Food delivery apps orientation — Grab Food vs Foodpanda in Bangkok
Feb 5, 2026Thonglor · Experience date Mar 1, 2026
Grab Food: part of Grab app, largest selection, fast delivery, promotions for Grab members. Foodpanda: strong second choice, often cheaper, slightly different restaurant selection. Both apps require Thai phone number. Line MAN (Line app delivery service): popular for Thai restaurants, integrates into Line app. Cheapest street food in Bangkok doesn't deliver — Grab Food and Foodpanda cover mid-range and above. Getir entered Bangkok in 2023 for fast grocery delivery. For late night: Grab Food operates until 1–2am in most Bangkok areas.
Contributor: Tom Fletcher SIM card first — everything else depends on it
Feb 1, 2026On Nut · Experience date Mar 1, 2026
AIS tourist SIM from Suvarnabhumi arrivals or any 7-Eleven is your first task. Without a Thai phone number: cannot use Grab (need number for OTP), cannot order food delivery, cannot register for any Thai app, cannot be reached by landlord or employer. Prioritize this before immigration queues even. AIS tourist SIM 299 THB at the airport — just show passport. If arriving late at night at Suvarnabhumi: 7-Elevens inside the terminal area are open 24 hours and sell SIM cards.
90-day reporting — mandatory for Non-Immigrant visa holders
Jan 20, 2026Sukhumvit · Experience date Mar 21, 2026
If you're in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant visa (B, ED, O, or similar): you must report your address to immigration every 90 days. Do online at imm.immigration.go.th — takes 5 minutes with internet. Or in-person at Chaeng Watthana Immigration office (northwest Bangkok, open weekdays). Fine for missing 90-day report: 2,000–5,000 THB. The online system opens from 15 days before the due date and closes 7 days after — use the 5-day window before the due date as your target. Set a phone reminder on day 1.
Contributor: Anna Kowalski Pharmacy (ร้านขายยา) in Bangkok — Boots vs Watsons vs local
Jan 19, 2026Sathorn · Experience date Nov 22, 2025
Bangkok pharmacy options: Boots and Watsons are international chains with English labels, found in every mall and major shopping area. Slightly higher prices but familiar brands. Local pharmacies (ร้านขายยา, red cross sign): cheaper, and pharmacists speak limited but serviceable English. Antibiotics available over the counter at many local pharmacies (unlike EU/US). Thai pharmacists are willing to diagnose minor ailments — bring a photo of your symptoms if communication is an issue. Prescription drugs: available with prescription from any Thai doctor. 24-hour pharmacy: Boots in major malls and local pharmacies near hospitals.
Finding community in week one — expat groups and meetups
Jan 9, 2026Thonglor · Experience date Mar 1, 2026
Bangkok has a massive expat community — finding your tribe is easy. Facebook groups: Bangkok Expats (100k+ members), specific nationality groups (American Expats in Bangkok, British Expats Bangkok), Digital Nomads Bangkok. Internations Bangkok: monthly social events, pay-to-attend (600–800 THB), good quality networking. Reddit: r/Thailand and r/ThailandTourism are active communities. Meetup.com: weekly language exchanges, running groups, photography meetups. Saturdays at Chatuchak Weekend Market or Sunday brunches in Thonglor are organic social opportunities.
Contributor: Tom Fletcher Banking alternatives for week one — Wise card strategy
Dec 11, 2025Silom · Experience date Nov 11, 2025
While waiting to open a Thai bank account: Wise Debit Card is your best friend. Order a Wise card before arriving in Thailand. Load USD, EUR, or GBP to your Wise account. Convert to THB at mid-market rate within Wise. Withdraw from Thai ATMs — you still pay the 220 THB ATM fee but save on currency conversion (Wise gives mid-market rate vs bank's 2–4% spread). For amounts over 15,000 THB: even with the ATM fee, Wise saves money vs using your home bank's forex rate. Apply for Wise card at least 2 weeks before arrival — delivery takes 7–10 days.
Contributor: Lucas Mendes Cost of living reality shock — adjust expectations
Dec 2, 2025Sathorn · Experience date Feb 1, 2026
Bangkok is cheap by Western standards but not as cheap as people think for the lifestyle most expats actually live. Trap: eating at nice restaurants, frequent Grab rides, craft beer bars, and Western groceries at Gourmet Market adds up fast. Reality check: if you live like a local (street food, BTS pass, Thai convenience stores), 40,000 THB/month is very comfortable. If you live like a Western expat (Thonglor restaurants, imported wine, BTS + Grab), 80,000–120,000 THB/month is realistic. Bangkok rewards those who engage with Thai food and culture financially.
Contributor: Sophie Martin