slippedisc

Downside of Air BnB in Manila is many apartments don't have WiFi and mobile signal varies from 'crap' to 'not quite so crap'. Worth paying extra for a place with Wifi installed in the apartment - if you can find one. Will still be better that any hotel at same price.

I've lived in manila on and off last few years. Your budget is just about right for what you're looking for in Makati.

Personally i avoid hotels - too expensive for me in Manila.

I would check out Air BnB, you will get more bang for your buck for 2000 PHP per night and probably a discount for 7 days.

Use the map search function

The nearer you are to Makati Ave you are the better (plenty entertainment/malls in walking distance) otherwise you will spend half your trip stuck in Traffic.

Please feel free to msg, if you need any further help.

PS: for better value try Mandaluyong, it's next to Makati. This is where i stay. Taxi anywhere from 10 mins to 40 mins depending on traffic/which part you're in.

Traffic & transport dictate everything in Manila. It <deleted> sucks.

WU works but really behind the curve and that goes for most banks too. There are cheaper, more efficient and much simpler ways to transfer money these days.

My personal favourite is Transferwise. Simple, safe and most importantly low fees (even cost effective for small amounts).

I've used it scores of times and never had a problem.

On 10/11/2016 at 2:37 PM, Prbkk said:

 

Yes, well it could have been worse: the Baht is under significant pressure for reasons well known but not widely discussed in Thailand ( so too the SET index). So your GBPs are going a little further than they might otherwise have done.

God forbid.  I'll need to drink 20% less to keep within same budget as a year ago.

The lesson i've learnt here is to be as diversified as possible with your currency & investments. I'm just about to leave UK for Thailand and the rate is abysmal now compared to to pre-referendum, but with income from a US property & investments in US stocks, i'm nicely up.

You can definitely turn this situation to your advantage if you get some income in USD, but again relying on one currency as ex-pat or traveller is a real gamble, so don't reply on your USD income either in these very uncertain and surprising times.

Good rates, lowest fees & simplest hassle free service i've found for sending money (especially small amounts) from one country/currency to another online is Transferwise. You need a bank account in the 'to' country and a card or bank account in the 'from' country, but it really is simple & fast.

11/10/16

1 hour ago, toenail said:

That the "Thai smile" does not always represent the same as in Western  culture. A smile may be given because of being embarrassed, to save "Face", or not show anger. A smile does not always mean generosity.

 

Though it is not custom to show anger or frustration in Thai culture, when anger kicks in, Thais can go ballistic or go overboard seeking revenge. Surprising, death seems to not have as much value as in Western culture. This may have to do with re-carnation or one is born a "certain" way -good or bad. (hard to explain)

 

Soap Operas seem to play (unfortunately) into ones idea in solving daily problems: suicide over a broken heart; killing someone over an argument; or belief in ghosts.

 

To be patient ...never show anger or superiority...go with the flow.

 

Though Thailand is a Buddhist country, it does not seem to have "harmony" with nature, they throw garbage in sea, along the highways, and many do not throw their litter in a bin - just leave it on the street or sidewalk. (need to be more community minded through education)

 

Due to the education system, most students are not taught to think "outside the box"...they memorize for tests and are not given enough opportunity to collaborate and come up with original ideas; thus, many Thais will wait for "orders" or be told what to do instead of being an independent thinker (unless they are fortunate to go to a good school.)

 

Compared to other Asian countries, customer service can be lacking (again it will vary with training and good management). Thais have no good role models in how to wait on a customer. Looking at their smart-phones, slopping down soup behind a counter while a customer needs help, or not being familiar with the product an be a common experience. Again, this is due to lack of good management or no commission given for sales.

 

The positives out weigh the negatives. Just need to be aware that the image you get from the Tourist Bureau is a bit off.

 

I'm new to Thailand, but seems I am prepared. This could have been written verbatim about Filipinos. Out of the frying pan...

2 hours ago, Arandora said:

According to Liverpool Thai Consulates in UK can now only issue Single Entry Non-Imm O visas. Last week Hull was still waiting for confirmation of this. 

I spoke to them (Liverpool) yesterday, said no problem getting single entry tourist visa and booked an appointment.

Have received a call back from Thai Consulate in Liverpool (http://www.royalthaiconsul.com/), they've confirmed for Single Entry:

Only require passport & 2 photos

Fee: £25

Appointment required for same day turn around (£10 extra)

Should be in & out within an hour.

Proof of funds & employment/Self assessment not required (making this option much simpler & cheaper than multiple entry)

No postal applications to Consulates (have to be sent to London)

Click here to download your Application Form

Thanks for all the useful advice.

Have now received a call back from Thai Consulate in Liverpool (http://www.royalthaiconsul.com/), they've confirmed for Single Entry:

Only require passport & photos

Proof of funds not required

Employment/Self assessment proof not required

Appointment booked for same day turn around (£10 extra)

Should be in & out within an hour

So, i'll lose half a day getting there and back from Manchester, but get to keep my hands on my passport, no hassle at airport and no extension or border run required (for 60 days at least), so seems like best option.

Ok, thanks for all info, very useful.

Looks like choices are going to Liverpool

Risk posting passport to London

Arriving on 30 day and figuring it out from there.

Non are exactly convenient, but could be worse. First World problems...

According to Thai Embassy UK website, it appears you can send in an application by post, yes?

However, i can't find any info on whether or not they will return your Visa by post - meaning you'd need to turn up in person to collect. Too much trouble.

Planning 2-3 consecutive months, then return for flight home month 6.

Any advice from those been there done this (or that), much appreciated.

Thanks