We are definitely living in a crazy time and the way things are turning in the US and Europe, more and more people are relocating to Thailand, which has long been a firm favourite with tourists. If you have made up your mind to sell all of your assets at home and start a new life in a tropical paradise, here is a comprehensive checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.

• • Insurances – You need comprehensive medical insurance as well as a policy to cover your personal belongings. If you were to fall seriously ill in Thailand and you didn’t have insurance, the bill could wipe out all of your savings.
  • Visas – If you are travelling with your partner, you both need long-term visas; if you are aged 50 or over, you can apply for a retirement visa by contacting the Thai Embassy in your home country. You need to open a Thai bank account and deposit 800,000 baht before applying for the visa.

• Accommodation – Some people prefer to rent for the first year and move around to find the best area to settle. Search online for a luxury villa for sale in Phuket and have all your furniture imported, there is no tax to pay on personal possessions such as furniture and appliances. If you are a regular visitor to Thailand, you could arrange the purchase a few months prior to your relocation date and move in when you arrive.

• Buying furniture – Renting a fully furnished pool villa for a few months means you have no need for your furniture to be shipped. Have an auction at home and sell whatever you can and donate the rest to a local charity.

• Medication – If you are currently taking medication, check that it is freely available in Thailand; bring prescriptions with you and if the drugs are not available bring more than enough for at least 1 year.

• Moving money – We recommend opening a Thai bank account and use a company such as Wise to make monthly transfers directly into your Thai account. Withdrawing money via your credit card involves a charge of 300 baht per instance and by using Wise, you are saving money.

• What to bring – Most people bring minimal clothing and buy new when they arrive in Thailand, where clothing is cheap and good quality. Bring your digital devices and invest in a universal adaptor so you can easily recharge them. If you can’t bear to be apart from some of your furniture items, share a sea container and import them; you shouldn’t have to pay import duty if they are for personal use. Click here to learn about eco-tourism in coastal regions.
• Last Will & Testament – Sit down with your lawyer at home and write a will and take it with you when you relocate.

If you plan correctly, your new life in Thailand should be a trouble-free transition to a great life in a tropical paradise.