Came in on the 90 day Non-O e-visa and found it extremely frustrating to open a bank account in Tha Bo as they didn't acknowledge, recognize or understand the e-visa. Had to explain more than a few times it was a long stay visa. Finally got an account open at Krungthai bank because we had a wonderful young lady assist us. I was the first foreigner to open an account with her. I got really lucky that she followed through until the end.

I drive for a living in the U.S and I drive when I come to Thailand. That being said, if you haven't driven in Thailand before, you might want to have someone drive you. Thailand driving requires you to know everything going on around you and that isn't something U.S driving gets you ready for. In the the U.S you won't have scooters on your left and right at the same time, not to mention the ones going the wrong way to get home. Factor in looking the opposite direction before you pull out so that you don't kill someone is a bit of a thing too. Have a great time here, but let others get you where you are going until you get some time on the ground here. Bangkok to Phuket is a big undertaking.

I just did the license, it took 1 week to get certificate of residency and 205 baht to get license in Nong Khai. I already had the 90 day non-o visa. Even after that a bank account was a huge problem .

The thing I like most about these Issan immigration offices are the times to completion. Nong Khai's are about the same and they are true to their word. TM30 took all of 7 minutes.

Why did I read this in a British accent?

@Kim ********

I got the e-visa for my limited trip in hopes it helps me open a bank account. Whole bunch of no's on the visa exempt trips in the past. It would be nice to have a bank account ahead of time so I could transfer money when the rates are more favorable.

@George ***********

depending on your plans for the future, with the e-visa you might be able to open a bank account, if you don't already have one.

@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********

but if you save $1500 by flying a month earlier, you just gained $1500 for on the ground expenses. Those monies are what make a trip memorable, not your flight.

$700 R/T in April from SeaTac.

Just landed on a $1177 ticket from SeaTac. Was going to come over in December and saw the prices, easy decision to change dates.