🏠
Your Moving Abroad Checklist — From Decision to Day 1
Cost of living, housing, schools, and everything to sort before your flight to Southeast Asia
Cost of Living Comparison
| City | 1BR Apartment | Groceries | Eating Out | Internet | Total/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇭Bangkok | $400–800 | $150 | $200 | $20 | $800–1,200 |
| 🇹🇭Chiang Mai | $250–500 | $120 | $150 | $15 | $600–900 |
| 🇻🇳Ho Chi Minh | $350–700 | $120 | $150 | $15 | $700–1,000 |
| 🇻🇳Hanoi | $300–600 | $100 | $120 | $12 | $600–900 |
| 🇮🇩Bali (Canggu) | $500–1,200 | $180 | $250 | $25 | $1,000–1,800 |
* Estimates based on a comfortable single expat lifestyle. Actual costs vary by neighborhood and lifestyle.
Before You Leave Timeline
6 months out
- Research destinations
- Start visa process if needed
- Get passport renewed if expiring within 1 year
- Research health insurance options
3 months out
- Set up virtual mailbox
- Notify bank & credit cards
- Start decluttering/selling belongings
- Book first month accommodation
1 month out
- Cancel subscriptions
- Forward mail
- Download offline maps
- Get international phone plan/eSIM
Week of
- Final bank/account checks
- Confirm accommodation
- Pack (one carry-on ideal)
- Save emergency contacts offline
Day 1
- Arrive and rest
- Get local SIM card
- Locate nearest hospital
- Join local expat Facebook group
Top Resources for Your Move
Frequently Asked Questions
A comfortable lifestyle in Bangkok costs $1,500-2,500/month including a nice condo, eating out frequently, and occasional travel. Chiang Mai is cheaper at $1,000-1,500/month. Budget-conscious expats can live on $800-1,200/month outside Bangkok, while luxury lifestyles can exceed $4,000/month.
Ultimate 47-Point Moving Abroad Checklist for Americans
Join 12,000+ American expats. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.