A WOMAN has revealed her monthly expenses after ditching the UK to start a new chapter in Thailand.
Janelle Ciara visited the picturesque Southeast Asian country last Christmas – but the three-week trip has now been extended for a whole year after Janelle decided to sign a year contract for a new apartment in Thailand.
Explaining why, Janelle told TikTok users that she’s just one of those people ”that just do random as f**k s**t” – and the unexpected move to Thailand was one of them.
”I hadn’t taken a risk for a while, I haven’t done anything crazy for a while, so this is what I’ve done,” she chuckled.
”I actually came to Thailand in 2023 and I stayed here for about three months and I absolutely loved it. But then I went back home.
”This time, I landed on Christmas Day and I was like ‘Why am I going back home?’,” said the ”digital nomad” who works as a content creator.
After falling in love with the ”amazing energy” Thailand offers, Janelle had a quick look on Facebook Marketplace – where she soon found a stunning apartment.
According to the blonde stunner, she pays around £408 every month to cover the rent – which is almost £600 less than she would have to fork out for a place in her city in the UK.
The gorgeous one-bedroom flat is one of the many in a posh apartment complex which features a co-working space, an outdoor pool, as well as a beautiful garden.
”I just cannot believe how cheap it is,” the travelling fan told fellow social media users.
”You pay for your electric and water separately, but water is around £3 a month and electric, depending on how much aircon and stuff you use, I’m probably gonna be looking at around £40 a month.
”It is so cheap to live here – and this is literally one of the reasons why I’m going to be living in Thailand,” said Janelle who is currently based in Phuket.
Showing off her apartment in the sunny country, Janelle said that the security outside the complex ”is high” – and if your name is not on the list, you will not be permitted entrance.
Once inside, residents can use the stunning co-working space which comes with free Wi-Fi, as well as massage chairs that are free to use when you fancy to relax a bit.
”It does get really busy here because I feel like everyone is working online now,” said Janelle who added the space also features a free coffee machine for that energy boost.
The complex also boasts an onsite gym – but although it is rather small, the equipment is more than perfect for cardio bunnies.
”As I said, security is really tight. I cannot get onto any other floor other than the floor that I live on with my keycard,” she told TikTok viewers in a recent video.
How easy is it to move abroad?
Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving:
- Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
- Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
- Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
- If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad – contact the International Pension Centre.
- You can sign up to the Royal Mail’s redirection service.
- If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre.
- If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
Sharing what her new apartment looked like, Janelle admitted that she did have to get used to it.
”Going from living in a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house to this tiny little apartment was definitely a culture shock.
”But in Thailand, I feel like unless you’ve got a villa, the spaces are really small.
”It is compact – but it does have everything you need. The tiny kitchen is never going to be used by me because in Thailand you literally eat out all the time.
”It is so cheap to eat out – why would you cook?”
‘I’m outta here’
Janelle’s video has clearly inspired many to chase their dreams and leave the UK for a cheaper live elsewhere.
One viewer revealed their epic plans, writing: ”Can relate. 4 weeks on Cyprus at Christmas. Sorting my visa and accommodation. I’m outta here.”
”This is what you call living life,” another wrote.
Someone else chimed in: ”Did the same thing as you, but with Barcelona. A year later and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Hope you have an incredible time.”
