Live Local, Eat Local
Avoid the expensive expat regions of Sukhumvit Rd and Silom/Sathorn. Instead, consider living in areas less popular with foreigners, such as the Victory Monument, Chinatown, or Thonburi areas.
Sacrifice a few Western conveniences. You'll save a lot of money by accepting a place with an Asian toilet and no hot water (as Thailand is a tropical country, hot water is not a necessity). Living in a "Thai neighborhood" will increase your chances of interacting with and befriending Thais.
Avoid taxis. Taxis are expensive. Consider buying a used motorcycle, which will save you a great deal of money and provide more freedom and flexibility. If the thought of driving in Bangkok terrifies you, use the bus and subway system.
Eat on the street. Sidewalk restaurants are the lifeblood of Bangkok and can be found everywhere. These places provide fantastic food at incredibly low prices (a fraction of the price of a normal restaurant) and are the most popular hangouts for Bangkok's Thai residents.
Make friends with Thais. Many Thais are eager to socialize with foreigners, and many speak English, so the language barrier is no excuse. Most Thai people are happy to teach others about their culture, food, and traditions- and they will delight in helping you any way they can.
Learn a little of the language. Thai is a very difficult language for many foreigners to master. However, it's quite easy to pick up a few useful phrases for use in restaurants, shops, taxis, and bus stations.
Sacrifice a few Western conveniences. You'll save a lot of money by accepting a place with an Asian toilet and no hot water (as Thailand is a tropical country, hot water is not a necessity). Living in a "Thai neighborhood" will increase your chances of interacting with and befriending Thais.
Avoid taxis. Taxis are expensive. Consider buying a used motorcycle, which will save you a great deal of money and provide more freedom and flexibility. If the thought of driving in Bangkok terrifies you, use the bus and subway system.
Eat on the street. Sidewalk restaurants are the lifeblood of Bangkok and can be found everywhere. These places provide fantastic food at incredibly low prices (a fraction of the price of a normal restaurant) and are the most popular hangouts for Bangkok's Thai residents.
Make friends with Thais. Many Thais are eager to socialize with foreigners, and many speak English, so the language barrier is no excuse. Most Thai people are happy to teach others about their culture, food, and traditions- and they will delight in helping you any way they can.
Learn a little of the language. Thai is a very difficult language for many foreigners to master. However, it's quite easy to pick up a few useful phrases for use in restaurants, shops, taxis, and bus stations.
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