We share our journey on TikTok and YouTube, and after hundreds of livestreams and thousands of questions, one thing is clear: Most Americans make the same mistakes when moving abroad — and many of them are completely avoidable.
Below are the biggest mistakes we see (and made ourselves), along with the real stories behind them and what you can do differently.
When we first arrived in Thailand, we did what every newcomer does — we tried to see everything. Temples, markets, attractions… if it was on a list, we went. But the moment everything shifted was when we realized we no longer felt pressure to “go somewhere” every day.
That’s when it hit us: We’re not tourists anymore. We live here.
Once that mindset changed, our routine, budget, and expectations changed too.
Thailand is often praised as a budget-friendly destination, and while that’s true in many ways, it’s easy to get blindsided by costs you didn’t plan for. Eight months into our stay, we had a medical emergency and had to pay the entire hospital bill in cash — the same day. No insurance. No payment plan. That moment taught us that “cheap” doesn’t mean “carefree.” We go deeper into monthly budgets, hidden fees, and lifestyle choices in our blog on Thailand’s cost of living in 2026. Between visa fees, deposits, and unexpected health costs, the real cost of living abroad can sneak up fast.
Before moving, we assumed we could just pay out-of-pocket for any medical care we needed. Thailand’s healthcare is affordable, right? But when I started having ongoing health issues, the costs piled up fast. We didn’t have insurance, and every visit came straight from our savings. It wasn’t just expensive — it was stressful. That experience taught us that insurance isn’t just for emergencies. It’s peace of mind.
One of the biggest mindset shifts we had to make was letting go of American expectations. In Thailand, things work differently — and that’s not a bad thing. For example, our bank account was temporarily closed twice because we hadn’t updated our address. No warning, just locked out. It was frustrating, but it reminded us that we’re guests in a new system. Learning to adapt instead of resist made life smoother and more enjoyable.
It’s easy to fall into the expat bubble — hanging out with other Americans, eating Western food, and staying in familiar neighborhoods. But the real magic of living abroad happens when you connect with locals. For us, that started at the market. Thai vendors greeted us warmly, remembered our names, and chatted with us regularly. Those small interactions made us feel like we belonged. They turned Thailand from a place we lived into a place we loved.
Before moving, my husband had a remote job lined up with the U.S. government. But after the new administration came in, the call to start working never came. Suddenly, He had to pivot — fast.
He leaned into TikTok, hoping to grow an income stream, but it didn’t scale the way I expected. That’s when I realized: moving abroad without a solid income plan is risky. You need backup plans, flexibility, and a clear strategy to stay afloat.
Living abroad doesn’t mean escaping U.S. responsibilities. We still had to file taxes every year, and because we were withdrawing money from investments, the penalties were higher than expected. It was a wake-up call. The IRS doesn’t care where you live — if you’re a U.S. citizen, the paperwork follows you. Staying organized and informed is key to avoiding costly surprises.
Moving abroad isn’t just a logistical challenge — it’s an emotional one. I experienced deep homesickness, especially being away from her daughters and granddaughters. It wasn’t just missing people; it was missing milestones, hugs, and everyday moments.
What helped me was staying active: exploring Thailand, joining church groups, and building community. Emotional preparation is just as important as financial planning.
We didn’t move because everything was perfect. We moved because we didn’t want to wait until it was too late. Our health could change. Life could change. We didn’t want to look back and say, “We should’ve done it when we had the chance.” So we took the leap of faith . And while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth it — because we chose to live fully.
Moving abroad can be one of the best decisions of your life — but only if you approach it with the right mix of adventure and preparation. The Americans who struggle abroad usually don’t fail because they’re “not cut out for it.” They fail because they:
If you’re dreaming of moving abroad — whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a retiree on Social Security, a remote worker, or a future teacher — you can absolutely make it happen.
And if you want help, guidance, or a step-by-step plan, we’re building resources to support you every step of the way. If you want a deeper look at our day-to-day life here, check out What it’s really like living in Thailand as an American.
If you’re exploring what life abroad could look like, these posts will help you go even deeper into the journey:
What It’s Really Like Living in Thailand as an American A real look at daily life, culture, routines, and what surprised us most after settling into Nonthaburi.
How Much It Costs to Live in Thailand in 2026 A full breakdown of monthly expenses, hidden fees, and lifestyle choices so you can plan your move with confidence.
Why We Chose Thailand Over Other Countries Our honest comparison of the places we considered — and the reasons Thailand became the clear winner for our long‑term life abroad.