Unexpected Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Thailand: The Ultimate Guide to Living in Thailand

As an American living in Thailand, I of course expected to experience culture shock– I am now immersed in a new language, climate, and entire canon of historical and cultural symbols, habits, and references with which I’d never previously encountered.

But in my six months living in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, I quickly discovered that the things no one tells you before moving to Thailand are the little things– like how hard it is to get your brows waxed, the ins and outs of bathroom etiquette (no pun intended), and the bewildering world of banking and finances in Thailand (alliteration very much intended).

So in this guide, I’ve skipped the usual Thailand travel advice (the amazing food, the kind people, and, of course, missing your family and friends) in favor of the juicy, unexpected and seemingly small idiosyncrasies that shape daily life in Thailand.

This guide is organized into the following topics:

1. Money, Banking, and Bill Pay in Thailand
2. Transportation, Transit, and Getting Around in Thailand
3. Food and Eating in Thailand
4. Beauty, Grooming, and Fashion Culture in Thailand
5. Hygiene Tips for Thailand

Grab your popcorn or pour yourself a nice cup of tea, and prepare to be gobsmacked by these surprising things about life in Thailand!

Money, Banking, and Bill Pay in Thailand

Let me hold your hand when I say this …

THINK IN BAHT.

Thailand has a reputation for being cheap, especially for Westerners converting their currency to Thai baht. But, if you want to make the most of your money here, I beg you to think in baht– not dollars. Constantly converting the price to USD will trick you into overspending every time!

This advice goes for everyone, but especially for those moving to Thailand long-term and earning/spending money in Thai Baht, it’s best to understand the local prices. This way, you’ll easily spot that a “one-of-a-kind” deal on an adorable keychain for 400 Baht (roughly 12 USD) may sound cheap in dollars, but, in reality, it’s steeped in tourist-tax!

PRO TIP: I kept a running list in my notes app of my purchases for the first few days or weeks to get a feel for the real prices: 200 baht for a skirt, 250 baht for dinner, and my 30-day unlimited tourist sim card was 1000 baht. With this context, I knew that 400 baht for a keychain was just wild.

They say that if you know better, you’ll do better!

 

Paying bills in USD while in Thailand will humble you

*squeezes your hands tighter with tears in my eyes as I say this*

On the flip side, when paying bills back home, you’ll need to convert your salary from Thai baht to USD– and let me tell you: the exchange rate might be cute for travel, but be prepared for a jump scare when you’re sending USD back home. 

English teachers living in Thailand are paid a much higher salary than our Thai colleagues. Moral concerns aside, this makes it easy for us to live a comfortable lifestyle here– 36,000 baht a month (my salary) can get you a LOT of nice things in Thailand. But then reality hits when I transfer 700 USD to my American bank account to cover bills and savings.

As someone who lived in NYC for 6 years, 700 USD was basically my Uber bill. But now? I’m crying, screaming, and throwing up as I watch over 22,000 baht leave my Thai bank account.

PRO TIP: Check out my full breakdown of what I spend each month as a glam girl in Thailand. It may surprise you!

Scan-to-pay is a way of life in Thailand.

Once you get a Thai bank account (your school will help you do this!), you’ll be officially inducted into the world of QR and PromptPay– and personally, I love it here!

To pay for things both online and in-person, you will just open your bank app, scan the merchant’s QR code (they’ll either have it posted by the register or will pull it up on a machine for you) and then boom: you’ll enter the amount and your pin, and everything is paid for! It’s wonderful.

PRO TIP/WARNING: The beloved convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, is a very picky girl! They only accept bank pay (which I think may be different from PromptPay?) from a finite list of banks. They also only accept visa cards. This means you should always keep cash on you when making 7-Eleven runs!

You can pay for things using phone bill points in Thailand.

I’ve never actually tried this, but it seems that True Mobile (my phone service provider!) has a payment app called True Money Wallet where you can add money (either through your bank app or by visiting a 7-Eleven) and then just… use that money to pay for things? It seems similar to Cash App in the US, but it’s run by a phone company instead. 

Mind=Blown.
 

You need a post-paid phone plan in order to download your Thai bank app

Oh, the agony! I’d never heard of a post-paid phone plan nor did anything happen inside my brain when I first learned the difference between pre-paid and post-paid. But, I was forced to find a semblance of understanding when I wanted to download my Thai bank app so I could finally use QR to pay like all the cool girls do!

Cue me waiting 45 minutes in the queue for TrueMove just to switch my plan, getting a receipt as proof, then going upstairs to my bank (thankfully they were both in the same mall!) and waiting another hour just for the clerk to get me set up with the app in 5 minutes or less. Sigh.

Expats don’t qualify for some rewards programs :(

Living in Thailand as an expat can be humbling because there are just some things we don’t qualify for because we don’t have a Thai national ID card! 

Personally, I’m getting tired of Shoppee showing me a certain price for the items in my cart only to pull the rug from under me because that price only applies to customers enrolled in Shoppee Pay, which-- oh no!--you can only apply for if you have a Thai ID.

Just when I thought I was getting a great deal on Hot Cheetos and ranch dressing…

Transportation, Transit, and Getting Around Thailand

There are several transportation operators in Bangkok.

Chile, this could be its own article, but I’ll try to simplify it here.

Trains:

BTS: The Bangkok Sky Train, probably the most recognizable mode of public transportation in the city, operates two main lines: the Sukhumvit Line (Green Line) and the Silom Line (Teal Line). The Sukhumvit Line is very popular as it runs along Sukhumvit Road, a staple in the city full of restaurants, malls, and other entertainment venues.

MRT: This stands for Mass Rapid Transit, but everyone just calls it the MRT. There are four main lines: the Blue Line, which is mainly underground and runs in a circular route in the city (which can make getting from one end to another reallyyyy long, in my opinion!), and the Yellow, Pink, and Purple Lines which serve the suburban areas.

There is also an Airport Rail Link and an inter-province railroad run by the Thai government called the SRT (State Railway Transportation).

Buses:

Thai Smile Bus: These buses operate both in and outside of Bangkok, serving the metropolitan area. There are a diverse array of routes– some that take the expressway and others that take the scenic route– but the best part is that all of their buses run on electricity! (and we know Bangkok is infamous for its smog)

BMTA: The Bangkok Mass Transportation Authority is state-owned, and, similarly to the Thai Smile Bus, operates both in and outside of Bangkok, serving the metropolitan area. Unlike Thai Smile Buses, BMTA buses don’t always have air conditioning (so be careful because you’ll see them ZOOMING down the street with the windows open to catch any breeze they can!). They are, however, in the process of adding electric buses to its fleet which I think is great!

Metal detectors at train stations in Bangkok

Prior to moving to Bangkok, I lived in NYC for 6 years, and, before that, I lived in Philadelphia, where I was born and raised. Thus, I am no stranger to public transportation and have been one of the few people in my group of teacher friends who’ve taken on the task of demystifying the Bangkok Public Transportation System.

However, no one told me that there would be metal detectors as you’re entering MRT train stations! Thankfully, I don’t carry anything illegal (though I have been told that I have killer style), but this was definitely a surprise!

Bangkok train stations are like mini-malls.

In NYC, you might be lucky to see the occasional newspaper and candy stand at the train station. But, in Bangkok? There are nail salons, food shops, huge 7-Elevens, and clothing stores all within the train station. It’s WILD!

Where are the bus stops in Thailand?

Please be patient as this is a very emotional topic for me, as I have had an ungodly number of buses ride past me in the past 6 months.

Ok, now that I’ve composed myself– I must say that I am still utterly confused about bus culture here because most bus stops do not have any clear demarcations! Some stops have a bench or a sign with the list of buses that stop there. Others? (specifically the one across the street from my dorm) There’s nothing. Just a laundromat, motorbike repair shop, KBBQ, and tattoo parlor.

PRO TIP: I once walked a few blocks in the Thai sun to another bus stop that had more people waiting and noticed that the women physically stepped into the street to wave the bus down, so I started to do the same!

This has been a gamechanger for me, though I’ve still had drivers pass me in favor of picking someone else up a half block earlier or further away from me…which makes me think I may be at the wrong bus stop, yet it also leaves me with the same question: where are the bus stops in Thailand??!
 

A conductor collects your bus fare in Bangkok.

Once you’re lucky enough to board the bus, you’ll notice that there aren’t fareboxes next to the driver to insert your money or scan a card. Instead, there are usually nice ladies in cute hair bows that will greet you, ask where you’re going, and then collect your fare.

Again, the fare can be paid via cash, QR, or an operator-specific customer card (Thai Smile Hop Card or BMTA cards). The operator-issued cards can sometimes be purchased at a discounted rate based on your phone plan or can be used to pay for food at McDonald’s!!

 

Buses in Bangkok don’t have pull cords

As a public transportation pro, I’m used to sitting pretty until I’m about 20-30 feet away from my desired bus stop, pulling the cord lining the windows, seeing the “stop requested” sign light up, and promptly exiting the vehicle. However, here in Bangkok, there are no cords and, instead, there are buttons scattered around the bus.

PRO TIP: Tell the bus conductor which station you’re getting off at as they collect your payment, and be sure to locate the nearest buzzer early to ensure you do not miss your stop!

 

Vans vs tour buses: Traveling around Thailand

Girllll. I booked a well-reviewed long-distance bus for my trip from Bangkok to Pattaya. After fighting with the Thai Smile Bus on my way to Mo Chit Bus Terminal, I ended up missing the long-distance bus by a few minutes. I found another booth at the terminal and purchased a ticket to Pattaya. However, I was surprised when I was stuffed into an overcrowded and smelly van instead of the large greyhound-like bus I had booked with the other company.

While the van ride was odd (we stopped at seemingly random locations on the way to Pattaya to let people off), my return trip via the long-distance bus was much more comfy, spacious, and a direct ride from Pattaya back to Bangkok.

So, just be aware of the differences!
 

BYOH – Bring your own helmet. 

Living in Thailand, you’ll regularly see Thais riding motorbikes using the most odd methods– three to a bike, sitting sideways, a dad at the wheel and the mom seated behind him with a baby strapped to her chest– but the most common occurrence is to see folks riding without helmets, which is illegal.

Grab and Bolt drivers typically have their own helmets, but not all of them have extras for their customers, though with increased police checkpoints, many drivers are getting better at carrying spare helmets for riders.

PRO TIP: Buy your own helmet from any local auto shop or message your driver via the Bolt or Grab app to see if they have a helmet for you. If they say no, cancel and re-book! Safety is important <3

Crosswalks in Bangkok? Just look up.

One of my favorite things about Bangkok aesthetically are the crosswalks, or should I say: skywalks. Traffic is always terrible in Bangkok, which can make it impossible to cross the street. Assumingly as a solution, there are skywalks where you walk up stairs and over a “bridge” to get to the other side of the road (I know chickens would LOVE this!)

Sometimes the skywalks are visual and social attractions of their own! You can find artwork, musicians, and tourists snapping pics in front of the skyline. Many of the skywalks are also attached to BTS stations, making this just that much more genius of an invention!

Soi = alley. Alleys in Thailand = FUN

Americans moving to Thailand have a hard time with this because, in the US, we’re told to avoid alleyways and dark streets in favor of large roads where there are more people around. However, if you were to take this advice in Bangkok, you’d miss out on all the fun! Small side streets are just normal parts of navigation here, and honestly hold a lot of fun and food.

So, the next time Google Maps tells you to turn down that dark alley and make a right down the even darker alley, you’re probably going the right way and are just a few steps away from a pot of gold!

Expect to walk in the streets of Thailand. 

Be prepared to be one with the road because sidewalks are inconsistent– sometimes there’s a sidewalk (though it can be very unstable and a tripping hazard), sometimes there’s not, and sometimes the sidewalk is there but then disappears halfway down the road.

It’s actually OK to press the “close door” button on elevators in Thailand. 

I’m not sure about your upbringing, but there seemed to be an unspoken rule in my communities that pressing the “close door” button on elevators is rude and often unnecessary. However, in Thailand, Thais press that button like it’s muscle memory! As soon as everyone’s in or folks get off at their desired floor, those left in the elevator press the “close door” button and off they go!

To be fair, the doors do kinda take long to close, so I’ve started doing it, too! Call it assimilation, if you will.
 

Food and Eating in Thailand

Napkins and paper towels aren’t a given in Thailand. 

Firstly, napkins, paper towels, and tissues are used and discussed interchangeably here in Thailand which is a shock in itself– I’ve been handed toilet tissue when I wanted to dry my hands, and that was a horrible experience.

Nonetheless, what is the most shocking thing of all (and my biggest gripe with daily life in Thailand-- see the proof) is that napkins and paper towels are soooo hard to come by in bathrooms and markets.

As the girl who brings a million napkins to the table when eating, this has been gut-wrenching. In bathrooms, you’re either left to air dry or use a communal towel, which I would strongly recommend against unless it’s in closed environments where you know who you’re sharing it with. But as bus stops/rest stations? Yikes.

PRO TIP: Carry your own small package of napkins or baby wipes with you at all times to save you from walking around with sticky fingers until you finally locate a sink. 
 

Knives? Never heard of her.

Similarly to napkins, it’s rare to be given a knife at restaurants in Thailand. Instead, you’re likely to receive a fork and a spoon and you just gotta make it work!

Western restaurants are the exception to this.

Hot Cheeto girlies going to Thailand, I’m sorry.

I’m not even super crazy about Hot Cheetos, but every so often in a girl’s life, she’ll have the desire to indulge in those flaming hot crunchy pieces of deliciousness to satisfy her carnal cravings– only to realize that Hot Cheetos barely exist in Thailand!

I have not seen a single store selling Hot Cheetos IRL, but I have seen them available for purchase on Shopee, but then you have to pay the shipping and delivery fees and that’s honestly kinda a lot. I think I’ll save that method for a moment of true desperation.

Peanuts are the new bread. 

I have several friends who have banned themselves from the beautiful country of Thailand simply because of the conflict between the prevalence of peanuts in Thai dishes and their own food allergy to peanuts, AND I TOTALLY GET IT! 

Here, they’ll serve peanuts as a cute little snack as you wait for your meal at a restaurant, and I’ve even had them served to me at several bars! It’s nuts, literally!
 

The Ants in Thailand are Faster Than You

All that I’m going to say is this: if you leave any food unattended for more than a millisecond, consider your food ATE! Ants here have zero respect for anyone but themselves– and they’re smaller and faster than any ants I’ve seen in the US!

PRO TIP: Put your food in the fridge immediately! Do not leave even the smallest crumb of food anywhere, because I promise they will come in droves like you’ve never seen before.

Be safe.

Beauty, Grooming, and Fashion Culture in Thailand (Attention: All Glam Girls!)

Pedicures in Thailand look different.

Personally, I’m used to every nail salon having the foot bowl hot and ready for you the moment you ask for a pedicure. However, nail salons in Thailand rarely offer foot care, and instead they just cut and paint your toenails and send you on your way.

So far, the closest thing I’ve gotten to a pedicure has been a foot massage at a really fancy massage parlor where she pulled the water bowl out and oiled my feet. It was niceeee.

PRO TIP: Research the nearby salons to weigh your options if these types of pedicures are important to you. Don’t pull up blindly and become really confused when the nail technician gets on the floor to paint your toenails without a water bowl in sight! (yes, this has happened to me)
 

Eyebrow trimming at nail salons in Thailand? Rare. 

Again, I highly suggest doing your research on nearby nail salons before showing up for eyebrow trimming. Eyelash extensions are super common– and almost a given– at nail salons in Thailand, but brow trimming is extremely rare. You may find a parlor that does water pedicures, lash extensions, and beautiful nail designs, but no eyebrow trimming! It’s kinda hard to have it all here.

Long sleeves and umbrellas in Thailand are year-round

You’d think that living in a tropical climate would mean that everyone around you is dressed in their most revealing clothes in an attempt to fight overheating. On the contrary, most Thais dress pretty modestly on a daily basis, and you’ll see many people wearing long sleeved shirts and donning umbrellas on super sunny days to prevent over-exposure to the sun.

I got a few sun spots on my face and started carrying an umbrella ever since; don’t play with the sun over here!

 

Hygiene Tips for Thailand

Bidets, baby!

I LOVE BIDETS!! These things are everywhere– no exaggeration! Bidets are in your home, at the hotel, at the nightclubs, at restaurants, at museums– she’s a universal queen!

PRO TIP: Do not skip out on the chance to actually have a clean bum; dry tissue just isn’t enough to really clean and remove unwanted smells, especially in a hot climate like Thailand.

 

Two showers a day is the bare minimum in Thailand.

Again: it’s hot as heck here, so the hygiene routine has to change a bit! The amount of sweat you will drip in just a 10 minute walk is insane– and will lead to smells. Thus, the norm is for you to take two showers a day in Thailand.

No flushing toilet paper in Thailand.

OK THIS ONE HAS GOTTEN ME IN TROUBLE! For some reason, I thought this rule only applied if it had been explicitly expressed. However, it seems that Thai plumbing systems generally just can not handle toilet paper. So, there is usually a bin next to the toilet for you to dispose of the tissue when you’re done.

I sincerely apologize to my dorm keepers for clogging my toilet not once, but twice. I am just a clueless foreigner, after all.
 

When in Thailand, bring your own toilet paper or wipes

This one kinda explains itself. A lot of the time, toilet paper is not provided by establishments, so you need to bring your own. Be sure to throw them in the bin, not the toilet bowl.

You will air-dry everything in Thailand

Driving into Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi airport is such a colorful sight, and not because of the tropical greenery or huge billboards, but because of the hundreds of outdoor residential spaces you’ll pass that are full of clothes waiting to be dried by the sun!

I mean, you can use the machine dryer if you want to, or you can use nature’s dryer: the scorching heat in Thailand! Personally, I air-dry my clothes indoors with the window open, but hanging them on a clothes line or rack outdoors is the most common method.

You’ll never check the weather app in Thailand

Once, I asked a student about the weather during an IELTS speaking practice test, and he internally panicked for a few moments before doing his best to put together the best assortment of words he could to save his grade.

Afterwards, he told me that he didn't know the last time he checked the weather app because the weather is always the same in Thailand– hot, sunny, with a chance of rain! Eventually, I also stopped checking the weather app because he was right! The kids are gonna be alright, after all.

PRO TIP: Do not cancel your plans because it says it’s gonna rain! As I’ve said on the CIEE Teach Tiktok, rain doesn’t really cancel much here in Thailand! Oftentimes, the forecast might show rain, but it’ll rain for 5 minutes in the morning and never again for the rest of the day.

DELULU ADVICE: The best weather predictions come from your bones: if you see rain or sense a wind in the air, then it’s probably gonna rain. But, again, it’ll usually rain for an hour or so and then stop.

***

Welp, that’s all for now! I hope you find these tips helpful in providing a clearer idea of what to expect when living in Thailand. These seemingly small things altogether make up a big part of daily life, and can cause a big culture shock reaction for American expats in Thailand, so I want you to be prepared!

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just wanna yap and kiki, you can follow along with my journey in Thailand via the CIEE Teach social pages (@cieeteach on Instagram and TikTok)!

All the best!