spambot

Thanks Scouse123

So in summary:

The basics are get Business in arrival visa i.e An ‘E-class’ business visa which costs US $35 for 1 month and this can be renewed indefinitely on an annual basis cost = $285/300.

Apply to Canadia in Siem Reap and you will not be asked (normally on a good day) for any employment requirements. They want and are only interested in the business visa and as you say possibly an address. If an address is required this should be easily obtained from wherever you might be staying hotel/guest house/Bar/new friend.

Doing this then allows for advantage of the interest rate and more importantly the hedging position.

While there are dangers of police enforcing new laws that result in foreigners inside Cambodia being required to leave the country and as a result forced to close their bank account funds on deposit (I assumed this part) there is however a small chance of ‘certain types’ of foreigners that will actually fall into this category and chances become significantly lower in a foreigner spends less time in the actual country.

But this comes with some danger (possibly)

However (I can see from your further posts response to Laoball) that this comes with a warning that there might be a risk (unclear to how much) this or any bank might lock down your funds and you might suffer the loss of access (not sure if this means total loss).

The reason that this could happen is a change of rules in the bank (unclear what kind of rules or why these rules might change for what purpose targeted) or in fact simply a change in personnel in the bank might cause the lock-down (not clear why this might be the case).

Also not sure if this is a question for Laoball or Scouce123.

Huge response Scouse123 - Thanks

I was in Cambodia 2 years ago trying to open an account I think it was with Canadia - I was at the bank signing up and then returning the week after and applying for 12 month business visa - They wanted an employer letter even though I told them was self employed. I did not really get to grips with the actual fundamentals of the Lao visa and banking process and I had thought being self employed was an option, but this was not being offered as such by the bank to open an account - Hence not really knowing the Cambodian rules at the time I had assumed wrongly I then thought that simply paying the extra $5 at immigration (border) for business rather than tourist and then the $300 to the agent for Visa would give me access - But the bank insisted on an employment letter and the proof of incorporation from the employer that they were register for Lao tax. I did find someone that would provide this, but also felt like I was entering into a process I did not fully understand and it wasn't clear to me how much I was dependent upon the guy and his business to ensure this was sustainable - So I stood down.

It sounds like I really should have another try at this again and be aware also that things have changed a little - That the police are enforcing new recent law and checking foreigners actively.

However assuming that Cambodia is an option open it does satisfy what I want to achieve, which is hold multiple currency accounts so this allow for a buffer across currency exchange changes so any reduction in one hopefully gets balanced by increase from another - Hence smoothing the FX shocks across many and not simply a change between two. Doing this allows fuller access to more of SE Asia with a bank and currency in place and not simply dependent upon Thailand and its rules for accessing its visas or exposed to the market swings and fluctuations in THB rate of exchange.

Again just want to say great info - Thanks

I had no problems whatsoever with term deposits in several Lao banks (ANZ, JDB, PSV from when the rates were up to 15% a few years ago). LAK earns much better interest than THB or USD and you can exchange freely between them whenever you want. You need a Work Permit to open a fixed deposit account in your own name. Kip rates are stable and haven't changed much for several years.

Hi Laobali - Good info - So the barrier to opening a term account seems to be just the work permit - is that correct?

Main Question 1: Once you get the work permit does the access to the term rate remain then forever and not dependent upon holding a current work permit or does the right to hold a term deposit disappear when the work permit terminates?

I ask this since on my recent visit to Vietnam - I inquired if I could apply for a bank account and open a term deposit VND to take advantage of between 6.5 to 7.5% interest return (depending upon deposit term and bank).

Almost all banks I visited seemed happy for me to open an account, but the term deposit time would need to be linked to the length of time of my visa.

Since I do not believe I would be able to get anything more than a tourist visa for 3 moths - My choices were 1 month fixed at 4.4% (single bank quoted) or a 3 month term deposit between 5 - 5.5% quoted from a few other different banks.

Practically if anyone like me was also trying to do this and take advantage of these rates they would need to keep returning to Vietnam with a new 3 moth tourist visa in order to open a new a term deposit interest rate - I am not sure what the situation might be for extending the existing Vietnamese visa for another 3 moths and if this would allow the rate to continue for a new term deposit for an extra 3 moths.

Possibly Scouse123 (on this thread and a long history of being in Vietnam) - Can help with understanding what the situation might be for visa extensions and using this to open a new 3 moth term deposit?

Minor Question 2: How difficult is it to get a work permit in Lao - Is there a strict scrutiny of the employer and the system is highly regulated or is it more like a relaxed acceptance and without too much checking that the employer is actually supplying a real job?

Since I was close to doing my monthly withdrawal using my U.S. no foreign transaction fee Visa debit cards which also reimburse ATM fees and seeing the FX rate drop today I knew "tomorrow's Visa rate would drop also.

Visa (and Mastercard) generally set their rates for a 24 hour period and generally only change their exchange rate once during that 24 hour period. I use the "generally" word since Mastercard sometimes changes rates during the 24 hour period for some currencies. The rate Visa/Mastercard use is generally based on the previous day(s) FX rates. But with bank exchange rates for incoming wire transfers, notes, etc., those rates follow the daily FX rate pretty closely and can change numerous times during the day.

So, I checked the Visa exchange rate webpage...the Visa Global rate was 36.20 per USD...I take my U.S. Visa cards and go withdraw Bt60K around 1pm today...rate hitting/posting to my U.S. bank accounts was 36.20 since U.S. bank use the single messaging settlement approach for debit cards.

Now for a person with a Visa card issued by a European bank the rate today is 36.19 according the the Visa webpage...but if you withdraw today you still may end-up getting "tomorrow's" rate since some European banks apparently use the double messaging method (similar to how credit card withdrawals/purchases post/settle) which means it may not be until the next day that the charge posts/settles to your account...and tomorrow's Visa rate will probably be lower based on today's FX rates.

Great post - It took me some effort to realise some time ago this stuff you have pointed out here - I was amazed that my Visa ATM withdraws allowed me to decide a good day for my exchange and use my card the next day and I had time to consider this for 24 hrs - No requirement to follow real time shifts - Simply view the close of business rate and then make the consideration - 24 hrs to decide.

Great extra info - I did not know before - The practice of Single-message transactions (and I did have to look this up) - But now realise that it does give illumination to why the 24 hrs is available to consider the fx rate - In that they have only one cutoff time each day. Therefore when it changes then it does so for all network participants so that at any point in time, the cutoff time is the same for all participants and is nonnegotiable. Then at the cutoff time the network calculates the total monetary positions for all its client banks for the day’s single-message transactions and hence can only use a single FX rate - not a real time rate for each transaction.

Thanks for the post - Enjoyed its contents

Very good post for those heading to Saigon. Great city and worth a visit at least once.

Also as a side note, If you have a smart phone, you can download an app called Maps.me which is a great map app that does not require data to use anywhere. All you have to do, is download the relevant country when you have got wifi and then you can use it whenever you choose. It is a great app and I have used it in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia without a problem.

For Android users, go to here.com, create an account (if you don't have one already). This step is optional, but good if you want to store your landmarks in the cloud. Get HERE maps from the Play Store and download the maps for Vietnam. There are maps for a zillion of countries, all free, frequently updated. Navigation works very well. In Thailand there are even indoor maps available, showing the shop inside of shopping centers like Jungceylon Phuket for example.

Try it, you won't be disappointed. Voice guidance is in many languages, the list of POIs is extensive.

Hey - What a great call hkt83100 - I installed the app in the last 30 min - then started to wonder how it was going to work with google maps - Then realised it is not since this is the full Nokia maps mapping data. Brilliant - I didn't know you could get access to this data for their maps on Android

Then thought - I wonder if Google Maps can do the same thing - And it can:

This is how you do it on Google........

(connect to Internet first) Then - Save an area of the map so that you can view it when you're not connected to the Internet.

1. Open the Google Maps app
2. Search for "HCMC" (or whatever).
3. At the bottom, touch the bar that has the name of the place you searched for.
4. In the top right-hand corner, touch the menu
5. Select Save offline map to save the selected area of the map.

Brilliant -this is just exactly what I needed - But now not only can I use my existing Google maps offline without needing the country sim and data plan. Now also I can compare this existing Google mapping data with a second source i.e Nokia / 'There' app (your recommended app) - If you are wondering - Why use both - Well because there is stuff on Google that is inaccurate and even plain wrong - I used it today in Bangkok and it was giving me false info. I am sure that Nokia will have some bad data also, but now this app makes it possible to Double check from both sources.

I just also downloaded the offline data for HCMC to my Android - It only took up 3.5 MB of memory and I had assumed that the actual would be more by x 100.

I am also now using your recommendation for the HERE app and testing it out to see how it works and feels - Looks like there is simpler and more functionality than Google maps.

I wish I had this installed your app recommendation this afternoon as I wondered hopelessly around central Bangkok being fooled by my current Google maps app - Thanks

thanks for your report ,

How big is the main part of town ?

easy to walk around it in a day or ????

any 7-11s for cold Pepsi ?

and beware of motorbikes grabbing your bag or camera ......or thats what I have been told ,

I plan on going , hopefully the visa will be free for USA soon ,

Hi BKKdreaming - Thanks for your question.

Its difficult to answer the question of how big - Since there is a central area that I described where there is a concentration of bars, cafes's and other things clearly designed for tourist to enjoy, but then all of these thin out as you move toward the river. You an get to the river by going south or going east and you will at some point hit the river - the connecting shape is a hook shape that the river makes between these two places South and East. You can walk this hook shape on the river pavement and going from a six o'clock to two o'clock walk that contains the central tourist area and this will take about 45 mins and then walk 15 mins West to get to the centre of the tourist area and from here walk down to the beginning of the hook on the river will this take about 10 mins. At the top of the hook is a tourist area in its own right, but different to the multiple bars that feels more like a laid back Khausan rd - And the area that I have been describing as the central tourist area. But this top of hook area is the commercial district and the place where lots and lots of the new building is taking place with apartments and high rise living opportunities together with very impressive streets that makes this area feel more like Bond street London than that of the backpacker laid back areas at the center.

Easy to walk around in a day? - It's going to take you more than a day to do it justice - I walked one day for 6 hrs non stop and I still at the end of my day needed more time, but I also included here district 3. Which begs the question how much do you want to investigate - HCMC is a large city and just like Bangkok it is not just only about Sukhumvit rd or Khausan rd - it has lots of other places. I liked district 3 (takes 30 mi to walk to from the centre) and would feel more at home here than anywhere else from the rest of HCMC. Here through the day it is easy living with few foreigners and lots of open air coffee shops that feel still like a holiday area and at night its much more friendly and comfortable to simple sit and eat and drink. Therefor if you want to see more it will take you longer - much longer than a day. I spent 6 days there and I knew I had not seen enough - Another few weeks might have done it. However if I just wanted to understand and visit the District 1 area ( all the places described here, but not including district 3) - 7 days will give it to you in full - and if you wanted to do the bare bones and touch the points and move on - 3 days. But with the caveat - How much walking will you really want to do per day.

There are no 7/11's but there are a lot of family marts - Brand name for the equivalent type of shop in HCMC.

I did not see any acts of crime occurring and have no info about bag snatching - However looking on the British Embassy website and seeing what they say about HCMC they do identify that it its very rare for violent crime to occur, but they do not however mention the level of (or the types of) petty crimes encountered there. For myself I never felt at risk, but obviously I am no expert in this I can only go on my feeling - And I liked the feel.

Hi,

I posted this new system regards visas to Thai visa a few weeks ago.

I have been doing some business with the minister of Sport and Tourism down in Halong Bay, near Hanoi. Good news! The minister assured me that the free visas was a test pilot programme and not only would be extended to include other countries such as Australia but also they were pushing for a 30 day waiver instead of a 15 day as many of us had suggested.

We had pointed out with a country so vast and full of contrasts that 15 days just was not long enough to visit all the sights and sounds of this beautiful country. He thanked me and was very pleased with the latest positive responses from foreigners to the visa waiver scheme.

You are now also legally allowed to own property in your own name.

Service wise, Thailand still beats them hands down and they have a fair way to go to improve these standards especially in hotels.They can generally be quite cold and appear slightly off hand if you are used to dealing with Thais and Laotians and even Cambodians. I think it is just their nature in Hanoi.

I cannot comment on HCMC as I am always in Hanoi, however, the money changing is a similar system but with the best rates usually available at the gold shops!

Good extra information Scouse123 - Yup the new rules came in for the property in April this year - foreigners can now own condos, but still can not own land,but however can lease it for 50yr and have this lease renewable in certain instances.

You are also right on point with the service comment - I found the people less than just cool, but at times were confrontational - Someone said to me the society feels more like a Chinese cultural norm - I can not comment because I have never experienced China, but understood the difference to being in Thailand. People would push others in the street rather than look for the opportunity to walk around them. This is also reflected on the road - Where the Bike is king and also rules the pavements (even more than it does in Thailand). When you see the traffic behaviors you wonder why they have traffic lights at all . Trying to work out who has the right of way at roundabouts or multi road crossing is a mystery and every vehicle simply claims any space left by any of their competitors - just like Cambodian's two main cities.

Good to hear reforms are coming with extra coverage and extra days - They also announce a 5 year visa exempt program - I met an American at the airport who had one - It gives you an exemption from needing a visa for 5 years then you can further renew while also being able to travel in/out of Vietnam unlimited and uncharged. You however need provable skills to apply (Scientific) and academic qualification (PHD) and a teaching record showing that you are able to transfer these skills. I assume this is designed as a way for Vietnam to have the transfer take place to speed up their development, but here I am just guessing since I have no clue about this apart from the basics.

However great contribution - I like the info.

Trying to address couple of posts above. Once in Vietnam pay in dong. They love USD but not best option unless your a yank.

Many happy hours in Hcmc especially. One example is pastor street. All draft you can drink from 3till 7 for about 300 bah. Dangerous.

Bar in bui vine has matched it. I go Hcmc and leave gf in bkk to save money

Good Call Jacksam - I stayed just off pastor street one night about 100 metres from the river and then at the very bottom of the street I went to a couple of bars - its a little quieter down there, but a good night

"Try and a dress couple of posts above. Once in Vietnam pay in doing "

What does this mean ?

Hi oncearugge - The national currency in Vietnam is VND Vietnamese Dong.

Many traders actually expect foreigners to pay in USD and are surprised sometimes to see that the foreigner has Dong.

Everywhere I went to enquire about hotel prices - The desk allays quoted USD.

Hopefully to help understand today's rate USD/VND

Thanks for your report. Good to know beer is still as cheap as 8 years ago:).

But one question: Isn't it easier to take out money from the ATM instead of using a money changer? If you shop around there is banks with zero transaction fees and you don't risk losing your stacks of cash.

Good question Wump - I struggled with this myself for a while - Should I use a card in the ATM or take cash - I was only considered which was the most efficient i.e what would cost me less. I looked at the Visa FX rates and they are around 4% less than the cash FX rates, meaning that if you use your ATM card you will get about 4% more advantage in the spending power with what you get more of (and every bank has to use this rate if they provide customers with a Visa debit card for the ATM network). The Gotcha however is that the banks claw back this advantage. This is not just your card issuer bank, but also the ATM for the foreign bank will charge you - Two charges. In my case (but every bank is different) Kasikorn Bank will charge 100 BHT for every withdraw and the bank that provides the ATM that you use will charge a fee extra differently depending upon the bank you us. This would normally be easy to calculate what is best ATM vs cash FX for VND by establishing the max withdraw amount in the foreign country and using this to establish the effect of the Kasikorn percentage damage to withdraw - But the problem is that the available mount for max to withdraw is not clearly defines by any of the banks in Vietnam and confusingly different areas of HCMC may provide different max withdraws the standard amount is only 2 million VND, which is about 3,3K BHT - Hence the costs of the 100 BHT then has a higher impact percentage for loss. The bank ATM owner also charges and this is around 120 BHT (variable by specific bank) I tried to calculate how much of the 4% advantage I could keep by using the Visa rate and realized I while I might have a small chance of keeping some part of this in certain circumstances it was impossible to predict since no ATM withdraw amount could be predicted across all ATM's. It was very likely that the costs from the two banks would exceed the 4% Visa savings advantage.

So I used cash....cos I could predict what was happening.

A big effort and useful read and thank you !

...so just to be 100% sure ...

There is no longer a Vietnam Visa required before entering Vietnam AND there is NO fee on arrival ( if you stay less than 15 days ) either ??? ( Im Australian , is that different?)

AND the entry stamp doesnt eat up a whole page either ???Unfortunately Vietnam

Unfortunately Vietnam did not include Australia - The Effective date was from 1st July 2015 and was only covering travelers from the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy - these travelers no longer required to have a visa to enter Vietnam for stays of up to 15 days.

This is however this is only a temporary position and this will run until 30th June 2016. This announcement means that travellers from only these five nations will be able to enter Vietnam without the usual form-filling and fees.

Obviously its not now something you can use, but to answer your question - The stamp is a only small and the type you might get when using Malaysia for those that do not require a visa to enter - You could stamp the page possibly 10/12 times with this size stamp and it is definitely not a full page sticker.

And for those countries identified above - There is no fee.

I removed 5 duplicates of your topic. Go easy on the post button.

Thanks UbonJoe for "I removed 5 duplicates of your topic" - Just for background info only I resent because I got "server failed to deliver" messages to all postings hence the reason for duplicates - So thanks for being on top of this.

When that happens it is best to go back to the main page to see if really did post, That is how I avoid duplicate posts.

Good Tip - Got it - Will do next time - Thanks UbonJoe

Thanks uptheos - Yup I think you got to the problem - Just tested my connection speed - Its waaay down this morning so its probably this end that caused the problem with the server not seeing data - Good Info

Thanks Austin Chng - Good Info - I remember and know the shop you mean - I will try here next time. There is also a shop just around the corner from this one that offered me the very small FX rate of only 500 VND/THB - So good to know that this place exists.

I removed 5 duplicates of your topic. Go easy on the post button.

Thanks UbonJoe for "I removed 5 duplicates of your topic" - Just for background info only I resent because I got "server failed to deliver" messages to all postings hence the reason for duplicates - So thanks for being on top of this.

I've stored bags at guesthouses on Soi Rambutrie.. near Khao San Rd.. for 10 Bt a day... a few years ago.. but I don't think it would be much more now... Rambutrie Inn has secure storage.. try the,.. just make a booking for your return.. worth a try... http://www.khaosan-hotels.com/

Yup Khaosan road and Soi Rambutie there are many places that offer long term storage - Most are 20 Baht/day Not sure of the Village in rate - 12 months ago it was this same price and yes there are a number that will quote less, but I would not be too convinced you would get all your goods back or in the same state. Just walk the area and see what is on offer.

One page for the Lao visa sticker and one page required for the Thai "O" visa. ?

You need at least two full pages for the Lao visa on arrival and the non-o visa.

I am in a similar situation - So have I got this correct that if this was a double tourist Visa application - At the Border when leaving Thailand I would need two empty pages?

And at the Thai Consulate at Vientiane I am OK with just one page for the Tourist Sticker (Visa)?

And leaving Lao I am OK with no fully empty pages but enough part pages for the exit / entry stamps?

You are right, the main thing is to get the 3 return tickets out of Thailand. Bali is indeed very specific about tickets, they can't be booking pages or itinerary, they want confirmed tickets paid for, with receipts.

I had mine for the 3 times I needed to leave the kingdom, ie every 3 months. So:

- 1st ticket at 3 months

- 2nd ticket at 6 months ish

- 3rd ticket at 9 months ish

They made the visa valid until my date of second ticket which was perfect.

About the returns, I think the idea is to "upgrade" us to higher spenders/"quality tourists" and send the cheap border runs Charlies back home.

Or in my case the people fed up with border runs (touts/crowds/agents/stroppy officers/moody immigration/queues) and who prefer paying a bit more to avoid the all shebang.

Good response - This is very useful information - And it's really 'do need to know' info you have provided here - Since knowing this will ensure no disappointment before applying for a Visa. Great contribution.

What surprised me is that its not just one ticket they want to see, but rather its the whole life of the visa and every stage of the visa i.e 3 flights.

Just one small clarification - Because its a tourist visa - Shouldn't the above three ticket dates be 60 days apart rather than the 90 days (3 months) as indicated?

You have the 30 days extensions to add

Ahhhh - Good point! - I should have seen that myself - Thanks for the clarification.

True SAMBOT. I just had 7 days there.1560baht return I kid you not. District 1 big room flat screen large fridge etc. Air. 12usd per night. Yes UK so lucky 15 visa exempt ....prrfect. Cost AU folk about 65usd all up.

However week before was in Singapore. Yes visa exempt but HELLS BELLS how expensive. The beer in HCMC is 15baht in cafes. Also hear Singapore consulate not so easy. Hcmc consulate...breeze

awwwww - Do Not remind me - I had your same price that you paid, but then I got an email on the same day as quote for a promo Air Asia announcing that ALL prices would be reduced by a 50% in next 24 hrs. So obviously I waited - But the price actually went up to 2.700.Baht.

Anyway outside that - Good to hear of your experience there - Glad you gave the insight - Looking forward to a great experience.myself.

I was tempted on my last time of visa renewal to try and get this in HCMC, but because I simply read too many reports that sounded awful - I thought it was not worth the risk.

Do you have any experience or any thoughts here?

PS - If Singapore was ever on my list of must view cities - it just fell off really quickly B+)

Already complimented this thread. There are so many treads about border runs and minimum trime possible etc. Recently did Vientiane for a non O. Love my time in UT and think this thread is about alternatives. People without time constraints. Maybe not for working in jobs like teaching. I live in bkk because I like it but also for the airports. Back from hcmc yesterday today Japan. Flights are cheap. VERY. Never understood the concept of LONG bus rides....Anyway nice report about the different style of obtaining a visa.

I have at times posted about good alternatives to quick visa run. In particular HCMC. Hope more posts from members similar to this OP would be very useful

Good post.

Its this extra information that gets people motivated to widen horizons.

I use to do the border run In/Outs at Malaysia border and get a double entry tourist visa in Vientiane

However in 3 weeks for first time going to HCMC for 6 days to do border run to enact 2nd part of Tourist visa.

Vietnam is especially appealing now since as UK passport holder I get visa free access (As of 1 July 2015, visitors travelling to Vietnam with passports issued by France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom do not require a visa).

And the costs are very reasonable - Return flight Air Asia 2,700 Baht - Hotel 700 Baht/night (District 1) - And possibly 2 nights in Mui Ne beach (about 800 Baht/night).

Again - Good extra info. Thanks for doing that.

You are right, the main thing is to get the 3 return tickets out of Thailand. Bali is indeed very specific about tickets, they can't be booking pages or itinerary, they want confirmed tickets paid for, with receipts.

I had mine for the 3 times I needed to leave the kingdom, ie every 3 months. So:

- 1st ticket at 3 months

- 2nd ticket at 6 months ish

- 3rd ticket at 9 months ish

They made the visa valid until my date of second ticket which was perfect.

About the returns, I think the idea is to "upgrade" us to higher spenders/"quality tourists" and send the cheap border runs Charlies back home.

Or in my case the people fed up with border runs (touts/crowds/agents/stroppy officers/moody immigration/queues) and who prefer paying a bit more to avoid the all shebang.

Good response - This is very useful information - And it's really 'do need to know' info you have provided here - Since knowing this will ensure no disappointment before applying for a Visa. Great contribution.

What surprised me is that its not just one ticket they want to see, but rather its the whole life of the visa and every stage of the visa i.e 3 flights.

Just one small clarification - Because its a tourist visa - Shouldn't the above three ticket dates be 60 days apart rather than the 90 days (3 months) as indicated?

You are talking of holidays.

I am doing a Visa run report and comparing Bali to other destinations to get a visa in Asia.

If you know a paradise without traffic that grants triple TR entries please share.

Yes traffic is annoying, but coming from Bangkok it was less an issue for me, and again I am doing a visa run, not a Julia Robert retreat to find myself. The all time I had in mind Vientiane's scams, its annoying touts, the embassy line, the stroppy embassy officer, the dodgy agents, the time spent there getting super bored, and the fact you are part of a horde, the visa run horde,that everyone resents for not having "the proper visa" and everyone sees you as such. Here it was such a RELIEF to have none of this.

Everyone I asked direction to, included a policeman, ended its sentence by "take care".

One night, I was walking on a small street and a dog was growling at me, some teenagers came to my rescue, not just by chasing the dogs, they insisted to give me a lift on their scooter back to my hotel for safety. On their bike I could not help thinking of the many times I was faced with rude teenagers in Thailand.

Walking on the streets, I was greeted many times and offered a lift a few times.

I ordered a taxi by mail for 2pm, not only he offered to come at 1.45pm, 15 mins earlier, but his mail was just so sweet.

Hi XXXX

Hope you r in a lovely momment in Renon .thank you for contacting me n ok I will be there at 13.45 tmorrow

Best wishes

NYOMAN - ( a balinese name )

You mentioned in the initial posting that "He checked my 3 return flights from Thailand" - I am assuming here that this was for flights leaving Thailand on a date prior to the expiry date of the Visa validity period - Is this correct? What was the reason for 3 return flights from Thailand - rather than a single flight required to leave Thailand at the end of the Visa?

I agree with you about the Vientiane experience - It is a shabby one - The only plus is they never do seem to check for flight tickets at the end of the tourist visa.

Again - Gora say this was r really good report!

^{Nice tight report - gave everything needed.}

^{The THB/Rupia has dropped 30% over last 4 years and hence the visa would have been a comparable price to 1,000 Baht then - So I guess its more a currency rate of exchange issue.}

I was surprised that the cost of hotel accommodation was low - I had always thought that Bali was an expensive place to live or visit.

Felt motivated to give the journey a try myself rather than Lao after reading this - Good contribution!

For hotels I stayed near the embassy, for under 500B per night.

Food wise I was eating for 20-30K (50-75B) a meal in small family run restaurants, who made their own delicious noodles.

You have to try Tempeh an indonesian special !

For 20K (50B) you get a motorbike to take you to Sanur Beach to watch the famous sunrise

images.jpg

Terrific response - Thanks for doing that!

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bali one way as well return I got always below 2000 THB, booked one month in advance. several flight each day.

From Thailand south border Padang Besar you reach Kuala Lumpur with high speed train in 4hr 30 min. Also you can take a sleeper train arriving at a convenient time. Sleeper train price MYR 38, From KL train station to KLIA airport, 30 min interval MYR 10.

I like Bali and stay there normally 30 day then go back 30 day to amazing Thailand and start over again. It's easy to rent an apartment (10 min by motorbike to Sanur beach) for IDR 2,000,000/month. A motorbike I rent for IDR 600,000/month.

Bali people are super friendly and if you don't need alcohol the living cost is really cheap.

Yikes - £100 / $150 / month accommodation and £30 / $50 / month bike is super low cost - Wow.

Friend was telling that Bintang is the best selling and most popular beer in Indonesia was about £1.25 / $2 USD per bottle which is not too bad, but whisky was expensive and so were all the other spirits.

​Curious - How you manage the Visa consideration - If 30 days in Thailand then 30 days in Bali - then start the process over - Is this on a tourist multi visa and if so will you not be limited by the expiry date for using the multi parts - Or do you more like simply do a single tourist in one country (since a visa exempt used continuously would be difficult)?