Job Discussion Forums

[yeuxbleu]

Hey Ladies!
I am an American woman and I just accepted a job in Thailand. I have some questions/concerns about packing and what to bring with me...

* What did you / should I bring in terms of hair care? I can live without a hairdryer, but I am just curious as to whether or not it would even be practical... I know it is super hot and humid, so does anyone even use them? If not, what do you generally use there to style your hair if you have a formal or professional event to attend? What about gels, shampoos, etc.? Should I bring those with me or are there pretty easy to find?


* I know the availability etc. of clothing varies, but how much did you/should I bring with me? I am a US size 8, which I think is fairly large in terms of finding clothes in Asia in general. Also, I have a shoe size of US 9; should I plan on bringing all of the shoes I need?

* What is common to wear to work in an English school? I have to cover my shoulders and my skirt has to be at least past my knees. I guess my real question is - what types of things like this do you wear that are pretty light and don't cause you to be too much hotter than if you were able to wear shorts and a tank top?

* What about things like facial moisturizer, body lotion, and makeup? Should I bring that or get it there?

* As you may be able to tell, I have NO idea what to pack and what to bring with me. I will be forever grateful for any wisdom you can impart about this. I am also pretty clueless as to what the beauty culture is like in Thailand - What are some things I do in America that I might want to avoid or change?



Thanks!!!!!

[yeuxbleu]

...... also, sun screen? I am very fair and I will need to wear it a lot. Is it available or should I bring it with me?

[Sutherland]

Bring all the shoes you can, it is extremely difficult to find size 9s there. As for clothes, you can get some cheap clothes in L/XL at places like Lotus-- I'm the same size, but you can do it. Generally sleeves are too narrow and they don't cut for a curvy butt. It's harder to find pants/ shorts than anything else.

They'll also have sunblock at stores-- this is if you're moving into a city or a southern place with a fair amount of tourists. Lots of Thai people use umbrellas as parasols and that worked for me.

As for hair, the hair salons are excellent and cheap for fancy occassions (unless your hair is curly, but they'll just straighten it out which can work). You'll just need a Thai friend with you if you have anything specific in mind.

Oh and for work if it's at a public school you'll need a pink, yellow, and blue polo shirt, they never tell you this for whatever reason. And you must always, always wear sleeves to work.

[LaFolie]

If you are in Bangkok, you will have no trouble whatsoever finding exactly the same toiletries/cosmetics as you get back home, same brands, everything. Can't speak for other provinces.

I personally use a hairdrier when I have to; for speed really, because the humidity makes it take much longer to dry naturally. Again, easily available.

Thai women are very into appearance, so you'll find salons just about everywhere, doing the same treatments as back home (plus a few you've never heard of).

Yup, save the luggage space to bring all the shoes/ sandals you can.

For pants, skirts, etc. to fit the climate, you can bring a few favourite pieces and have a tailor make copies in lighter material. Again, good, fast tailors are everywhere. Dirt cheap, too.

Keep the tank tops and shorts for the beach.

[yeuxbleu]

thanks!!!

[beckersteph]

Tampons ladies. Go to Sam's Club, Costco and get a big box. There's only one store that I could find that sells them in one size (regular) and only 10 to a pack for $3.50. The store was Boots btw.

Yes, take [b]sunscreen or do what the Thais do and wear long sleeved shirts. I suggest cotton although Thais seem to be able to wear dark hoodies.
O.S. Sunscreen is more expensive there.

Lotion-Not needed, so humid it will pour off you.

I brought several hair products and used a hairdryer on occasion.

Thai teachers dress very professionally and consider the foreign staff sloppy most of the time. Don't go to work in stretchy pants and a t-shirt. Be granola on your own time. Forget the slacks and bring skirts that go to the knee. Shoulders must be covered and they do prefer collared shirts with buttons down the front. If you're lucky, you'll get a bunch of shirts they give you to wear on certain days. They love uniforms. Have a nice pair of shoes that have a strap that goes behind the ankle. They like the pumps, but they're hell on the feet for teaching.

Clothing in Thailand, (unless you want to spend some dough) is atrocious. The style and quality is poor. Size 8 is considered fat in Thailand. Central Festival and some department stores is where you will have to probably shop. I did get lucky once at a market or two.

Hope this helps some people. Good luck.

[anubistaima]

You'll find everything. Everything. If you live in a small town, you might have trouble, but in big cities? No way. I've never had trouble finding shoes or clothes or cosmetics.

[MtroidPrncss]

I know the last post was a while back, but it is relevant for me now. I'm about six feet tall and wear a US women's size 9 1/2 shoe. I've been led to believe I won't be able to find clothes in Thailand, not even Bangkok...does this ring true for most? I'm also worried about sticking out like a sore thumb...last question. Are women allowed to wear slacks to teach in some schools, or is it pretty much exclusively skirts?

[JZer]

You should be able to find larger sizes on or near Kao San Road. Most shops are geared to foreign tourist so they should have larger sizes.