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curtklay

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Posts posted by curtklay

  1. I have used the card at hotels and banks without problems. I don't think I would rely on it for a police check. I carry a copy of my passport front page, visa extension, and current 90 day report receipt. That along with the passport card, and Thai driver license should establish my legality (I hope). I refuse to carry my passport book around unless absolutely necessary, like visits to Immigration, Consulate, etc.

    In Pattaya and Bangkok, I'm sure it's stricter than where I am. And of course, like all things in Thailand, you can never be sure of anything.

  2. Interesting to note:

    Bangkok does offer mail back service, while Chiang Mai does not. After looking at both websites, BKK has a post office on the premises, and a special EMS envelope you buy. That's pretty convenient, but you must leave your old passport there, which is cancelled and mailed back to you with the new one. So I guess you are without a passport until the new one arrives. Chiang Mai gives it back to you when you apply, and cancels it when you pick up the new one. Also in CM, you must submit your own photo.

    And yes, the passports are made in the USA, but your old passport is not sent there.

  3. I just applied last week in Chiang Mai. I was told very clearly, I must pick up the new passport in person. No EMS or courier service. You can have a friend pick it up with a letter of authorization. They must also have ID and your old passport with them.

    Also, the fee is $110 for the passport, and $30 more if you want the passport card.

    Absolutely fill out the application online, print it, and make appointment online.

    What is a passport card?

    The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

    The passport card is convenient to carry, and can be used as acceptable ID at hotels, etc.

  4. I just applied last week in Chiang Mai. I was told very clearly, I must pick up the new passport in person. No EMS or courier service. You can have a friend pick it up with a letter of authorization. They must also have ID and your old passport with them.

    Also, the fee is $110 for the passport, and $30 more if you want the passport card.

    Absolutely fill out the application online, print it, and make appointment online.

  5. The shipping and duties are paid to PITNEY BOWES. That's who the second payee is on your receipt from Ebay. The seller is blameless; he ships the item to Pitney Bowes facility in Kentucky, and they take it from there. The seller does not receive the international shipping/duty costs you paid.

    You must file a claim with Ebay. When you do, there will be 2 cases opened; one with the seller, and one with PB. Considering the damaged goods, I would pursue both cases. Explain the situation in detail, provide photos. Ebay has the records of what you paid for duty; you don't need to prove it. It will take some time, but you should receive a full refund. If not, file again with PayPal (assuming that's how you paid).

    I just went through a similar hassle with an item that DHL said wouldn't clear customs (although for $300, they could find a way!) I refused, and filed a claim with Ebay. They balked, saying it was my fault. I filed with PayPal. After they collaborated, I got a full refund.

    I don't know what your previous experience has been with the Global Shipping Program, but mine have been disastrous, and I would never consider using it again.

    Be persistent and don't cave in. That's what they're hoping you will do.

  6. If you like the night market type of thing, they have a pretty interesting weekend walking street. Stay at the Riverside Guest House, and you'll be right in front of it, and your room will be facing the river. About an hour north is Chae San National Park; very scenic waterfalls, hot springs, etc. In town, there is Central Mall, Big C, Tesco, and all that. You can take a horse and buggy ride to tour the town.

    Sure, it's not Disneyland, but you can spend a pleasant day or two if you do a little googling in advance.

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