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Here an advice on speaking Thai from me, a Thai guy. Stop worrying about tones. A lot of people gave up because the ideas of "if you use the wrong tone, you'll said the wrong thing." You'll see this "tone is important" "You HAVE TO use the right tone or else" repeated in pretty much every single Thai language class/tutorial. We CAN understand what you're saying from context. How do you think we can understand our own songs if every words must be pronounced with specific tone only?

Try getting into Thailand right now without a hotel booking. Good luck with that. I had to supply proof of accomodation to get a sixty day visa. And the Thailand pass requires proof of a week's hotel booking.

And if you do decide to sign a long term lease do it in low season not high season the last thing you want to do is lock in a year of high season rent which in some cases can be almost double.

If you just go for vacation, definetly get a local traveller SIM card there for unlimited data. In some hotels the wifi is so bad, using your phone as a hotspot is much faster and reliable.

A 12 month lease in CM with burning season 😂 the ultimate rookie mistake.

Deffo book a hotel for when you first arrive for one night or 2, esp if you are landing later in the day or at night.

Some things change over time, some don't. It's 10 yr since i visited so video's like this help you get clued up if you are planning to return. Always hired a motor bike in Thailand to explore, never bothered with international licences before so that's changed. Always did my own visa's so that's the same.

I usually bring over £2500-3000 in £50 notes and just use the money exchange booths..

Good to see you're back on track) I'd always book a month or two via Airbnb and I never had to sign any rental agreement and mostly no deposit, while prices are much lower compared to booking a hotel room and much more privacy compared to a hotel. I never got a 1-year visa (just 60 days), but, the Thai Boxing gym I've been visiting, did offer a 1-year education visa, which, I guess, many other businesses do also offer.

Thank you ! Standing out again from the other youtubers with some really helpful advice. I'll be moving to Chiang Mai in February and apply for a student Visa (studying the language). Cheers Brett !

I've been here for 18 years and married to a Thai but don't really have many friends as I only go for a beer about once every 2 weeks but sometimes I meet people who have only just come here to live and try to dictate to me about what to do and not to do and end up getting in trouble for doing something stupid. You are right about acquaintances and not friends.

3rd day in Thailand. this place is fucking mind blowing, glad I came. Don't want to return back to the US

I use Bolt to get around. Way safer then a motorbike and very cheap.

I think it's very handy to learn the thai numerical language, especially if your in the sticks paying for food and shit

Great Advice spot on been living in hotels for 4 weeks moved into a brand new condo today works out at £13 a day including electricity and water and free internet still wondering what the catch is LOL pay that for my electricity alone back in the UK

I always prebook my hotel in my many trips to Thailand, but that is because I prefere one particular hotel as a base, then travel around from there. I love this place, and it is always fully booked in the high seasons (may be not now :)

Hey Brett you say come with an empty suite case, but someone who's 6'4 and size 11 feet won't find clothes easy! :)

If you are an older gent coming to Thailand, don’t go to a bar to get a girlfriend and don’t get a girlfriend in the first 3 months you live in Thailand. It’s almost a given that she will just be messing you around. I had friends who were really sincere, decent and (unfortunately) gullible men who received so much emotional abuse from their new girlfriend.

Super advice! So much good stuff for a visitor in a short time. Well done you.

One thing different about Tesco Thailand to Tesco UK is iv never seen pink eggs or chicken feet in any UK Tesco.

Well, technically yes, you don’t have to being sunscreen, but it is much more expensive their…lol. And as for getting your own transport, I totally agree. In Bangkok, yah, I agree the public transport is sufficient and wouldn’t recommend a first time rider try riding/driving in Bangkok. But especially if you go to the islands, renting a motorbike is essential to actually experience the island, or you will spend a lot of money trying to get places.

Very helpful video! 🙏

Happy New Year Brett thanks for the great info

how do i live in thailand if visa runs are banned now?

A scooter is indeed the best and most fun way to get around in Thailand. It is not expensive and the petrol price is not too bad. Between 2002 and 2011 I did literally thousands of miles there in Chiangmai. To Mai hon son and Paai, we drove for hours and days on a Honda wave. The only thing that often happens in the city is that you easily have flat tires due to all kinds of small objects that are lying on the street. But you can easily have your scooter repaired anywhere. Thai people are usually herl handy and will always help you. The light motorcycle or scooter is therefore the most fantastic means of transport. Thanks for another great video Brett and i miss Chiangmai so much. I have meny memories there ❤👌

Hi Buddy great information thank you best wishes

Only having a single ATM card, only then to see it being 'eaten' by the ATM machine - multiple redunancies needed.

So true, don't book anything. It's a different mindset and we need to embrace it.

Brett Dev What is the difference in renting a motor bike to a car? What's the pro and cons. Is enough parking for parking a car?

I always carry a coin pouch in addition to my paper currency.This facilitates using public restrooms and buying BTS and MRT tickets.

thanks for the vid buddy 😀

People in the US go to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Hawaii a lot and also Mexico

When it comes to clothing, if you are a large person finding clothes can be difficult. That said, you could pay to have some tailored but off the rack, not as easy.

You right about the booking comment.that country has everything I arrive and book what I want

Somebody how can help me? Want to move from Holland to Thailand

Good advice and I appreciate it.

Chiang mai and Phuket unfortunately are the only 2 places that have volunteers at immigration how I miss them here in samui immigration is a pain

Can you elaborate on how one withdraws at a bank instead of an ATM when having an international account? How is the bank accessing your account?, etc.

While in Bangkok,when I have to go to place distant from my accomodation I try to find the nearest BTS or MRT station to it. I’ve learned that long cab rides are murder.

Hey Brett! What a coincidence bumping into you today! I took a flight on Coffee Airways as recommended. Hope you’re enjoying your destination 👍 Bob

1. dont stay in Patong *most go there for first trip (biggest ripoff in thailand) 2. If anybody approaches you, they want your money, say no thank you, whilst keeping valuables protected & keep walking 3. Dont ride a motorcycle at night time 4. pay for each drink as you go if in bars 5. have access to more than one bankcard & keep them separate 6. before having a meal or drink anywhere, ask if there is a service charge 7. use atm located at banks with security present 8. dont use money exchange at airport 9. dont ask for directions, use google maps 10. make sure street food is cooked 11. have travel insurance 12. dont rent cars, bikes or jet skis 13. bring carry on luggage only 14. watch where you are walking (tourists disappear down goldmines) 15. if you have used phone or laptop for crypto, leave them behind 16. dont tell anyone where you are staying (get taxi drop you off a block away or close by) 17. have paper copy of passport and visa stamp with you, leave passport in safe 18. carry arrival card with you everywhere (required for some hotels and tourist destinations) 19. if driving have international driving licence plus home country licence 20. watch plenty of youtube videos such as this well before booking trip Just a few of many

Thanks a lot for the tips mate!

Thank you Brett. True what you say. I have been Thailand 18 months have scooter and car. Love Chiang Mai .Has fantastic places to explore. Hope to live there. Good luck.

Great video, very useful info, thanks Brett 👍

Is you do get pulled driving a car or motorbike and don’t have a international driving license and get fined keep the fine slip you will be ok for 3 days.

Thanks for this bro. New subscriber here...We are planning a trip to Chiang Mai within the next year to see if this is somewhere we want to move. My wife is a midwife and we want to set up either a free or low cost birth center to help. Do you have a suggestion on what part of the country a birth center would be needed? Maybe more north near the Myanmar border? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Happy New Year, Brett !!!

Thanks bud when I go I'm booking nothing... !! In places like Cuba u can't get anything so remembering everything is essential

Although I am Thai, I think this is very helpful for myself because I have not lived in Thailand for a long time. Just want to add a couple things, riding motorcycles can be dangerous in Thailand. Yes, it is convenient. But you have to be extremely careful including wearing helmets while riding motorcycles because fatalities rate is high with motorcycles accidents in Thailand. Lastly, I can't emphasize enough that foreigners should definitely learn Thai language. Just a little bit of Thai words and sentences, you will gain huge benefits, I can't name them all!

Always good information Brett.. Phil..Australia.

I come in 12 days can't wait

great insights Brett!!!

What size clothes and shoe size you wear? Haven't been to Thailand but lived in Cambodia and Vietnam and it was impossible to get western sizes. Even on Lazada. Is Thailand different? So better bring enough clothes unless your Asian sized, not an empty suitcase. And as far as ATM fess, For Americans, Charles Schwab has an investor checking account that does not charge international atm fees and refunds any charged by atm.

great video !

One thing often overlooked for tourists renting motorbikes is their travel insurance, in almost all cases it won’t cover you for anything over a 50cc if you read the details , you’d have to speak to them and add that specifically, we all know the vast majority are 125cc. I’ve known tourists get very big hospital bills after an accident and not getting paid out. Golden rule - check your insurance

Bolt cabs are cheap and you get a set payment so no hassle. Ive got a suitcase that holds around 25kg of clothes and that seems to be the ideal middle size. Why spend loads of money on new clothes bit pointless really but everyone has different budgets and might want a new set ect. Also I like using air B&B because all the fees are upfront and you can ask questions before you book I just got a great deal on a condo in hua Hin and booked it with just a week until I need it so bret is spot on with that

Brett can you do a video about air quality in Chiang Mai and how you deal with burning season? Moving in about a month and seems like the only catch to the city

Great advice! I have a bankcard from Australia that gives me free atm withdrawals worldwide, so that's another option if available in your home country before you travel.

Hi Brett. Very helpful video. Later this year I will retire in Thailand. I agree with your point to get your own scooter or motorbike. However, I only have an EU driver license to drive a car. Are their motorbike schools there were you can; 1.) Learn how to ride a motorbike? 2.) Prepare for the motorbike examination in order to acquire the Thai motorbike driver license? Last question, is it possible to get a Thai driver license if I don't have the IDP (International Driver Permit). Due to Covid it is difficult for me to go back to the EU country that issued me my driver license to obtain an IDP before flying over to Thailand. It would save me a lot of money and stress if I would not need to go back there to get the IDP. Can an Agent help me in Thailand with acquiring a Thai driver license from my EU driver license without the IDP? Thanks, M.

Hey Brett. A practical question. How do you do it now in terms of getting paid. Do you do this through a ltd company in the UK and still tax there or do you pay tax in Thailand? Cheers

Great content as usual

Great guide. I agree with everything accept not pre-booking. That's only true for some people and situations. If you go to the beach during Chinese New Year, definitely pre-book. We landed in Au Nang without pre-booking and could only find a room with uncomfortable cots and no AC. Our sleep suffered. Plus for a married couple, taking tuk-tuks around looking at different places when you've just arrived and are tired and brittle, can lead to bickering. My wife is Thai and bickering is no fun. I can understand quite a bit of Thai, but at times like that I wish I didn't.

Can you make a how to stay in Thailand long term step by step video. For each different type of nomad would be nice. I am thinking of doing a tourist visa > education visa > then have to either leave or elite visa really as I understand it? I see these questions all over the internet but no one lays out the best way in a simple manner

Hi, Bret no"4 has just saved me money, No"5 just saved me money I'm saving all this money your a star Bruv*

These I think were invaluable for me. I was looking at the year long leases online thinking thats not bad. I will change my approach. I'm currently trying to find options to learn Thai as a native English speaker. Do any of you fellows have some suggestions of any good sources or what worked for you to learn it?

You will be better and better. I think Thailand has change your life too 👍

Once again great straightforward and helpful content. Thank you Brett!

Do bring suncream with you. Its a lot more expensive in Thailand.

I like to buy H20 at 7/11 or Family.I also like Starbucks ,which of course is costly, but is comfortable and has good wi-fi.But you’re not going to get h2o there for 7 baht. Also I drink iced Americanos. You get the caffiene lift and hydrated simultaneously.

Thanks, good advice.

100% corrected 🙏

Another good video.

Don't we need to have pre-booked a "sandbox" hotel to be allowed in?

Hey Brett ... I didn't really take you seriously initially when I saw that McDonald's chicken review you did on your outing with Walkabout Wayne! 😂 But after going through several of your (very sensible, non spicy chicken related) vlogs, now sending you a huge thanks and thumbs up for sharing good info, being completely down to earth and having such a pragmatic approach to so many things on living in Thailand / Chiang Mai. 👍👍👍 Keep up the good stuff coming mate and I will tell my friends about your channel!! 💪

What’s wrong with Canada 🤣🤣 don’t like our snow and -40 degrees lmao

The hospital have everything also restaurants and every different type of doctors.

How about quarantine? You need to booking before

What about buying clothes there, I’m sure their clothes run really small

Another great video with extremely good information. There is only one point I disagree with. That is because I am what would be considered a fuller figured individual. Even in Bangkok it is difficult to find XXL size clothing. Especially underwear. Travelers you have been forewarned. But remember same day laundry service is always available.

Brilliant advice from a Top Notch you-tuber.

I'm 2.032 meters. Do they have clothing for extra tall people. I'm more Tall and medium. Not Big and Tall.

Yeh, I don't wanna know how much money I spent on ATM fee's on my 1st visit

From my experience....Shoes and flip flops in large sizes (I'm a 13) are almost impossible to find in Thailand. Also XL size condoms + deodorant (NOT anti-perspirant) are very hard to find. Best to arrive in LOS with extra of these items. Thank you Brett for all the great videos!!!

I've always just taken my Uk DL and hired cars - never been an issue - the police won't accept the DL? I had no idea! The Int Drivers Permit is ok for retiring in Thailand ? - does it have an expiry date? thanks Brett

HI Brett, Just stumbled across your channel today, "escaped" Australia Dec 6th and been floating around Hua Hin, Pattaya, Bangkok and landed into Chiang Mai yesterday, was hoping to do the mountain motor bike trip but no international licence , so glad to know that - yes I tripped up on most of the info you mentioned ( pre booking, Atm cash out, staying in same area) just extended stay ( 2nd time until Jan 18th - COVID blowing up in Australia, great excuse to stay. Thanks again, I am investigating a 3 month return in March 2022.

Thank you Brett, We are relocating next year on a retirement visa. We were concerned about how we transfer funds from Australia. I thought we would need to transfer through Baht Smart, or Wise and then into a Thai bank account. Thankfully, your video has show us that we can just go into a bank with our passport to withdraw.

Good point about learning Thai language...out of respect too as you mentioned

Hi Brett. I have a question regarding digital marketing. Could you help me identify a few problems that companies face, that I could help them with using Facebook Ads?

Brett, I've watched this a few times and i still don't quite understand the atm hack advice. So, you go in with your ATM card and passport in hand directly to the bank and they'll withdraw money from your account without an atm fee? And it can be higher than your atm limit as well?

Americans vacation in America.

I disagree about the towels. You need to know where your towel is.

I really want to do the mae Hong son loop... but I've never rode a motorbike before. Basically everyone I've asked told me to stay off scooters in Thailand cause I don't have any experience, so I feel I'm stuck in my neighbourhood in Chiang Mai, just walking around so far

sooo don't book a hotel till day you get here at airport after a long flight ??? Bigger, people take your clothes. Very hard to find things that fit here, also they measure clothes differently than West, medium in Thailand is small in western region. Thais are smaller in size.

Ahaha seeing mistakes I made here. Just moved in August to Songkhla

Bang on info

#1 Biggest mistake is bringing your western wife/girlfriend. Don't bring sand to the beach.

Yea i always wonder the same thing =/

Was that a freaking elephant trumpeting in the background???

Check if they are actually a lady.