As a local Thai living in BKK,there are many options to get things for cook,starting from fresh markets nearby(cheapest ones) but super crowded places for foreigners.The next options are Big C,Lotus and Makro Super convenient store( best of the best),the place where you just went there was quite luxury but it costs an arm and a leg,pick one of them to fit your demands!Have a nice day.
Hi Surasak, yes, you are right. I love that there are so many different options for grocery stores here in BKK. After working hard for so many years, now I'm looking for ease and convenience. Always appreciate you watching and commenting.
As a Swedish man that worked and lived 15 years in Bangkok now I concur.. Local markets and food stalls and stay away from the imported food. And big c it s my main store to go to if I need anything "special" that I can't find elsewhere If I want/craving some western food it's cheaper to visit a restaurant instead.
Going to EMquarter and Paragon (i.e. the hiso malls), you are going to experience the MOST expensive prices in BKK... You need to stop buying imported items which have added import tax... i.e. 3x to 5x or more in price.... Learn Thai brands... Go to local wet markets... buy FRESH, not packaged process stuff... Your shopping bill will drop dramatically...
I understand what you mean when you say a "sensory experience". Yes one can always go to much cheaper places and get the same exact thing for much less, but not everyone has to or chooses to and not everyone wants to spend time going to 5 different places to save a few bucks, so I'm with you on that! You like what you like!
Just so you know, Thai's would never shop there. That is for tourists, or stupid, lazy Americans. She was in a Mall! NOT a traditional grocery store. Lotus, or Big-C are quiet like a Walmart. And with much lower prices. Unless you buy your food in Luxury shopping malls.
Would love a video of Thai food specific groceries and what items and brands you like (curries, sauces, condiments, noodles, beverages, snacks, spice mixes) etc.
At first I thought the prices were comparable to Canadian prices, but then realized I was thinking in USD. Prices here cost much more by $2.00 to $4.00 CD for the higher priced items. I have easy access to several large grocery chains that are walkable, so I shop around for the weekly specials. I get my regular exercise and save a bit on the things I buy regularly.
Kirsten a one stop shop is priceless! I have to go to 4-5 stores to do household shopping. Coffee pods were reasonable. Very expensive even at Costco or Sam’s club. Go figure. Can’t skimp on good coffee. Just saying 😊 Enjoyed your shopping video today. Thanks so much.
Hey Jess, yes, I remember that Vons/CVS/Target/Trader Joe's/Sprouts loop very well. Now it's all about as few hassles as possible and enjoying the simple things. Thanks for watching 😍
U seem to Buy alot of imported goods.. import taxes are high in Thailand.. local food from Thailand is extremely Cheap. And shopping at one of the most expensive stores as a bonus.
Yes, Thai local markets are super cheap. I also shop at Tops, Lotus/Tesco. I have shopped at Gourmet Market but not for a weekly shop, it's a tourist store imo.
@gmm5550 yes, convenience and ease rule my life now. The beauty of living in a world class capital city is you have access to anything and everything you could ever want. Appreciate you watching 😃
@@fionaslife only thing I'm really picky with is coffee, coming from Sweden that drinks 2nd most coffee per capita in the world.(Finland is no1) I order very dark roast coffee from Chiang Mai Online As for bread and all that. I don't really eat it anymore. Been in Thailand to long. Haha
@fionaslife I hit up Lotus and Tops too, but GM is my favorite. The reality is, even though I've been here for two years I will always be a guest/tourist here in Thailand and I'm not mad at it. Thanks you watching 😍
Kristen this is my sons you Tube channel! I am a 50 year old early retiree and I am planning on Sep are Oct can you recommend safe area in Thailand or a good Realtor! Thank you Bangkok preferably!
Gourmet Market is toward the pricier side although it does have a nice variety of things many expats enjoy. My wife and I go to Lotus for most things as it is cheaper. Makro is also a good choice, particularly for bulk purchases. They have a good selection of meats and produce at reasonable prices. Sometimes my wife likes the small community markets near home for things. Most Thai people go to places like this as the costs are economical and many offer prepared food they can take home to eat. Dining out in Bangkok has gotten quite expensive in the years I’ve lived here, particularly around the traditional American/western holidays. Eat at home it’s cheaper.
Have you looked at ordering any of your hair care products and coffee online? I find ordering some products to be delivered is much easier and cheaper. I have only stayed in that area (Soi 24) for a couple of days I found it to be quite busy and I would say one of the more expensive areas in Bangkok
Yes, I do lots of online ordering here. Soi 24 is super busy and hectic. There are a lot of quiet sois in the area, so it's the best of both worlds. Thank you for watching!
So living in Bangkok or abroad period, and you have retired and you collect a pension and or Social Security my question is do you have to pay taxes to Bangkok and or do you have to file your income taxes in the states every year still? How does that work?. Also how long is a retirement visa? I love watching these videos with people living in Bangkok and other places and the information they give us on housing and stuff like that but there's some information that a lot of people don't include in their commentary and I just found yours and was wondering as an older person cuz most people are watching younger but as an older person who's retired or have a pension or Social Security how do you pay taxes or do your taxes living in other countries?
I'm no accountant or tax expert, and can only speak about our personal situation. Living abroad as US citizen, yes, you file your US taxes every year. Our tax situation currently is very straightforward. Tax laws here in Thailand have changed this year so we'll find out first hand what that looks like next year. Before retiring we e-filed using TurboTax, and still do. It pretty much works the same now that we're abroad, we just have a lot less income. As for the retirement visa, the initial Non-Immigrant O visa is good for 90-days, which can be extended annually in one-year increments. Hope this helps.
Sound reasonable to me, even for imported goods, those are expensive everywhere because of transport and tariffs to begin with. Sure local fair is varied and a lot more reasonable. Not sure about the income bracked of the Thai people if this is very expensive for them or not. Never skimp on the butter. I can't eat cheese so instead I cut the salted butter like cheese and eat it on bread or toast..yummy!
Not a traditional grocery shop. You went to the tourist/farang market in a MALL! Not a true representation of groceries in Thailand. Try going to a grocery store next time.... such as Lotus or Big-C.
A mall, the horror! If you spent any amount of time in BKK you would realize that many, many Thai people grocery shop in stores located in malls. I also hit up Big C and Lotus, but do not have either in my immediate neighborhood. And did I mention I love Gourmet Market? 🤣 As a foreigner living in Thailand, I will always be considered a tourist, which is perfectly fine. The beauty about Bangkok is you can do things here in a way that works for you -- there's something for everyone. No need to think it's your way or the highway 😉🙏🏾🇹🇭
A fun youtube idea should be to compare the " Luxury" shopping and a normal shopping on market and cheaper store like big c. One thing many westerners have alot of in Thailand is free time , and making budget's and compare prices is a good way to make something of all that free time 😊
@gmm5550 I also shop at Big C and if I had one around the corner it would be my go-to. For us it's not about "luxury" or "normal" or "local" or whatever. Ease and convenience rule the day and free time is the true luxury 😄
There's pretty much every kind of food here in Bangkok. Several French bakeries throughout the city, and you can also find fresh baguette in some grocery stores too.
Hi Kirsten love your videos they are super informative thank you. May I know how I could possibly contact you please. I currently am living in Chiang Rai and looking for a place in Bangkok now. Keep up the great content!!!!
Lauren, believing you can is the first step. We LOVE our home city/state but were priced out long ago. There are so many places around the world where the value for money is actually worth it, instead of paying high prices for substandard goods/services. Wish you all the best 😍
Hi Nodumo, the west's obsession with race is not a thing here. I was very fortunate to grow up in a time and in a house where I was taught to believe I'm just like everyone else. I also grew up in a place with many different cultures, and people were more interested in making friends based on common interests rather than based on skin tone. Everyone's experience is different, I know. Thailand is a very welcoming country. Respect the country, its people, its culture, and you'll be fine. Hope this helps 😍
it might be cheap but everyone is chineses there and it's going to feel weird. If you hook up you won't even feel it because it looks like you have a large change box as a black woman. you are a ++ size.
A comment section can be such a wonderland, can't it? This is Bangkok, Thailand. The majority of people here are Thai not Chinese. Honey, I really don't think she needs or wants to date. She's married.
As a local Thai living in BKK,there are many options to get things for cook,starting from fresh markets nearby(cheapest ones) but super crowded places for foreigners.The next options are Big C,Lotus and Makro Super convenient store( best of the best),the place where you just went there was quite luxury but it costs an arm and a leg,pick one of them to fit your demands!Have a nice day.
Hi Surasak, yes, you are right. I love that there are so many different options for grocery stores here in BKK. After working hard for so many years, now I'm looking for ease and convenience. Always appreciate you watching and commenting.
As a Swedish man that worked and lived 15 years in Bangkok now I concur..
Local markets and food stalls and stay away from the imported food.
And big c it s my main store to go to if I need anything "special" that I can't find elsewhere
If I want/craving some western food it's cheaper to visit a restaurant instead.
I agree.
@@Surasak-p4s Big C kinda fancy. I went to Asiatique Big C. They can cook your seafood for you. A+
Still cheaper than buying groceries here in the States lol
no it is not lol
Going to EMquarter and Paragon (i.e. the hiso malls), you are going to experience the MOST expensive prices in BKK... You need to stop buying imported items which have added import tax... i.e. 3x to 5x or more in price.... Learn Thai brands... Go to local wet markets... buy FRESH, not packaged process stuff... Your shopping bill will drop dramatically...
Another great details of things prices! I love the way of creating content like that.
Another great video ❤
You are loving Thai food and so do I. If is one of my favorites.
It’s so wonderful to see you back here. You were missed. ❤
You're always so nice. Glad to get back into the swing of things 😉😍
@@whatsupwkirsten It’s easy to be nice when you can see the goodness in a person. 🥰
I understand what you mean when you say a "sensory experience". Yes one can always go to much cheaper places and get the same exact thing for much less, but not everyone has to or chooses to and not everyone wants to spend time going to 5 different places to save a few bucks, so I'm with you on that! You like what you like!
I share plenty of grocery hauls from here in the United States and it's cheaper. Thank you for sharing a look at one of the Thai grocery stores!
Thanks for watching!
Just so you know, Thai's would never shop there. That is for tourists, or stupid, lazy Americans. She was in a Mall! NOT a traditional grocery store. Lotus, or Big-C are quiet like a Walmart. And with much lower prices. Unless you buy your food in Luxury shopping malls.
I just found your video and I loved it. I'm going to watch all your other videos. ❤
Thank you so much 🙏🏾😍
Thank you, I am visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand. I decided to move on. Instead, of staying.
All the best as you travel Thailand 💖
Would love a video of Thai food specific groceries and what items and brands you like (curries, sauces, condiments, noodles, beverages, snacks, spice mixes) etc.
I agree 👍
At first I thought the prices were comparable to Canadian prices, but then realized I was thinking in USD.
Prices here cost much more by $2.00 to $4.00 CD for the higher priced items.
I have easy access to several large grocery chains that are walkable, so I shop around for the weekly specials. I get my regular exercise and save a bit on the things I buy regularly.
It's a Thai mother's day, August 12th. I heard there's a lot of sales for mothers, especially food.
Kirsten a one stop shop is priceless! I have to go to 4-5 stores to do household shopping. Coffee pods were reasonable. Very expensive even at Costco or Sam’s club. Go figure. Can’t skimp on good coffee. Just saying 😊 Enjoyed your shopping video today. Thanks so much.
Hey Jess, yes, I remember that Vons/CVS/Target/Trader Joe's/Sprouts loop very well. Now it's all about as few hassles as possible and enjoying the simple things. Thanks for watching 😍
Not bad at all for two people. I’m trying to get my single person grocery bill down to 200 usd per month. Wish me luck 🍀
Wishing you the best 🫶🏾
The places I go are very affordable. Expats make broad statements about a whole country; amusing
U seem to Buy alot of imported goods.. import taxes are high in Thailand.. local food from Thailand is extremely Cheap.
And shopping at one of the most expensive stores as a bonus.
Yes, Thai local markets are super cheap. I also shop at Tops, Lotus/Tesco. I have shopped at Gourmet Market but not for a weekly shop, it's a tourist store imo.
@gmm5550 yes, convenience and ease rule my life now. The beauty of living in a world class capital city is you have access to anything and everything you could ever want. Appreciate you watching 😃
@@fionaslife only thing I'm really picky with is coffee, coming from Sweden that drinks 2nd most coffee per capita in the world.(Finland is no1)
I order very dark roast coffee from Chiang Mai Online
As for bread and all that. I don't really eat it anymore.
Been in Thailand to long. Haha
@fionaslife I hit up Lotus and Tops too, but GM is my favorite. The reality is, even though I've been here for two years I will always be a guest/tourist here in Thailand and I'm not mad at it. Thanks you watching 😍
@@gmm5550 the only thing I'm picky about is coconut water 😂 I don't like coffee, but I get you. we should definitely treat ourselves 100%.
Kristen this is my sons you Tube channel! I am a 50 year old early retiree and I am planning on Sep are Oct can you recommend safe area in Thailand or a good Realtor! Thank you Bangkok preferably!
Gourmet Market is toward the pricier side although it does have a nice variety of things many expats enjoy. My wife and I go to Lotus for most things as it is cheaper. Makro is also a good choice, particularly for bulk purchases. They have a good selection of meats and produce at reasonable prices. Sometimes my wife likes the small community markets near home for things. Most Thai people go to places like this as the costs are economical and many offer prepared food they can take home to eat. Dining out in Bangkok has gotten quite expensive in the years I’ve lived here, particularly around the traditional American/western holidays. Eat at home it’s cheaper.
Have you looked at ordering any of your hair care products and coffee online? I find ordering some products to be delivered is much easier and cheaper.
I have only stayed in that area (Soi 24) for a couple of days I found it to be quite busy and I would say one of the more expensive areas in Bangkok
Yes, I do lots of online ordering here. Soi 24 is super busy and hectic. There are a lot of quiet sois in the area, so it's the best of both worlds. Thank you for watching!
Can you hire a Thai cook next time? Or a local that can cook Thai cuisine and recommend good Thai dishes, and places. 😎😎
So living in Bangkok or abroad period, and you have retired and you collect a pension and or Social Security my question is do you have to pay taxes to Bangkok and or do you have to file your income taxes in the states every year still? How does that work?. Also how long is a retirement visa?
I love watching these videos with people living in Bangkok and other places and the information they give us on housing and stuff like that but there's some information that a lot of people don't include in their commentary and I just found yours and was wondering as an older person cuz most people are watching younger but as an older person who's retired or have a pension or Social Security how do you pay taxes or do your taxes living in other countries?
I'm no accountant or tax expert, and can only speak about our personal situation. Living abroad as US citizen, yes, you file your US taxes every year. Our tax situation currently is very straightforward. Tax laws here in Thailand have changed this year so we'll find out first hand what that looks like next year. Before retiring we e-filed using TurboTax, and still do. It pretty much works the same now that we're abroad, we just have a lot less income. As for the retirement visa, the initial Non-Immigrant O visa is good for 90-days, which can be extended annually in one-year increments. Hope this helps.
Sound reasonable to me, even for imported goods, those are expensive everywhere because of transport and tariffs to begin with. Sure local fair is varied and a lot more reasonable. Not sure about the income bracked of the Thai people if this is very expensive for them or not. Never skimp on the butter. I can't eat cheese so instead I cut the salted butter like cheese and eat it on bread or toast..yummy!
I have a Massaman curry pack I still need to make. I loved the S Pure chicken! The President butter is still cheaper than Land O Lakes here!
We could literally eat that curry every day 😂
Not a traditional grocery shop. You went to the tourist/farang market in a MALL! Not a true representation of groceries in Thailand. Try going to a grocery store next time.... such as Lotus or Big-C.
A mall, the horror! If you spent any amount of time in BKK you would realize that many, many Thai people grocery shop in stores located in malls. I also hit up Big C and Lotus, but do not have either in my immediate neighborhood. And did I mention I love Gourmet Market? 🤣 As a foreigner living in Thailand, I will always be considered a tourist, which is perfectly fine. The beauty about Bangkok is you can do things here in a way that works for you -- there's something for everyone. No need to think it's your way or the highway 😉🙏🏾🇹🇭
A fun youtube idea should be to compare the " Luxury" shopping and a normal shopping on market and cheaper store like big c.
One thing many westerners have alot of in Thailand is free time , and making budget's and compare prices is a good way to make something of all that free time 😊
@gmm5550 I also shop at Big C and if I had one around the corner it would be my go-to. For us it's not about "luxury" or "normal" or "local" or whatever. Ease and convenience rule the day and free time is the true luxury 😄
What mall is this? Thanks for the 🎥😍😍
EmQuartier 😍
So curious to know how much it cost to shop at that gourmet market, great video!😊
Thanks, always appreciate you watching!😍
Your President butter is the same price over here in Houston. Good to know...I love it, hope there's French bread.
There's pretty much every kind of food here in Bangkok. Several French bakeries throughout the city, and you can also find fresh baguette in some grocery stores too.
Hi Kirsten love your videos they are super informative thank you. May I know how I could possibly contact you please. I currently am living in Chiang Rai and looking for a place in Bangkok now. Keep up the great content!!!!
Hi Jo, you can email me at whatsupwkirsten@gmail.com. Appreciate you watching and I will look out for your message 😃
I can't even imagine living somewhere affordable.
Lauren, believing you can is the first step. We LOVE our home city/state but were priced out long ago. There are so many places around the world where the value for money is actually worth it, instead of paying high prices for substandard goods/services. Wish you all the best 😍
I'm pretty sure my grocery bill is half of yours....for my wife and me.
I order groceries online for home delivery. Queretaro.
We order online sometimes, too. Now that I'm retired grocery shopping is no longer a chore, but a pleasure. Thank you for watching 😍
Hi, I wish to know. Is there racisim there and how are they toward us blacks?
Hi Nodumo, the west's obsession with race is not a thing here. I was very fortunate to grow up in a time and in a house where I was taught to believe I'm just like everyone else. I also grew up in a place with many different cultures, and people were more interested in making friends based on common interests rather than based on skin tone. Everyone's experience is different, I know. Thailand is a very welcoming country. Respect the country, its people, its culture, and you'll be fine. Hope this helps 😍
it might be cheap but everyone is chineses there and it's going to feel weird. If you hook up you won't even feel it because it looks like you have a large change box as a black woman. you are a ++ size.
A comment section can be such a wonderland, can't it? This is Bangkok, Thailand. The majority of people here are Thai not Chinese. Honey, I really don't think she needs or wants to date. She's married.
@VintageThaiLadyBoy indeed, that's why I left the comment unblocked 🙄🙄 It's always interesting to see how people think, isn't it?😘