Expats living in Pattaya

Expats living in Pattaya are people who have chosen to reside in the coastal city of Pattaya, Thailand, for various reasons. Pattaya is a popular destination for expats and retirees, as it offers a relatively low cost of living, a vibrant nightlife, a multicultural community, and beautiful scenery. However, living in Pattaya also has some challenges, such as extreme weather, visa complications, and a touristy atmosphere.

According to Pattaya Mail, there were about 180,000 expats living in both Pattaya and Chonburi Province in mid-2020. If you are interested in living in Pattaya, you can find more information and tips from these sources:

What are some popular expat communities in Pattaya?

Some popular expat communities in Pattaya are:

Silk Road: A Mediterranean-style village with a large swimming pool and tennis courts

Greenfield Villas 2: A well-established village with western-style properties and superb facilities

The Vineyards: A series of luxurious villages with stunning views and privacy

Siam Royal View: A huge village at the top of Soi Khao Talo with impressive views and a diverse population

SP 5: A convenient village on Soi Siam Country Club with easy access to highways, schools, and shopping centres

View Talay Villas: A well-located village at the start of Jomtien 2nd Road with a range of properties and a friendly atmosphere

These are just some of the many options for expats living in Pattaya. You can find more information and tips from the sources I mentioned in my previous message.

How do I find work as an expat in Pattaya?

Finding work as an expat in Pattaya can be challenging, but not impossible. Depending on your skills, qualifications, and preferences, you may have different options to explore. Here are some common types of jobs for expats in Pattaya:

Teaching: This is the most popular and accessible job for expats in Pattaya, especially if you have a degree and a TEFL certificate. You can teach English or other subjects at schools, language centers, or online platforms. The average salary for teaching in Pattaya is around 30,000 THB per month

Hospitality: Pattaya is a tourist hotspot, so there are many opportunities to work in hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and clubs. You may need to have experience, language skills, and a work permit to land a job in this sector. The salary can vary depending on the position and the establishment

Food and Beverage: If you have culinary skills or experience in F&B management, you may find some openings in Pattaya’s diverse and international food scene. You can work as a chef, barista, waiter, or manager in various eateries and cafes. The salary can range from 15,000 to 50,000 THB per month

Freelancing: If you have a skill that can be done remotely, such as web design, writing, photography, or consulting, you can work as a freelancer in Pattaya. You will need to have a reliable internet connection, a portfolio, and a way to find clients and get paid. The income can vary depending on the type and amount of work you do

Real estate: Pattaya has a booming real estate market, with many expats looking to buy or rent properties in the city. You can work as a real estate agent, broker, or consultant, helping clients find their ideal homes or investments. You will need to have a good knowledge of the market, a network of contacts, and a work permit. The income can be based on commission or salary, depending on the company you work for

These are some of the most common jobs for expats in Pattaya, but there may be other opportunities depending on your situation and luck. To find a job in Pattaya, you can use online platforms such as Expat.com, [JobsDB], or [Thaivisa], or look for local listings in newspapers, magazines, or bulletin boards. You can also network with other expats, join social media groups, or attend events and meetups to make connections and get referrals.

What is the cost of living like for an expat in Pattaya?

The cost of living for an expat in Pattaya depends on various factors, such as the type of accommodation, the lifestyle, and the personal preferences. However, according to some sources, the average cost of living for an expat in Pattaya is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is typically around $400 to $600 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can range from $600 to $800 per month. The cost of food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment can vary depending on the choices and habits of the expat. Some of the main expenses are:

Food: A basic lunchtime menu in the business district costs about 120 THB ($3.6), while a combo meal in a fast food restaurant costs about 252 THB ($7.6). A kilogram of chicken breast costs about 59 THB ($1.8), while a dozen eggs costs about 70 THB ($2.1). A bottle of wine costs about 705 THB ($21.3), while a domestic beer costs about 51 THB ($1.5) in the supermarket

Transportation: A one-way ticket on public transport costs about 30 THB ($0.9), while a monthly pass costs about 1,000 THB ($30.2). A liter of gasoline costs about 36 THB ($1.1), while a new Volkswagen Golf costs about 1,000,000 THB ($30,200). A taxi trip on a business day costs about 100 THB ($3) per kilometer

Utilities: The monthly cost of utilities for a 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment, including electricity, water, heating, and garbage, costs about 1,955 THB ($59). The monthly cost of internet (8 Mbps) costs about 539 THB ($16.3). A 40-inch flat screen TV costs about 11,311 THB ($341.5)

Entertainment: The monthly fee for a fitness club costs about 1,500 THB ($45.3), while the cost of a cinema ticket costs about 200 THB ($6). The cost of a night out in a bar or club can range from 500 THB ($15.1) to 2,000 THB ($60.4), depending on the drinks and the venueThese are some of the approximate costs of living for an expat in Pattaya, but they may vary depending on the individual situation and preferences. You can find more information and tips from the sources I mentioned in my previous message.

What is the best bank for expats in Thailand?

There is no definitive answer to which bank is the best for expats in Thailand, as different banks may have different features, fees, benefits, and services that suit different needs and preferences. However, based on some online sources, some of the most popular and foreigner-friendly banks in Thailand are:

Bangkok Bank: This is the largest and most international bank in Thailand, with branches in major cities around the world. It is known for being welcoming to foreigners and non-residents, and offers Foreign Currency Deposit Accounts and good exchange rates. It also allows account holders to link a Western branch to their PayPal accounts for easy money transfers

Kasikorn Bank: This is one of the biggest and most innovative banks in Thailand, with a strong focus on digital banking and mobile payments. It has a no-minimum deposit policy for opening accounts, and offers a Foreign Currency Deposit Account specifically designed for foreign residents. It also has an efficient approval process and immediate issuing of passbooks and ATM cards

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB): This is the oldest and one of the most prestigious banks in Thailand, with a reputation for high-quality service and security. It has a wide range of products and services, including savings accounts, current accounts, fixed deposits, and debit cards. It also has a user-friendly online banking system and a mobile app that supports English and Chinese languages

CIMB: This is a Malaysian bank that operates in several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. It is one of the few banks that allows foreigners to open an account with just a visitor visa, without a work permit or a long-term visa. It also has low fees, high interest rates, and a convenient online banking platform

These are some of the top banks in Thailand for expats, but there may be other options depending on your situation and preferences. You may want to compare the different banks and visit their branches to find out more information and requirements. I hope this helps you choose the best bank for you in Thailand.

How do expats open a bank in Thailand?

Expats can open a bank account in Thailand by following these general steps:

Check your eligibility: Different banks and accounts may have different criteria for foreigners to open a bank account. Some common factors are the type and duration of your visa, the amount of money you can deposit, and the purpose of your account

Choose your preferred local bank: There are many local banks in Thailand, such as Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, and others. Each bank may have different features, fees, benefits, and services for their accounts. You may want to compare the different options and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences

Prepare your documentary requirements: You will need to prepare the necessary documents to open a bank account. The exact documents may vary depending on the bank and account, but some common ones are:

Passport Visa

Proof of Thai residency (Thai residence permit, utility bill, rental agreement etc.)

Proof of residency in your home country (utility bill, bank statement, driver’s license, etc.)

Proof of property ownership in Thailand

Letter of reference from your embassy, your home bank, or a Thai educational institution

Choose your preferred branch for banking: You may want to open a bank account at a branch that is convenient for you, such as near your home, workplace, or school. However, not all branches may offer the same services or have the same policies for foreigners. Some branches may be more flexible or familiar with opening accounts for foreigners, while others may be more strict or unfamiliar. You may want to do some research or ask for recommendations from other expats or locals before choosing a branch

Present your requirements: When you visit the branch, you will need to present your documents and fill out some forms to open a bank account. You may also need to answer some questions about your personal and financial information, such as your occupation, income, address, and phone number. You may also need to provide a Thai phone number to receive SMS notifications and OTP codes for your account. If you do not have one, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at any convenience store or phone shop

Pay for the bank opening fees and choose your preferred card: After you have completed the application process, you will need to pay some fees to open a bank account. The fees may vary depending on the bank and account, but they usually include a deposit fee, an ATM card fee, and a passbook fee. You may also need to maintain a minimum balance in your account to avoid monthly charges. You may also be able to choose the type and design of your ATM card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay

Wait for your account to be officially opened and activated: Once you have paid the fees and received your ATM card and passbook, your account will be officially opened. However, you may need to wait for some time before you can use your account and card. Some banks may require you to activate your card at an ATM machine, while others may activate it for you at the branch. You may also need to register for online banking and mobile banking, either at the branch or online. You may also need to change your PIN and password for security reasons

These are some of the general steps to open a bank account in Thailand. However, you may encounter some difficulties or differences depending on your situation and the bank you choose. You may want to consult with the bank staff or other expats for more guidance and advice. I hope this helps you open a bank account in Thailand.