Job Discussion Forums

TawtViet · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Posts: 53

If one came to Thailand with only around 1000 US available, could he get started there? Perhaps it would be crazy. Are there any recomendations for a minimum amount to have available?

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Anything's possible! I spent US$2,000 on relocation, but I arrived without a firm job offer - and had to wait one month before payday. You'd feel better (and have less stress) with US$2,000+ in your pocket, but you might squeek by on US$1,000 if you budget yourself, set up some interviews before you arrive, and get hired quickly.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

And I was down to my last few hundred Quid!

It's doable!

TawtViet · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Posts: 53

Thanks, I'm looking at doing the do-able in July!!

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

I did it with 800USD and spent a month looking before taking a position.

I've never, and I mean never, met anyone who did it on less -- and I was down to literally one dollar when my paycheck came. Better not land with your head spinning on 1000USD, and better be careful about beer and farang food.

Hed_Kandi · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 45

Volodiya · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:00 am Post subject:

Here's one possible way you just might be able to do it.

Set yourself a Baht/day budget that would result in your spending no more than half of your available cash, the first 30 days. Put your daily limit in your pocket at the beginning of the day. When it's gone, stop spending!

Find the cheapest guesthouse you can stand- they start at 80 Baht/day in Banglumpoo (I'm guessing that after you see it, you'll probably choose to spend a little more, but you don't have to); eat at streetside cafes (40-50 Baht/meal, with a drink); take the BTS and buses, rather than taxis, whenever possible (you can even take a bus from the airport, if you arrive by plane); [when you want to connect to the BTS line from Banglumpoo, from the Phra Athit Pier you can take a river taxi to the Sathorn Pier (around a thirty minute ride)]; stay out of bars; "dry-out" for the month (remember, this won't last forever, and you can celebrate, heartily, the same day you get your first month's pay); stay far, far away from the girls (else all your good resolve may fly out the window- along with what's left of your budget); find an internet cafe that charges no more than 30 Baht/hour (also do-able in Banglumpoo); and, do your own laundry, except for the clothes you're planning to wear to interviews.

Wow, who wants to live like that? But, remember, it's TEMPORARY, and will help guarantee success, in spite of your limited funds.

[What I've suggested here just might work, if you have no unexpected difficulties. But, in light of what the other posters have said, would you want to risk it, without having a reserve- say at least another $500- you weren't even planning to touch during the first two months?]