Your First 90 Days as an Expat in Pattaya — The Essential Checklist
Arriving in Pattaya is exciting. The city is vibrant, the cost of living is a fraction of what you're used to, and the expat community is welcoming and well-established. But there's a lot to sort out in those first few months, and getting the right things done in the right order makes a significant difference.
This checklist covers the essential tasks for your first 90 days.
Week 1-2: The Immediate Priorities
Sort Your Accommodation
If you haven't already arranged long-term accommodation, your first priority is finding somewhere to live. Pattaya has a huge range of options from budget condos to luxury villas. For most expats, a condo in Jomtien, Pratumnak, or central Pattaya is the most practical option.
Rent a place on a short-term basis first (monthly) while you get to know the different areas. Don't commit to a long lease until you know where you want to be.
Register Your 90-Day Address Report
If you are staying in Thailand for more than 90 days, you are legally required to report your address to immigration every 90 days. This is separate from your visa — it applies to everyone on a long-stay visa regardless of visa type.
You can do this in person at the Pattaya Immigration Office (Jomtien), by post, or online via the immigration website (the online system is unreliable — most expats use an agent).
Get a Thai SIM Card
A Thai SIM card is essential from day one. AIS, DTAC, and True Move all have good coverage in Pattaya. Monthly plans with data start from around 300 THB. Get a SIM with a data package — you'll use it constantly for maps, translation, and communication.
Month 1: Financial and Legal Foundations
Open a Thai Bank Account
A Thai bank account is essential for long-term living in Pattaya. You'll need it to pay rent, utilities, and eventually for visa purposes (the retirement visa requires 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account).
Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank (KBank) are the most expat-friendly. You'll need your passport, proof of address, and a minimum deposit (typically 500-1,000 THB). Some branches require a Non-Immigrant visa to open an account — check before you go.
Sort Your Visa
If you arrived on a tourist visa or visa exemption, you have 30-60 days to sort your long-term visa situation. The options depend on your age, financial situation, and whether you're working.
For most retirees, the Non-OA retirement visa is the right choice. For those working or running a business, a Non-B business visa and work permit are required.
Use a reputable visa agent — the cost is modest and the peace of mind is invaluable.
Get Health Insurance
Health insurance should be sorted in your first month, before you need it. Thailand's private hospitals are excellent but expensive. A serious illness or accident without insurance can cost hundreds of thousands of baht.
For retirement visa holders, health insurance with minimum coverage of 40,000 THB outpatient / 400,000 THB inpatient is a legal requirement. Most expat health insurance policies exceed this.
Month 2: Practical Setup
Get a Thai Driving Licence
If you plan to drive or ride in Thailand — and most expats do — you'll need a Thai driving licence. You can drive on your home country licence for a short period, but for long-term residents, a Thai licence is required.
The process involves a medical certificate, a vision test, a short theory test (available in English), and a practical test. Most expats find the process straightforward. A visa agent or driving school can guide you through it.
Register with Your Embassy
Most embassies recommend that their nationals register when living abroad. This allows your embassy to contact you in an emergency and ensures you receive important notifications. Registration is usually free and takes 10 minutes online.
Find a Good Doctor
Pattaya has excellent private hospitals and clinics. Find a GP or general practitioner you're comfortable with before you need one urgently. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya International Hospital, and Banglamung Hospital all have English-speaking doctors.
Join the Expat Community
The Pattaya Expats Club meets regularly and is an excellent source of advice, contacts, and social connection. The club has been running for decades and has an enormous collective knowledge of life in Pattaya.
Facebook groups are also invaluable — search for "Pattaya Expats", "Pattaya Expat Community", and category-specific groups.
Month 3: Optimising Your Life
Review Your Financial Setup
By month 3, you should have a clear picture of your monthly costs and income. Review your bank account setup, consider whether you need a second account, and ensure your money transfer arrangements are efficient. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is widely used by expats for international transfers.
Sort Your Will and Power of Attorney
This is something many expats put off but shouldn't. If you die in Thailand without a will, the distribution of your assets — both in Thailand and in your home country — can become extremely complicated.
A Thai lawyer can draft a Thai will for a few thousand baht. You should also have a will in your home country covering assets there. A power of attorney allows a trusted person to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated.
Explore Your Neighbourhood
By month 3, you should be moving beyond the tourist areas and discovering the real Pattaya. The local markets, the quieter beaches, the excellent local restaurants away from the tourist strip. Pattaya rewards those who take the time to explore.
The Bottom Line
Your first 90 days in Pattaya will be busy, but they're also exciting. Get the essentials sorted early — visa, bank account, health insurance — and the rest will fall into place. The expat community is large and helpful, and there's very little you'll encounter that someone else hasn't already navigated.
Browse our directory for trusted visa agents, insurance brokers, hospitals, and other essential services for expats in Pattaya.
