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What should I prepare or do in the US before moving permanently to Thailand in 40 days?

Jul 21, 2024
2 years ago
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In forty days I am moving permanently to thailand is there anything I could be forgetting to do in america before I leave some help advice ? Would be great here thanks .all answers are welcome
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As you prepare for your permanent move to Thailand in 40 days, there are numerous considerations to keep in mind. Recommendations include obtaining an International Driver's License, preserving a US phone number for banking, setting up a reliable system for transferring money to Thailand, maintaining a US mailing address, and ensuring essential documents like your passport and driving license are ready. It's also wise to consider carrying essentials that may not be easily found in Thailand, including over-the-counter medications, specific food items, and other personal care products. Many expats suggest organizing your finances beforehand, such as acquiring a Charles Schwab debit card for fee-free ATM withdrawals and evaluating health insurance options. Additionally, securing your digital presence is crucial; setting up two-factor authentication for banking and other important accounts can help manage access when overseas.
Clint **********
Bring a second cell phone with ALL apps pre loaded. A friend in Thailand is not able to load certain apps such as banking, etc. i brought him a spare phone last year. Also most wire transfers are tied to US phone number.

Also spare credit and debit cards. If scammed, or lost, a real pain to replace.

Give someone you trust in the US a POA to conduct business for you. Many things can come up, possibly save you a trip back.
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Robert *****
Just bring some A-1 sauce …..555
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Edward ******
maybe i already said this. i have been here 20 years. i have developed a simple rule...0 - 50 -100. it means the first time you go to the gov or bank or whatever, if you follow directions, you have 0 chance of getting what you want. they will want more info. then when you return, you have a 50% chance. On the 3rd time it should be 100% but sometimes it takes 4 times. no anger. just realize things are never the way they tell you
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Timothy ******************
Don't burn ya bridges mate. It's deffo not what it's cracked up to be..

Land of Smiles 😃 na na... , but hey, I guess you're going to learn the hard way 🤔 ..
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Nicholas *******
Get a second Atm card for a different bank. Set up transfers between banks in case you lose Atm card or money machine eats it, or you lose it
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Nick *******
How can we tell what you are forgetting?
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ******
just wanted other's ideas or what they forgot to do
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Robert ********
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Clive *********
Switch the lights off and come enjoy
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John ****
Credit cards
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Steven *********
Lmao
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Edward ******
You must have a USA address you can count on. Nice to have USA bank acct that allows for international number.
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
do you know one
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Edward ******
maybe PNC. some people use Schwab but they can be very anal. you need $25k in there account. Maybe Fidelity has a service. just start calling banks. call the big international banks
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Edward ******
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Tobben ********
Yeah,bring your brain with you !
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Edward ******
@Tobben *******
that is dangerous. a brain vs no brains. hummm. the logic is quite different in Thailand. remember, your a foreigner. it is there country.
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Tobben ********
@Edward *****
I have lived there 3- 4 months during the winter in 22 years so I think I know what I need to know..
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Edward ******
Your in trouble...no one knows...555. i live my 0-50-100% rule. the first visit to gov or bank i have have 0% of getting it right. The next visit i have 50%. The 3rd is 100%. for me, this has been a great mind set to have. i know they will ask for more information so it does not bother me the first try.
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Edward ******
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Scott *******
Get a Charles Schwab debit card (no fees). Sign up for Travelling Mailbox so you'll have a US address. Park your US cell number at Number Barn so banks can verify you.
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Brandi ********
Scott Ogdenvery helpful! How does Number Barn work?
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Scott *******
@Brandi *******
go to their website and they'll explain the details. But basically once you cancel your US cellular plan, you transfer your phone number over to them and they "park" it. Meaning that your number is in your control and no one else can acquire it. You can't use it to make calls, but Number Barn will forward any texts you get on the number to your email account. Once you come back to the US and want to use it again, you sign up for a US cellular plan and have your number transferred to you new plan. It's nice to have your old number back and begin to use iMessage again.
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Scott *******
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Scott *******
Also, download the Talkatone app on your phone so you'll have free WiFi calling back to the US
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Edward ******
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Edward ******
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Frances ********
Good choice! Congratulations and good luck!
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David *********
Turn out the lights
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David ********
Get a Capital One 360 Checking Account. No fees for foreign transactions including ATM fees and there’s no currency exchange fee.

Get a travelers mailbox/address.

If you’re on Medicare figure out if you’re going to cancel part b.

If you’re going to purchase travel/medical insurance I highly recommend United Healthcare Safe Trip. Depending on what state you’re from you can get coverage for up to 6 months. This will give you plenty of time to find coverage in Thailand. After exhausting research I found their policies have superior coverage with lower premiums than everyone else and they pay directly to the healthcare providers. I have used the policy and it was great.
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Jeff ********
You're pretty naive if you think you can just up and move to Thailand "permanently." You must be in the country 3 years LEGALLY before you can be considered for a permanent residency.
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeff *******
permanently as is with retirement visa and 800k baht bank
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Robert ********
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Michael ********
Don't forget to turn the lights out when you leave mate
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Lyra *****
Socks
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Vijay *****
@Lyra ****
..for feet or?
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Vijay *****
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Tony **********
Decide what you want to do with health insurance. Get IDP, set up phone service for 2fa. Manage assets to be liquid. Hug your family.
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Harry *********
Yes make sure you bring your common sense with you . A surprising number of foreigners arriving in Thailand seem to leave their brain back home .
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Kenny **********
Early Vote for Trump/Vance.
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Tony *******
If you tall, clothes.

Food spices that you often use and you will miss at some time.

I brought dry ranch dressing, paste sauce, mexican spice packs, meatloaf seasoning and etc.

I love the food here, but sometimes miss flavors from home.

Deodorant, toothpaste, over the counter meds. and vitamins.

Sport shoes if you're athletic and have above size 10 feet.

Work out with you're bank how to do transaction at low cost and how to open and cancel accounts.
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Anthony *******
You're leaving the greatest country in the world. Before you reach thailand, don't have any expectations and see if you still want it.
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Marc *********
If you are a maga moron stay away.
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marc ********
politics is the last thing I care about..
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Marc *********
@Robert *******
yes sorry, this is

not a political forum.
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Marc *********
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Jim ********
@Marc ********
why would you care you come from a socialist country
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Marc *********
@Jim *******
I dont come from a socialist country but obviously you dont know what socialism is.
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Marc *********
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Eric ********
Make sure the stove is turned off.
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Mac *********
Maybe list what you have Done/Covered?
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mac ********
just trying to get other ideas than I thought of.. I have done alot of this already but I am learning a few more things
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Robert ********
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Adam *****
Get a Charles Schwab debit card if you ever need to withdraw cash, although you'll probably get a Thai bank account
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Michael *********
@Adam ****
oh yeah…. Second this recommendation. Has worked beautifully for me and saved me a lot of $.
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Michael *********
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Michael *********
Certified Copies of birth certificates in case passport ever gets stolen/lost….
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Jim ******
Check this out from the expat den team:
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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Eric **********
Just get a Skype number. Works for my US bank and Fidelity account. No issues with the IRS or Social Security.
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Brandi ********
@Eric *********
very helpful to know! Are you able to receive bank sign-in notifications via your Skype number?
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Terary **********
Did you open your Fidelity account before you came to Thailand or after?
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Eric **********
@Terary *********
Before. Kept a USA address too. If not there are some investments you can not own. Fidelity has been flawless and I sure appreciate the 24hr access. Something my boutique broker couldn’t offer!!
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Terary **********
@Eric *********
Thank you... I am afraid I may have to return only to create a honest mailing address... Bastards!!
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Terary **********
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Khaled ************
@Eric *********
can I get it while abroad?
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Eric **********
@Khaled ***********
That I do not know.
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Eric **********
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Fredrik ***********
Condoms!
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Vijay *****
@Fredrik **********
...cheaper in Thailand...
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Randy ******
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Randy ******
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Terary **********
Licorice is a must!

I am having a difficult time opening an investment bank account in the US from Thailand. If you do not have one already I would suggest you do that before you leave.

I use Google Voice to make/receive US calls. I would recommend you set-up something like that before you leave.

If you pay taxes in your current state I would recommend changing to a tax free state.

If you can renew your license before you leave that may be helpful, if you want to drive in any other countries. The International Driver's License is a myth and the International Driver's permit is not as helpful as some think it.

Thailand has no flat sheets so if you feel those are must, bring them with you.

I use a mail forwarding service which works pretty good most of the time (see investment bank account). I would recommend you set-up that before you come but it's not fully necessary.
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Randy ******
@Terary *********
About the state with no income tax: Don’t u need to reside for at least six months prior to establish residency?
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Terary **********
@Randy *****
I didn't need to. However, I did have to do some "questionable" paperwork. Every state is different in what they consider "residence", in most cases its a mailing address. I also registered to vote, got a driver's license, opened a bank account. The bank account was the most difficult because they wanted a real address (not my mailing service).
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Terary **********
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Shayne **********
Talk with
@American *****************************
and check if there's anything you should set up tax wise prior to leaving.
@https://www.facebook********************
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Jon **********
Vote for Donald Trump before you leave 🙂
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Robert *****
@Jon *********
I keep praying for Trump but he’s still alive…
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Alan ******
@Jon *********
definitely the most important to MAGA!
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Gordon *******
@Jon *********
Number 1 Priority!
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Jon **********
@Gordon ******
I’m not American but any man who was almost assassinated and fist pumps the air is a great leader in my opinion. Will be proud to have Donald Trump as the leader of the free world..
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Gordon *******
@Jon *********
Absolutely correct 💯
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Gordon *******
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Hathaway *************
Get banking verifications sent to email NOT text msg.
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Mike *********
Oh and bring a bottle of Blanton’s
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Ajané **********
Update your address/forward your mail before you go! I learned the hard way that sometimes they want you to come in person to show your ID.

Set up multiple two factor authentications on your important logins. That way if you don’t have access to your US number, you can still get in.

Make sure your cellphone is unlocked so you can get a SIM card

Go to AAA and get your international drivers permit. Takes like 30 minutes and only $20ish

Order new bank cards if any are expiring within the next year

Request medical records
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Linhof *********
Tapcon screws
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Jason *******
@Linhof ********
what about the duct tape and zip ties?
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Linhof *********
@Jason ******
tons of zip ties here. Good ones too. Lots of what looks like duct tape, but not sure quality. Doubtful there is aluminum foil duct tape
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Jason *******
@Linhof ********
you would think a zip tie is a zip tie and duct tape is duct tape but quality matters.
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Linhof *********
@Jason ******
they have zip ties here that are removable. Never seen back home. Not sure about stainless zip ties, haven't seen any here yet
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Linhof *********
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Pierre ********
A tile floor steamer..shark brand.less than 100 dollars in us.a. lmppssible to buy anything like it for under 250 here in Thailand. Every body has tile floors here
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Pierre ********
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Linhof ********
what are these used for
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Linhof *********
@Robert *******
I brought my own paint brushes 😂
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Linhof ********
I have some new paint brushes packed my self ..lol
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Linhof *********
@Robert *******
smart. Purdy?
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Linhof *********
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Linhof *********
@Robert *******
concrete screws. They don't have them here.
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Linhof *********
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Marty *********
Yes, what have you done?

My immediate thoughts

1. Make sure you have a reliable means of transferring money to Thailand. Note that not all banks will accept voice over internet phone numbers

2. Passport, drivers license, and credit cards should have expiration dates as far out as you can. 1 year minimum.

3. 2 credit cards from two banks to back each other up

4. 6 months of essentials until you can figure out where to buy what you need. Essentials could be medications or large clothing sizes or stick deodorant or your favorite toothpaste. You can buy almost anything here or online but it may take a while to find out where.

5. Bring some cash to get started. I brought $10,000 long ago. All the currency notes must be new or pristine condition or you will have trouble exchanging them.

6. Bring originals of marriage certificates or divorce documents.

7. I did not need an international drivers license to get my Thai drivers license but many people recommend it. It might be something to look into.

8. It can be helpful to maintain a US address. Use a family members address or a friend. Last resort you can try a mail forwarding service.

9. Unlock your cell phone. I have kept my AT&T international calling plan for 7 years now. I’m glad I did.

In the end you don't have to bring many material possessions. I and many people arrive with just a couple of suitcases of stuff.
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
yes I did alot of this on my last visit I set up phone and banking thank. For the ideas
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Robert ********
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Michael *******
IDP very important if you plan to drive here, makes application for local driving license easier, you can use your US driving license for 3 months after arrival after which you are not legal.
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Craig ********
get an international drivers permit so that you can go directly to a Thai drivers license without taking the tests
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Sasi ************
@Craig *******
No needed. Read my above comment.
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Jon ********
@Craig *******
you can’t do that with an American license. I had to to go through a lot to do it. I suggest get an international drivers license and use an agent like Mots to get through Thai license. I think it’s like 3,000 baht.
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Sasi ************
@Jon *******
Yes you can. I did mine with normal fees of a couple hundred THB. No test whatsoever, just the eye test, that’s all.
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Henrik *****
The eyetest can be a hurdle, if you’re colorblind, for some crazy reason you can’t get a Thai drivers license if you are colorblind.

In my country I’m even licensed to drive emergency vehicles ( Fire and Police ), but can not get a motorcycle license in Thailand.
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Jon ********
@Sasi ***********
it depends on the province. You cannot do that it Khon Kaen where I did it.
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Sasi ************
@Jon *******
I did mine in Udonthani. Got 10 years Thai DL.
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Jon ********
@Sasi ***********
I was not aware driver’s license were more than 5 years.
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Jon ********
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Todd *********
If you have time, I would move the flight up by about 39 days, but that’s it. Bring passport. The rest can be sorted out here
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Ron ********
@Todd ********
Uhhhhh, no. Many things cannot be sorted out here.
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Todd *********
@Ron *******
ummm yes, they can. People just don’t know how. I wasn’t guessing. I arrived 4 years ago with a suitcase. And no pre-arrangements. But the perpetual planning crowd will endlessly run around in circles instead of just getting on with life. God love em. Funny to watch
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Ron ********
@Todd ********
Yes, person CAN live here by just wondering the F in with a passport. I mean, its not a matter of life and death, but there ARE matters that can only be taken care of in the States. Just because you are oblivious to them, or do not care, or do not care to know, that does not mean they do not exist. Comprende'? Blocking on. Life is too short for stupid shit and stupid oblivious people.
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Amy *********
@R**
- 💯
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Neil *******
@Ron *******
give examples
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Amy *********
@Ne**
- This post is full of examples.
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Neil *******
@Amy ********
2 cents is always nice…
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Neil *******
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Wayne ******
Get out of there
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne *****
most definitely
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Robert ********
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John ********
Get an international drivers licence prior to leaving, and don't forget your US licence. Open a Thai bank account to transfer your funds to and use the Thai ATM card here. With the right visa seek out a yellow card, and get a pink Thai identity card, along with a Thai drivers licence.

Some of these will take some time after arriving, but worthwhile when you stay long term.
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Sasi ************
@John *******
USA driver license is sufficient to get a Thai driver license, no need of international one. Took my US’s to the Land transportation department and got my 10 years Thai’s . No written just a 45 mins video watching and eyesight test.
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Max **********
@Sasi ***********
I recently received my Thai driver’s licence I needed international driver’s, was the first thing they asked for and never looked at my licence.
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Jon ********
@Sasi ***********
Thai drivers licenses are valid for 5 years, not 10.
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John ********
Don't bring too many possessions. Clothes and important papers and personal keepsakes.
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John ********
@Sasi ***********
Before you obtain a Thai licence, foreigners are required to have both licences to legally drive in Thailand.

Having both also makes it much easier to obtain a Thai licence. It's a small cost to make life easier...have an accident, no intetnational licence, no insurance
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Marty *********
@John *******
I also got both my Thai drivers licenses, car & motorbike, just using my California drivers license. Get an international license before you come here but no one has ask me about it. I didn’t know they existed before I got here.
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Marty *********
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Tom *********
@John *******
No need to "seek out a yellow card, and get a pink Thai identity card" - lived here 20 years and never ever required either for anything.
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John ********
@Tom ********
not requested much, I know, but useful for many reasons.
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John ********
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Jon ********
Maintaining a USA address and a USA phone # is a good idea for credit cards and banking
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Scott *******
@Jon *******
who is your cel phone carrier?
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Scott *******
@Jon *******
ais allows you to keep your US phone number?
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Jon ********
@Scott ******
no, it is a Thai carrier
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Jon ********
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Jon ********
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Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jon *******
so is mine
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Robert ********
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Luan ********
A us phone number, for us banking texts.
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Brian *********
Pretty wide open query chief. 🤪

1 visa

2 money

3 proper US addresses to keep creditors and the like from shutting down accounts.

Something not always seen is atm use in Thailand accumulates quite a bit. I would suggest having an account like Charles Schwab that refunds atm fees and works everywhere. Right now the fee is ~$6 per transaction. So, that adds up. 👍
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Jason ********
@Brian ********
number 3 the most important

That and make sure you have wills, powers of attorney and a lawyer and cpa.

Copies of your medical records as well.
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Vijay *****
@Brian ********
..Fidelity and some other banks refund ATM fee..
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Vijay *****
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Mike *********
Get a Google voice number and associate it with your US mobile number. This can’t be done once you leave the US.

If you are a fan of US tv shows then get a FireStick or similar device and use VPN service once you get here.
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Craig ******
@Mike ********
any alternatives to Google Voice Number ? It’s not accessible in the UK and this has cost me lots of money in the past when turning on my UK sim in Thailand to authenticate
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Tim ******
@Craig *****
Get a GiffGaff SIM on PAYG, just use it once every 6 months and you can keep the number.
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Mike *********
@Craig *****
check Tossable Digits
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Mike *********
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Jon ********
You will need a lease agreement to get a Thai bank account. Go to your USA bank and inquire about SWIFT wire transfers and have that set up before you relocate
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Jon ********
@Mike ********
if talking about a Google VoIP #? I got one a year ago and i did it from Thailand.
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Mike *********
@Jon *******
I guess they changed the process but that’s good check box already marked off.
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Jon ********
@Mike ********
I think we are talking about 2 different things. My VOIP is not associated with my mobile phone but it is a USA number
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Jon ********
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Eric **********
Hi, I’ve been here two Years from USA.. what have you already done.
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Eric **********
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