lifemagic

Hi,

I left a fairly long report last month, of my experience of getting a Metrobank debit card (brilliant) and applying for the N&P card (rubbish), but was still in the UK and said I'd report the rate when I got back.

I got back. I first used the card in the bank of ayutthya exchange booth, soi rambutri (around wat channa songkram) on the 19th December. I then checked the rate on Xe for the same day.

Metrobank. Withdraw 5000.00 baht @ rate 48.37 = 103.36 sterling. NO ATM FEE ADDED

Rate reported on Xe.com for the same day: 48.50.

While in the UK, I also applied the Caxtonfx Prepaid. I used it in the Aeon bank at Tesco on 24/12 (the one near national stadium). I'll report the same info.

Caxtonfx. Withdraw 4000.00 @ 47.43 = 82.07 FXMarkup= 02.26 GDPeqivilant: 84.33 NO ATM FEE ADDED

Rate reported on xe for the same day: 48.70

So, concerning Metrobank, I am still a very, very happy customer. There was no atm fees in either transaction here. You'll note it cost me a couple of quid to use Caxton, but it's a good back up as I think Nationwide used to be about a fiver. Metrobank is pretty much free. Can't recommend them enough.

I'm leaving for Krabi tomorrow, where I shall laze away New Year, and so might not return to this post. I just wanted to let dear tv'ers know the good news.

OK, I'm off to the chemist now, for DIY and the pills.

I have insurance, but I have to pay the first hundred I think.

Thanks for the replies. I've been in bed all day, tired and aching all over, I think I'm having to aclimatise.

First day back in Bangkok today (flew from UK) and while making a ginger tea and slicing a lemon, I managed to slice open my finger, about half way to the bone.

I went to Boots, they sent me to mission clinic, who didn't have a quack, so I went to the main Mission (hospital). They didn't bother with stitches, but dressed it so it looks like a golf ball at the end of my finger, told me to go to any hospital daily for a week to get the dressing changed, and prescribed Dicloxacillin, which means that they just wrote that word on a piece of scrap paper, which is followed by the scribble that might read, (tcc)1X4+30.

The questions are, is it normal to get antibiotics for a new cut, and where can I get someone in Banglampoo to change this dressing on the cheapo!

Yeah, you're right. I've been working on this all day. I phoned Barclays earlier. Their T&C doesn't state it, but she said you need to have been resident six months out of the last twelve.

However, all is not (completely) lost.

World Nomads will do 10 months at 364.68. That's too much really, but the T&C say you can even be resident/living outside of the UK.

Two other options I've uncovered.

Bupa, the site says: 'We are able to insure most people who are not resident in or travelling from the UK under out international travel insurance policy. ' No idea how that will pan out but there's a freephone no. so I'll try later.

Most promising: www.duinsure.com. It seems a bit too good to be true, so watch this space. 10 months would be 171.00. They have a UK PO box number and are fsa regulated, with an Irish underwriter. The website says, 'As long as you are temporarily residing in the UK at the time of purchace, you are elibable to purchase our travel insurance to travel to just about anywhere on the planet and to any final desitnation (regardless of having either no intention of returning here OR NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHEN THAT ACTUAL RETURN MIGHT BE.

So, sounds perfect. I have an email address and London number ... so I'll get on it and let TV know when I've got the dirt.

Oh, and also I won't have a return ticket to the UK when I leave.

I just spent 16 months in SEA. I had a Thai non'o' from Hull (visit friends) but spent quite a bit of time traveling outside Thailand. Now I've been in UK 2 months. I want to return to the region for 10 months, without settled purpose, probably see the Far East this time. I've got a single entry tourist visa in my British Passport to start me off this time.

I've been looking at insurance at www.moneysupermarket.com. 10 months exc. usa starts at 100, but they all have the requirement of having been 'within the UK for at least six months out of the last twelve'. I've trawled through all the terms and conditions now list the following companies that just require 'British resident', together with prices:

Barclays 'extended trip' policy. 265.00

AA 209.00

Downunder UK 256.00

That's all I can find. Of course, would they consider me resident? I know world nomads will always accept me, but that's so expensive. Anybody (British) in a similar situation with a satisfactory solution, would be great to know.

Thanks.

Tip: just get someone who will receive mail for you and doesn't mind you going on the electorial register. Leave yourself on it for about six months, then start opening accounts, and, as far as I can work out, you will pass all the electronic verifications.

But you need to be UK resident to get either of the N&P or Metrobank accounts right?

Right.

But 'UK resident' can be very broad (as the UK 1971 immigration act is very vague with the definition). I, for example, am a domiciled UK resident, though I've not stayed in somewhere in the UK that isn't a hotel or similar since about 1993. My postal address is my niece's place; I've never ever been there (it's in some village), and as far as I know, I'm not breaking any laws.

Well I'm glad some people found that useful.

To answer the questions. Before leaving Thailand I was drawing over the counter at Ayuthya bank (the yellow one). There was no charge and the rate was the interbank one, i.e. there was no 150 baht charge from Thailand but Nationwide charged me about a fiver each time.

The cards Metrobank issued were valid for one year, which is fine as I would be returning about then, but they're very, VERY helpful... and making the cards in-store, so you could perhaps ask for a longer validity.

I did ask what exchange-rate I would get when drawing money, and the guy told me it would be 'the mastercard base-rate'. I've no idea if that's the interbank rate or whatever, but I'll experiment when I get back (IF I get back, flipping airport;'s on strike next week now), and let you know. I'll probably bring cash and live on the for a while though.

I can't believe no one else has got and reported on Metrobank. I mean, how many of us are there? How many times has it been mentioned here?

Background

I'm living in Thailand, banked with Nationwide, was hit with the fees like a lot of people. Returned to UK a month ago, coming back to Thailand in a week or so. Having followed the forum for years, I knew where to go to try and get free bank cards.

My credit is good, about 60k+ with nationwide, had barclaycard 20years plus, never a late payment etc.

The experience ...

Norwich and Peterborough

...

I live in Northampton and the branch has closed, and so I phoned head office and explained what I wanted to do, have a savings account, put a years money in, then drip feed it into a debit card with free atm use. If I can do that, I'll move all my savings into a longer term bond. She said that's fine, the instant access will be 1% gross though, and the nearest branch is Oundle. So, an appointment was made.

It was two hours there and back, and about eight pounds. Oundle is nothing, I mean, one street. I arrived early, got a free cuppa, and spoke to a young woman. The explanation was different, she said the card needs five cash transactions on it a month or it's five pounds. OK, no problem. But also, the 1% gross instant access, that's if you make less then two withdrawals in a year, other wise it's 0.01%.

OK, I'd come all that way, so I went for it. I got through electronic verification OK, which means she didn't even look at my ID. Then I had to answer a few questions etc. She put that through, but it blocked and was referred to head office. She said not to worry, just give her a check for a grand and she'll get back to me. So, I wrote the check, signed the papers and left.

A while later a cashcard and pin turned up (with a grand in), but this was only the instant access, no visa symbol on it.

Then a letter turned up saying there was a discrepancy on the information I had given. I phoned and found out that when I'd answered 'time at this address' the answer I'd given didn't tally with how long I'd been on the electoral register (didn't put myself on for the first year). So, the account was declined. The letter then implied tried to hard-sell me a credit report. So, for the next four days I emptied the account via atm and now I have a bank card as a souvenir. Plus, a refused account on my credit record (idiots).

Metrobank

Oh God, this couldn't have been more different. I went to the branch in Tottenham Court Road, ultra-convenient, three minutes from the tube stop, two minutes from my favourite bookshop. I had two forms of ID and a cheque book, hoping for the free debit card. I'd already phoned and was told there are no appointments, just go. I arrived, was welcomed and given tea and waited for about ten minutes. There were signs up saying the debit card was free for abroad. When a young man was ready to see me I pointed to the posters and said I want one like that.

He couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. I explained what I wanted, basically the same. Instant access with a years cash in it linked to a free debit card. No problem. It'll be 1% gross, unlimited withdrawals. We filled in all the forms and he explained what it all meant, very fair, and gave me a few warnings about how much the credit cost in total, very upfront. Then he left me alone at the keyboard to choose my web passwords. Then he said I can have a creditcard also. Free for one year, 12% thereafter. OK I said. He asked what limits I want, I asked for 500 overdraft and a grand on the credit card. He said no problem. Then he went and CAME BACK WITH THE CARDS there, in the store, with my name on. I chose my own pins in a special little machine and I was done.

That is it. I had walked in with ID and a checkbook, I walked out with a debit and credit card, ready to go with pins and passwords, 1500.00 sterling in credit and a folder with all the terms and conditions. FANTASTIC.

I'm still in the UK now, hoping to get back next week, so I can't verify the cards are definitely OK in Thailand, but I've been using both of them here, they work OK, have received direct debits (they're both mastercards), and so, it's looking pretty good so far.

Conclusion: ... er, I recommend Metrobank for the Brit expat. I'll come back perhaps to confirm the cards are indeed free overseas.

I think I prefer where I went as they're used to dealing with Farangs. One thing I liked about DD was there was only one receptionist, rather than the usual cast of thousands all standing round taking the P***.

Hi,

Just back from an check up at Design Dental, recommended from this and Ajarn forum. The background is, I convinced myself I have bad gum disease and need X4 root scaling. I'm going back to Uk in a couple of weeks, so then back in November, so have general scale and any bad news now, then come back Nov. and spend a month getiing it all done.

I went to Design Dental just up from Soi Cowboy. There are posted prices, either 1000 for check, clean and two basic x rays, or only scaling for 800-1000. I turned up without an appointment and they saw me in half an hour. I explained the situation. They looked at me and cleaned me in about 40-45 mins. Everyone spoke English and all were professinal. I asked about coming back, and he said I don't need it. I just have a leaking filling, that should be replaced, but no rush.

Very different to the lying quacks you get in the UK. Only downside was, it was 1000, and 100 steralisation fee. Why they don't mention the 100 I don't know as I wouldn't have minded.

Apart from that, very friendly, honest, English speaking and respectful. I'll go again and I recommend it.

I crossed the border Monday. Situation, UK passport, 1 year non 'o' 'visit friends' expiring the following Wednesday. Need last 90 days.

I went to Krung Thai exchange booth of ksr and asked for and received a brand new usd20.

I got number three bus on Samsen Road about 9.30am and it terminated at Mochit. I got a 10.30 ordinary bus for 212bht on the first floor. It terminated at a kind of empty bus park by a little market and I paid 50 to the border. This was too much because I was closer than I thought (it wasn't actually the bus station!). We arrived at the border and a man came with a laminated ID card necklace and I just told him to go away and he did. I walked forward and got stamped out OK. Crossed to the right side and entered a building. There are police behind perspex, a sign saying, visa usd20 and a uniformed policeman with a card that says visa usd20 +100bath. I said no and he said everyone pays it so I filled in the form he gave me, with a photo, usd20 and 80 thai bath and he accepted this without question. Got the visa in two minutes. Walked out, turned right and walked towards cambodia.

I passed a uniformed man at a table who asked if I was staying overnight (I wasn't), I said yes and kept walking, into a little room. Filled in an arrival card and got an entry stamp.

I left, turned right, ignored the bus to the bus station. A man asked me where I was going and I told him to go away and he did. I crossed the road, was stamped out, and walked back the way I was came. I passed the man whom I told I was staying overnight, we ignored each other, and I entered the Thai building. A man gave me an arrival card. I filled it in, got 90 days with no questions asked.

I left into Thailand and turned right to a 7-11 and asked a tuk tuk to take me to the station and he wanted 80, so I went back to the main road I had approached from and the same driver was there. He took me back to the same place for 50, and I got back to Mochit for 212 on the same bus. Bus 3 took me to ksr and I had street food pad thai, street good pizza, restaurant omellette on rice and restaurant fruit salad, went back to the same room and drempt of being a famous academic and living in a nice house with a pet dog who loves me.

Tips:

1. exchange booths can give you a nice new usd20 notes.

2. You can't pay on the bus at Mochit, you have to get a ticket from the booth. The assumption will be that you want the next bus out rather than a particular class.

3. There's aranyaprethet bus station, and then the closer little 'station' by a market. The former has public phones dotted around, the latter doesn't. I reckon the fare from the station proper to the border would be about 50, and 30 from the smaller place.

4. There's a 3 baht toilet at the little market I stopped at.

5. The Thai baht thing is optional, if you only pay usd20 for the visa and insist on no more, I got the feeling you would have been messed about for ten minutes, then given the visa. Put up a (reasonable) fight if it bothers you, or haggle.

6. If you don't have dollars, they're asking for a standard 800 baht (about 200 too much).

So, I'm happy to post that the situation is much better than most of the dated reports on the internet. Most reports say it's 1100 baht and you're constantly approached for extra cash, but it was easy. 80 baht was the total graft and even this was optional. It was similar to a run at Mae Sai to be honest.

Yay! 90 days!

P.S. bring one photo.

P.P.S. this post only applied to people with a prearranged visa.

Keywords: Aranyaprethet, Poipet, visa run, 90 days.

Return before 29th and get 90 days.

Going by reports return on 29th and still get 90 days.

Personally I would not chance it and return 28th or before.

Yeah. OK.

If I get up early enough and a bit of luck tomorrow, I might even get over the same day i.e. 27th.

I'll give a brief report when I get back either way.

No one posted I need a minimum amt. of cash, so that's something.

Hi,

My Non-O from Hull says 'must be used before 29 June 2011'. My current entry stamp is until 18 Aug. Flight from KL 8 Oct. So, if you're following me, it makes sense to go to Poipet on Monday, and cross same or next day (28th), then it will take me close to my flight, I'll just have a week in Penang or something.

I've printed out all the info, I have a pristine usd20 bill plus baht back up, photo, got the tips on how to avoid extra fees, fake health etc. etc. My only real concern is if the Thai side enforce the 20K. bath minimum currency to enter on an O, plus there was a complaint online that someone was refused an 90 entry and given sixty.

Has anyone done this recently? Did you have to show currency? Also, the 'ticket out' requirement sometimes enforced at this border, I'm assuming that's for visa waiver, not a non-O. Is that right? Also, does, 'must be used before 29th' mean, before or on 29? Sorry to ask silly questions, but this border has a terrible reputation.

Oh, and if I get a bus from Mochit, I get off and catch the tesco lotus salmor from where exactly, is it close?

Yes, many teachers would not turn down B 500 for a 40 minute chat.

Lets hope so. I'm just on the way to BK now. I'll need it sometime after June 3/4. To reiterate, the subject is daydreaming, i.e. the experience of it, and even more specifically, when, for example, someone's thinking of, traveling, for example, what is the difference between daydreams that are involved with actually planning something like a trip, with daydreams that are just escapist. That kind of thing. I'm looking for rich descriptions of daydreaming experience.

If anyone wants to be a backup for me or more details, me email is lifemagic at google's well known email service.

thx. Appreciate it.

PM sent!

Sorry, yes, my post wasn't very clear there.

I mean, I'm looking to interview Westeners i.e. native English speakers. So if I approached 'schools' I meant, language schools hoping to pay for an hour of the foreign teachers time.

So, if there are language schools where Thai people pay foreigners for one on one tuition by the hour, then it wouldn't be so different. I'd be paying them to talk to me. I was hoping for either an idea where to go, or perhaps the best way to hook up with expats/tefl teachers here who'd be willing. The advantage of going through a language school is that it would include reasonably quiet premises to record.

Sorry again not to be clear.

Briefly, I need to record two 40 minute interviews for a UK psychology course I'm doing. I've got a couple of contacts but want some ideas for a back up plan. I was thinking ... Thai people go to language schools and pay to speak with native speakers, How would they feel if I just turned up? I don't mind paying, say, up to 500b each. Where might I try? The subject of the interview, btw, is about people's inner-life, specifically daydreaming possible futures. Nothing heavy. If needed, I'd be doing this in BK start/middle of June.

Thanks for any ideas.

Yeah, I did think about the camera, mine's only a canon point and shoot, but I'm not sure that I trust the mic. I guess I could do some testing first..

There's no particular way to find used stuff is there, I'm presuming it's if you know someone/word of mouth?

It does make me think though ... I've only considered transcribers, I should have looked at phones too (I don't have one at the mo.). ... but how would I know it can do the job before I actually buy it I wonder?

Why's this question showing dashes instead of numbers for 'replies and views'?

I need to record two verbal interviews for a course I'm doing (it's a UK course; I'm living here and will return for the exam). They'll probably take place in a reasonably quiet place and afterwards, I have to transcribe (write up) the text and retain the audio-file in case my tutor wants to see it.

I'd like some device I can place between myself and the speaker. I could either buy the very cheapest option, use it and give it away – or buy something nicer, keep it and use it for podcasts and revising my notes for an October exam.

So … if I go for the very cheapest option, I presume that's an old-style cassette player. Where would I get it? If I got for a nicer, digital one, then it would need at least MP3 file-format, usb lead, plug/play and drag/drop. The ones I looked at in IT city and Hardware House either aren't usb enabled, or are top end.

I'm in Nong Khai now but will pass through BK before the interviews. I'm rubbish at haggling and would rather just buy a priced thing if possible. Thanks for any shop/model suggestions or any better ideas generally.

BIG C in buriram

Yes thanks.

That 150 fee adds up over the course of a year.

My own bank(s)all charge £1.50 debit card fee for overseas usage AND then of course the spread/commission.

For some reason the Nationwide (who dont charge the £1.50) wont give me a Flex account for some reason !!

Nationwide charge now, there's both a set fee and a percentage. For a hundred quid, it works out as three quid in Nationwide charges, added to the 150THB atm charge = 6% of your cash up the swannie.

I'm back in October, and will desert them (and my 70k. savings with me) for either Metrobank or N&P.

It was well over a year ago, the first atm charge was Siam bank, with a flat fee of 20baht. I mentioned it here on Tv and was poopoohed as being petty.

Hate to say I told you so ...

Yeah, it's all no big deal. I just posted as I know there are a lot of long-termers in the region, so if anyone thought of relocating down in Malaysia for an extended period ... then just bear this in mind.

I eventually left Malaysia at the same border and the card wasn't asked for.