30 Days Before You Arrive
Phone
Make sure your phone is unlocked (paid off) before you come. You will get a sim card during your first week in Chiang Mai, but we suggest getting an eSim before you arrive so you can have service the moment you land. You can get an eSim using the app Airalo. Use referral code “Sarah8368” to get $3 off of your first plan.
Download the Line app. You will use Line to contact many people and businesses in Chiang Mai.
House
Visit the Expat Homes website (homeinchiangmai.com) and fill out their help form to begin the process of finding your home. You want to look for a house in the Hang Dong or Mae Hia area. Spencer will be your team contact while working with Expat Homes, so mention his name when you fill out the form. Expat Homes will reach out to you with information about what’s available. You may need temporary housing when you arrive, so email Patrick at pshinn@mountainfeet.biz to book the guest house.
Car
Begin browsing the Expat Auto website (expatautocm.com) and Instagram (@expatautocm) to get an idea of what’s available. Their inventory changes quickly and they often sell cars before they have a chance to upload them online, so don’t expect the same cars to be available when you arrive.
Begin thinking about renting a car for your first week or two in Chiang Mai, as it may take some time for Expat Auto to prepare your car.
Language
Message Dillon on Signal (+1 806-500-9499) and reference “Visa Process” for more information.
Vaccines
Vaccines are much cheaper in Thailand than in the U.S. We recommend getting the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine when you arrive. Reference “First 30 Days” for more information.
Banking
Consider opening a checking account with Charles Schwab. Charles Schwab is a popular choice for those living overseas because they do not charge ATM fees and will reimburse your account if you incur any ATM fees. The Charles Schwab debit card is accepted internationally without fees. If you want a credit card, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card because it’s easy to use internationally, has a good points system, and gives you access to airport lounges. The Capital One Venture X card is another popular choice.
Wise Banking is another option if you want a debit card with no transaction fees. Wise is a cheap way to wire money.
Links
Expat Auto Website, Expat Auto Instagram
