NDRugby99

thanks everyone. I got it figured out. Got my googleFi transferred over to esim and picked up a local physical sim. All is well

I am american here for 6 months. I use Google Fi for cell phone as my physical SIM. Trying to open bank account and they need a local number. I really would prefer not to get a local SIM as I paid for Google Fi for the reason of travelling without need for sim. Is there another way to get a local number and forward to US number  that accepts text. I assume I need that. I can add eSIM on phone but that won't give me local number. Thanks I'm advance. I assume Google voice doesn't give Thai numbers. 

Darren

On 11/21/2022 at 10:36 AM, fotunate said:

What a coincidence! I just went through this procedure, I arrived from Philadelphia with my pet cat just last week. Regarding the USDA international health certificate you referred to this was the procedure I followed: had vet exam for cat with my local vet who then, using the VEHCS online system , electronically sent health certificate to the USDA Veternary (animal export?import) in Harrisburg PA. Regarding the 10 day validity period it is hard and fast rule, no change. What was done to elevate the time factor for US mail delivery the USDA Vet office required a FedEx overnight label which was sent along with the certificate request from my vet. This worked great as i had the signed certificate the next morning after it was transmitted from my vet to USDA Vet via VEHCS. There was no need for me to acquire the FedEx overnight label as this was included in initial application. Just be careful of holidays and weekends as the USDA vet is not available then. If Your vet is not certified on VEHCS it will cause problem with timing. 

 

Everything worked out well in my case. The arrival into BKK airport the arrival process can be a bit frustrating though. The Thai animal import/export on their website says to pic up your pet at carrousel 8, what they mean is to go the import export office first with pet health certificate and Thai import permit and that guy will have you fill out another form and pay 510 thb then he will refer you to the oversized luggage office behind carrousel 15 were another guy will double check everything and then will go into the back and retrieve your pet. After getting the pet you to the red customs line where another official will go over all your docs again and give you another official form after you pay 1000 thb customs duty. Do not lose that form as you will need it if the pet is later exported and it will save you from paying another 1000 thb. So again although it was a bit bureaucratic bs it went well.

 

Hope this helps

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much!  What a great response. Very helpful. Much appreciated. All went smooth!

Hi.  Can someone tell me a bank of bangkok branch in Bangkok that will open a checking account for US citizen on a METV. Appreciate it. I was told they often do it in tourist areas. Thought someone here might know exact branch. Thanks in advance

Hi. 

Friend is bringing a pet into Thailand. The govt says the "health certificate" can only be 10 days old and the US mails these out. I don't think the certificate will come in time. Does anyone have experience with this issue as the windows is very tight especially when factoring in mail timing.   Any kind of "work around" or experience for future like it really doesn't have to be 10 days. Rather less than 30 might do?

Thanks in advance 

Darren

On 11/1/2022 at 2:45 PM, thaibeachlovers said:

Not sure exactly what you are intending there, but will you have medical insurance for m'bike accidents included on your travel insurance?

IMO chances of requiring hospital care riding a m'bike in Thailand is high, and for those never ridden in LOS extremely high.

The included m'bike cover on my travel insurance included damage/ injury/ death to other road users.

What travel insurance do you use? turns out mine only covers me medically, and it seemed tough to find a travel insurance that covered Personal Liability for a moto riding.

1 hour ago, NoDisplayName said:

I

I can't say 'bout Chiang Mai.  Same-same but different.  Best check the automotive sub-forum for the latest license requirements.

 

Here's the DLT website.

https://www.dlt.go.th/en/renew-license/

 

And a site where you do the required online training, and print off a scan code to show the clerk when you submit your application.

https://dlt-elearning.com/

 

 

 

thank you sir

35 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Yes, it's legit.  The embassy notary is only confirming you are you, and nothing more.  They don't check any information that you put in the affidavit.  It's a nice service ($50) providing a paper with an official government stamp that satisfies the little local bureaucrats.  I had to get a similar "affidavit of singleness" to get hitched at the local office.  Same sort of paperwork drill, notarized signature with no check that I am/was actually single.

 

You'll need to book a slot for notary services.

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/acsappointment/

 

This is an affidavit of residence from the embassy, nothing at all to do with immigration.  You get this notarized paper in lieu of the certificate of residence from immigration.  It's an either/or deal for DLT.

 

Take the embassy notarized paper to DLT as proof of residence.....along with your US drivers license and health check. 

kind of you to elaborate. Many thanks. Should I try in CM or work just as well in BKK?

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Not sure exactly what you are intending there, but will you have medical insurance for m'bike accidents included on your travel insurance?

IMO chances of requiring hospital care riding a m'bike in Thailand is high, and for those never ridden in LOS extremely high.

The included m'bike cover on my travel insurance included damage/ injury/ death to other road users.

Hi,

Yes you are right. I just looked my travel insurance covers not only me but also the bike and 3rd party.

Appreciate you

2 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

5555555555555

To rent a m'bike ( which many TOURISTS do ), one often has to hand over the passport- a very bad idea. Buying one eliminates that problem.

 

I may have missed it, but what insurance does the OP intend to use, though if he has m'bike included on his home licence he can include m'bike insurance in his travel insurance?

good point. Yes my travel insurance does cover motorcycle. I wonder if I still get 3r party insurance to cover accidents to others though

On 10/30/2022 at 6:39 AM, ThailandRyan said:

When I first obtained my ME Tourist Visa back in the early 2000's I would stay in Phuket for 2 months then leave for three and then return for two more.  I bought a click from a guy who rented them out for 15k Thb, cheaper then renting over the long term.  When I would leave and head back to the US I would leave the bike at a friends place who worked for a Muay Thai camp.  It worked out great.  Kept the bike for 2 years and then sold it to another guy training Muay Thai for 10K as he was on a 1 year Fight Visa.  I had my US DL and an IDP when I bought the bike, the guy had connections at DLT and did all of the registration paperwork for me.  He had over 30 bikes he rented at the time and also had a hotel where fighters stayed.

exactly what I am looking to do...thanks

On 10/30/2022 at 4:28 AM, NoDisplayName said:

Haha!  Yes!  You fill out the standard "blank affidavit" with anything you like.  The notary won't read it, doesn't care.  You're only getting your signature certified confirming you are the person who said some stuff. 

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/blank-affidavit-bangkok-january-2019.pdf

 

 

Is this legit? or were you joking. I can take that PDF fill it in and get notarized and take to CM immigration to get thai DL?

Haha,

Sorry I just got back to check on answers from my original question. Sounds like I really got some people going with this one. I personally dont mind the questions about my rationale as it sometimes leads to better suggestions, but I could also see how it would annoy others. No big deal. I appreciate all of it.

You gave great advice. I am american (45 years old) who has a Thai GF (together 7 years - no kids, we met in USA not in Pattaya :). We live in my house in USA for 8 months of year and spend 4-5 months in a house in Bangkok as her family has a house on same street (starting this year OCT - MARCH) previously we just came over for 2 week trips. I found a gym, pool and tennis courts all around the east side of Bangkok (we are in Prawet district) and I thought it would be easier to just use a scooter as opposed to bus. I am aware on a METV I have to leave. I was just going to do a couple trips while here, like taiwan and vietnam or something. I thought I would keep the scooter at our place (GFs house) in BKK when back in the US.

1. It sounds like with my US and ID licenses I should be good to move forward

2. I would like to get Thai DL just to avoid potential hassles, but sounds like Certificate of Residence is not an option for me based on above and my METV. I will be in CMai in a couple weeks, I wonder if, as a poster said, I can try and get certificate up there...?

3. Any thoughts on 3rd party insurance?

All the best

Darren

Hi all,

I appreciate the feedback I get on this site. A wealth of knowledge.

I am in Thailand on a METV until end of March. I wanted to get a Scooter (maybe 100-125 cc). It is my understanding I could buy it and get the book, but I cannot register it with GOVT since I do not have Thail DL, just US DL and IDL. I was wondering if my Thai GF could buy it and register with Govt even though she does not have a cycle endorsement in thailand (I have it in USA on my DL and IDL). In the US one could buy it, but when they went to register it they need to show proof of insurance, which you cannot get without a cycle endorsement, so you really cant register it. I was wondering how I would get around all this in Thailand without my GF going through a class to get the cycle endorsement as she is not gunna pass that lol. Can She register it with just the basic compulsory insurance (no third party...I know this sucks)? Whatever I try, is it best to put a deposit on the bike and get the book to try and get govt approval before paying total cost of scooter?

thanks again

Darren

There is a 60 day extension after the 30? or are you short-handing the idea of leaving and coming back with 30 day and then 30 day extension to get the extra 60. Thank you for information

Darren

If my Thai Girlfriend buys a car, can I drive it while in thailand...ie can I get on policy without a Thai DL. I will only be in country for 4 months. What do other people do?

thanks

Darren

Hi,

spending 4 months in NW Prawet for Winter. Wondering best way to find expats and events in my area. I tried searching for Prawet FB groups but did not see anything. Any advice is appreciated.

All the best

Darren