Living in Thailand: what internet, services and golf cost, compared with Dubai
Unlimited mobile internet in Thailand costs about AED 100 a month, a massage AED 30–40, a round of golf AED 150–300 against AED 350–500 in Dubai. The temperature is 27–33 degrees all year round.
Everyday life in Thailand is noticeably cheaper than in Dubai: unlimited mobile internet costs about AED 100 a month, a massage AED 30–40, and an 18-hole round of golf AED 150–300 against AED 350–500 in Dubai. The exceptions are international schools and imported cars, which cost more.
How much do connectivity and everyday services cost?
| Service | Price, AED |
|---|---|
| Unlimited mobile internet, per month | about 100 |
| Massage at an ordinary parlour | 30–40 |
| Golf, 18 holes | from 150–300 |
| Golf in Dubai, for comparison | 350–500 |
The prices were quoted by a practitioner who has lived in the country for 14 years. Food and medicine delivery works just as it does in Dubai.
Do you have to sponsor a visa for a nanny or a driver?
No. Unlike in the Emirates, domestic staff in Thailand are not tied to an employer's visa: nannies, cleaners and drivers arrange their own papers.
Talk to a licensed broker: 📲 +971 50 120 32 64 on WhatsApp, @dubai_oleg on Telegram
The employer pays only for the service. Finding a Russian-speaking nanny or home help is not difficult.
What is the climate like in Thailand?
The average temperature is 27–33 degrees all year. December and January are slightly cooler, April is hotter.
April brings the Thai New Year, Songkran: for about two weeks people douse one another with water in the streets.
What costs more than in Dubai?
Two things. International schools cost AED 50,000–160,000 a year; more in our piece on schools and universities.
Imported cars cost several times as much as locally assembled ones. Thai-built Toyota and Ford models are moderately priced.
What to do besides the beach
- the country has more than 300 golf courses;
- runs, triathlons and water-sports competitions are held regularly;
- the north has the mountains and coffee plantations of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai;
- the south has reserves with tropical forest and wild elephants.
Roads and ferries make it possible to tour the country by car. Professional tennis players and golfers come here to train.
How to get there from Dubai
There are roughly five flights a day from Dubai to Bangkok and about three to Phuket. Healthcare is a subject of its own, covered in our piece on insurance and check-ups.
Frequently asked questions
How much does mobile internet cost in Thailand?
About AED 100 a month for an unlimited plan.
What is the temperature in Thailand in winter?
In December and January it is slightly below the year-round average of 27–33 degrees. The hottest month is April.
Is golf cheaper in Thailand than in Dubai?
Yes. An 18-hole round costs from AED 150–300 against AED 350–500 in Dubai, and the country has more than 300 courses.
Related reading
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