What I will prepare before the move to Thailand! Part 3.

Posted by on Jun 28, 2011 in Preparation, Travel | 13 comments

What I will prepare before the move to Thailand! Part 3.

The third and final part of what I will do to prepare for my move to Thailand. So far in part 1 and part 2 I have discussed the obvious such as flights and money then health and insurance.

This final blog will discuss the basic necessities to take with you before you leave. Last time I went to Thailand I was surprised about how cheap the clothes were, but I also found out how poor the quality was. After a little reading and research I have decided to bring the following:

Documents: Apparently the Thais love documents (correct me if I’m wrong), I will be making many copies both paper and electronic of my qualifications, passports, driving license, visas and any travel documents. I will also bring my original copy of my degree as I hear that’s what most schools only accept. My plan is when I get the job I’ll just send it back to a trusted friend/Relative to keep it safe for me until I need it again.

I will keep an electronic copy of all documents on a USB key as well as on google documents so I will always have access to them.

business_owner_with_paper_stacks

Bring what’s important and make copies!

 

Luggage: Seems obvious but I’m making sure I have the right luggage before I go, I’m planning on buying a huge 120 litre North face duffle bag plus a new pack pack large enough for a 19” laptop but small enough to comply with airline hand luggage regulations. I will also bring a smaller bag for everyday use.

north face duffle bag

Any bag will do really I’m just being picky!

 

 

Clothes/ Shoes: Thailand is a hot country with a tropical climate, I remember from last time being their that I sweat lots and did not have the right clothes. If I’m to be teaching I want to have quality cotton shirts, smart trousers and shorts and will buy these in the UK before I leave to make sure I have what I need. I’ll also be wearing wife beaters to help soak up that sweat. I will bring one quality pair of shoes and a pair of quality trainers. If you have large feet you will have trouble finding shoes in Thailand.

prada brouges

I wear shoes like these everyday

Electronics: It seems in Thailand although the cost of living is cheaper, luxury items such as Laptops, MP3 player etc are expensive so I’ll be taking mine with me. I’ll be using my laptop quiet frequently as I ‘ll be blogging daily as well as using it for leisure such as music and movies.

I plan on buying a cheap mobile and SIM card as soon as I get to Bangkok so I can avoid spending huge amounts of cash and confusion using the phone boxes.

80s-laptop-designs-Osborne-1

I do not own a Mac, I own an Osborne

 

 

Well this list has helped me prepare for my move I hope it helps you, please leave a comment below if you have anything to add!

 

 

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  • http://tellthaiheart.blogspot.com Lani

    I think you’ve thought of everything…you’ve done your research. Although, I wouldn’t go too mad over copying. Copying is very cheap over here, don’t forget that!

    Expect the unexpected (don’t you hate it when people say that) and you’ll be on the right track…

  • Colin

    Good idea about the copies, although, I’ll abuse all of my work resources before I leave and make copies and scan stuff here. I get off from stealing and abusing office stationary for some reason!

    I am expecting the unexpected, that’s what I want!

  • Jen

    Hi Colin,

    I too will be taking a TEFL course in Thailand (Chiang Mai) this Fall. Unlike you, I have never traveled abroad before. What (specifically) kind of luggage do you think I should use. The duffel on wheels seems to have the most space but would something like a backpack be better for the streets? I will be living there for one year as well.

  • http:womenlearnthai.com Catherine

    The benefits of buying a laptop in Thailand is that you get a Thai – English keyboard built in (no disfiguring stickers). I didn’t see learning Thai on your list so perhaps it’s not a concern? And if that’s the case, then obviously, ignore the advice ;-)

  • Colin

    Really great to hear you’ll be coming to Chiang Mai as well, you’ll love it… It’s a great place!

    As for the bag, it’s just preference really the bag i talk about doesn’t have wheels. Its a duffel bag but also has shoulder straps if you should wish to use it like a backpack. It’s my choice as I think North Face is high quality and I want something that won’t fall apart on me. I personally wouldn’t go for something with wheels if your going for a year as the wheels won’t last long.

    So I’d recommend a large Backpack like this or the North Face Duffel

    Keep in touch about your move to Chiang Mai!

  • Colin

    touché – That shall go on my list immediatly! I’ve been going through the learning Thai podcasts, but think I shall wait till I get there so I can listen to it spoken naturally. I can say Hello and thank you, so far. Ha, long way to go yet!

  • http://www.thaisabai.org Martyn

    Colin I’ve read all three of your posts and one of the things I think you need to do is to make a back-up list of important phone numbers and online passwords. Don’t forget to pack your favourite teddy bear too.

  • http://www.intophuket.com/ Lawrence Michaels

    Catherine makes a really good point here although you can always buy a cheap full sized keyboard that will plug into your USB port.

    You can get pretty good deals on computers, namely Acer, that will be comparable to name brands at home and will likely cost less. However, if you already have a laptop, there is no reason to waste your money on a new one unless you are desperate for an upgrade.

  • Colin

    Good idea, i’ll do that and will also make an emergency contact card!

  • Colin

    What would I need a Thai keyboard for? Does it help learning the language

  • thethailandlife

    Get some 50 percent deet mosi spray. I always get bitten to hell in CM. When are you getting here, I will be in Cm for a few days beg of august. Btw a client of mine is boss of a language org that employs teachers for local schools, if you are looking for a job I could put u in touch.

  • Colin

    I never seem to get bitten by the mosis but I’ll bring some anyway you never know. Thanks for the offer I will take you up on that closer to the time, but I want to go through with the TEFL course first as I have never taught before I want to get that experience first.

  • http://bifftastic.blogspot.com Bifftastic

    Yes! You won’t be able to type in Thai without it!

    You might start out with the transliterations (Thai words in Roman letters) but you’ll soon find that it’s better to use Thai letters for the Thai language. Also, there are many different transliterations, none of them really get your mouth, or head, around the Thai vowels or consonants.

    Anyway, when you’re ready you can just buy one for 200 baht.

    You’ll be busy enough with the TEFL and getting a job to worry too much about anything else at first I reckon.

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