InlandSea

Q1: I understand that you can create multiple accounts with the same banks if they are at different branches. Can you create a second account at the same Bangkok Bank branch just for debit card/ATM (to protect your main account that might have your O visa deposit, for example) or do you just set a daily withdrawal limit for debit card/ATM? Q2: Other than bringing a wad of cash or using traveler's checks (are they accepted anymore?), what is the best way to have THB on hand for O visa agent and first-time apartment rental/deposit when you don't yet have a Thai address? I'm aware of Wise/Revolut/Remitly, but they have daily ATM withdrawal limits and/or charge fees after a certain limit. Should I just put money onto a Revolut debit card and then go to a money changer and pay the fees? Thanks

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=<deleted> outta luck????????????

It does look like a pretty good phone and it's not too expensive. This is probably a stupid/crappy question, but I usually try to buy direct from the manufacturer (i.e., Samsung), because I think there's less chance that some middleman will add software or more specifically spyware... Are there any retail stores that you feel are particularly trustworthy? Ideally a franchise with physical/brick-and-mortar shops in cities like Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Pattaya (for warranty service, if needed)? Or, are there Samsung stores in those areas that I can go to for the purchase?

Great advice. I'll just buy it there. I hadn't thought about the warranty issue, but it reminds me of the hassle I had years ago trying to get a thinkpad repaired when abroad... It came with an international warranty, but I still had to ship it to an IBM repair shop and it took a long time to get it back...I wouldn't want to deal with that again.

Good point! I'd be SOL probably

I just thought it'd be convenient to have a phone up and running right away instead of having to shop for one. Haven't been in LOS for a while. Is it better/cheaper to buy it there?

Would this be a good phone to bring to Thailand? It's GSM, so it should work, right? I'd plan to sign up for DTAC or another prepaid plan when I arrive. Should I download any apps from Google Play/US beforehand or can I just get those in Thailand? thanks https://www.amazon.com/Resistant-Unlocked-International-A536E-DS/dp/B0B57CLKJ6

Thanks, that's what I thought. I know there is the option to make this work with a dual sim phone, but I'm planning to just get a separate phone for Thailand with DTAC or another local provider and keep my US-based phone as wi-fi only and stowed away until needed. The new, local phone/number would become my daily driver for calls and local apps and it wouldn't be a disaster if I lose it or it drop it, etc. I don't think I'll need to buy any international roaming on Mint under the wi-fi only scenario for the old phone. As far as the other info here, I will look into textnow as a backup option. Others mentioned Ting, which does appear to be a bit cheaper than Mint, at least for limited data, but not enough for me to switch at this point. Thanks all for the helpful info!

I have heard that Google Voice sometimes does not work for two-factor authentication or sms short codes, so I am planning on keeping my current Mint Mobile plan and phone number (but using wi-fi only for that phone once I move to Thailand, so that I don't have to pay for international roaming or potentially have an issue with 2FA). I'd then buy a separate phone to use in Thailand and sign-up with a local provider for that phone. Other than the cost of continuing the Mint Mobile plan, do you see any flaws with this plan? Would a US cell provider like Mint Mobile cancel my plan if they found out I was living in abroad?

What are the options when paying for an apartment/condo lease and initial deposit? Do they accept a foreign credit card or does it have to be a wire or cash?

I hadn't heard about "out of province" bank fees before, that's a new one. So, I could have a Bangkok Bank account in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai or mix and match with Kasikorn or SCB? That's interesting...I'd never have thought that one person could have two entirely separate accounts with the same banking institution but in different provinces. Do you know if it is possible to move an account from one province to another or do you have to close and re-apply? I am not sure how long I'll be in Chiang Mai, but I'd like to live in several different parts of Thailand before settling on one place.

If you initially set up your bank account in Bangkok but move to Chiang Mai, would you ever need to go back to the Bangkok branch or could you do everything in Chiang Mai (as far as paperwork for visa reporting (proof of funds), getting a secured credit card)?

Are most in-room safes in hotels and apartments big enough for a notebook/laptop that has a 12.4" screen? I know there's no standard size, just trying to gauge what others have encountered in recent years. thanks!

Thank you, Sheryl. It's great to get a reply from you, your forum posts have been so helpful on this topic. You're right, the in-country O visa after entering visa exempt is what I'd like to do (for some reason "OA" is forever stuck in my head). I'm just over 50 and in good health, but I feel that I always need to have some level of health insurance to avoid a financial disaster. I think what I'll do is contact AA Insurance Brokers now and look at April and some others, maybe Cigna? The thing with the stress test and doctor's sign-off is that I've already had my wellness check (which is a super quick, basic check-up here) and I think I'd have to pay out of pocket for any new tests or sign-offs - just another hassle and cost I'd like to avoid if possible.