Staying in Bangkok? Money-Saving Tips Everyone Should Know

We all love to save money, as we strive to make enough to support our chosen lifestyle and if you are planning a stay in this unbelievable city and you are on a tight budget, here are a few tips to keep your living expenses to a minimum.

• Long stay hotels: Many travellers are unaware that long-stay hotels exist; the best comfort Bangkok hotel doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if the room is only used for sleeping. The daily rate is slashed when you commit to 1 month or longer, plus your room is serviced as normal. Google can help you find the ideal accommodation and you can use it to compare deals, before finally choosing the most suitable package.
• Using ATMs: Every time you use your credit card to withdraw Thai cash, there is a service charge; one good idea is to bring enough Thai currency for the duration of your stay, which is one way of budgeting. There are a few digital platforms, such as Wise and Revolut and you can transfer to a Thai bank account. If you plan to stay at least 3 months, we recommend opening a savings account in a Thai bank.
• Canal taxis: Bangkok has a vast network of canals that run through the city and they are very cheap and give you a different perspective on life in Bangkok. Watch boys swimming, women washing clothes and drying fish, they love to wave as the boat passes.  The electric boats are comfortable and quiet and most of the stops are temple grounds, which is interesting. Forty baht gets you a long way when you travel on a Bangkok river taxi.
• Rent a motorcycle: If you plan on moving around the city on a daily basis, you can rent a small bike for a couple of hundred baht per day. Of course, you need an International Driving Permit, which is valid for 3 months; longer and you need to apply for a Thai driving licence, which is straightforward and can be done at any Land/Transport Office. If you are looking for good IT support, click here.
• Hailing taxis in Bangkok: Some drivers are looking to make a little extra by persuading the customer to an agreed fare. Insist on turning the meter on; the minimum fare is currently 35 baht and a ride across the city might cost 300 baht. Hail green and yellow taxis, as they are driver-owned, while any Thai citizen can rent a taxi for 12 hours. Taxi drivers sometimes get a bad name, yet we have always encountered professional drivers who are polite and respectful.
• Barter at Thai markets: There are markets everywhere in Bangkok and these are places where you can haggle and get at least 20% off. The biggest market in Thailand is Jatuchak Weekend Market, which is a great place to buy souvenirs.

Whether for business, pleasure or both, we hope you enjoy your time in Bangkok and no doubt you will return.