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• Food, Water, Shelter

  So you are here. Where do I live? What do I eat? How can I make a living?

• Bangkok Living

  Depending on your expectations Bangkok can be cheap. Central Bangkok can be had for as little as 3,000 baht a month, but expect only a small very grotty room, bed and a shower. Around 5,000 you can have more space and a closet with air con. 10 to 20,000 and you'll live grandly! Just outside of Bangkok, like Bang Na the rents are so cheap and the apartments new and very nice--around 3-4,000 baht, but not furnished.

  Living on the Thonburi side of theChao Praya river is also a cheap option. Loads of Bangkokians live cheaply on the Thonburi side and commute using the river taxis. With the new extention of the BTS Silom line across the river, it has never been more convenient and much cheaper than living in Central Bangkok. You may even get a riverside condo for as little as 8,000 baht.

  You can look at the Bangkok Post classifieds for condominiums and apartment rentals. There are many, many websites dedicated to locating an apartment. These are usually overpriced, but the best way is to simply walk down the smaller sois in the place that you want to live.

  We admit, finding an apartment in Bangkok is a maddening experience. Your job and the other expats working there is a glorious resource. Expats tend to rent in the same areas often in the same building. Some apartment buildings are just expat friendly. Based on my personal experience, the best advice received and proven to be true is to find a job then look for an apartment in that area! Meanwhile, here are some areas that you can look for an apartment or a serviced apartment.

• jobs, Jobs, JOBS!

  First, if you are a native English Speaker, expect any employer to look at you as a talking box. It's what most expatriates are doing in Bangkok. Don't really expect to get a job before coming to Bangkok. There are not many cushy teaching jobs where you can get return arifare, but most jobs you can get a annual bonus and health insurance.

  For the best job resources, look on Ajarn.com and Dave's Esl Cafe. The average salary is around 35,000 baht for experienced English teachers.

• National Stadium

  There are actually three stadiums within National Stadium. You can swim for a 100 baht at the olympic pool at the back and run on the track for free. Kids hang out and practice their hip hop routines inside. There are sporting events, especially football at the center stadium.

• The Fit Lifestyle

  Free Fitness: Lumpini Park

  The Thai exercise very early in the morning. You'll see tai chi and other martial art classes and people running. But the working throngs go there in the early evening for the free aerobic and dance classes. If you are travelling with kids then the park is the perfect hangout. Rent the paddle boats for only 40 baht. Just outside the gates there is an early morning vegatable market and evenings there are loads of food stalls.

  Don't forget to stand still during the playing of the National Anthem at 8am. and 6pm.

  There are smaller parks around the city, particularly near dense housing. Most have running trails and fitness stations. Check out the park on Soi Rang Nam.

• Gyms

  Aside from a fitness center located within hotels and condominiums, Bangkok has 3 large gyms. The most state of the art is True Fitness located at Sukhumvit and Central World. There's another chain called California Wow, it's similar to True but a bit older. Rumor has it that they are in financial trouble so avoid signing up for the year. For an all around deal and good equipment with a few perks like sauna and steam, get a month to month membership at the National Stadium gym. You will need a medical checkup for this one. Go to any clinic and pay 50-100 baht but don't expect a real check up for that price.

• Markets, Supermarkets, Shopping

  For the best deals, shop where the Thai shop. Big C is the supermarket of the locals. Dotted around Bangkok, this chain supermarket houses clothes, household items, electronics and of course food. There are 16 locations, the flagship at Chidlom. Other large ones at Ladprao, Rama II, Saphan Kwai and Fashion Island.

  Tesco Lotus has a big presence in Thailand. Much like Big C, Tesco Lotus have huge hypermarkets at Ladprao, National Stadium, Fortune City, On Nut, and Seacon Square.

  Because Carrefour is french owned there are more European and American Foods. The produce is good there too. On Sukhumvit Soi 70, it is about a .5 km from the On Nut BTS station.

  Tops Supermarket is everywhere that Robinson's Department store is. Find some good ones with western food sections at Silom, MBK, and Times Square. (near Nana BTS station)

  If you really can't find that western food you are looking for then Villa Market is your best choice. It's just a few baht more than Tops but you don't waste your time looking. You can shop online and have it waiting for you to pick up through their website. The first store is located on Sukhumvit Soi 33, other locations convenient on the BTS/MRT are at Ladprao, Phloenchit, Silom, and Sukhumvit Soi 11.

• Recreation Parks

  Siam Park is a huge recreational park featuring swimming pools, waterslides, whirlpools, fountains and a lake. The park's highlight is the 400-metre Super Spiral waterslide. There is a giant man-made sea pool with artificial surf. Further attractions include playgrounds, botanical gardens, and an open zoo with an aviary.

  Admission: Adults 200 baht,Children (between 100-150cm) 100 baht, Small Children (less than 100cm) free of charge.

  Location: On the far eastern edge of town, 101 Sukhapibarn 2 Road, tell the taxi driver 'Suan Siam'.

  Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Monday - Friday); 09:00 - 19:00 (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays).

  Safari World is a park just about 45 minutes ride from central Bangkok. Located at 99 Panyaintra Road Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa, Bangkok. It houses a safari, marine, and aviary park. There are shows and restaurants. The new jungle walk is fun.

  Dream World is a bit of a kiddie park with a few adrenalin rides. But a fun way to spend a day if you have nothing better to do. To get there catch either a Number 188 bus from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit), or a Number 538 from Victory Monument. It can be reached by train from Hualamphong, but you still have to take the #538 air con bus.

from the blogs

• Bangkok, weird and wonderful

  This is Thailand! Laughing is the key to survival in Bangkok. "Weird and Wonderful" is a frequently updated ongoing blog post revealing the wonderful albeit weird side of Bangkok. Comments and additions are welcome.

• Bangkok Expat Forum

  A special section for expats only. Connect with other expats in our forum designed just for you!

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