By MARGARET H.

Margaret is a member of the Marigold Lifestyle global community. She grew up in the US and, on retirement, decided to relocate to a country where the cost of living was less, and she could spend her days living life to the fullest. She chose Thailand (Koh Samui to be exact), and now, after a year of enjoying the island life, she's relocated yet again to mainland Thailand, to explore more of the country and all that it has to offer.

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Choosing Thailand

I’d always dreamed of living by the ocean and wanted to find a smaller, quieter community away from the busy city life. I had my sights set on Thailand from the beginning. The warm weather, beautiful scenery, and lower cost of living were just too tempting to resist. So, I went for it!

Finding the Perfect Spot

I chose Koh Samui Island because it offered gorgeous beaches and a laid-back vibe. I’m not a big city person, so a smaller, friendly community near the ocean was just what I was looking for.

Money Matters

I’ve got a $1400 monthly pension from my old job, plus an IRA I can dip into if needed. I also saved a few thousand dollars before making the move, just to be safe.

Housing

I decided to rent my home. I pay $480 a month for rent and $65 for electricity. Renting gave me the flexibility I needed to settle in comfortably.

Dealing with Visas

I moved on a retirement visa, which means I can't work in Thailand. To handle all the visa paperwork, I hired an agent for $1000. It was money well spent, making the whole process smooth and stress-free. Now, I know the ropes and can handle it myself next time.

Tackling Challenges

One big challenge was transportation. Getting around the island was pricier than expected, so I bought a car for $5600. This made exploring and daily errands a lot easier.

Building a Social Life

I found that joining Facebook groups was super helpful for settling in. These groups provided tons of advice and helped me make some great friends.

Life on Koh Samui

After a year in Thailand, I’m loving life on Koh Samui Island. The community and relaxed lifestyle are exactly what I hoped for. However, I want to explore and so I’ve recently moved to a condo in Khao Tao which is about 10min drive from HuaHin city center, on the east coast of Mainland Thailand.

Why the Second Move?

I originally considered Hua Hin because it’s great for bicycling - a hobby I miss. Plus, it’s another beautiful coastal spot to explore with loads of attractions nearby. I now pay 19000 Baht, which is about US$555/ month.

Tips for Relocating:

Be Ready Financially: The first year can cost more than you expect, so have extra funds available.
Use Money Transfer Apps: Apps like Wise are great for moving money around without high fees.
Banking: You’ll need a three-month visa to open a Thai bank account, so plan ahead.
Join Facebook Groups: These can be super helpful for advice and meeting new people.
Stay Open and Curious: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore new places.

In Summary

My adventure in Thailand shows how important it is to plan well, be prepared financially, and find a supportive community. My story is all about the joys of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing a new life in a new country. With a positive attitude and curiosity, I’m making the most of my retirement in Thailand.