Study abroad in Bangkok
Housing, transport, universities, language expectations and daily life for exchange students in Bangkok.
Country
ThailandStudent Budget
USD 600 – 1,200/month
Transport Card
Rabbit Card (Para el BTS) y MRT Card (Lamentablemente, no están integradas).
Population
10,500,000
City Vibe
Organized chaos. A sprawling, steamy megalopolis where golden temples, rooftop bars, and street food carts coexist in beautiful contradiction.
Who loves this city?
Los que tienen energía inagotable. Amantes de los mega-centros comerciales (con AC), los rooftop bars de lujo y los mercados callejeros nocturnos.
What makes it special
Es una ciudad 24/7. Siempre hay un 7-Eleven, un masaje o un puesto de Pad Thai abierto.
Newcomer shocks
- El tráfico de Bangkok es infernal (hora pico desde las 4 PM hasta las 8 PM).
- El calor y la humedad constante (sudarás solo por estar de pie).
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C / 5°C | Dry | Short days |
| February | 17°C / 7°C | Dry | Warming up |
| March | 21°C / 10°C | Spring showers | Pleasant |
| April | 24°C / 12°C | Spring showers | Perfect weather |
| May | 27°C / 15°C | Warm | Long days |
| June | 30°C / 18°C | Hot | Summer starts |
| July | 32°C / 20°C | Very hot | Peak summer |
| August | 31°C / 20°C | Hot and humid | Late summer |
| September | 28°C / 17°C | Warm | Cooling down |
| October | 23°C / 13°C | Cool | Autumn colors |
| November | 18°C / 9°C | Cool and dry | Crisp air |
| December | 15°C / 6°C | Cold | Winter starts |
Calor asfixiante todo el año. En época de monzón (Septiembre-Octubre) muchas calles se inundan hasta la rodilla.
Packing checklist
- Sandalias fáciles de quitar (para templos).
- Un chal o suéter ligero: el aire acondicionado en BTS y cines está configurado en nivel ártico.
- Ropa de lino o materiales muy transpirables.
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
41.2 / 100
Affordable · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | USD 350 – 650/month | Los estudiantes alquilan Condos (Apartamentos en torres nuevas con piscina y gimnasio) por USD 400-500 al mes. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Siam / Asok / Sukhumvit bajo
Varies by street, room type, and season.Centro de la acción, shopping, conectado a todo. Commute: Ideal por estar en la línea Sukhumvit del BTS.
On Nut / Phra Khanong
Varies by street, room type, and season.Barrios más locales, expatriados jóvenes, rentas mucho más baratas. Commute: A 15 minutos en BTS del centro (Siam).
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Safety
Safety Index
61.9 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
38.1 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Criminalidad violenta mínima. Puedes caminar de noche. Cuidado extremo al cruzar calles (las motos no respetan pasos de cebra).
Top risks
- Accidentes al viajar como pasajero en moto-taxis sin casco.
- Estafas del Tuk-Tuk ('El Gran Palacio está cerrado, te llevo a una tienda de gemas').
Las motos suben a las aceras peatonales para evitar el tráfico, cuídate la espalda al caminar.
Transport
🚇 BTS (Skytrain) y MRT (Metro Subterráneo)
Aire acondicionado congelado. Evita el tráfico de las calles por completo. Son sistemas separados y se pagan separado.
Saca la Rabbit Card Student.
🚕 Moto-Taxis
Conductores con chaleco naranja en las esquinas de las calles (Sois). Peligrosos pero imprescindibles para llegar de la estación principal a tu condominio.
N/A
🚌 Grab / Bolt / InDrive
Usa Bolt (suele ser más barato que Grab). El tráfico las hará muy lentas en hora pico.
N/A
Events & Activities
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Sábados y Domingos
Barato a Medio
Mercado gigante de 8,000 puestos. Compras baratas de ropa vintage, comida y baratijas.
Songkran Water Festival
April 13–15
Free
Thai New Year water fight — entire Bangkok becomes a massive outdoor water battle; most fun 3 days in Southeast Asia
Rooftop Sunset at Wat Saket
Year-round (7:30am–7pm)
THB 100 (~€3)
Golden Mount temple with 360° views over Bangkok — uncrowded, authentic, best budget viewpoint in the city
Muay Thai fight night at Rajadamnern Stadium
Mon / Wed / Thu / Sun
~฿1000
Authentic Thai boxing at a legendary 1945 stadium — electric atmosphere, great seats available and easily reached by BTS Skytrain.
Damnoen Saduak floating market day trip
Year-round
~฿700
Colourful canal market where vendors sell food from wooden boats — an hour south of Bangkok, best visited at sunrise before coach tours arrive.
Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple walk
Year-round
฿500
The most iconic sites in Bangkok back-to-back: the gilded Grand Palace complex then the 15m reclining Buddha, all walkable in half a day.
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
Museum Siam
Exposiciones interactivas sobre la cultura tailandesa con descuentos sustanciales para estudiantes.
VisitFood Savings
Descuento en la Rabbit Card y MRT Student Card, reduciendo el precio del billete de tren casi a la mitad. Fares & passes
Universities
Chulalongkorn University
Thailand's oldest and most prestigious university. Located in central Bangkok with strong international programs.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Local Section
Coordinates orientation events, social trips, and integration parties for incoming international students.
Central Student Union / Student Representation
The official university student representation providing support, sports clubs, and cultural activities.
Meeting Places 2
Public Groups 2
ESN & International Students Facebook Group
Search for the local group to find flatmates, events, and buy second-hand furniture.
Local ESN Instagram / Linktree
Follow the local section page to access current WhatsApp group chats and event sign-up forms.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: Exchange student guide for bangkok
Useful threads on local realities.