Living in Chiang Mai for 3 months or more: a checklist

A few months in Chiang Mai means a monthly rental, a routine, a low monthly budget and a smoky season to plan around. This is the list we'd start from.

Before you go

• Check entry rules, visa options and how long you can stay for your passport with an official source.
• Get health insurance that covers the whole stay. Many travel policies cap trip length.
• Check the air quality for your months. Late winter and spring can be smoky from crop burning.
• Book the first two to four weeks short-term, then look for a monthly condo or room once you've walked the areas.
• Tell your bank you'll be away and carry a card without foreign transaction fees.
• Decide what happens to your home, mail and car while you're gone.

First week

• Get a local SIM or eSIM.
• Install a ride app, and learn how the shared red trucks (songthaews) work.
• Save 1669 for an ambulance and 1155 for the tourist police, and find the nearest pharmacy and hospital.
• Before you rent a scooter, check that your licence and insurance cover you to ride one.
• Ask whether you need to report your address to immigration during a longer stay, and how often.

While you're there

• Log spending by month against a budget. Rent is usually most of it.
• Keep an eye on the date your permitted stay ends.
• Plan side trips while you have time: Pai, Chiang Rai, Doi Inthanon, Lampang.

Wrapping up

• Give notice on your rental in writing and agree how the deposit comes back.
• Cancel the SIM, utilities and any local subscriptions.
• Book the flight out before your permitted stay runs out.

Neighbourhoods people look at

Nimman · Old City · Santitham · Chang Phueak · Suthep · Hai Ya · Wat Ket

Which suits you depends on budget, noise and how you get around. Cojourn's assistant can compare them for your stay.