Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your personal concierge and enjoy a smooth, comfortable transfer to your accommodation in a private, air-conditioned car. To ensure you feel completely at ease from the very first moment, your welcome on Day 1 is conducted by a Western concierge. We’ve found that Western service providers often have a deeper understanding of the expectations, preferences, and concerns that fellow Western travelers may have when staying in Asia. This means that if anything is on your mind or something doesn’t feel quite right, your concierge can address it immediately and find a solution tailored to your needs—so you can start your stay with total peace of mind.

Local SIM Card & Reliable Internet Setup: Stay connected throughout your stay without the hassle of roaming charges. We provide a complimentary local SIM card as part of your package and pre-load it with enough credit to keep you connected during your first week.

Check-In to Your Short-Term Comfortable Rental Accommodation: your 1-month stay (30 days / 29 nights) in a private, serviced apartment is fully covered in our service plan. We’ll help you settle in and make sure everything is in place for a smooth start to your stay—your new home away from home for the next 30 days. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind. While a full list of amenities is provided separately, most units typically feature: Ensuite bathroom - Access to a private or shared kitchen for preparing your own meals - Free WiFi throughout the building - Flat-screen TV with access to movies and Netflix - King-size bed with a comfortable mattress - Closet for your clothes and personal storage - Desk or table with a chair for working or dining - Air conditioning and/or fan to keep your space cool and comfortable - Fenced property and 24/7 concierge at the reception desk for added safety and peace of mind (Please note: Utility bills for electricity and water are not included in this service package).

Welcome Coffee Chat with Your Personal Concierge: After you've settled into your accommodation, your personal concierge will accompany you to a local coffee shop for a complimentary coffee and cake. While you relax, they’ll walk you through the best ways to get around the city—whether it's using public transportation or renting a bike—focusing on cost-effective and sustainable options to explore like a local. 

Staying Connected & Fully Supported Helpdesk 24/7: During your welcome coffee, we’ll introduce you to our interactive city maps with video presentations & personal audio guide, and 24/7 online helpdesk—designed to make your stay smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Our interactive maps, accessible right from your phone, highlight all the essentials: banks, currency exchange points, ATMs, cozy coffee shops with strong WiFi, laundry services, grocery stores, local markets, great restaurants, vibrant bars, and rooftop spots for evening entertainment. They're continuously updated with tips and recommendations from fellow slow travelers—so you’re always in the know. The audio guide is perfect for self-guided sightseeing and discovering hidden gems at your own pace. And if there’s anything you can’t find on the map? Our 24/7 helpdesk is just a click away—ready to assist you instantly, no matter the time or situation.

Discovering Local Grocery Costs & Culinary Culture (with Audio Guide): Enjoy an engaging half-day experience with our specially curated audio guide, which leads you step by step through local supermarkets, neighborhood shops, and fresh markets. Through your personal audio companion, you’ll learn about the availability of everyday essentials—including those hard-to-find Western products you might miss during a longer stay abroad. Along the way, the audio guide offers insight into local street food, regional specialties, and cultural food traditions. It also helps you estimate a realistic monthly grocery budget if you plan to cook your own meals while living here. For those who want to dive deeper into the local cuisine, an optional half-day cooking class is available for just $50 per person. Under expert instruction, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing popular local dishes. (Note: This service must be reserved in advance through our online help desk. You can schedule it at a time that best fits your itinerary.)

Language Basics for Daily Life: Join us for a half-day language learning class designed to help you feel more confident and connected during your stay. In a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting, you’ll learn essential phrases, greetings, and practical vocabulary tailored to everyday situations—like ordering food, asking for directions, shopping at the market, or interacting with locals politely. Led by a patient local tutor who understands the needs of travelers, this session is not only informative but also fun and engaging. You’ll walk away with useful communication tools and a deeper appreciation for the local language and culture. Note: This service must be reserved in advance through our online helpdesk and can be scheduled according to your convenience. Tip: Don’t hesitate to show your appreciation by offering a small gratuity or inviting your tutor for a coffee or meal afterward.

Wellness Made Just for You: As part of this monthly service plan, you’ll enjoy a complimentary 2-hour full-body massage — a perfect way to relax, recharge, and release any travel tension. Delivered by skilled local therapists, this treatment blends traditional techniques with a calming atmosphere to leave you feeling refreshed and restored. If you’d like to take your wellness experience further, you have the option to customize a personal wellness program together with your therapist. Whether you’re interested in additional massages, facials, herbal steam treatments, or other holistic therapies, your program can be tailored to suit your preferences and wellness goals (additional charges apply). Booking in advance via our online help desk is required, and appointments can be scheduled at your convenience. 

Meet-up with locals to Explore Long-Term Living Possibilities: Curious about what it would be like to settle down here? This insightful half-day experience is designed to give you a realistic glimpse into long-term living. You'll start by meeting with a local real estate agent, who will show you around four different rental properties—ranging from apartments to houses—so you can get a clear sense of local housing options and the associated costs for future stays. Next, our local Asian concierge will accompany you to a nearby bank, where you’ll have the chance to speak with a banker about the steps and requirements for setting up and managing banking services in the city, an essential part of planning a longer stay or relocation. To round off your day, you’ll meet with a local expat who has been living in the area for several years. In an informal, open conversation over a meal, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, hear personal experiences, and gain honest insights into the pros and cons of settling down in this destination. (Please note: this meeting must be reserved in advance through our help desk, and as a sign of appreciation, treating your expat host to lunch or dinner is kindly expected).

Heartfelt Farewell, Local Support & Departure Assistance: On your final day, your stay concludes with a heartfelt farewell, accompanied by our local Asian concierge. Just as we welcomed you with care and comfort, we believe in saying goodbye with the same warmth and attention. Your concierge will assist with check-out, help coordinate your departure logistics, and ensure everything runs smoothly—so you can leave feeling relaxed, appreciated, and well taken care of. As part of your monthly service plan, a private transfer to the airport is included. If you're continuing your journey beyond, onward travel arrangements — such as airfare tickets, visa support, hotel bookings, or other transportation needs — can be handled in advance through Smile of Asia’s online helpdesk, ensuring a seamless transition to your next destination. It’s our way of sending you off with peace of mind — and hoping to welcome you back again in the future.