Money is the part of moving abroad that nobody explains properly. Here is what we actually pay, how we move money between Japan and Thailand, and what our insurance really covers — from a family of three living between Kamakura and Chiang Mai.
Start with these
The cost of living in Chiang Mai: what a family of three actually pays
Our real monthly numbers, not an estimate. Rent, school, food, transport and the things we did not budget for.
Sending money to Thailand: how we actually pay for things here
What we tried, what it cost us, and the method we settled on for moving money from a Japanese account.
Health insurance for living in Chiang Mai
What our cover actually included when we needed it, and where my card stopped working.
Travel insurance for Thailand: where a trip policy stops working
My card cover runs 90 days from leaving Japan. A DTV stay can run for 180. Where that gap opens, and which side of it you are on.