Moving to Thailand — Preparation Checklist

ℹ️Keep in mind: Pension rates, visa requirements, exchange rates and healthcare costs can change regularly. This article was last reviewed in May 2026. Always verify current information with Services Australia, Thai Immigration or a qualified professional before making financial or relocation decisions.

Before You Leave Australia

Financial and Centrelink

• •Notify Centrelink of your intention to move overseas. Read our complete moving to Thailand checklist for everything you need to do
• •Confirm your pension entitlement — contact Centrelink International Services on 131 673 to get your specific payment rate based on your Australian Working Life Residency
• •Set up myGov online access (you'll need this from Thailand)
• •Arrange for your pension to be paid into your Australian bank account
• •Keep at least one Australian bank account active
• •Set up online banking access and confirm it works from overseas
• •Consider opening a Wise multi-currency account before you go
• •Speak with a financial adviser about your super drawdown strategy

• •Speak with an accountant about your Australian tax residency status after moving

Legal and Documents

• •Ensure your Australian passport has at least 18 months remaining
• •Apply for Thai retirement visa at the Thai Embassy in Canberra (if doing Non-OA route)
• •Gather originals of: passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable)
• •Get a police clearance certificate from the Australian Federal Police
• •Get a medical certificate from a registered doctor
• •Scan everything digitally and store in cloud storage
• •Update your will
• •Consider power of attorney for a trusted person in Australia

Health

• •Full general health check while Medicare still covers you
• •Dental check and treatment
• •Eye check — get current prescription
• •Skin check
• •Discuss all current medications with your GP — get scripts and a full medication list
• •Research and purchase Thai health insurance before leaving Australia
• •Bring 3–6 months supply of any regular medications

Practical

• •Keep an Australian address for official correspondence (family member or mail forwarding)
• •Notify Australian Electoral Commission of overseas status
• •Cancel unnecessary Australian subscriptions
• •Check whether your phone is unlocked for foreign SIMs

On Arrival in Thailand

First Week

• •Buy a Thai tourist SIM at the airport (฿300–฿500 for 30 days data)
• •Find temporary accommodation — don't commit to a long-term rental until you've explored
• •Download and set up Grab on your phone
• •Download Google Translate with Thai offline pack

First Month

• •Open a Thai bank account (Bangkok Bank or KBank recommended)
• •Start depositing ฿800,000 for your retirement visa (remember the seasoning requirement)
• •Find a longer-term rental after getting to know the city
• •Find a local GP and private hospital you're comfortable with
• •Connect with the local expat community

First Three Months

• •Apply for your retirement visa — especially important if you're retiring at 60 before the pension kicks in extension if needed
• •Get a Thai driving licence if you plan to drive
• •Set up home internet (AIS, True or 3BB)
• •Establish your regular routines

The Bottom Line

Moving to Thailand is a big logistical exercise, but thousands of Australians do it every year. Start the checklist 3–6 months before your planned departure date.

Use our pension calculator to confirm your financial numbers are solid before you start booking flights. Read our flights guide for the cheapest routes.

See Your Numbers

Use our free calculator to see exactly how far your pension goes in each Thai city.

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