Prices in the country: how much does it cost to live in Thailand

Thailand is one of the main centers of attraction for Russian tourists. According to the local Ministry of Tourism, 767,210 Russians arrived in the country in the first four months of 2024, and 1.61 million last year. Pleasant climate, colorful wildlife… This destination is chosen not only for recreation, but also for a long stay. Prices here, as elsewhere, change rapidly – therefore, it is almost impossible to accurately predict costs. We shared some examples – and also reminded you why the country is so loved in Southeast Asia and how to stay in the kingdom for a longer period.

Ticket price

Now you can find direct flights from Russia to Thailand, as well as transfers in China and the UAE. Aeroflot operates direct flights from Moscow, but it will be more difficult to find tickets for convenient dates than to fly with a transfer. 

The price, of course, depends on the time. The tourist boom happens from November to April – the rest of the time it is the rainy season. During this period, the average one-way ticket price is $400-500. In June, July and August, you can fly even cheaper – for about $ 300-400. A direct flight is not as profitable as a transfer: its price is twice as high. 

Visa

As of the beginning of summer 2024, those who plan to stay in the country for less than 60 days do not need a visa. The law on visa–free regime came into force on May 1, 2024 – previously, the period of possible stay of Russian citizens was 90 days.  

Bangkok Airport

The only thing you will need to take with you is a passport with a validity period of six months or more and insurance. The last point is optional, but considering that medicine in Thailand is expensive, it is better to be safe so that you do not overpay for treatment later.  

Do you want to stay in the country longer? There are opportunities. The first is a border run, or entry into the territory of a neighboring state – for example, Laos or Malaysia. Upon your return to Thailand, your stay will start counting down again. 

The second option is to get a tourist visa of one of two types. TR is a visa that is issued for 60 days. It must be issued in advance on the territory of the Russian Federation. In Thailand, you will have the opportunity to extend it for another 30 days. The second type is a multiple–entry METV tourist visa. It is issued for six months, but within the framework of one trip it allows you to stay in the country for only 60 days. Those who have a permanent job or are a full-time student can use this visa. The cost of TR is $40, METV is $200. 

The Big Buddha of Phuket

And what about the currency?

The MIR card, as well as Visa and Mastercard issued in Russia, do not work in Thailand. You can buy dollars, euros or Chinese yuan, and upon arrival in the kingdom, exchange them for the official currency – Thai baht (THB). Exchange offices are located all over Thailand; Super Rich or Vasu Exchange has the best exchange rate, unlike banks and exchangers at the airport.

If you plan to stay in the country for a long time, it is more profitable to open a card of a local bank, for example, the most popular among foreigners Bangkok Bank. You need to take your passport, a resident’s certificate, and also issue a local SIM or eSIM card: notifications about transactions will be sent to it.

In addition to this, you will be asked to take out insurance and pay for bank services. In March 2024, the Vinsky forum wrote that the price of the issue was 6.8 thousand. THB ($187). For one of the participants of the Thai paradise telegram chat, the service cost a little more – 7.3 thousand rubles. THB ($200). In the same chat, the relocators offer assistance in making a card – not for free, of course. Everyone names their own price – one of these “assistants”, for example, the cost of the service starts from 10.9 thousand. THB ($300).

If you don’t want to overpay, you’ll have to put in a little more effort. Not all Bangkok Bank branches issue cards without additional bank insurance, therefore, most likely, several offices will have to be bypassed. In addition to the documents mentioned above, you will need a lease agreement (preferably for at least two to three months) and a letter of recommendation from a Russian bank sent via the SWIFT system. Alternatively, an affidavit or a letter of recommendation is suitable – you can get it by appointment at any Russian consulate in Thailand. You must take your passport with you. 

Residential complex in Phuket

Housing costs

Foreigners prefer three destinations in Thailand: Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. The latter is a clear favorite among Russian–speaking tourists and relocators. You can rent a house using Airbnb, Booking or a local website ddproperty.com .

You can pay in advance using a foreign card or arrange with the landlord and make a cash payment on the spot. You can find and pay for an apartment, apartment or hotel with a Russian card on the Ostrovok websites, “Daily”, Trip.com , as well as on Avito and in VKontakte groups. If you are planning to purchase a home in Thailand, check out our materials on the procedure for purchasing and maintaining real estate. And also choose the options on Prian. 

Meal

The cost of local products – tropical fruits, meat, fish – is slightly lower than in Russia. Dairy products are much more expensive. A large selection at affordable prices can be found in chain hypermarkets: BIG C, Tesco Lotus, Villa Market, Family Mart and 7-Eleven. Fruits that are sold individually – pineapple, watermelon, coconut – are cheaper to buy in the markets. 

Food prices in supermarkets

• Regular milk (1 liter) – 65 tons ($1.77) 
• A loaf of white bread (500 g) – 52.62 tons ($1.44) 
• White rice (500 g) – 22.03 TNW ($0.6) 
• Regular eggs (10 pcs.) – 50 THB ($1.36)
• Local cheese (500 g) – 382 THB ($10.39)
• Chicken fillet (500 g) – 45.06 THB ($1.23)
• Potatoes (1 kg) – 48 THB ($1.33)
• Onion (1 kg) – 38 THB ($1.03)
• Tomatoes (1 kg) – 53 THB ($1.4)
• Squid (1 kg) – 75 THB ($2.05)
• Shrimp (1 kg) – from 250 THB ($6.82)  
• Different types of fish (1 kg) – from 64 THB ($1.75)

Fruit

• Pineapple (1 piece) – 62.36 THB ($1.7)
• Mango (1 kg) – 47.69 THB ($1.3)
• Oranges (1 kg) – 69 THB ($1.88)
• Pitaya (1 kg) – 55 THB ($1.5)
• Bananas (bunch of 3-4 pcs.) – 29 THB ($0.79)

Water and alcohol

• Water (1.5 L bottle) – 16.59 THB ($0.45)
• A bottle of wine (middle segment) – 600 THB ($16.36)
• Local beer (0.5 L bottle) – 55.23 THB ($1.51)
• Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) – 82.38 THB ($2.25)

Cafes and restaurants

Establishments in the kingdom can be divided into two segments – with Thai cuisine and classic European cuisine. Eating in local cafes with Asian food is usually cheaper: fried rice with chicken can be found for $2. For comparison, a full lunch for two in a restaurant with European cuisine will cost more than $ 20. (Prices have been rising rapidly in resorts in recent years, in Phuket largely due to the “activity” of Russians.) At McDonald’s and similar fast food outlets, you can have lunch for $7-8.

In Thailand, and in particular in Phuket, there are night markets that open in the late afternoon and close around midnight. One of the most popular on the island is the weekend market Naka Market and Chillva Market, which is open from Monday to Saturday. There you can buy ready–made food at bargain prices: fried squid, shish kebab, fish balls – there are “tricks” cheaper than $1. You can eat inexpensively in the famous makashnits – mobile trolleys with ready-made food, which are popular in all areas of the island. Grilled meat is cheaper than $1.5, soups are a little more expensive than a dollar.

Small local establishments are popular with locals and foreigners. Here is just one typical example in Phuket – Sabaijai, a family restaurant specializing in local cuisine. The restaurant’s rating in Google maps is 4.8, visitors note a wide range of dishes, favorable prices (green curry with rice costs less than $4) and good service. It is better to book the table in advance.

The Pad Thai Shop fast food cafe looks more like a dining room with battered oilcloth, scratched plastic chairs and a noisy fan. But the dishes here, as tourists write, are very tasty, and the prices are low – on average from $ 1-3. 

Street cafe in Thailand

Clothing and shopping

In Phuket shopping malls – for example, Central Phuket Festival and Jungceylon – you will find clothes from all world brands: Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Nike, Zara, H&M. You can buy products with a 50-70% discount from June to August: at this time, the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale national sale takes place here.

Prices for clothes and shoes in the middle price segment

• Levis jeans (or similar in quality) – from 500 to 3,500 tons ($14-96)
• Zara or H&M summer Dress – from 500 to 1,500 tons ($14-41)
• Nike running shoes – from 2,000 to 5,000 tons ($55-137)
• Men’s Genuine Leather boots – from 1,500 to 3,000 tons ($41-82)

Clothing and accessories from local brands are also sold at night markets and small Thai shops. The same items are cheaper here than in shopping malls. T–shirts of good quality, for example, will cost an average of $6-8, jeans – $ 23-25.

Central World Plaza Shopping Mall, Bangkok

Kindergartens and schools in Phuket

The children of foreigners in Thailand almost always end up in private kindergartens, including for Russian speakers (the number of the latter is growing every year, only in Phuket there are several dozen). In Thai kindergartens, teachers speak to children in their native language, so it can be difficult for visitors. 

The prices are very different. For example, a private kindergarten, where communication is conducted in Thai and English, will cost you $270-500 per month. Those who plan to send their child to the first grade in Thailand in the future should probably choose a kindergarten at an international school. Focus on expenses from $350 to $1300 per month, depending on the level of the institution. The cost of kindergartens where teachers (though not all) speak Russian starts at $400 per month.

International schools teach in English. They are taught, as a rule, by teachers from Europe and America. If you want to make it easier for your child to enroll in a foreign university, then this option is perfect. But you will have to pay for prestige – annual tuition fees can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of US dollars. 

In Russian–speaking schools, education is usually conducted in two languages – Russian and English. The cost starts from $8 thousand per year (it was not possible to find less). In addition to studying, parents separately buy a child’s school uniform and textbooks, as well as pay entrance fees. You can read more about local schools and get acquainted with the most popular ones here.

Transport 

Public transport

The situation, to be honest, is not very good. Buses and minibuses do not run according to schedule, there is no direct connection between the beaches. There are no stops in our understanding, so we have to catch transport on the road. To exit, you need to press a special button in the cabin. Public transport runs at 20-30 minute intervals, the last flight is at 17-18 hours. A one-way ticket will cost about $1.

Taxi

It is most convenient to order through the Bolt, InDrive or Grab application. In the latter, you can register with a Russian SIM card – this is important if you have just arrived in Thailand and have not yet managed to get a local number. Taxis are expensive: in Phuket, a car pickup costs about $2.73, the price per kilometer is $ 1.60 and an hour of waiting is $12.28.

In the application or online calculator, you can calculate the approximate amount of the trip and focus on it so that the taxi driver does not request more than the required amount. The price depends on the area, distance and time of day. If you say that the trip is urgent, the check may skyrocket. 

Knock knock

Tuk-tuks are small bright trucks for six to eight people, with loud music that can be heard all over the street. This is one of the most popular modes of transport, but far from the cheapest. The cost depends on the mileage, time and weather and may not differ much from the cost of a taxi. You can bargain, but be sure to specify what price you are talking about – for the whole company or one person. Unlike buses, you don’t need to catch them on purpose: they stand at all shopping malls, hotels and along the streets.  

Tuk tuk in Thailand

Rent a car 

There are large companies – Auto Europe and Rentalcars, as well as small Thai companies. In many offices, employees speak English and even Russian. If you order a car in advance through an application (for example, Local Rent), it will be delivered at the specified time and place. Prices depend on the model of the car and the rental period. Toyota Vios – from $25 per day, Honda Civic – from $40 per day. Toyota Yaris or equivalent – from $360 per month. Minivans – from $620 per month. 

Rent a moped

Rental points are located all over the island: in hotels, car repair shops and courtyards of private houses. It is easy to recognize them by the label Motorbike for rent. The price depends on the model and technical characteristics of the scooter. It is most profitable to take a moped for a month: as a rule, they make a discount on long-term rentals. For example, the rental price for a day is $8-11, for a week – $55, for a month – $164, and a liter of gasoline will cost $ 1.27. 

We recommend that you carefully read the reviews in Google Maps and telegram chats before renting a vehicle. Russian-speaking tourists and residents in Phuket, for example, recommend the company Red & Gold Customs. Russians work in it, and the prices, according to the organization’s clients, are lower than those of Thais. For example, one of the clients of the bike rental cost $6.86 per day. The company’s rating in Google Maps is 5.0.  

Before renting, inspect the scooter in the presence of the owner: take a picture and point out scratches and damage, if any, check the insurance and technical inspection. You will need to leave a certain amount as a deposit – it will be given if you return the refueled moped in the same condition as it was at the time of delivery. Never leave your passport as collateral: cases of its loss are not uncommon here. Specify at what time you need to return the transport: usually, if you take a moped in the morning, then you need to return it in the morning too. Remember that some rentals close at 9-10 p.m., and most of them even earlier. 

To drive a moped in Thailand, you must have an international or local license. For driving without a license, the offender will be punished – three months in prison or a fine of $ 272.9. The fine for driving without a helmet is $54.58. However, this is the case when the severity of the laws is combined with the non–necessity of their execution. 

Motorcyclists in Thailand

Connection

Mobile phone

If you only need mobile Internet and you plan to come to Thailand for a short period of time, try the AirAlo app: you can use it to activate eSIM in any country. If your phone does not support this technology, you will have to look for a SIM card on the spot. The worst option is to buy it immediately upon arrival: spend more. 

Therefore, even if you plan to come to the kingdom for only a week, deal with the issue of mobile communication in advance. For example, order a SIM card on the Klook website and pick it up at the airport. This way you will spend about 170 baht ($4.66) instead of 600 ($16.50). You can also purchase a SIM at a better price at the operator’s office or at any supermarket chain.

The most popular mobile operators are Dtac, True Move and AIS. The tariffs can be found on the websites, but, as reported in the Thai paradise telegram chat, it is better to look for better deals in official applications or on the Lazada marketplace. The cost depends on the specific operator and the tariff, the average price is 200-350 baht per month. 

The Internet

Thailand has become a magnet for digital nomads from all over the world, which is why conditions have begun to be created in recent years. Remoters work either in cafes and restaurants with free Internet points, or in coworking spaces. In Phuket, for example, Let’s Work, Grind Time Coworking Space, Homa and The Project are popular. 

If you live in a condo, you can distribute the Internet from your mobile – however, the higher your floor, the more noticeable the interruptions will be. For a more stable connection, you can connect to the home Internet. The most popular ISPs are TOT, CAT, True and 3BB. There are many home Internet packages. The LATTER offers speeds of 100 Mbit/s from $7.9 per month or 1000 Mbit/s from $24.5. 3BB provider – 100 Mbps from $16 per month or 1 Gbps from $32.72. You can pay for the Internet at the provider or through the manager. 

Entertainments

The choice is huge, but specific. One of the main features of Thailand is elephant farms. Companies offer different programs, the cost of which starts from $25. Another popular entertainment is Thai massage. The prices in the salons are reasonable: for example, in Ni Massage or Orientala Spa in Phuket, they range from $8 to $14. On the beach, an hour of massage costs about $8.

Other leisure options include jet skiing ($50 for 30 minutes), snorkeling and flippers (from $3), surfing (from $30) and diving (from $100). If you plan to stay in Phuket, be sure to go to Phi Phi Island with a guide ($40+) or visit the Khao Rang observation deck.

Elephant Farm in Thailand

Medicine 

It is difficult to find clinics with a high level of service. Among these are Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization Hospital, Bangkok Hospital and Mission Hospital. The treatment is expensive. For example, a visit to a doctor in a public hospital costs at least $5.5, but, as a rule, much more expensive. In a private clinic, prices are even higher: from $19.15 to $82, depending on the type of treatment. In order not to overpay, it is better to arrange insurance in advance – public or private. 

The first type of insurance is issued only to those who work for the state. It covers the main item of expenses: prescriptions for medicines, operations in public clinics, dental services, physiotherapy, emergency care.  

Private insurance provides a number of advantages. For example, the right to choose where to be treated, prompt service and treatment. The insurance also includes consultations of narrow-profile specialists and services of a dental surgeon. The price of private insurance depends on the company and the package of services, the approximate cost is from $ 55. 

Beaches

The length of the coastline in the kingdom is 2.5 thousand km. There are many equipped and wild, tourist and secluded, paid and free beaches – so you can always find something to your taste and budget. 

Lonely Planet has compiled a rating of the ten best beaches in Thailand. These include Haad Rin Nai with its beach parties, the longest beach in Phuket Mai Khao, Nui Beach Bay on Phi Phi, Ko Similan for those who love diving, quiet Sichon Beach with pink dolphins and the oldest resort Hua Hin beach. 

Some beaches have a paid entrance fee – from $5 depending on the season. Sun beds and umbrellas are included in the price, and there are usually cafes and water activities on site. On the free beaches, the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas is paid separately, the price starts from $2.5. 

On the beach of Phuket island

Conclusions

Prices in Thailand have increased significantly in recent years, but they still remain within reasonable limits. According to Numbeo, life in the kingdom is 16% more expensive than in Russia, which is not such a big difference compared to other destinations for relocation and recreation. Thailand ranks 114th out of 197 countries in Livingcost’s cost of living ranking – living here, for example, is cheaper than in Georgia or Armenia. Although not everyone will surely agree with this.  

The visa policy here is friendly, the climate is comfortable, and the infrastructure is developed – which is why tourists and digital nomads are increasingly choosing this destination. The minimum monthly amount required to live here is $550-650 per person. This includes food ($200), utilities ($60-70), internet and mobile communications ($40-50), and transportation ($30). 

But the final amount, of course, depends on your capabilities and preferences. Living “with excesses” will cost $ 1.5 thousand, or maybe $ 10 thousand – this amount includes renting housing with comfortable conditions, spending on gasoline, entertainment and eating out – the last two points are generally difficult to predict financially. 

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