There are many reasons why moving to Thailand is a great decision. Pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and the excellent Thai hospitality are just some of them. For those who are already sold on the idea of moving to Thailand, here is a list of ten essentials you should definitely take with you.
1. Important paperwork
You may require your original documents when applying for visas, work permits and driving licenses. Many offices in Thailand insist on original paperwork, so you will need things like your passport, social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate and certificates of your qualifications if you’re planning to work in Thailand. Also essential are bank account numbers and passwords. Having a sufficient amount of money, including some in the local currency, is also necessary.If you are carrying travellers’ checks or ATM cards, keep them in your carry on bag.
2. Health insurance policy
Thailand does not have any government sponsored medical schemes that provide medical treatment to those who are not citizens. Health insurance may be included in your employment contract, as is the case with many expats working in the country. Expats can also avail themselves of private health insurance. Remember to check and carry along your private health insurance policy. If you are taking medications for any condition, pack your prescriptions so you can get them filled when needed. A copy of your medical history is also useful.
3. Shoes
Shoes are surprisingly quite expensive in Thailand. It is also going to be difficult to find larger sized footwear here. If you do manage to find bigger sizes, they are likely to be almost three times more expensive than they might be in your home country. It’s a good idea to take as many pairs as you can fit while packing. Remember that shoes tend to wear out quickly in Thailand especially if you plan to do a lot of walking. If you’re not sure you have the room, remember that jackets and sweaters are not really required in Thailand and carrying those along may just take up extra space.
4. Electronics
Electronics may not be so inexpensive as you think and if you already have some of these electronics at home, then might as well bring them along: mobile phone (make sure it is unlocked or you may not be able to use it abroad), tablet computer, mp3 player, e-book reader, laptop along with external drive and mouse, camera, video recording equipment, hair dryer/curling iron/straightener, plug adaptor and converter, usb drive, memory card, chargers, batteries etc. It is possible to charge your laptop or mobile phone without a converter, but electric razors and hair dryers require one. If you don’t want to carry along grooming equipment, you can check out the outdoor markets in Thailand for some inexpensive options.
5. Toiletries
You might want to carry along some of your favorite toiletries if you’re not sure you will get the same brands in Thailand. These could include toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, shaving cream, body lotion, sunscreen, soap, shampoo, conditioner etc. One item that will come very much in handy in Thailand is deodorant. The weather is generally hot and humid and if you’re not used to such a climate, you are going to sweat a lot!
Here’s a list of five other essentials that may be useful once you’re in Thailand.
1. Spices – You may or may not be able to find your favorite spices, so it’s better to pack some for use when you are feeling particularly homesick.
2. Towels – These will come in handy mostly during the first few days when you’re just getting settled.
3. Laundry drying line – It may get too hot to use a dryer.
4. A small backpack – Useful when going shopping.
5. Laundry bag – Get a collapsible one for a better alternative than using plastic bags.
They don’t really constitute essentials, but if you have some extra space you may want to take along some gifts from your home country. You are bound to be meeting a lot of new people and giving away something special from home is always a nice gesture.