Greenwich Boy

Currently on a METV which I messed up by applying for too early. I need to enter Thailand once more after its expiry in January and would much rather do that on a SETV than VE. I will be in Vietnam for a month but not near an Embassy, does this mean I can apply for an e visa before flying back?

I am planning on applying for my first non imm O later this year via the evisa portal from London. Could someone clarify that the 800k equivalent (the method I will be using) is only required on the day of application? From reading the London website it appears 3 months statements are only required for the income method. Have I got that right?

I know we are not comparing like for like here but pretty sure I read that NZ are increasing their 'entry fee' to NZ$100. That is 2,000B. They are all at it!

I have a METV and am in CM. If he decides to go to Nong Khai. There is one direct flight (not daily) to Udon Thani and a mini bus to the border. Have not checked timings but a there and back in a day by direct flight probably does not work, Nong Khai is a decent place to overnight. There is a daily overnight bus to Nong Khai from Arcade. Came back from Nong Khai a few months ago this way, bit of a trek but the VIP seats were pretty good. Loads of international flight options if you fancy a few days elsewhere ( I have done most of the over the years) My border run next week is to Hong Kong. Unfortunately for Dr Jack there are no direct flights to Saigon this time of year, only destination in Vietnam is Hanoi

Singapore requires an on line completed arrival card, much like the TM6. You fill it out within 72 hrs of arrival and get an approval email back within hours. It contains much the same info as an ETA does so pretty much works the same and makes immi a doddle. Citizens and PR holders (maybe others) are exempt. I have seen tourists without approval sent off to the side to complete a form manually.

Annoying making a schoolboy error like that especially as this is my last tourist visa, I can get a non imm O next year. Will be flying from Vietnam to CNX visa exempt with 20k cash, onward flight and hotel reservation so fingers crossed

Yes, my entry from Vietnam to Thailand will be end Jan. Sorry if I wasn't clear

Thanks, I have had loads of SETVs but this is my first METV and I have applied a couple of weeks early (my bad) I am entering Thailand in a months time, flying around a bit then spending the month of January in Vietnam before re entering for the last time. Obviously this last entry will need to be visa exempt. Fingers crossed the fact that I will have been out of Thailand for a month and flying in to CNX will work for me. Will have 20k, onward flight and hotel reservation just in case.

Just got my first METV from London. Very simple application, no financials, approved within 24hrs. I understand the valid until date which is 3 Jan but lets say I enter Thailand 1st Aug what is the date I can re enter for the last time? 3 Jan or six months from 1st Aug? Thanks

Been on the Chinese HST in Laos and also the narrow gauge Nong Khai to Thanaleng so get that bit. Just to satisfy my curiosity is the link from Thanaleng to Vientiane also narrow gauge so change trains in Vientiane if heading north?

The train in the article goes from Kunming to Vientiane. I have been on it recently from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. I think any new developments they are on about maybe the extension from Vientiane to to Thanaleng. From here there is a train to Nong Khai but at some stage you have to change to Thai gauge so not sure how 'seamless' it is. High speed from Nong Khai is years away.

Pretty sure a Council Tax bill will be fine. If those are the only 5 requirements i.e no financials or employee letter I am definitely getting one for my trip later in the year.

I have had a Currency Fair going back before I had even heard of Revolut or Wise. With the transfer delays amongst other things they are pretty much redundant in my view. I made a transfer to my Thai acct with Revolut this week, money received immediately. Will get myself a Wise acct when I get organised as an alternative

Thanks for that. Not a big deal obviously just thought I would provide the info. for others

Nope. I entered via Nong Khai last month. No TM6

Quick report. UK passport currently visa exempt. Needed another 30 days so got the small boat from Chiang Saen over to the Kings Roman Casino complex (Immigration is actually in Sop Ruak, the one in Chiang Saen is for locals only I think) Laos entry was VoA, not sure if evisa is accepted. $40 and photo needed. Turned around without leaving the building and back to Thailand. I was the only farang so no queues, no more than 30 mins from leaving Thailand to being stamped back in and most of that was filling in forms. I did get a few polite questions on the Thai side as I have a pretty extensive travel history and a nearly full passport but stamped in no dramas. I did have to fill out a new TM6 which was a surprise. No biggie, just to add to the information pile. For anyone living in the north with Mae Sai being shut and needing a quick in out for me it was easier all round than the bridge at Chiang Khong. Was charged 70B each way on the boat and as a proper fatty getting in and out without capsizing was interesting. There are quite a few steps from immigration to the river on both sides so consider that if you are not that mobile.

Think the issue with your thinking is if you apply via London using a VPN the Embassy will be expecting an upload of your flight from the UK to Thailand and may well refuse your application. If you do have a visa immigration don't care where you come in from, I get most of my tourist visas from London but normally stop for a few days in Singapore before getting to Thailand. Never an issue

Did this a couple of weeks ago to get another 30 days. Left Thailand at Chiang Khong. Slow boat to Luang Prabang then train to Vientiane. Back over the bridge to Nong Khai. Pleasant trip although much of the train journey is in tunnels.

Slightly off topic but a bit of info from my trip to last week. Laos immigration are still being a bit creative with their 'weekend fees' Entering Laos via the bridge at Chiang Khong (evisa) there was a 50B 'stamping fee' and the bus over the bridge was 30B not the 20B stated on the ticket. Leaving to get to Nong Khai the 'stamping fee' was 10k Kip. No big deal and not sure if everyone was charged but just have some small change. I wasn't bothered if these charges were legit or not.

Currently in Luang Prabang. I needed data to get some train tickets sent over. Paid 399B to AIS before I left Thailand, all pretty painless. Off topic but was pleasantly surprised with the exchange rate. Got over 650 Kip to the Baht in more than one place. Prices have increased a fair bit though.

Just transferred 20k to my Bangkok Bank acct and paid attention to details this time. Transaction time 12.15pm today. GBP THB Spot rate 45.41, I got 45.28. Money received in BB 12.17pm Revolut fee 25B. Unlike another poster I do not pay any fees to BB (can't explain the difference) Not advocating Revolut over Wise as I do no yet have a Wise acct just reporting my own experience. As an aside I have used Revolut to withdraw cash and pay for hotels in 8 or 9 countries in the last year without hassle

I have just checked my last transfer from Revolut to Bangkok Bank. Revolut fee approx 30B. No charge from BB. Must admit I don't really know what a Swift transfer is

Most of my Revolut transfers are very quick. As others have pointed out delays do happen for a number of reasons. Confirmation of fees recently attached

I only stay in any one country for a few months at a time (visa permitting) and have had a Revolut account for years. Until recently they applied a mark up on THB as an illiquid currency. That does not seem to be the case now. As a Brit I convert GBP to THB in the app at very close to the spot rate and send it to my Bangkok Bank account. Think I paid 30B or so for the last tranfer. Cash withdrawals in other countries is also free (up to a certain monthly limit) at the same exchange rate. Local bank fees obviously may apply. Over the years I have had my card skimmed twice. Fraudulent purchases were refunded quickly and a new card sent to my hotel (Vietnam and Indonesia) within 5 days. Many friends use Wise and I will open an account and get a card as back up when I go home in the summer

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