Moving Overseas from Adelaide to Bangkok: Your Comprehensive Relocation Guide

What’s stopping you from moving overseas from Adelaide to Bangkok? Is it the language barrier, finding accommodation in Bangkok, or understanding the complexities of international logistics? 

Bangkok is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and rapidly growing expat community. In fact, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, welcoming more than 21 million tourists annually. Most people are drawn to Bangkok for its affordable cost of living, economic opportunities, and the multitude of activities one can do the whole year round. As you get ready to make the move from Adelaide to Bangkok, remember that moving internationally comes with a unique set of challenges. 

Aside from securing a place you can call home and getting acclimated to a new environment, there are visa requirements you need to meet and permits you need to secure to ensure your items don’t get flagged by customs. 

In this blog, we’ll cover essential Bangkok relocation tips you need to know regardless of whether you’re moving for work, education, or seeking a fresh start. You’ll also learn about the must-see places in Bangkok, visa requirements, and an in-depth comparison of the cost of living between the two cities.

Navigating the Legal and Visa Requirements for Moving to Bangkok, Thailand

The visa requirements for moving to Bangkok are identical to the requirements of relocating to any city in Thailand. It’s important to understand the different visas you can apply for, the application process, and the requirements you need to secure a smooth entry into Bangkok. 

Visa types

In Thailand, there are three main visas you can apply for: tourist, non-immigrant, and Thai Elite.

If you’re looking at visiting Bangkok for vacation, a tourist visa will suffice, permitting you to stay in Bangkok for 30 days. Tourists who apply under visa exemption are eligible to extend their stay by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office before the initial expiry date and then paying an extra fee for a longer stay. If you’re considering permanent relocation, a Thai Elite visa should be the best way to go. The validity can last anywhere between 5, 10, or 20 years and there’s no need to go in and out of the country every 30 days. 

For other purposes (business, education, or retirement) you’ll need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. There are four different codes depending on your purpose. The validity is typically around 90 days but it is extendable to a year depending on the situation. For business purposes, you’ll be given a non-immigrant B visa. Retirees and those with Thai spouses will be assigned a non-immigrant O visa. While students moving overseas from say, Adelaide to Bangkok are given a non-immigrant ED visa. 

Necessary visa documents

Once you’ve determined the type of visa you’re applying for, the next step is to secure the necessary requirements. While this can vary depending on your purpose, the basic requirements include:

• Passport with at least six months validity 

• Completed visa application form

• Passport-sized photos

• Proof of accommodation and financial means

* The list could be outdated by the time you’ve read this article. For an updated list of requirements, be sure to check the Thai Embassy website. 

How Different Is the Cost of Living Between Bangkok Vs. Adelaide?

While both Adelaide and Bangkok offer a unique lifestyle and first-class amenities, the money one needs to spend for similar housing, food, and other daily needs is a totally different story. Most people claim that Bangkok offers a more inexpensive cost of living compared to Adelaide, but by how much? Here’s the cost comparison of moving overseas to Bangkok from Adelaide.

Housing

Accommodation is one of the first things you need to find before moving to a different location. The good news is that the Bangkok housing market for expats is more affordable than in Adelaide.

For housing options, let’s assume you’re interested in renting a one-bedroom apartment. If you want to live in Bangkok’s city centre, the cost can range from AUD 760 to AUD 1400, depending on the amenities offered and the type of furniture and appliances that come with the place. However, if you want to live outside the bustling areas, you can find a decent one-bedroom for around AUD 450 to AUD 900. 

In Adelaide, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city can cost between AUD 1500 to AUD 2100 while an apartment outside the city centre can range around AUD 1000 to AUD 1200.

Transportation

In terms of the different ways you can get from point A to point B, public transit in Bangkok offers more options than in Adelaide. In Bangkok, you have buses, the BTS Skytrain, the MRT Subway, the Airport rail link, river taxis, tuk-tuks, and motor taxis. 

For the differences in price, let’s start with Adelaide. Aside from offering a free tram zone within the city centre, all public transport systems follow a flat fee system (no matter the distance). The cost will only fluctuate during your time of travel. If you travel before 9:00 AM and after 3:00 PM, on Monday to Friday or the whole day of Saturday, (Adelaide’s peak hours) you can expect to pay a fare of AUD 4.25 to AUD 6.20. Outside of those hours, the rates can go from AUD 2.40 to AUD 4.20. 

The transportation options in Bangkok are more dependent on the distance travelled. The cost for a one way ride on the Skytrain as per Tripsavvy costs AUD .77 to AUD 2.50. If you want to ride the subway, the cost will be dependent on the number of transfers you’ll need to make. On average, it can cost between AUD .60 to AUD 30.

Food

Now that the accommodation and the cost of public transport are out of the way, it’s time to compare how much you’ll need to allocate each month for groceries. 

In Bangkok, basic items like rice, vegetables, and meat are quite affordable. On average, a typical monthly grocery bill for one person costs AUD 367 to AUD 450. For Adelaide, groceries good for one person cost on average AUD 600. 

While there is a significant discrepancy in the cost of living between the two cities, knowing how to budget your money effectively will still be the most important factor. To allocate your funds properly when you arrive in Bangkok, here’s what you can do:

Allocate around AUD 600 to AUD 900 a month for rent if you prefer living in the city centre. If you choose to live outside the city centre, budget between AUD 300 to AUD 600. However, the housing costs don’t stop there. Be sure to also set aside around AUD 80 a month for utilities.

Next is transportation. While this can vary depending on where you need to travel to each month, having a monthly budget of around AUD 70 should suffice. Lastly, for groceries you should be able to get by with a monthly budget of AUD 400.  

By carefully planning and understanding the differences in the cost of living between the two cities, you can ensure a smooth start to a new chapter of your life in Bangkok. 

Bangkok Relocation Tips for a Stress-Free Move.

Moving overseas is totally different compared to moving to an apartment across the street or interstate. There are a lot of things you need to consider in a small amount of time and all it takes is one wrong move for everything to fall apart. 

To streamline your move to another country, you need to carefully plan and identify various factors that can impact your move as the move-in date gets closer. Here are four of them:

1. Hire professional moving experts

The thought of moving overseas from Adelaide to Bangkok is already stressful. Even if you’ve asked friends for help, research different packing tips for moving to Bangkok, and dedicated an entire weekend to packing your valuable materials, an efficient relocation will be difficult when you still have to keep up with your other responsibilities. 

By hiring an overseas removalist like Chess Moving, you can rest assured that your items will arrive at their desired location in pristine condition. The difference between a normal individual and a professional mover comes down to the equipment and expertise. Chess Moving has the experience of packing and transporting items of different sizes efficiently, saving you time and even savings in your wallet by avoiding the possibility of physical injury from carrying heavy items. 

Moving past the logistics and packing processes, a reputable moving expert will also provide additional services to ensure your needs are always met. If you’re worried items will arrive damaged during transit, you can always inquire about possible insurance options. Say you have an item that doesn’t fit your future living space but you find that it can still be useful in the near future, you can also avail of flexible storage options that will keep your items secure and accessible. 

2. Plan your finances

Financial planning is crucial when relocating to a new country. Now that you have an idea of how much you’ll roughly spend each month in Bangkok (discussed in the previous section above), this tip shouldn’t be that hard to comply with. As an added financial planning tip in Bangkok, open a local bank account. This way, you can have immediate access to your funds and save money by avoiding higher currency exchange fees.  

3. Learn about the local culture

Culture shock is one of the most common things people experience when they move to a different country. To cope, it’s important that you learn the local culture before your international move. And while English is the second most used language in Bangkok, learning basic Thai phrases can help you communicate more effectively with other locals. 

Familiarise yourself with Thai customs and etiquette before you move. Different cultures have unique customs, norms, and values. Lack of knowledge can lead to misunderstandings.

4. Arrange accommodation in advance

If you’re worried about investing money in a place long term that you haven’t seen up close, book an Airbnb or hotel for a few days. The most important part is that upon your arrival, you’ll have a place to stay. 

As your trip to Bangkok gets closer, it’s important that you do your research on different neighbourhoods in Bangkok to find one that suits your lifestyle and budget. To narrow down your options,  consider its proximity to your office or school, accessibility to public transportation, and amenities. This way, you’ll have a few options lined up and have your packed items shipped immediately once you find a place you like. But before you officially move in, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. The laws and requirements in Bangkok might be different from the prototypical rental agreements in Adelaide.  

Places You Need to Visit Once You Touchdown in Bangkok

One thing you should know about Bangkok is that it’s a city of contrasts. On one corner you’ll find old temples while the next corner will show you modern skyscrapers. This bustling metropolis offers a unique experience catered to different lifestyles. For you to fully embrace what it’s like to live in Bangkok, here’s a short list of the famous tourist attractions you need to visit.

1. The Grand Palace

This is undoubtedly one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1782, it served as the residence of the King of Thailand for generations and is a stunning example of Thai architecture. When you explore the palace complex, you’ll also find Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is home to a revered Emerald Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade.

2. Wat Arun  

Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples. It's perfectly situated in a spot that offers the best views of the Chao Phraya River and provides a glimpse into Thai religious and cultural heritage. The temple is particularly more beautiful to visit at sunset when the light reflects off its surface.

3. Chao Phraya River

Visiting the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok offers a unique view of what Bangkok has to offer.  A boat ride along the river provides stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the bustling riverside markets. 

4. Wat Pho  

Situated adjacent to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is a prime tourist destination for being the home of the famous Reclining Buddha, a colossal figure that is 46 metres in length. If you’re one who enjoys getting a massage, this temple also houses a renowned massage school where you can enjoy a traditional and authentic Thai massage.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

If iconic temples don’t catch your eye, a one-of-a-kind shopping experience should do the trick. The Chatuchak Weekend Market has over 15,000 stalls and is one of the largest in the world. You can find everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and antiques. It's a great place to visit if you want to experience Bangkok’s local shopping culture.

If you’re looking for more high end shopping centres, you can’t go wrong with Siam Paragon and CentralWorld.

6. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market offers a unique cultural experience in Bangkok, showcasing traditional Thai commerce on vibrant waterways. You'll witness colourful boats filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handcrafted goods all sold by vendors paddling through narrow canals. 

The market captures the charm of old-world Thailand, providing an authentic glimpse into local life and an opportunity to taste and purchase unique items in a unique setting.

Why Chess Moving Is Your Best Choice for an Efficient Move to Bangkok

When it comes to saving money on an efficient relocation from Adelaide to Bangkok, Chess Moving can significantly ease the process. As a locally owned business since 1887 that boasts a myriad of licences and certifications, we have a proven track record of delivering seamless and cost-effective relocation solutions. However, that’s not the only reason why you should choose us.

Comprehensive and customisable services

We aim to be an all-in-one solution for your moving needs. That said, we offer a full range of services to make sure you have peace of mind and get more time to focus on other aspects of your move. Our basic services include packing, transportation, storage, and unpacking services. 

We invest in only high-quality materials and equipment while at the same time providing our staff with the necessary training to minimise the risk of damage during transit. Of course, we understand that during this process, things won’t always go according to plan. We offer the assurance that you’ll always be financially protected by offering insurance options on different items. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past 100 years, it’s that every move is unique.

At Chess Moving, we’re more than willing to tailor our services to meet the specific requirements of all our customers. Whether you need assistance with moving furniture, pets, or simply need help cleaning your old home for a smooth transition with your landlord or future tenant, we provide solutions that will fit your needs and budget.

Global network

Sure, moving specialists can take care of all the packing, loading of your items, and securing necessary permits in an international move, but most of their services end there. While we don’t have a dedicated office in Bangkok, we are part of a global network of reputable moving partners. This allows us to coordinate and manage your move seamlessly all the way from Adelaide, ensuring smooth communication and efficient handling of your belongings at every stage.

Customer support

If there’s one area that sets us apart, it’s our customer service. From the moment you give us a call to inquire about our services, you’ll be greeted by someone who takes the time to understand your needs and provide different solutions to solve them. Our aim is to not only help you move but to make lifelong connections.