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What steps should you take to move from the United States to Thailand?
Visa RequirementsMoving AbroadLiving in ThailandExpat LifeThailand ImmigrationTeaching English in ThailandPacking TipsMail Forwarding ServicesFinancial Preparation
Mar 27, 2026
a month ago
Alee **********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhats steps did anyone take to move from the united states to Thailand?
TLDR : Answer Summary
To move from the United States to Thailand, individuals typically begin by securing the appropriate visa that aligns with their purpose for being in Thailand. This could involve applying for a retirement visa, work visa, or educational visa depending on their situation. Preparing for the move involves practical steps such as decluttering possessions, arranging for a mail forwarding service, and ensuring access to funds through appropriate banking options like an investor account. Many expats recommend packing lightly, bringing essential items in just a couple of suitcases, and making arrangements for temporary accommodation upon arrival. Additionally, maintaining a U.S. phone number can be beneficial, and it's advised to keep essential accounts active. Finally, some newcomers consider teaching English as a means to settle in and explore their new environment.
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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Chris ******
Great more of you…. Ugh
Bernie ********
Usa Passport, apply for DTV,
Sell everything no storage fee are more than your stuff is worth. 2 suit cases.
Make sure you have funds to support your self most importantly. Keep all accounts open including phone lines emails banks etc. Then make the move to paradise with no more winters! Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your head is in the right direction just one thing at a time now.
Sell everything no storage fee are more than your stuff is worth. 2 suit cases.
Make sure you have funds to support your self most importantly. Keep all accounts open including phone lines emails banks etc. Then make the move to paradise with no more winters! Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your head is in the right direction just one thing at a time now.
Michael ******************
Since I am not at retirement age yet. I am starting by teaching English aborad starting in Thailand. Great way to explore teh country or countries and find the spot to settle down when it is right.
Matt ********
Bought warm weather clothing, packed suitcase, carry on and backpack, and caught a flight
Aaron *****
I was already living and working in Asia so I just sold my house and everything in it. Set up a mail forwarding service, researched and got the right visa, quit my job and here I am almost 2 years later.
Tam ********
What kind of visa?
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Tam ********
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Sina ***********
I booked a flight, had a visa, booked a hotel for 3 days, dropped my cars and stuff at my parents, and left thinking ill figure it out later lol.
Tam ********
How long have you been there
Sina ***********
Yr
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Sina ***********
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Andrew ********
Towards an airport
Peter ********
Be careful where you put your things for storage. Once I moved my facility kept raising the fees. like every 3 or 4 months. (It's a common practice in the industry)
Scooter *****
But a plane ✈️ ticket get on plane land in Thailand
Wannikea *********
Fast ones
Derek ***********
Get rid of your stuff and leave with two suitcases and 90 days supply of prescription medication and installed Google voice on my devices before I left the US.
Crystal ********
@Derek **********
did you have trouble getting scripts once you were a Thailand resident?Derek ***********
@Crystal *******
I'm not a Thai resident but I was about to eventually obtain the LTR visa but technically I'm still not a resident of ThailandCrystal ********
@Derek **********
thank you! We are planning to move soon and that’s one of the few things I’ve really had trouble finding much information aboutReply to
Crystal ********
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Cui ******
My apartment has a grandfather in his 90s from California.He's been living here ever since I got to Thailand😁😁😁It should be a pension visa.It's relatively easier to do anything with an American passport
Erik ******
1. Open an investor checking account with Charles Schwab. ATM fees are relatively high in Thailand, but Schwab automatically refunds them at the end of the month.
2. Port your cell # to Google Voice (can't do it once you're in Thailand).
3. Set up a mail forwarding account. We use iPostal1, but there are several others. They will open, scan, and forward or shred your mail, and can also be set up to deposit paper checks to an account you specify.
2. Port your cell # to Google Voice (can't do it once you're in Thailand).
3. Set up a mail forwarding account. We use iPostal1, but there are several others. They will open, scan, and forward or shred your mail, and can also be set up to deposit paper checks to an account you specify.
William ********
@Erik *****
I only did step one but will be stateside for a brief visit in a few months. What does Google Voice do?Mark *******
@Erik *****
why did you port your cell #? US number will work in Thailand as long as you are connected to WiFI and enable Calls over Internet. You will be able to get your texts too.Bobette ***********
@Erik *****
Thanks for sharing, it's greatly appreciatedDan *******
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Dan *******
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Anonymous ******************
First step is the correct visa with the correct purpose for your visit
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Anonymous ******************
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