Bangkok is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It’s often the first stop that foreigners make when coming to the Far East. It’s a major transportation hub, and provides easy connections to most major Asian destinations. Of course, Bangkok is a destination in its own right, too. In the past 10 years, Bangkok has developed into a sleek and modern city. A recently constructed, state-of-the-art public transportation system has made it much easier to get around. There are now plenty of five-star hotels and restaurants that provide top-end luxury. Art galleries, philharmonic orchestras, and luxury spas offer upscale entertainment, though there is still plenty of the grit that made the city so popular with GI’s back in the 1960s. Bangkok is a city that has something for everybody, which explains why more expatriates live here than in any other city in Southeast Asia. To experience what Bangkok has to offer, you need to spend some time here. Your first impressions may be that Bangkok is a huge, sprawling city with a few major tourist attractions, a lot of bars, and a decent food scene. As you stay longer, though, your perception of Bangkok will likely change. You’ll appreciate the ease of obtaining a long-stay retirement visa and the low cost of living. You’ll find that relatively cheap rent, bargain street food, and inexpensive transportation are definite benefits to living here. If you don’t mind living simply, you can get by on a monthly budget of well under US$1,000 per month. If you can manage a budget of US$3,000 per month, you’ll be living like royalty. Medical care in Bangkok is outstanding. Internationally accredited hospitals and clinics provide top-notch care at prices that are a fraction of the cost of Western health care. Year-round warm weather, dozens of golf courses, and easy access to some of the nicest beaches in Thailand provide further incentives for retirees. Since there is such a large population of foreigners, there are many activities and services available for expats. Top-quality international schools, libraries, and health care are all easily accessible. Concerts, expat get-togethers, and festivals can be a part of your daily life, and you’ll see other Westerners whenever you venture outside. Parts of the city, especially around Sukhumvit and Silom, feel very Westernized. Although Thai culture is definitely different than Western culture, adjusting to life in Bangkok can be enjoyable and easy. Get the full details on Bangkok from our correspondents Wendy and David Justice in the latest issue of the Overseas Retirement Letter: http://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/cmd.php?ad=714278 Interested in more destinations in Asia? Check out our Discover Asia Kit here: http://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/cmd.php?ad=730120 Also, be sure to subscribe to our FREE Overseas Opportunity Letter for the most reliable information on living, investing, and retiring overseas: http://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/retirementlandingpage_1300-2/index.php?s=socliosyoutube
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