Post: #101

^^ It's not so different back home man. That hippie stuff is good and fine, but it's not getting anyone the hotter, classier girls. That's a myth for the most part. Above all, this is a game forum. I'm sure there are other forums where you can find people committed to living as frugally as possible. Women cost money, whether directly or indirectly. I barely buy anything for girls other than dinner sometimes, but they still cost money. Accepting that fact is part of becoming a more realistic and developed man.

Whateverfuckit, you have a large sense of entitlement. As a new and unrepped poster you should be trying to contribute some value where you can, but you are constantly complaining about the information and feedback given by more experienced people than yourself.

Post: #102

(12-09-2015 01:51 AM)dreambig Wrote:  ^^ It's not so different back home man. That hippie stuff is good and fine, but it's not getting anyone the hotter, classier girls. That's a myth for the most part. Above all, this is a game forum. I'm sure there are other forums where you can find people committed to living as frugally as possible. Women cost money, whether directly or indirectly. I barely buy anything for girls other than dinner sometimes, but they still cost money. Accepting that fact is part of becoming a more realistic and developed man.

Whateverfuckit, you have a large sense of entitlement. As a new and unrepped poster you should be trying to contribute some value where you can, but you are constantly complaining about the information and feedback given by more experienced people than yourself.

I disagree that women cost money....they certainly cost time, and time = money...but thats semantics....

Maybe we live in different parts of the world, but personally, I've never spent a dime on a girl outside of an LTR.

As for your other comment, I'll drop a couple of datasheets.

Post: #103

(12-08-2015 09:57 PM)Soyouz Wrote:  Kuala Lumpur is also a good place for that budget, and most people speak English.

Nice diversity too (Malay, Chinese, Indian, White expats).

Do you have a breakdown for that?

Post: #104

(12-09-2015 01:39 AM)whateverfuckit Wrote:  

(12-09-2015 01:31 AM)Cyclone Wrote:  The general gist of it is that girls in SEA or EE literally like you more when you buy them nice things / do nice things for them. This is something you'll experience when you get out of America - even here in Hawaii chicks would love nothing more than to fuck a hippie on his mattress on his floor smelling of weed and a Jimi Hendrix poster on his wall, just because it's "cool". But in SEA or EE the girls have a bit of class and, as men, we enjoy buying things for women and want them to like us for it which is kinda why we find it appealing.
.

Thank you. This is the kind of insight I was hoping for. Obviously, in the USA, you don't buy shit for women unless you're in an LTR. In other countries, women appreciate you buying them things. This is something I would need to work into my budget to have an optimal life with women.

These are the types of variables I was hoping others with experience would point out. Things like Visa runs, buying gifts for girls, etc.

What are the rough monthly costs of these non-stateside expenses? What does it run (on average) to do a Visa run? If it's only bi-annually, what does the monthly expense break down to? Etc.

We would need a multi page thread to get into any detail on visas and may even need to break it down by country. Cambodia and the Philippines (Cambo and Phils experts, correct me if I'm wrong) are probably the easiest countries in SEA for a location independent young guy to stay long term. Not all countries require visa runs and even though Thailand does it depends on where you live in Thailand. My border runs cost the price of fuel for my car or bike and a lunch or snack and takes 3 hours each way if I push hard. The yearly visa run is a different story and many need to do more than 1 visa run each year. You can do some research on your own depending on which country you are considering moving to and can always check back here or on a visa dedicated forum a few months before you are planning to make the move. Speaking about visas and SEA women, I need to cross the border this weekend for my 90 day entry on a 1 yr multi B Thai visa. The plan was to drive my car or ride my bike and maybe spend the night in Chiang Rai or not. This ties in to what Rio Nomad and Cyclone mentioned about spending money on classy girls in SEA. Two weeks ago one of my CM girls, out of nowhere, bought me a $400 top of the line Meizu smartphone, that she knew I had my eye on, as a gift for Loy Krathong. I am taking her with me on the border run and booked a nice place in Mae Salong for 2 nights; looking forward to the fresh air, chilly nights and delicious Yunnanese food. This is a real world example of gladly spending money on a sexy Thai girl who is always going out of her way to make sure I am happy in her home country.

Post: #105

(12-08-2015 09:39 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(12-08-2015 01:54 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  I could live ok in the U.S. on $1500 if I wanted to, let alone SE Asia. I don't know what some guys are doing to burn so much cash in places like the Phils or Thailand. But then again, I have no interest in going to western clubs and spending $100 in a night, no matter my income. I can't even remember the last time I did that. A great night out in Bangkok full of booze and women can cost $20 or less. Will there be any white people there? No.

Hey, knock yourself out spending $20 or less to eat street food, drink Chang, and bang some 6s. We've all done it. It can be a good time. But lets not act like you're really playing the game at a high level by doing that on a regular basis.

You could go to New York and have a great time eating 7-11 hot dogs and chasing drunk Staten Island girls at Joe's Corner Bar, but we all know NYC has bigger and better things to offer.

Edit: Almost forgot to give you your cool points for pretending to be a local and only going to places with no white people.

I don't understand the hostility going on, in this post, and in this thread in general.

I fully agree that a lifestyle like the other guy who spent $300/month in 'Nam is not what most foreigners would want to do. But we're talking about $1500/month, not $300. It's not some ultra low budget.

Quote:Hey, knock yourself out spending $20 or less to eat street food, drink Chang

I've never heard of a farang knocking someone for eating street food in Thailand or drinking Chang, that is very strange. I don't get that, I don't understand the implication. "Street food" is the food in Thailand. Do you really not eat on the street in Thailand or view it as low class or something? I have a hard time believing that you truly think this.

Where/what are you eating on a daily basis that $20 isn't enough or a tight squeeze? I genuinely don't understand how this is a tight/low budget for food in Bangkok. That's nearly $7/meal.

I can't imagine going somewhere in SE and avoiding eating street food, not drinking the local beer, dropping hundreds going out, living basically the same as in the States, at nearly the same cost.

Quote:and bang some 6s

Come on man. Now I'm banging only 6's because I eat street food and don't blow my cash going to high end Clubs on the regular? I doubt you even believe what you're saying. What does one have to do with the other? I'm trying not to take this as a straight up insult. It's too ridiculous.

Quote:Edit: Almost forgot to give you your cool points for pretending to be a local and only going to places with no white people.

You've misinterpreted what I said. My point was simply that you can spend very little money and have a great time, it will just be in places not frequented by farangs, places that are not 'upscale'. I didn't go to them to 'feel cool', to avoid my fellow expats, or 'pretend' to be a local (what does that even mean? I was a local)- I went to them simply because they provided a good time at a good value, and were in my neighborhood. And, I didn't only go to these places, as you suggested. I can see how I worded it may have been interpreted wrong, that is my fault.

Quote:But lets not act like you're really playing the game at a high level by doing that on a regular basis.

What does this even mean?

Is playing game at a 'high level' paying ridiculous sums for bottle service with the same spinners that I swooped in MBK Center during the day and took to the food court?

Are you suggesting that significant sums need to be spent to get the better quality girls in Bangkok?

-----

My perspective on living in SE Asia, and the point I'm trying to make, can be summed up like this: Why am I living in Bangkok if I'm just transporting my American lifestyle there, and spending nearly the same amount as back home?

For me, if I'm spending what I spent in the States, eating at upscale restaurants, dropping $100/night in western clubs then I might as well go live somewhere with better looking girls and better weather, because there's little appeal left if the value is gone.

I respect your thoughts and usually enjoy your posts. You're a smart guy who has been around the block. But I feel the tone of your post, and the implications within, are unnecessary

Post: #106

(12-09-2015 02:14 AM)whateverfuckit Wrote:  

(12-09-2015 01:51 AM)dreambig Wrote:  ^^ It's not so different back home man. That hippie stuff is good and fine, but it's not getting anyone the hotter, classier girls. That's a myth for the most part. Above all, this is a game forum. I'm sure there are other forums where you can find people committed to living as frugally as possible. Women cost money, whether directly or indirectly. I barely buy anything for girls other than dinner sometimes, but they still cost money. Accepting that fact is part of becoming a more realistic and developed man.

Whateverfuckit, you have a large sense of entitlement. As a new and unrepped poster you should be trying to contribute some value where you can, but you are constantly complaining about the information and feedback given by more experienced people than yourself.

I disagree that women cost money....they certainly cost time, and time = money...but thats semantics....

Maybe we live in different parts of the world, but personally, I've never spent a dime on a girl outside of an LTR.

Never spent a dime?

Going to bars to meet girls, going on dates, dressing well, eating in semi-decent restaurants, going on romantic getaways, getting taxis because she's in crazy heels. I can think of tons of ways that girls cost money. Not to mention that the hotter the girl, the more demanding they become.

None of the above involves directly buying things for girls. Even if it's indirect you are paying more than what you do when you aren't dating.

My point is that this lifestyle costs money. The 500/month digital nomad (man I hate that word) crew are clearly not playing the same game as we are and that's fair enough. And neither was Cyclone - as far as I can tell he lived rent free with a local girl.

For 1.5k you can do some of this in Bangkok but it's not optimal. Aim higher, push yourself to make more money. I'm not quite there either but aspirations are important.

Post: #107

Alright guys let's get back on track.

Here's my budget from this November. I was traveling for the first 2 weeks, second half I was in Saigon.

Rent: About $410, between various hotel rooms. My last long-term accommodation was a monthly rental back in July near the middle of the city, almost brand new studio, where I was paying $320 per month. If you want a 1BR apartment you are looking at $400 at the minimum for a decent place, and usually a bit further out in District 2. For $600 a month upgrade that to a 2br, probably with a pool if you're in District 2. Furnished.

At $800 a month you're looking at very nice, very new apartments just about anywhere in the city. $1000 you're getting into immaculate places, $1200 and up you're looking at villas.

Utilities: None that month because I was in hotels, but I was always paying less than 60 bucks and I run my AC nonstop.

Food: $200. Street food almost every meal, mixed in with sushi and other more expensive options occasionally.

Coffee, smoothies, basically my "cafe fees": About $40, but it's usually at least 60. Coffee runs anywhere from 40 cents to $3 in Saigon, same with smoothies and fresh juice.

Entertainment: $200, this was mostly on video games. Don't judge me.

Miscellaneous: ATM fees, random shit. About $15.

Transportation: Bus tickets, gas, parking. About $60, but this is usually closer to $30 when I'm not buying bus tickets.

Toiletries: $2...lol

Gym: $20. My place is a big spot near the middle of the city. No AC, old. But big and has everything I need, plus a lot of hot chicks.

Visa: Works out to 30 or 40 every month, but you're renewing once every 3 months.

My total is always between $1000 and $1500. One thing to note is that a lot of apartments require a 2-month security deposit, so factor that into your set-up costs.

You're also going to need a motorcycle. You can get a decent one for $300.

Coworking spaces are about $100 per month. Any other questions let me know, I'm sure I missed a lot.

Post: #108

(12-08-2015 05:46 PM)Cyclone Wrote:  

(12-08-2015 04:12 AM)Sweet Pea Wrote:  Cyclone I have no idea how you were spending that little every month in Vietnam. Not saying I don't believe you, but Christ man were you ever eating meat? I spend more than your entire budget every month on food, and I almost solely eat cheap street food. Which city was this?

i was in the city of Thai Nguyen, college town of ~300,000, several college campuses, maybe 40 expats at a given time.

(12-08-2015 06:49 AM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Living in Vietnam for $233 a month is just beyond belief. True, perhaps, but why would I want to sleep on a wooden board without A/C? No thanks, I'll pass and spend a little more for a good deal in a 1 BR furnished rental.

for the experience gained and passage into manhood. If you go the "1BR furnished rental" route, you are robbing yourself of the experience gained from going into survival mode. So what the fuck is the point? Human bodies are capable of living in caves and on dirt and shit. You don't owe it to yourself to test minimalism for 9 months? Especially when thousands of locals around you are doing the same?
and b), it provides a stepping stone for future financial success. I just moved to Honolulu, as expensive as NYC/SF, how do you think I'm spending only $800/month outside of rent ? I wouldn't have been able to do it without the financial skills mastered in Vietnam. Similarly, why did a 9/10 view me as a marriage prospect earlier this summer? It wouldn't have been without the numerous times of getting my guts wrenched out by other women and swallowing the red pill and lots of cold approach. It's the same shit

You could argue there are 2 red pills here, one for dating quality women and one for not spending your money like a retard. You have to put yourself through tough situations to land in success. See sig. This is self-development 101.

(12-08-2015 08:29 AM)dreambig Wrote:  OK so you don't really lift. I appreciate your honesty at least. I also assume that you ate below 1000 calories a day.
Seriously, I spend more than your entire budget just eating food in Bangkok (mostly cheap places).
What do you mean by "relationship game"?


Why any Westerner would voluntarily want to live like this is beyond me. Upgrading your lifestyle is supposed to be one of the benefits of becoming a location independent man.


$2k is not a necessary amount. It's an amount that would be optimal for guys wanting to score higher class women, do trips abroad, eat in nicer restaurants now and then, keep their wardrobe optimal and so on. All the things we aspire to around here. It's hardly the high life. I can assure you.

Yes, these amounts are above what it takes to survive. But seriously man? Survival is the benchmark now?

It's misleading to quote people such low amounts as if that is the norm to live on for foreigners. Not everyone wants to move to a 3rd world country and live like a dirty hobo. We want to upgrade, not downgrade. That's why the "$500 a month in Chiang Mai" attention-seeking bloggers get such flak around here.

Sure, I could move to the Philippines, share a cockroach-ridden dorm with some students and spend below $200 a month eating dogfood. Is that the kind of self-improvement we are aiming for?

The fact that you're accusing me of eating <1000 calories worth of dogfood every day and "living like a dirty hobo" keeps me from taking your post seriously and hope no one else does either
We're on RVF to learn from other men, not act like brats when encountered with new data.
.

The passage into manhood? Give me a break. You're talking about a camping trip.

The only person acting like a brat is you for being questioned on your wild ideas about acceptable living standards.

Post: #109

(12-09-2015 04:00 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  My perspective on living in SE Asia, and the point I'm trying to make, can be summed up like this: Why am I living in Bangkok if I'm just transporting my American lifestyle there, and spending nearly the same amount as back home?

For me, if I'm spending what I spent in the States, eating at upscale restaurants, dropping $100/night in western clubs then I might as well go live somewhere with better looking girls and better weather, because there's little appeal left if the value is gone.

I respect your thoughts and usually enjoy your posts. You're a smart guy who has been around the block. But I feel the tone of your post, and the implications within, are unnecessary

Thank you GM. I was starting to think I was crazy, the way people talk down about the budget I suggested/have. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks it's a reasonable some to spend every month abroad.

(12-09-2015 01:51 AM)dreambig Wrote:  Never spent a dime?

Going to bars to meet girls, going on dates, dressing well, eating in semi-decent restaurants, going on romantic getaways, getting taxis because she's in crazy heels. I can think of tons of ways that girls cost money. Not to mention that the hotter the girl, the more demanding they become.

I've never done ANY of the bolded items with a girl I wasn't dating. Granted, I've never dated a non-American girl, so perhaps its different in other countries (from what I've gathered, I basically need to throw everything I've learned about how to date women out the window when going abroad). I get it---you're Don Draper, or Roger Sterling, a baller, and you take girls out on fancy trips etc. Maybe that gets you more women, or more attractive women. I'm not knocking it. If you have the expendable income, more power to you. Now, I will agree, absent the desire of new pussy, I probably wouldn't buy nice clothes, or buy shit for my hair, and other things like that. I do indirectly spend money. But I don't deal with "Demanding" women. Period. I just don't. Given that, I've never had a "dime piece". The hottest I've slept with/dated is an 8, and I'm ok with that. As you said, past a certain point, it just becomes such a hassle, and to me, personally, it's not worth it.

I respect your viewpoints and opinions. Perhaps you are getting a higher "quality" of women than I am. If so, awesome. But just like the budget, there are different strokes for different folks. I just ask you respect my opinion, regardless of my status on the forum.

Quote:My point is that this lifestyle costs money. The 500/month digital nomad (man I hate that word) crew are clearly not playing the same game as we are and that's fair enough. And neither was Cyclone - as far as I can tell he lived rent free with a local girl.

For 1.5k you can do some of this in Bangkok but it's not optimal. Aim higher, push yourself to make more money. I'm not quite there either but aspirations are important.

If you haven't read it, I highly recommend the parable of Mexican Fisherman. I think that the story will give you a much better perception of where myself and Global Man are coming from in terms of how we view our time and money.

BTW, just to be clear: I'm not trying to fight or argue with you, I realize that this is a text-based conversation, so I want you to know I respect your opinions, and I'm not trying to say "I'm right, you're wrong." We're both right---there's nothing innately wrong with either viewpoint. Some people like to make and spend a lot of money, others are happy with the simpler things----both are ok!

Post: #110

Guys, can we stop with the pissing match and just accept that we all have different ideas on budgets and travelling accommodations? If you're making 80K a year and want to spend 4k every month, awesome! I don't think anyone is going to tell you you're a loser for doing that. Likewise, if you only work 15 hours a week and make less than 2k, and budget on that (valuing your time more than money), that should be ok too! Personally, I see the value in BOTH viewpoints/lifestyles. Lets all just agree that there are different ways to travel/budget/live!

Are we cool? Great! Back to topic.

Post: #111

Can you live comfortably in D.F (Mexico) under $1500 a month?

Post: #112

I can't stand cheap people. I've been unfortunate enough to travel with them and it's disgusting the way they pinch pennies, argue with cab drivers or waiters over a dollar, think it's cool not to pay for a poor girls cab fair of a few dollars and generally piss off the local population by acting as if everyone is trying to rob them of their life savings.

Post: #113

This thread is not going in the direction the OP hoped for.

Post: #114

(12-09-2015 05:47 AM)Fisto Wrote:  I can't stand cheap people. I've been unfortunate enough to travel with them and it's disgusting the way they pinch pennies, argue with cab drivers or waiters over a dollar, think it's cool not to pay for a poor girls cab fair of a few dollars and generally piss off the local population by acting as if everyone is trying to rob them of their life savings.

I'm not sure if you're inferring that I said that, but if so I'd like to clarify: That is NOT how I live, and not how I intend to live abroad. I don't know why you equate my perfectly reasonable budget with being poor or "cheap" but that's not me.

If you're talking about Global Man, I don't believe he ever said or implied he lived like that either....so I'm really not sure why you're acting so hostile.

Post: #115

(12-09-2015 05:47 AM)Fisto Wrote:  I can't stand cheap people. I've been unfortunate enough to travel with them and it's disgusting the way they pinch pennies, argue with cab drivers or waiters over a dollar, think it's cool not to pay for a poor girls cab fair of a few dollars and generally piss off the local population by acting as if everyone is trying to rob them of their life savings.

Are you equating those types of people with people in this thread saying they can live fine on $1500/month? If so, why?

Being comfortable living within a (very reasonable) budget =/= being a cheapskate

We're not talking about an idiot going on a 3 week vacation, spending to travel to other side of the globe, but yet worrying about taxi fare and acting like and arrogant cheap bastard. This is about living in a place, for months or years, within a certain budget.

The type of person you describe is called an asshole, and has nothing to do with anyone here who's comfortable living on the amounts described in these cheap locations.

Trying to equate the two is disingenuous.

Post: #116

Thread could have gone in a better way if the OP didn't state that you're a "retard" in the first message if you don't live on the cheap. Self-inflicted.

Post: #117

(12-09-2015 06:25 AM)Vicious Wrote:  Thread could have gone in a better way if the OP didn't state that you're a "retard" in the first message if you don't live on the cheap. Self-inflicted.

Now you're attributing quotes I NEVER said to me as well.

Search the thread: I NEVER used the word "retard" nor implied that people who live on more expensive budgets are stupid.

I never would have guessed the subject of a travel budget would be so controversial.

Post: #118

(12-09-2015 06:07 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

(12-09-2015 05:47 AM)Fisto Wrote:  I can't stand cheap people. I've been unfortunate enough to travel with them and it's disgusting the way they pinch pennies, argue with cab drivers or waiters over a dollar, think it's cool not to pay for a poor girls cab fair of a few dollars and generally piss off the local population by acting as if everyone is trying to rob them of their life savings.

Are you equating those types of people with people in this thread saying they can live fine on $1500/month? If so, why?

Being comfortable living within a (very reasonable) budget =/= being a cheapskate

We're not talking about an idiot going on a 3 week vacation, spending to travel to other side of the globe, but yet worrying about taxi fare and acting like and arrogant cheap bastard. This is about living in a place, for months or years, within a certain budget.

The type of person you describe is called an asshole, and has nothing to do with anyone here who's comfortable living on the amounts described in these cheap locations.

Trying to equate the two is disingenuous.

I'm not equating the two, I'm defining a cheap person, and actually yes. It does have to do with a few people on this thread whom I have had the displeasure to meet in person.

Post: #119

(12-09-2015 06:40 AM)Fisto Wrote:  I'm not equating the two, I'm defining a cheap person, and actually yes. It does have to do with a few people on this thread whom I have had the displeasure to meet in person.

Fisto, Vicious:

You guys are probably both awesome, solid dudes. Obviously you both have your finances in order, and that's great. Honestly, I'm really happy for you.

But please, can we keep the personal beefs out of this thread? I know I'm new, and that I have no right to ask for favors, but I feel this is a completely reasonable request.

If something particular I have said offended you, feel free to bring it up. Otherwise, I'd love to hear any info on the subject, i.e. travelling on a budget.

Post: #120

(12-09-2015 06:25 AM)Vicious Wrote:  Thread could have gone in a better way if the OP didn't state that you're a "retard" in the first message if you don't live on the cheap. Self-inflicted.

The fuck? This is the first message.

Quote:Hey guys.

Although I'm 99.9% certain this has been covered before in another thread(s), I wasn't able to find it in my search.

Basically, I'm interested in knowing which countries allow one to live comfortably on 1,500 USD per month. Expenses should include long-term (6+ months) lodging, NOT 1 week trips, or other "tourist" prices. I have an online business (selling on eBay and Amazon) that allows me location independence via using Amazon to fulfill my orders. To re-stock, I merely need to order my inventory and have a family member ship the items to an Amazon warehouse.

Anyways, if this has been covered before, please feel free to just drop the appropriate link(s) and I'll check them out. On the off chance it hasn't been discussed, well, lets talk about it!

I also see where he talks about the male-female pay gap and how not all muslims are like that. Against high heels, too. Also pays for appetizers.

Seriously though, this had the potential to be a great thread. I think $1500 is a good baseline budget for new travelers, something that doesn't require busting your ass to make happen and still have time to enjoy yourself. Yes, some guys are making bank and $1500 might seem cheap. Other guys can live just like a local, and maybe guys who spend $1500 seem out of their mind.

Who cares? Answer the question in the context of the thread, not how you think somebody else should live.

Post: #121

(12-09-2015 06:40 AM)Fisto Wrote:  It does have to do with a few people on this thread whom I have had the displeasure to meet in person.

Fair enough, I can only speak for myself then.

Post: #122

(12-09-2015 05:47 AM)[email protected] Wrote:  Can you live comfortably in D.F (Mexico) under $1500 a month?

No. I was there recently and the price level in DF is actually more expensive than quite a few European cities.

This is assuming you'd want to live in a nice area such as Condesa or Polanco and not some shithole part of the city.

If you don't ride taxis/Uber, eat only street food or at home, don't go out too much then maybe? I wouldn't say you'd be balling (or even living comfortably) in DF under 1500$ though.

Post: #123

My bad, it was cyclone who said that, not the OP.

Post: #124

(12-09-2015 06:30 AM)whateverfuckit Wrote:  

(12-09-2015 06:25 AM)Vicious Wrote:  Thread could have gone in a better way if the OP didn't state that you're a "retard" in the first message if you don't live on the cheap. Self-inflicted.

Now you're attributing quotes I NEVER said to me as well.

Search the thread: I NEVER used the word "retard" nor implied that people who live on more expensive budgets are stupid.

I never would have guessed the subject of a travel budget would be so controversial.

If you really want to leave the U.S you will have no problem living in several countries for less than $1500 and if you 'go local'; buy your food in the market and cook at home every night like you do now, you could bring that number down even further. I'll do a quick breakdown of what a guy like you may spend once you get settled in a cheaper city in Thailand that is still livable; like Chiang Mai (substitute Khorat, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen or Chiang Rai here).

Rent

Apt $100 - $250

House $140 - $350

Condo $180 - $300

These prices are comfortable mid level range places and the price difference has a lot to do with how much the owner of the building needs to support his gf or mistress or pay for his daughter's private school tuition. If it's a Condo or house they will need to cover the mortgage payments and if you're lucky and they don't have one, you may get a good deal. Deals cannot be found on the internet unless you read Thai and even then it is best to just ride all over town up and down small sois looking at different places and then asking the owner of the apartment, condo or house how much they want. Don't hire a real estate agent or book on airbnb for long term stays; the former takes a hefty commission and the owners smart enough to rent on airbnb are looking for tourists or cashed up foreigners to fund their lifestyle.

Utilities

Electric is metered at either the government rate which you will get if you rent a Condo/Townhouse or a home and is usually half the rate of what an apartment will charge you. $40-$50 for an apartment $20 - $40 for a Condo or Townhouse depending how large it is and $30 - $60 for a house per month.

Water $3 - $7 per month.


Food

Market bought fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and fruit to prepare 2 or 3 large portion Thai dishes and rice. $1.25 - $2.25 per meal. Thai girl to prepare the meal; usually free.

Street Food I don't eat street food because it's laced with sugar, MSG and even chemicals to keep the low quality vegetables, fruit and meat either green or red for days; but you may want to eat it anyway. 55 cents to $1.40

Restaurant meals This will vary wildly depending on many factors, but even in the expensive Thai restaurants you would be hard pressed to spend more than $7 per dish. $3 - $10 with a bottle of water or drink.

Water

You need clean water to cook rice, Tom Yum and other dishes as well as drinking water. I only use premium drinking water to cook with and mineral water to drink. $3 - $12 per month

Transportation

I would strongly not recommend living in Chiang Mai without a scooter, motorbike or car. Public transportation is either Songthaews that drive around town looking for people to flag them down or more recently on scheduled routes. They are ok and cheap, 50 cents during the day, if you don't mind sitting in the back of a covered Isuzu pick up truck with other passengers; they also don't run that late. Taxis have 'taxi meter' pasted on the cars but refuse to use meter and if you travel late at night or when it's raining, they will rape you; Tuk Tuks are also not a feasible option for regular transport. A small city like Chiang Rai has metered taxis and the pace and traffic is much slower, so you could even cycle wherever you wanted to go. That brings us to fuel for a scooter or motorbike that you will need if you live anywhere other than Bangkok, Chiang Rai or some other small city or town that you could cycle around without the danger of getting flattened by traffic.

Fuel

This will also vary depending on whether you have a new or used scooter or a bigger bike and how often and far you ride. $8 - $50 per month

Toiletries and household items

Shower gel, bathroom tissue, toothbrush, toothpaste, laundry detergent, dish soap etc. All of these are cheaper here than in the U.S and Canada if you know where to shop with one notable exception being cologne. $10 - $15 per month

Visas and border runs

Visas in Thailand have recently become either more time consuming to obtain, expensive, restrictive, or shorter in duration and in some cases all of the above. Border runs may or may not be needed, but either way you will need to make a border run or report to immigration every 90 days if you obtain a 1 year visa.

$400 - $2000 per year and up depending on which visa you obtain, where you go get it and the travel costs to get there.

Entertainment

This is entirely up to you and wide ranging, especially in the bigger second tier cities like Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Hat Yai and Khorat. I have spent anywhere from $4 for my share of a bottle of Hong Thong or Mekong with ice and mixers to $400 for a wild night bouncing from venue to venue.

Do not ask a Songthaew, Tuk Tuk, or Taxi for recommendations on where to eat, drink, zipline, trek or get a massage. They will take you to the place that gives them the best commission and guess where the commission paid will come from; your pocket.

Post: #125

Can work be part of it?

If you get a job at a university in China everything is free: free apartment, free utilities, often paid cell phone bill (I get 50yuan a month which is fine for 3G service).

That is only working 16 hours a week, 2-3 days a week or work. Plus you will get salary from 5000-10,000 yuan a month for that. Plus free plane tickets back to your home country every year.