17Apr/104
How much money in English pounds would you take to Thailand for a year travelling?
I am going to Thailand next July and am trying to work out how much money to take and have decided on taking about £4500. I really think this would be enough but my flat-mate does not seem to think so.. In Thailand you can eat and sleep daily for about £5 and thats only £1500, so I would then have an extra £3000 for anything I wanted... Please let me know what you think???? Cheers
April 17th, 2010 - 15:34
Well I think 5pounds a day for food and accomodation is cutting it rather thin. Food is cheap in Thailand. But accomodation? Let’s say you spend about 150baht a day on food and water. 150baht would be really difficult because you are left with very very few choices.
On paper, it seems ok but you have to really watch every single penny. I assume you’re travelling around Thailand so take into account transport costs. Transport will take up quite a bit of money.
I recommend you bring more money just in case of any emergencies or at least bring a visa or master card.
Is it possible to stay in Thailand a year on tourist visa? Or are you planning to make visa runs? Thailand has recently tighten visas regulations so do check things out first.
April 17th, 2010 - 16:32
if you were thai i would say yes you could, but your not thai and I doubt it very much.
April 17th, 2010 - 17:08
don’t think thats enough for a year you really on a shoestring with that budget, that would be about 6 months if you don’t mess with the ladies
April 17th, 2010 - 17:34
I would take as much as I possibly can. Thailand is one of a few countries in the world where you can go with empty bags, fill them up with stuff like clothes and other necessities and return home having actually saved money in your living budget.
It’s well worth it to go to the open markets and haggle for stuff, just be aware that they’re BRUTAL! If you think you’re good at it, sit back and watch the masters. Those petite unassuming little girls will take you for all you’re worth!
Be sure to get on some tours while you’re there, too. They’re dirt cheap and usually very good values. They’ll often take you places where you can shop and get good authentic food.
Thailand is also known for it’s raw stones, mostly rubies and emeralds, but you’ll pay a duty on these if you get a lot of them. They’re mined over by Pattaya Beach and sold all over the country in raw form or in finished jewelry.
The amount that you’ve stated, 4500 pounds (I’m American, so I’ll say $9000 US) seems like what you would need for a few months. I would take about $3000 for a two-week trip, but tourism is more expensive than residing. Are you planning on renting a house or something? Personally, I don’t think you’ll last a year on that. I would suggest a minimum of 20,000 pounds, and consider even more.
You know, you don’t have to use travellors checks or travel money. I’ve been all over the world and have NEVER used them. All I take is a debit card and some wallet money. Mastercard and Visa machines are all over the place, and all you need to do is locate the ATM symbol that works for your card.