Rentals in Southeast Asia are fully furnished, usually always. The cost is included in the rental price, so no hidden fees – nice and simple.
Some rentals are more furnished than others, while some are quite basic. Many rental places will lend you extra household items for free if you request (extra fan, coffee mug, a broom, etc), so you do not need to carry these things around with you while traveling or nomading!
Tip
Be sure to request things when enquiring on a rental (extra fan, table/chair, hangers, coffee mug, a broom, etc)!
Anyway, here’s what furnishings you can expect a rental in SEA will include. Note: This does not touch on amenities such as a pool, gym, or working spaces.
Included Furnishings & Items
Expect all of these to be included for free in the rental price, so do not expect to pay extra.
Always includes
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Private toilet and shower (there are rare exceptions where there is a shared bathroom)
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Bed
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Sheets and pillow
Note
It happens rarely, but some landlords will try to “rent” you the bed sheets for an extra cost. This is ridiculous, and you should not agree to paying more for this. They are simply looking for ways to squeeze money out of you.
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Fan: portable floor fan (preferrable) or wall-mounted fan (less portable)
–
AC (depending on choosing a fan room or AC room)
Generally includes
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Wardrobe or simple rack to hang clothes + hangers
Note
These range from a simple rack -> boxed wardrobe -> fully integrated cabinetry.
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Table and chairs
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Desk area
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Water kettle (for boiling water for drinking water and for brewing coffee/tea).
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Onsite coin-operated laundry machine + place to hang-dry them if no dryer.
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Coffee mug
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Broom to sweep (fyi – only hard tile floors, no carpet in SEA)
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Wifi and password
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Nearby food (often times does not show up on google maps)
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Nearby shops to buy the essentials
Tip
When searching for a place to stay, do the “convenience store” test.
On Google Maps, type in “convenience store” and make sure that one is within walking distance to where you will be staying. You do not want to be stuck without access to drinks, food, and basic needs.
One caveat is that there are many mom & pop places that are not on Google Maps – same goes for restaurants.
Might include
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TV
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AC (depending on choosing a fan room or AC room)
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Hair dryer
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Refrigerator
Note
If you cook, then having a refrigerator is a must. But most of the time, not having a refrigerator is not a big deal.
Why? Because, of the convenience culture – cooked food outside your door and walking distance to a convenience store.
Though, having a refrigerator would be convenient to have. It is up to you if you wish to spend money using electricity.
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Kitchen for cooking that is fully equipped with cookware
Tip
If cooking is a must for you, then portable stoves are a viable option. These small stoves are fueled with gas canisters. Very common in Southeast Asia.
You can buy pots/pans and other cookware at mom & pop shops as you need them. And, no need to buy them in a set, you can buy them in singles.
For about $30-40, at most, you should have a good cooking setup.
Great Idea!
Thinking out loud here: It may be better to rent a cheaper rental + buy your own stove, than to pay way more for a rental that includes the cooking furnishings – up to you.