Tips for DTVers once they’ve arrived. Long but I hope this helps somebody.

eSIM:

I use AIS. Got a “AIS LUCKY TOURIST SIM, Internet 2 Baht/MB. Call any network 1 Baht/min. VDO Call 2 Baht/ min. SMS 3 Baht. MMS 5 Baht. (VAT excluded)” and stopped by a booth at BKK and had them help me activate it. This also gives you a local Thai number.

Originally got a 30day unlimited data pkg. Don’t need a voice package because the sim allows local calls for 1B/minute. The other charges don’t really matter because it’ll use data. Didn’t see a long term unlimted data plan after my 30 days so I opted for “Net Marathon Max! 2,750 Baht (VAT included), 100GB/month Internet at 15Mbps speed. valid 12months”. Never came close to using 100gb/month and speed was plenty fast for me. 2750B for the year!

VPN:

Comes in handy. Connect to stream stuff in your home country.

QR code/scan to pay:

You need a Thai bank account for this. Which DTVers can’t get. Or…Use the TrueMoney app. Sign up then apply for the “Advanced Account”. Once approved it gives you 30 personal scans/mo free. After 30 it’s a nominal fee per scan. I’ve never gone over 30. You can easily add money to the account at 7-11 (and other not as easy places). 7-11 limits you to adding 3000B at a time but yesterday I added another 1000 right after. So not really a limit I suppose. Paying at bigger established merchants do not count to towards the 30.

You can also tie the app to Grab which makes life easier. Auto-pays for rides, food, etc. Does not count towards the 30 scans. Just make sure you have a big enough balance.

I also recommend getting their virtual credit card within the app. It’s a Thai issued credit card which comes in handy. No fee (I think) and deducts from your normal balance. Might only be an advanced account feature.

Streaming services:

As long as you have a Thai number, everything is cheaper subscribing in Thailand. (Except for Google AI Pro, what’s that all about?). Netflix was easy to tie to a credit card. Through my AIS eSIM I got a Prime Video and HBO package. That is being deducted from my AIS balance (which I top off with a credit card through the app). YouTube premium had to be charged to a Thai credit card. I used my TrueMoney virtual card. 🙂 That’s as far as I’ve gone so far.

The virtual card also came in handy when I had to pay for extra baggage on Thai Air. Over the phone they wouldn’t take a US Visa or MC. I did have to run to 7-11 and top up the balance first.

Getting around:

Bolt is usually cheaper than Grab. Grab is auto deducted from my TrueMoney. Bolt is cash but I usually scan to pay. Everyone has a QR code. Ive taken a bunch of rides from each platform. Sometimes the driver will cancel but I’ve never had any scam issues you read about.

Bangkok specific getting around:

BTS I got a “Rabbit” pass at the ticket booth and added money to it. Just tap at entry and exit. Don’t need to worry about individual tickets. Need a passport to sign up though.

MRT you can tap your credit card (even US ones) at entry and exit if it has the touchless chip.

Bus I use Google Maps to get the route. Pay attention to the bus numbers as they approach and flag down the right one. Board and the ticket taker will come to you. Show/tell them the stop and pay them. Coins and 20s here. Don’t use 50s or 100s. Hit the buzzer when your stop is approaching.

I think that’s about it for now.

Hello

This upcoming August, I’m planning ahead to move to Pattaya but Bangkok seems it may be easier. I have 2 Beautiful Doberman babies/grown. That’s why I say Bangkok maybe easier because of transport.

I’m getting us to the airport by U-Haul. Myself, luggage and 2 XL dog crates. 

I’m seeking advice and assistance on how to get us from the Bangkok airport. Plus finding a Reputable Rental Agency for a fenced house moreover a Retirement Visa. I was planning to do the visa myself 🤷🏿‍♂️. Any help and the first round is on me.

Not a visa question but I hope some can help. I got my International Drivers license from AAA (the only verified U.S. source). It’s stamped and legit. Is there anything I should do when I arrive to help avoid paying fines when stopped at checkpoints? When I previously lived in TH, 20 years ago, that was my biggest frustration-constantly getting stopped. Should I go into a Government office and get the DL verified?

Thank you!

Hey everyone, enjoy reading the posts here. I’m heading over to Thailand mid to end of July for around 5 weeks. Coming from Australia. Not a big partier. Would love to travel around a bit see as much as I can. And meet the local people. My question is quite broad, wondering what are the must see places to visit Also wondering if there might be something that needs to be done that often gets forgotten in preperation for the trip, even if you think it might be the simplest of things? Anybody recommend a travel insurance that’s suited for Thailand. Also thanks in advance for any replies.

This is probably a long shot but does anyone know of any private taxi service that would pick me up at the border from Thakhek, Laos at 6am and take me over the border to Nakhon Phanom airport in time for me to catch my flight at 9.30am? Due to responsibilities I can't take a later flight. And the first bus over the border from Thakhek is rather inconveniently at 9.30am.

Good day. I am getting ready to do my very first trip to Thailand. Looking for any advice on what to what to expect. Transportation from airport, money, food place to stay etc. I’m flying into Bangkok then wanting to go to pattaya from there.

Anyone here taken a bus for Phitsanulok to Chaiyaphum before? Trying to find the departure times not much resent info.

Hi I hope to come to Thailand next January/February staying in Panwa, Phuket, the hotel can arrange transfers. How much would you tip the driver?

Second question my wife and I are both in our eighties, we live in Spain, would it be better to get insurance here or in Thailand ?

Buy a car or rely on taxis and public transport, in Surin Province? Thoughts please 🤔

I am married to a Thai lady

Want to retire in a few years time and live in my wife's village where we/she has a house... Now my question is.. Can one bring your vehicle with you to Thailand or are the duty's to high?