Pattaya, Thailand

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Sep 24, 2021

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Pattaya, Thailand. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.

What do I need to know before moving to Pattaya?

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When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Pattaya, they said:

"Get advice from expats who are living in the country. Some houses are in remote places far from a school, from a supermarket. Check the services provided by the compund (a good maintenance service is important)," said another expat in Pattaya.

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How do I find a place to live in Pattaya?

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We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We chose our first home through a real estate company. The location was great (yacht club) but the neighborhood with no neighbors. We chose our second home because many people are living there with children and it is located on a golf course," explained one expat living in Pattaya.

We've partnered with Explorastay, the largest aggregator of 1-12+ month stays. Compare listings and rental rates from 20+ accommodation sites in one search, including: Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, UniPlaces, Spotahome, HousingAnywhere, Zumper and over a dozen more accommodation companies. Search rental properties in Thailand.

We've partnered with Explorastay, the largest aggregator of 1-12+ month stays. Compare listings and rental rates from 20+ accommodation sites in one search, including: Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, UniPlaces, Spotahome, HousingAnywhere, Zumper and over a dozen more accommodation companies. Search rental properties in Thailand.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Pattaya?

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"We are living in a California-style house. It is typical for most expats with kids. There are beautiful condominiums too along the beach," remarked another expat in Pattaya.

What to Bring When Moving to Pattaya (and what to leave behind)

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When we asked expats living in Thailand what they wish they had brought when moving to Thailand and what they wish they had left at home, they replied:

"I could have brought more cotton bed sheets, more home food and an extra pair of sports shoes. I would have left at home my bicycle (roads are very dangerous)..," remarked another in Pattaya.

What are the schools in Pattaya like?

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"Definitevely the perfect choice for you, if you are looking for a smaller school with a personal touch where you have something to say about your childs education," commented one expat when asked about St.Andrew's International School Rayong in Pattaya.