Services
Settling in is more than finding a home
A good home is the start. Once you’ve moved in you’ll need a doctor, insurance, a way to get around and a few people you can trust. Here is what to know, and I’m always happy to point you to the people I would use myself.
Hospitals in Bangkok
These international-standard hospitals are close to the neighbourhoods most expats choose. All have English-speaking doctors and international patient teams.
Bumrungrad International Hospital
Sukhumvit Soi 3, near BTS Nana
Large international hospital with a big expat patient base.
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
Sukhumvit Soi 49, between Phrom Phong and Thong Lo
Popular with families, with a well-known children’s hospital.
BNH Hospital
Convent Road, near BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom
A smaller, long-established hospital in the Silom area.
Bangkok Hospital
Soi Soonvijai, New Phetchaburi Road
The flagship of a large hospital network, close to Asok and Phetchaburi.
For emergencies call 1669 (ambulance) or go to your nearest hospital. Check that your insurance is accepted before a planned visit.
Health and travel insurance
Private hospitals in Bangkok are excellent but not cheap, so most expats take out health insurance.
- Compare international plans with Thai plans: Thai plans are usually cheaper, international ones cover treatment abroad too.
- Ask about pre-existing conditions, waiting periods and any yearly limit.
- Check which hospitals offer direct billing, so you don’t have to pay up front.
- Some long-stay visas ask for proof of health cover, so check before you buy.
Home contents and car insurance
Your landlord’s policy covers the building, not your belongings.
- Contents insurance for a condo is inexpensive and worth having.
- For cars, first-class (Class 1) insurance covers the most. Cheaper classes leave gaps.
- Keep your policy and the claims number in your phone.
Car and motorbike rental
Many people in central Bangkok get by happily on the BTS, MRT and taxis, and rent a car only for weekends and trips out of town.
- Monthly and long-term car rental is usually much cheaper per day than short rental.
- You need a valid licence and, for most visitors, an International Driving Permit. A foreign licence alone is not enough.
- Ask what insurance is included and what the excess is before you sign.
- Take photos of the car or bike at pick-up, and check parking at your building first.
Utilities, internet and phone
Setting up electricity, water, fibre internet and a Thai SIM is easy, once you know who to call.
- Ask whether electricity and water are billed at the government rate or the building’s own rate. It can differ.
- Fibre internet is fast and cheap, and often ready within a few days.
- A Thai SIM card needs your passport, and tourist SIMs are the quickest way to start.
Schools and childcare
Bangkok has a wide choice of international schools, and the right one often decides where you should live.
- Visit the schools you like, and ask about waiting lists as early as possible.
- Look at the bus routes. Where the school bus stops can make or break a neighbourhood.
- I can show you homes close to the main international schools.
Banking and sending money
Opening a Thai bank account as a foreigner is possible, but each branch has its own paperwork rules.
- Banks usually want your passport, visa and proof of address. Your rental contract helps here.
- Some branches also ask for a work permit or a letter from your employer.
- For sending money home, compare the bank’s rate with the specialist transfer services.
Moving, cleaning and pest control
From the day you arrive, a few good local contacts save a lot of trouble.
- Ask your landlord what is included, including pest control. I explain what is usually covered in my article on pest control.
- Book movers and cleaners in advance at the end of the month, when everyone is moving.
- Get a written quote and agree the price before the job starts.
Legal, tax and accounting
A good lawyer or accountant is worth it when you buy property, set up a company or sign a long lease.
- Always have a lawyer check a purchase contract, and read the lease before you sign it.
- Foreigners can own a condo unit within the 49% foreign quota, but can’t own land directly.
- If you earn money from abroad, ask about Thai tax rules before you settle in.
Read more in my guides: pest control, motorcycle taxis and the ABC of accommodation.
Need someone you can trust?
Tell me what you’re looking for, whether it’s a clinic near your new home, an insurance broker or a car rental, and I’ll recommend someone.
This page is general information only and is not professional advice. Services and rules change, so please confirm details with the provider.