ........ Thanks .
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses an Australian expat's considerations for relocating to Thailand long-term now that he has reached retirement age. He reflects on the logistics of moving, such as handling possessions, maintaining bank accounts, and the implications of healthcare and driving licenses. The community shares their experiences, emphasizing the need to maintain connections to Australia for financial benefits and offering practical advice on planning visits and managing documentation.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Nick **********
I came here 12 years ago on a holiday and didn't go back. One suitcase, has now become minimul "stuff". I feel as if I am on a perpetual holiday.
Oh yes, the stuff I left behind. It has no attachment to me, and me to it.
Oh yes, the stuff I left behind. It has no attachment to me, and me to it.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick *********
What area did you choose to settle ,...if you dont mind me asking ? I dont want to get too personal , you never know , some of that "stuff" you left behind may be looking for you .🤔😂Nick **********
@Steve *******
Rawai/NaiHarnSteve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick *********
Its a nice area . I like Nai Harn and Rawaii is really taking off now.Nick **********
@Steve *******
Yes, unfortunately it is attracting more foreigners and tourists.Not the sleepy seaside town is was 10 years+ ago.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick *********
I went for a ride around Nai Harn and Rawaii a few months ago and i was really surprised to see a Condo complex at Nai Harn ( big ugly orange buildings ) that i had never noticed before . Surprised the bejesus outta me. Fortunately they are tucked away a little out of sight amongst the trees . But a sad reminder of what is happening on the island.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Robert ******
I would say that, if the extra weight you are carrying is due to saddlebags full of gold and platinum, you should have no problems! Just bravely go forward where you have never gone before.
Robert ********
Sounds like a plan!Sounds like a plan!
Douglas *************
Planning is optional, the plan will change.
Don’t ruin things by over planning.
Don’t ruin things by over planning.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Douglas ************
Will definitely try to avoid that.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Just jump in the fire and go…if you don’t want to sell everything look into renting a garage for your personal things…
Renaud ***********
PM for complete information
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Renaud **********
pm sentReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Dada ****
Now that you have the time and the freedom to go anywhere I think you should be « based » in Australia but travel to Thailand for a longer time instead of moving to Thailand. This way you still have your security in Australia but still living the good life in Thailand.
Sell or give away maximum and keep minimum in a box at a friends/family place in Australia.
Just do an international driving permit from Australia and normally you are good to drive in Thailand for a couple of years. Please make sure that your original driving license permits you to drive a scooter if you plan to drive one in Thailand.
For the longterm visa there are student visa 3-12 month you can start with. Within a year anything can happen, you might want to leave or you might want to stay longer….
Good luck and enjoy your retirement!❤️
Sell or give away maximum and keep minimum in a box at a friends/family place in Australia.
Just do an international driving permit from Australia and normally you are good to drive in Thailand for a couple of years. Please make sure that your original driving license permits you to drive a scooter if you plan to drive one in Thailand.
For the longterm visa there are student visa 3-12 month you can start with. Within a year anything can happen, you might want to leave or you might want to stay longer….
Good luck and enjoy your retirement!❤️
Evan ********
@Dada ***
I think the international driving license is good for 3 months but a start and then apply for thai drivers licence if you canDada ****
@Evan *******
I dont know the rule for Australia, but for Switzerland the International driving PERMIT (not license) is valid for 3 years.Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Evan *******
my friend who is currently in Patong has a 10 year IDP that he obtained somewhere on Phuket ( Phuket town or Chalong I think ) it was expensive but it has his photo and all the details the Thai Police need . He has been pulled up and let go immediately when they saw it . I have never heard of this before but the police say it's legit . I have seen his permit and it looks like an IDP but much more fancy . 😲🤔Damien ********
That mates driving permit is ( as Johnny Depp said playing Donnie Brasco ) a Fugazi ! A fake. Aus International Driving Permits are for 12 months and are stamped by the AAA .try to keep an Australian address for lincense , etc …. Bank cards and license renew before u go , good for 4 to 5 years …and if you vote update with the AEC . chokdee kharp.
Evan ********
@Steve *******
never heard of that. Where did he get it? The permits are normally a restricted length and only meant for shorter periods of travelSteve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Evan *******
yes I know it surprised me . I asked him but he can't remember as it was a few years ago . It was a Thai Government office somewhere in the south of Phuket . I'll ask him next time I speak with him but he is very vague on the details . He is not one for remembering detail . UnfortunatelyBobby ********
Bobby ********
@Steve *******
It's probably one of those fake "international licences" you can buy off the internet. It might fool the Cops but it won't fool the insurance company when you have an accident!Dada ****
@Bobby *******
You are completely right.🙏 Not many people understand this. While you can fool a policeman but you will not get away with the insurance if you get into an accident.Beside that, not everyone knows about the International driving PERMIT either. This is something you have to apply in your residence country.
For Switzerland for an example, we CANT apply abroad. One need to go to the office. And the permit is valid for 3 years.
Bobby ********
@Dada ***
Correct. It's the motoring organisation in the host country who issues the IDP, and in the majority of cases it can only be obtained while physically in the country. Australians can apply online from overseas and the IDP will be mailed by express to anywhere in the world. However, the cost of this service is about $50 in addition to the actual fee of the permit. Only valid for 12 monthsDada ****
@Bobby *******
How lucky! 👍👍 We are in this situation now that we can’t renew our IDP from Switzerland 😭 so we will have to do a Thai driving license.Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
no my friend is very bad at the internet . I had to book flights for him while in Patong to go to the Philo's. If he said he got it on Phuket then that's what he did . Just exactly what it is I'll ask him next time I speak to him . It could well be a translation of his Aussie driving licence . I just remember it had photo id on it as well .Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Ivana ******
Following
Bobby ********
My advice is to join this group to get first hand knowledge from Aussies in the same situation
****************************************************************
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
Actually i think i joined that along with several others just the other day . I knew there was somewhere else i wanted to post this but as i had joined so many Thailand related groups i forgot which one was relevant to my situation. Thanks for reminding , i will head over there and in the next few days and repost this . 🤜🤛Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
A few pointers.
The ATO is on the verge of changing the criteria of "resident for tax purposes". Whatever you do you must maintain that status, otherwise you will lose your tax-free threshold and hence your pension will be taxed at 33%. Which effectively means you will lose one third of your pension. You must maintain links with Australia and visit there at least 45 days every two years.
Use a friend or relative's address for bank accounts, driver's licence, Medicare etc. Keep those links. You may need them again one day
The ATO is on the verge of changing the criteria of "resident for tax purposes". Whatever you do you must maintain that status, otherwise you will lose your tax-free threshold and hence your pension will be taxed at 33%. Which effectively means you will lose one third of your pension. You must maintain links with Australia and visit there at least 45 days every two years.
Use a friend or relative's address for bank accounts, driver's licence, Medicare etc. Keep those links. You may need them again one day
Mma *******
@Steve *******
45 days every 2 years that is not much IMHO, very doable! I agree do it while maintaining links to Australia if you can.Steve ********
@Mma ******
I think it is although I understand many Aussies want to cut ties with Australia and yet keep their entire pensions, which may not in the future be achievableReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
great advice ,thanks i will definitely have to look into that one .Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Lance *********
Move to Vietnam would be my best advice
Lance *********
more welcoming in general but visa a pain - if VN starts to issue retirement visas the expats will leave here in droves !
Andy *********
@Lance ********
That's a big "if"... Been visiting VN 22 yrs. They've made strides in the visas, but...Reply to
Andy *********
Reply
Bob ***********
@Lance ********
just curious what do you see as the advantages of Vietnam over Thailand?Reply to
Bob ***********
Reply
Evan ********
So you’ve got Portability on your pension have you?
What visa, Retirement, from Oz (O-A) or here (O)? The pension might be enough to live on here but not enough for the monthly income (O) unless you have enough to put in a Thai bank (800k baht) or show in Oz bank for the O-A.
Maybe just get mail diverted to a relatives address. Car license is 10 years change to a relatives address in that state. Same for cards, although some may send them here.
Nice to have the car back home if you can afford it and can store it too, depends on how often and how long trips back to Oz are.
As you said you’ve spent time here so you know what to expect. Good to plan but most things you can work around. Good luck with the move 😀👍🇹🇭
What visa, Retirement, from Oz (O-A) or here (O)? The pension might be enough to live on here but not enough for the monthly income (O) unless you have enough to put in a Thai bank (800k baht) or show in Oz bank for the O-A.
Maybe just get mail diverted to a relatives address. Car license is 10 years change to a relatives address in that state. Same for cards, although some may send them here.
Nice to have the car back home if you can afford it and can store it too, depends on how often and how long trips back to Oz are.
As you said you’ve spent time here so you know what to expect. Good to plan but most things you can work around. Good luck with the move 😀👍🇹🇭
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe O Visa , and i have the required funds. The car idea is good , you get free rego with the pension , just pay for CTP . Its the Pink slips every year , but i could get someone to do that on my behalf i guess. Thanks.
Evan ********
@Steve *******
pm sentStuart *********
@Evan *******
Cheers Evan, I too would like to know about retaining my Australian residency, can you please advise me also, thanksEvan ********
@Stuart ********
not an expert sorry but pm sentReply to
Evan ********
Reply
Evan ********
@Steve *******
yeah it’s just about being a bit organised. Oz has become so expensive compared to here but is getting more expensive here too, won’t get out of control I hope. Your money goes further too elec, phone etc better. If you get the O here, it’s better. Try to keep your residency in Oz if you can. Married visa is the best long term only 400k plus no requirement for insuranceSteve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Evan *******
I was just there for 2 months , 2 months ago and noticed the rise in prices , although hotels were giving some great " covid specials " . I would like to keep my Aussie residency for sure . Have you been able to keep yours or did you let it slide ? ( i'm assuming your an Aussie and living over there , let me know if i got that wrong :-) )Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Arnie ************
I think the phased approach is a good option. Go for a month or two at a time, then come back home for a month. Keep extending your time in Thailand as you simplify your Australian life.
Mike *******
Hi I love Thailand too !!
However:
There's some big decisions to be made here !!
Please don't rush !!
Have some long holidays there, go to different places and have a great time !!!
I'd love to live in Thailand too but the reality is I'm better off residing in Aus and visiting often, or not, at the moment with Covid etc.
PS
As we age our requirements change
ie medical bills get huge if you to pay them
How will you cope in a strange country with a very diffierent health system.
Getting old is no fun for anyone especially if you can't pay for it!!!
However:
There's some big decisions to be made here !!
Please don't rush !!
Have some long holidays there, go to different places and have a great time !!!
I'd love to live in Thailand too but the reality is I'm better off residing in Aus and visiting often, or not, at the moment with Covid etc.
PS
As we age our requirements change
ie medical bills get huge if you to pay them
How will you cope in a strange country with a very diffierent health system.
Getting old is no fun for anyone especially if you can't pay for it!!!
Martin *********
Mike *******
@Martin ********
Hi Steve, again.Just re-read your post. Just a bit concerned at your situation, re. Aus financial planning for retirement, Thai financial planning medical insurances etc and what do you intended to do exactly in Thailand.
Drinking in bars all day is good fun but it won't really do every day all day for retirement. I really feel you have quieten a difficult situation that requires a good deal of planning from people much more knowledgeable than me.
I would have loved to have retired there but couldn't make it work !!!
Cheers and good luck !!
Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have spent quite a lot of time there and been to many different parts of the country . But as you say it's the medical due to age that is a concern. I rent and i have very good rent for my area , but soon the owners will sell and i will have to move and there is no way i will find a place in my town ( Byron Bay ) . It is so expensive and there is massive demand and no supply , so a move is definitely on the cards .
Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Colin ******
You can't maintain bank accounts if you are resident overseas..You must have a verifiable Australian address and prove this with utilities showing you pay them..The same goes for Medicare...This happened to me as I did exactly what you are planning to do now..
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *****
Thats a shame about the bank accounts as my current account is giving great interest on my balance .Michele *********
@Steve *******
I've lived here 20 years ( been overseas a lot longer) and still maintain my Aus bank accounts.Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michele ********
yes i never really believed the Colin's comment .Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Kathalyn *******
@Steve *******
Not correct. I've lived in Thailand 20 years and have maintained Aus bank account all that time. They send cards snd statements to my Thai addressKathalyn *******
@Steve *******
naintain your Aus bank accountColin ******
@Steve *******
Yes it does Steve..I read that too.Mma *******
@Steve *******
Don't close your Aus bank account. Get your pension deposited there. You'll figure it out mate. You gotta dance around some of the BS.Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mma ******
Yes that's what i thought . ThanksReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Colin ******
@Steve *******
This was 8 years ago now Steve so ask your bank so that you can make decisions.. Medicare for sure as they told me non residents cannot use the Medicare card..They know we are overseas through Immigration departure records..Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *****
doesn't medicare get cancelled after a certain period OS ,....something i will have to investigate , thanksReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Garrett ***********
Best advice I could give is don't sell everything you own. At the very least, leave your car with a bag of clothes in the truck parked at a friends house. You'll want/need to go home eventually for a couple weeks here and there, it's so much easier if you have something there.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
Like for the " quick getaway " .😂Thats an interesting point .Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Stu *******
My sister lives in Japan and all her and her husbands, bank cards, Australian licences and any related Uni coursework etc etc gets sent to my Australian address and I forward it from there.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stu ******
Yes thats a good option .👍Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Stuart *********
Hey mate, I am watching with interest, you have the same situation as myself, I have applied for the pension, but not finishing work until October, question: does Centrelink check your Thailand bank account?
Roderick *******
@Stuart ********
ATO has access to Thailand bank accounts if they want to to check anyoneSteve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
Hmmm , interesting question . I imagine not , but i would say they would be wanting to see all financials in Oz when applying for the OAP here. But i cant say for sure.Reply to
Steve ********
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