Job Discussion Forums

meeshmogee · Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

i am going to bangkok for the november celta and have some questions about day to day life...

i was going to bring a laptop with me. is this necessary? any difference with mac v pc?

also...im reading as much as i can to prepare and pack correctly (i am a notorious overpacker of the wrong things). all the sites i've seen so far say to take as much (toiletries, etc) with you as possible. i think these sites are more towards vacationers rather than people going long term? any thoughts? anything extrememly hard to find there?

finally...do they take a lot of taxes from your paycheck? everything ive read says new teachers make about 30k/mo but do not say if this is pre/post tax, etc. 30k quickly becomes a lot less if they tax like they do in the states.

thanks in advance. any advice greatly appreciated!

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

hi meeshmogee,

It's a good idea to bring a laptop with you. You can buy laptops in Thailand but they are overpriced compared to the west, especially for higher-end models. Bring a power socket adapter so you can use Thai power outlets and make sure your laptop's power brick is rated for Thai voltage (220V, I think). No difference between Mac or PC but everyone knows PC's are superior. Razz

Deoderant without anti-perspirant, sunscreen and bug spray are things I wish I'd btought more of when first arriving in Thailand. They have them in Thailand, but I prefer the stuff from the US - better quality, IMO.

30k/mo. AFTER taxes is the absolute min you can live on in Bangkok. You will likely dip into your savings the first month or two while you are learning where the bargains (city busses) and rip-offs (tuk tuks) are and paying set-up costs (iron, fridge, TV, etc.).

Remember that 30k is the MIN. You won't save much (if anything) and if you like to travel its better to earn a bit more so you can enjoy the beaches during the many holidays Thailand has.

Good luck!

-Shake

meeshmogee · Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

thanks, shake. that's good to know. i have pretty sensitive skin so will probably take your advise about the quality of face care products as well if there's a big difference in quality.

meeshmogee · Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

does anyone know how far in advance you have to book rooms with the accomodation hotels provided by the ecc thai? i'd like to have something set before i get there, but do not want to book to far in advanced.

any other recommendations for temp housing in bangkok near the ecc?