Pattaya Reports

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;2536977]I just switched domestic USA carriers from AT&T to T-Mobil. [/QUOTE]My plan (Amplified Plan) also includes free calls and texts between USA, Mexico, and Canada in addition to the stuff you said. Total $70/month.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2537044]Next time I buy a phone it will have dual SIM cards.[/QUOTE]I think that may be outdated technology. They are hard to find in the USA. If you do find one, then it will be not as up to specs as you would want to use as your everyday phone. Without 5G for example. Recently some carriers have been trying to do away with traditional SIM cards for e-SIM cards.

[QUOTE=Jwdub;2536864]Yes they do. If your a US resident residing internationally, Schwab transfers your bank holdings into a Global brokerage account and then will issue you an ATM card.

That refunds your ATM fees accordingly. I'm been living here in Pattaya 8 years now and have used it since.[/QUOTE]Reread what I wrote and I see how you could have come to this conclusion based on what I wrote. However, what I was trying to say is that if you are not an American, the services of Charles Schwab refunding you ATM fees is likely not available. Correct me if I am wrong because I would like to save 200 baht per each 25,000 baht withdrawal I make, several times per week. My option now are Aeon ATM machines but they aren't conveniently located for me.

[QUOTE=RacShack;2537040]You will love the switch, don't know what took me so long getting hammered for many many years with att, I've used t mobile now in Medellin and Thailand with great success, [/QUOTE]

For a good plan in Thailand try https://www.mybycat.com/en/ . They are located just up the street from Tukcom. Syzygies has posted about them in the past.

If you are traveling throughout Asia and don't feel like buying different SIM cards in each country you visit you can get something like AIS Sim2Fly card. It's not the cheapest option.

I use a dual SIM phone. Have for many years now.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2536898]Not saying you are wrong I've opened a number of Bank account particularly with Bangkok Bank in Pattaya, the first account was open in 2000 on the Second Road across from Soi 6, 10 years ago, 2nd account on Sukhumvit, just before you get to Pattaya Klang, 3rd, 4 years ago, Darkside Siam Country Club all open with just my passport. Note: The first one I was still a tourist.[/QUOTE]My understanding is that it is much more difficult for a tourist to open a Thai bank account now. Just what I read a couple of years ago. No personal experience. I also opened a Thai bank account as a tourist.

[QUOTE=IHeartIpa;2536870]Normally yes, but its not difficult on the ground in Pattaya right now. Places are extremely flexible during covid times.[/QUOTE]

I'm sure you are right. Rent here is dirt cheap now. Places are just more than 50% the cost to rent as they were pre-COVID. I'm talking the newest condos in town. Those who live here know which ones I'm referring to.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2537075]For a good plan in Thailand try https://www.mybycat.com/en/ . They are located just up the street from Tukcom. Syzygies has posted about them in the past. [/QUOTE]Tell you how that worked out. I got their 6 month plan 2 years ago. I could deliver a message faster on my bicycle than that internet was working. Threw that SIM card away 1 month into the plan and stuck with my AIS. Pure garbage. There is a reason the place stays empty.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2537081]Tell you how that worked out. I got their 6 month plan 2 years ago. I could deliver a message faster on my bicycle than that internet was working. Threw that SIM card away 1 month into the plan and stuck with my AIS. Pure garbage. There is a reason the place stays empty.[/QUOTE]Interesting. I did too and didn't notice any difference from the other providers I used in Thailand.

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;2537056]$300,000 for a 2 month trip; you are the mf MAN![/QUOTE]

Good one. Natty was speaking $5,000 USD per day!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2537056]$300,000 for a 2 month trip; you are the mf MAN![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2537083]
Good one. Natty was speaking $5,000 USD per day![/QUOTE]Damn, after all these years I have finally been outed. I am Charlie Sheen. Nice to meet you.

[QUOTE=Jwdub;2536864]Yes they do. If your a US resident residing internationally, Schwab transfers your bank holdings into a Global brokerage account and then will issue you an ATM card.

That refunds your ATM fees accordingly. I'm been living here in Pattaya 8 years now and have used it since.[/QUOTE]My broker warned me strongly not to change my address to an foreign one when I went overseas for a few years, as there would be a ton of extra tax-related paperwork to fill out, so I ended up getting a mailbox with a physical address from a company I've been using. It's about $30 a month.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2537058]
I think that may be outdated technology. They are hard to find in the USA. If you do find one, then it will be not as up to specs as you would want to use as your everyday phone. Without 5G for example. Recently some carriers have been trying to do away with traditional SIM cards for e-SIM cards.[/QUOTE]You are correct. No US carrier sells a dual sim card phone. In fact I read the new Samsung S21 comes with the e-sim disabled so you only have the physical sim slot to use. Not sure if Apple does the same. For years I have been using the international Samsung phone with dual sims. Like you said you give up specs for dual sim functionality. The international phones come with a weaker processor than what is sold on the same phone in the US. As my Samsung S9+ is showing its age I have been debating what to do next.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2537080]My understanding is that it is much more difficult for a tourist to open a Thai bank account now. Just what I read a couple of years ago. No personal experience. I also opened a Thai bank account as a tourist..[/QUOTE]It is but its a numbers game. You may have to go 10 different banks to get an account. Not necessarily different companies, just different physical locations. It makes no sense that one Bangkok bank would approve you but the location 2 km away wouldn't but TIT don't expect things to make sense LOL.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2537075] However, what I was trying to say is that if you are not an American, the services of Charles Schwab refunding you ATM fees is likely not available..[/QUOTE]Not totally sure of the Schwab refund policy and which countries they cover, but I had no problems as Canadian getting ATM refunds when I use their card. But maybe policy have changed since my last use as I have not been traveling overseas for 2 yrs (actually about year and half) due to Covid restrictions.

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;2536977]so I am not 100% sure of this, but I just switched domestic USA carriers from AT&T to T-Mobil. The reason I switched, aside from a $200 annual savings with the T-Mobil unlimited calling, data and texting plan in the USA is that T-Mobil promises (promotes) automatic unlimited texting and unlimited data (on their sim card) in over 200 countries including Brazil and Thailand, the 2 countries. Ha! But I am bringing 2 cell phones to Brazil just in case the T-Mobil promise is not a reality.[/QUOTE]I've been with T-Mobile for 10 years. Yes, it works in Rio, Thailand and elsewhere. Once you arrive in a foreign country, turn on Data Roaming. Once you get a signal T-Mobile will send you a text advising you of unlimited data at up to 2G speed and texts at no extra costs. Local calls are 25 cents USD / min. I don't bother with that, I strictly use WIFI calling, as it's free. I've made and received calls using Soi 6 wifi. If you want faster speed, T-Mobile has an International Pass for $5 USD / day. I avoid that by using a Mobile Hot spot with a Local sim.

[QUOTE=Sharka;2537157]Not totally sure of the Schwab refund policy and which countries they cover, but I had no problems as Canadian getting ATM refunds when I use their card. But maybe policy have changed since my last use as I have not been traveling overseas for 2 yrs (actually about year and half) due to Covid restrictions.[/QUOTE]I've run into ATM's that won't accept the Schwab card, even though they're part of the Plus or Star network. I just use another bank's ATM. ALL my ATM fees are refunded. The back of the Schwab card has the networks it works with. BTW, I'm currently riding out the pandemic wave in Thailand. :D

[QUOTE=OneEyedMan;2537111]My broker warned me strongly not to change my address to an foreign one when I went overseas for a few years, as there would be a ton of extra tax-related paperwork to fill out, so I ended up getting a mailbox with a physical address from a company I've been using. It's about $30 a month.[/QUOTE]The only additional tax form that I've annually been filling out due to me residing in Thailand is the FBAR form stating that you have over 10 K US $ in a foreign bank account. It takes less than 5 minutes to fill out online. I've been using my Pattaya address on my Federal tax 1040 with no problems.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2537075]Reread what I wrote and I see how you could have come to this conclusion based on what I wrote. However, what I was trying to say is that if you are not an American, the services of Charles Schwab refunding you ATM fees is likely not available. Correct me if I am wrong because I would like to save 200 baht per each 25,000 baht withdrawal I make, several times per week. My option now are Aeon ATM machines but they aren't conveniently located for me [/QUOTE]OK, that I don't know being an American. All I can say is I've used my Schwab card in various ATM's (Kbank, Bangkok Bank, TMB) here in the Jomtien area along with side trips to Hong Kong and Tokyo with no problems what so ever with getting my ATM fees refunded.

[QUOTE=OneEyedMan;2537111]My broker warned me strongly not to change my address to an foreign one when I went overseas for a few years, as there would be a ton of extra tax-related paperwork to fill out, so I ended up getting a mailbox with a physical address from a company I've been using. It's about $30 a month.[/QUOTE]Thinking a little more about it, I should state that I am retired with no taxable income. You may still be employed by someone where I could see possible issues arising.

[QUOTE=JavaMan;2537187]I've been with T-Mobile for 10 years. Yes, it works in Rio, Thailand and elsewhere. Once you arrive in a foreign country, turn on Data Roaming. Once you get a signal T-Mobile will send you a text advising you of unlimited data at up to 2G speed and texts at no extra costs. Local calls are 25 cents USD / min. I don't bother with that, I strictly use WIFI calling, as it's free. I've made and received calls using Soi 6 wifi. If you want faster speed, T-Mobile has an International Pass for $5 USD / day. I avoid that by using a Mobile Hot spot with a Local sim.

I've run into ATM's that won't accept the Schwab card, even though they're part of the Plus or Star network. I just use another bank's ATM. ALL my ATM fees are refunded. The back of the Schwab card has the networks it works with. BTW, I'm currently riding out the pandemic wave in Thailand.[/QUOTE]T-Mobile and Schwab abroad are the way to go! I used to carry cash around until I got that Schwab card years ago. And, I switched from AT&T to T-Mobile a few years ago. T-Mobile works exactly how you say.