This afternoon I successfully picked up my non-immigrant O visa, based on retirement, from the consulate in Penang. :-D I really want to thank the amazing Tod Daniels for all of the patient advice! A few suggestions for others based on this experience...

I brought my original proof of income affidavit with me, along with a copy (per something I saw Tod Daniels mention in another thread). They checked the original and allowed me to submit the copy--that will save me having to get it again for the extension.

The only other thing they wanted (along with the application and photos) was a printed bank statement. I didn't have that, thinking I could just show them an online statement. They asked me to send a PDF to a consulate email address, which I did.

Bring 300 RM. I did not have the 300 RM, having paid an unexpected deposit at the hotel, so paid 3,000 THB instead (an extra 600 baht, or so).

I found this link for filling out the application ahead of time very helpful: [members only] The Penang application can be found and printed out from here: [members only]

Everyone I spoke with was friendly, from the guard and staff at the gate (who will ask you to log your name, passport number, and type of visa that you are applying for) to the staff behind the window. There were only 5 or 6 other people applying at 9am on Friday, and perhaps a few more picking up today at 2pm.

Finally, there's no good place to wait for the gate to open, so aim to arrive on time or after. I could not find the nearby Organic Circle Restaurant that Google Map says exists. I did find a rather lovely bull in a field eating grass.