General Reports

Answer in [B] Bold [/B].

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

[B]I assume they will be don't expect a very good exchange rate at all[/B]

Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?

[B]All Thai ATM machines only distribute Thai baht[/B]

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

[B] To make your life easy yes. Enough to pay for taxi from airport to hotel, pay a possible deposit when you check in to hotel, pay for lunch and some snacks at 711. When you arrive in Thailand find a TT Exchange (yellow sign) for best exchange rates. If you want to go out right away, take out enough to pay for drinks and a girl so maybe 10,000+ baht. You can always pay a bar with a CC but not the girl [/B]

Do US plugs work, or should I buy a converter for BKK & Phuket?

[B] US plugs work. If your device like laptop can handle 220V then no need for a converter. Most hotels have converters available if needed. [/B]

Given the traffic, what's the fastest way to navigate BKK? By MRT, Tuk Tuk or Taxi?

[B] This depends on what time it is and where you're going. During rush hour BTS/MRT are your best bets assuming your start and end points are near a station. [/B]
[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=UglyAzzMan;2934913]Ben Hart of integrity legal is saying immigration is doing House Checks on retirement Visas. Just another Pain in the Azz.

[b]What if you in Miami when they want to visit[/b]. LOL. Hahaha.[/QUOTE]When you leave the country you are logged out in the computer. They may not know where you went, but they know you are not in the country. So, why would an immigration agent performing house checks goto a location where they know the individual is not in the country? It is as simple as looking in the computer. That is where they find the information to do the house check in the first place is it not?

The name of the agency is called immigration not outmigration. [B]LOL![/B].

[B]How you like me now?[/B]

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?[/QUOTE]It seems you are making things complicated. This is not 1960. How is this still even a thing in 2024? From when you land until when you leave, you will see an ATM or currency exchange place every 5 feet. I go to a lot of countries and if I had to order currency from the bank every time I went somewhere it would not be at all practical.

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

Sorry--I've Googled the above and get conflicting answers![/QUOTE]Do not get any baht from a bank in America! The rates are horrible. Just cash in 100 at the airport (even these rates are much better than US banks) to get you by and then seek out a Superrich in whatever your Thailand destination is.

Also to add about cell phones. If you have T-Mobile in the US they are on AIS network and works pretty good in Thailand, no need to get international plan with them. You will get free texting and. 25 min calls. Make sure you download Line and WhatsApp before you leave and make sure you connect family and friends with these apps before you leave as well. If not get the cheapest 5 day plan avail at airport if you choose, but not needed and then go to any mall or 7-11 after you check in hotel for a plan.

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?
Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?
Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?[/QUOTE]If you are going to take USD with you to exchange, make sure and take crisp, new notes, no markings or tears no matter how small. Also, make them larger denomination notes. Some money changers charge a different rate depending on the value of the note, $1 getting a lower rate than $20 and so on.

[QUOTE=SonicBam;2935129]If you are going to take USD with you to exchange, make sure and take crisp, new notes, no markings or tears no matter how small. Also, make them larger denomination notes.[/QUOTE]If he wants to order from his bank then that is exactly what it should be. You want to let them know a couple says ahead of time so they can make sure they have it ready.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2935048]When you leave the country you are logged out in the computer. They may not know where you went, but they know you are not in the country. So, why would an immigration agent performing house checks goto a location where they know the individual is not in the country? It is as simple as looking in the computer. That is where they find the information to do the house check in the first place is it not?

The name of the agency is called immigration not outmigration. [B]LOL![/B].

[B]How you like me now?[/B][/QUOTE]For once you might make some Cents. LOL. Hahaha.

Only thing is I'm not sure Computers in immigration and whatever Agency are speaking to each other.

I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2935430]I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.[/QUOTE]This seems like an amazing deal compared to the myriad of other cumbersome options that Thailand otherwise has been making available over the past 20+ years.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;2935467]This seems like an amazing deal compared to the myriad of other cumbersome options that Thailand otherwise has been making available over the past 20+ years.[/QUOTE]Damn. Cheaper than a Cambodian visa.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;2935467]This seems like an amazing deal compared to the myriad of other cumbersome options that Thailand otherwise has been making available over the past 20+ years.[/QUOTE]DTV is a new visa. Therefore there is zero history of administration of this visa. I'll let someone else experiment with the system and stick with what has been working for me.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2935430]I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.[/QUOTE]Did you apply as a digital nomad with a portfolio, or someone taking courses such as cooking? I'm wondering if you can find some easy little course or medical treatment like getting a mole removed and actually get a 5 year visa?

...and for people bringing US dollars don't fold them in your wallet either. Transport them flat. Don't trust lockers at a massage shop either as they might have a false back, but that was more about Cambodia I think. Check the safes in your room to make sure that they're bolted down. I went to Bogota once and the safe in my room was just sitting on the shelf. LOL

[QUOTE=TooDirty;2935522]Did you apply as a digital nomad with a portfolio, or someone taking courses such as cooking? I'm wondering if you can find some easy little course or medical treatment like getting a mole removed and actually get a 5 year visa?[/QUOTE]No. When it asked about work I put freelance. Then I uploaded an employment verification letter from work. You can get a mole removed at the market in 30 seconds.

DTV says you need to show proof of 500,000 baht. Does this need to be in a Thai bank account or does your local bank qualify?

I plan to use the local cooking course route. I enjoy cooking so this is something I don't mind paying for. If anyone finds a cheap legit course in Bangkok or Pattaya let me know please.

Regarding mole removal it does say you need a letter of appointment from a hospital or medical center.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2935570]DTV says you need to show proof of 500,000 baht. Does this need to be in a Thai bank account or does your local bank qualify? [/QUOTE]I just went on Schwab and clicked somewhere for it to generate a letter. It does not need to be in a Thai bank. You are not supposed to be in Thailand when you apply for the visa and there is also a question asking if you have ever been to Thailand.