Banking & Money
The single biggest financial mistake people make when moving abroad is using their home bank for everything. These services exist specifically for people living across borders - lower fees, better rates, and built for the way you actually spend.
The closest thing to a universal solution for expats. Multi-currency account, real exchange rates, local bank details in 10+ currencies. Essential if you're getting paid in one currency and living in another.
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Strong alternative to Wise, especially if you travel frequently. Good app, budgeting tools, and a solid free tier. Exchange rate limits apply on weekends - worth knowing before you rely on it.
Get Revolut →The most foreigner-friendly Thai bank for day-to-day life in Bangkok. K-Plus app is solid, widely accepted for QR payments, and you'll need a local account eventually. See the banking guide for which branch to visit.
Banking guide →Better for international wire transfers and some visa applications that require a passbook. Slightly harder to open as a tourist but worth it if you're staying long-term.
Banking guide →Insurance
Tourist travel insurance doesn't cover long stays, and your home country's health system probably doesn't either. These are built specifically for nomads and expats - monthly billing, no commitment, and actual medical cover.
The go-to for nomads and long-term travellers. Monthly subscription, renews automatically, covers you in most countries. Not a replacement for comprehensive expat health insurance but solid for the first 6–12 months while you figure out your setup.
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Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
For Bangkok residents planning to stay 12+ months, a local Thai health policy often works out cheaper with better hospital access. AXA is one of the better options for English-speaking expats. Check the healthcare guide for a full breakdown.
Healthcare guide →SIM & Internet
Getting a SIM sorted is genuinely one of the first things to do when you land. Thailand has good mobile coverage and competitive data prices - the question is whether you want a local SIM or an eSIM that works before you even board the plane.
eSIM marketplace - buy and activate before you leave home. Great for the first few days until you get a local SIM. Thailand plans are affordable and the app is straightforward. No physical SIM needed. Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off your first eSIM.
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The two best local Thai networks for expats. Widely available at 7-Eleven and major convenience stores. Monthly plans start from around 300–500 THB for unlimited data. DTAC marginally better coverage outside Bangkok.
Arrival guide →The most reliable home broadband in Bangkok for most areas. 1Gbps plans available from around 600 THB/month. Setup requires a Thai address and usually a landlord signature - your agent or building manager can help.
Remote work guide →Co-working & Stays
Bangkok has a strong co-working scene, particularly in Ekkamai, Silom, and Ari. These platforms are the most useful for finding your feet - whether that's a hot desk for a week or a furnished apartment for three months while you search properly.
One of Bangkok's best co-working spaces, with locations in Ekkamai and Thonglor. Strong community, good events, and fast internet. Day passes and monthly memberships available. Popular with the startup and freelance crowd.
Visit Hubba →Best for your first 2–4 weeks while you look for a proper rental. Monthly discounts can bring the price close to market rate. Filter for "entire place" and check BTS proximity - it makes a significant difference to daily life.
Browse Airbnb →The best English-language platform for finding long-term rentals in Bangkok. Better than DDProperty for foreigner-friendly listings. See the housing guide for what to expect from agents and lease terms.
Housing guide →Remote Work
These come up constantly in the remote work guide. Not exhaustive - just the ones that actually solve problems when you're working across time zones, public networks, and international clients.
Fast, reliable, and genuinely good value, unlimited devices on one subscription which matters when you're running a laptop, phone, and tablet across co-working spaces. Strong Thailand servers and a clean app. A solid daily driver.
Get Surfshark →Well-established alternative with reliable Thailand servers and a kill switch that actually works. Good if you work with clients who have geo-restricted tools or want to keep traffic private on public WiFi.
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If you're doing freelance work for international clients, Deel handles contracts, compliance, and getting paid legally. Useful if clients want something more formal than a PayPal invoice.
Get Deel →A canvas-based workspace for keeping your move organised - visa dates, lease terms, contacts, to-dos. No account needed to start. Built by the same person who runs Newfound, specifically for people who find traditional productivity tools too rigid.
Try Life's Work →Local Agents
Visa agents, housing agents, and relocation consultants who've been vetted - not cold listings pulled from Google.
TruAgent verified.
Coming soon.
Every agent on this list will be vetted through TruAgent before they're listed - so you know who you're actually dealing with before you hand over any money or documents.