Dillpickles98

Hi Kwasaki, thanks for the reply. Though I do have it, I prefer, as many do, to keep it in my country's bank. However many expats don't, but do have the required income. I was just wondering if the links sent by the U.S. Embassy had added anything since.

I guess I'll have to wait and see what the outcome is once someone renews their visa in the new year.

We have been seeing the same Immigration Officer in Pattaya, Jomtiem Beach Office for the past nine years. I have never spoken to her, she doesn't know I speak Thai. The only reason I elect to do the Married 'O' visa, is because my wife will receive my survivor benefits for the rest of her life. We have been married 16 years, so that's not likely to change. To insure that, we are married in both the U.S. and Thailand. Registered with Bureau of Foreign Affairs, and her home Amphoe, as required. Out of the some 45 pages only four change from year to year. However this officer seems to never be satisfied with something. The paperwork in already completed for our August 2019 to August 2020 visa, except what is expected as far as what they may want in the way of proof of income.

I could set up scheduled deposits every month from my U.S. bank if need be. But that would add expenses to the charges of Bangkok Bank, which is not cost effective.

Thanks for your info.

DP.

As many have heard the U.S. & U.K will no longer issue the "Income Statement" as proof of monthly income of the required 80,000, and 40,000 Baht respectively in lieu of the 800,00 and, 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank . From the U.S. Embassy I received this in an email notice.  Which included two links to Thai Immigration stating a bank statement or, a letter of sorts from the bank will be acceptable.

As many know printing a bank statement is a simple matter. I do it every month for my own records. Just wonder if this will suffice? I have downloaded the requirements in both English & Thai and intend to present them at my bank. If such a letter meets this requirement. I also download, and print my U.S. Bank statement as a matter of habit.

Since it is not 2019 yet, and no one has had to face this issue yet, just wondering if anyone has a new information unknown to me, or others. I don't renew my Married 'O' Visa until August 2019. In ten years of being retired, and getting a Married 'O' visa,  I have never been able to submit the paperwork required in just one trip. This year was the fastest, three trips to Immigration in two days, as they seem to always want something new. This year for the first time they wanted a photo (Besides the one's required) of the house owner holding her I.D. to include us in the photo.

I have also contacted my U.S. bank's I.T. agent to be sure my ACH transfers are in the IAT protocol, to take effect April 1, 2019, which it is. He said that notice from Bangkok Bank New York was to bring them into compliance with U.S. Home Security laws. It has nothing to do with Bangkok Banks change of policy. As most do I use ACH transfers of funds as I need them here. My U.S. bank charges me nothing up to $25,000 USD per day. I never transfer more than $10,000 or have more than that in total of our bank accounts. Because I don't want to be bothered with filing the FBAR ( Foreign Bank Account Reporting for U.S. citizens living abroad ) which is annoying, and can only be done online.

If anyone has any new information, I'd appreciate a reply.

Thank Guys/Ladies

DP.

6 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

A bank draft in US dollars can be obtained at a Thai bank.

Info here for Bangkok Bank: http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/CurrencyExchange/Pages/NotesDrafts.aspx

 

I also have BKK Bank accounts, yes it is possible, but I read there could be a delay of up to a month before it clears.

Hi Langsuan Man, Thanks for your 2 cents. TurboTax was offered by my city federal credit union of which I am a retired city employee, which is why I tried them. I opted for the cheapest filing which was $19.99. However, I did have to complete some forms myself. The Health Insurance Exemption form was incorrect, the VA Health Insurance Exception was missing, the Interest Dividend form which the  identifies the institutions from which I received dividends was also missing. All of which I had from e-filing 2016 taxes. I just download the updated forms for 2017 and completed them. 2016 was done by e-filing by agency in Bangkok. They charged me $350.00.

Is Credit Karma one of those offered at the IRS website? I just checked, none of those indicate their cost. TurboTax was one of three offered for my income range. They all want you to complete a filing before they tell you what the fee is. May I ask the amount of their fee? Mine relatively simple, just my retirement income, Soc.Sec. which is non taxable, and bank interest paid to me.

After I had done the TurboTax e-filing they were unable to file it, because they had my wife's and my birth dates reversed, and couldn't correct it. Suggested I file by mail, nor were they able to refund my  $$$, they said due to the fact I had all their forms completed, except the ones that were incorrect, or missing. I figure $19.99 is a small price to pay, even if I had to do some paperwork myself. But will be looking for another business next year. 

I won't know until it's mailed, and the funds I owe are deducted from my bank account if there are any problems. In the meantime I am waiting for a 2016 transcript. I can't create a new IRS account because, they won't except my address, same as it was last year, and the year before, nor do I have a U.S. phone, which they say is optional anyway.

If you have been following closely, I mention used EFTPS in 2015, I paid $14,685 by mistake on my part, IRS didn't have any trouble sending that amount back to the same address.

Could be I am better off that TurboTax could not e-file, I wouldn't have known of the errors, or missing forms, compared to 2016 e-filing. 

Thanks for the info.

DP.

Hi TallGuyJohninBKK, Sorry I was incorrect, I only posted what I read as per google, in my search. 

Now that my initial problem has solved itself. Thanks for that info. in the future I will continue as in the past, and let my U.S. bank send a check to any entity requiring a payment. 

DP. 

Hi TallGuyJohninBKK, Bank of America,  Citibank Towers, or JP Morgan Chase, you can check goggle for the nearest to you. Though the most expensive for anything, I would recommend Bank of America. There is even a fee if you don't have account with them. I have had dealings with them as far back as the 80's. All bad, I would never use them, but in extreme cases the best bet. I once went to the states with American Express Travelers checks, they wanted 10% to cash them, because I was nearby. So I just took them back to my bank and got face value, no charge. 

DP.  

Hi Langsuan Man, Once again stayed up to call TurboTax during the hours I can speak with a rep.. However, this time I got one who knew what she was doing. Initially they emailed, said I needed to fix my return concerning my Wife's date of birth as they had it on file. They never had it on file, this was the first time I used TurboTax. Tried 3-4 times of course I know it, but checked again. Every document she has, including tax records going back to 2007 were correct. Including her birth certificate, CA I.D.'s, passports, both current and expired, and her Thai I.D. Card.

The first rep. I spoke with would not, or could not tell what date they had on file. This new rep. however told me they had our birth dates reversed. She had no way of correcting it since I had tried three times, and my case was closed after phoning the first rep. I then asked would I have this same problem if I use TurboTax for filing 2018 Taxes. She said no, but I am trusting them again.

All the trouble I went through, to calling the IRS, requesting transcripts by mail, emailing Soc.Sec. in Manila, calling them. For a non-issue caused by TurboTax.

As for the purpose of  this thread, that too is solved, I can use the form from TurboTax to have the IRS debit my savings account, with the bank name, routing number, and account number.

So this thread is closed.

However for anyone following this thread, A bank draft in U.S. dollars can be bought at any U.S. bank branch in Thailand. If there is a Thai bank that offers this service it is advisable not to use it, as it will take time for it to clear, up to a month.

Thanks All

DP.     

Hi TallGuyJohninBKK Yeah, for one I can't get into my IRS account. Locked out, to have create a new account. Which won't accept my address, which is the same as was for the last 3 years. Just mailed a request for that transcript. I could get into EFTPS, but don't want to pay what I owe

 before they have my return.

In 2015 tried EFTPS when it came to the page of amount to be paid. As I scrolled down the page didn't see the box with the amount to be paid. It wasn't visible, then off the top of my screen. I paid $14,685.00 when I owned only $8.00 it was hassle getting that $$$ back, minus the $8.00 I owed. I had taxable investments then. 

Was using an agency in BKK to e-file, cost $350.00, However now my returns are simpler, tried Turbotax to e-file, some sort of conflict with my wife birth date. It was rejected by Turbotax. Called them, they said I would have to file by mail, if all info was correct. I now have all the completed paperwork, so I just want to include a check for what I owe along with the 1040-A form, and those associated with it.

The way I see it, I have three options. I do have the TurboTax form which contains all the info for a direct withdrawal from my U.S. savings account, I could send with the paperwork, or send a check directly from my bank. Or as I see it, the best option would be to include a bank draft with my filing by mail. Then the IRS would have everything at the same time. and I would know it. So if there is a problem they will write me back and I don't have wait for a 2016 transcript to be able to create a new IRS account. Enfact I wouldn't even need access to the IRS online. 

Hence the reason for my question, can I get a bank draft in U.S. dollars in Thailand and if so where? I live in Pattaya.

Thanks for you response?

DP.

Anyone know if it's possible to buy a bank draft in the U.S. Dollars. I want to send a check to the IRS for last years 1040-A filing along with the filing paperwork. If possible where can I purchase such? I can pay for it with BKK Bank accounts,  American ATM / Debit cards, or Visa Credit Card, from my U.S. bank.

Thanks Members

DP. 

Hi Nanlaew, Yeah now only use DHL, in Tipp Plaza. There is a delivery service area facility just walking distance from me, that only does deliverys in this area, on the RR Road near Soi khalnoi. 

Though I like making money just as anyone else, Fed Ex is not my preferred method. 2 yrs. ago they paid me a total of $400.00 plus the cost of shipping for lost documents. Sent from Thailand to the U.S., each time paid $100.00 plus shipping charges, sometimes lost in route, other times lost in the U.S.. That was just in one year, I have had a long history of stuff  being lost with Fed Ex. Unfortunately they will not insure documents, as I wanted to insure them for $10,000.00. Of course the clerk looked at me like I was crazy. I told her that's what they are worth to me. That Fed Ex office was also in Tipp Plaza, but no longer there now. 

DHL gets them there on time, and will call the delivery address if they miss the first attempt at delivery. I have my deliveries sent straight to the house, missed them once, doorbell battery dead at the gate. Went to their facility, and they called the motorbike guy who was in the area, and I met him at my gate. But the facility near me is only for deliveries in the area, they can't sent anything from there.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me, I'll call the office nearest my U.S. residence and see if I can make it easier for my buddy to send it to me, if it was just documents, we'd do email but it's something I must process.  In the past I kept my U.S. Tax guy, at tax time it meant sending me forms to sign, and then send them back then finally we were doing it by email. I have since found a guy in Bangkok, cost a bit more, but I go home with all my paper work done, and don't have to wait until he's ready to send them. 

Thanks,

DP. 

Hi Nanlaew, I thought I'd be able to do the same, but here is the reply from DHL Thailand:

I'll start here, though I may have to start another thread concerning DHL Intl shipping. I have a document that needs to send here to Pattaya from Los Angeles, CA.. Is possible to pay for that document here, then have it picked up, or have the label send to the pick up address? Then  returned to a DHL office in L.A. and shipped to my local address here in Pattaya?

Thanks

DP.

Living in the heart of Pattaya, got 3BB when our condo went with an internet monitor, they knew who was on-line by apartment number, and where you were online, downloading (Bittorrents) was not possible, and they didn't allow dishes on the outside balconies, the area is not covered by fiber optics. I got a D-Link 7520 router. 6 yrs. ago the first plan with 3BB was 6?? THB for 6 Mbps down and 1Mbps upload speed. I went for the next plan up, 976 THB for 13Mbps down and 1.5 Mbps.up. Then they upgraded the 6?? THB to 10Mbps. But they wouldn't let you go back if you already had a more expensive plan.

Can't count the number of service calls, service was intermittent, almost never got the speed I was paying for. They always shifted the blame, "It's you telephone line from the junction box in the soi to your condo, it's the wiring in your condo". They would tweak something my speed would come back for a day or so. They even gave me a rebate, once I proved my service was down on the next months bill.

We moved to whats known as "The Darkside" to a housing development, I thought for sure we'll get the service I was paying for. No, worse with a hint of rain, no connection, speeds worse than when in the condo. They have a dedicated service tech & truck to our development. Their phone reps knew my voice, I didn't even have to give my account number. They blamed the phone line from the pole to the plug in the wall. Finally the tech ran two wires over our fence, across the carport, and through the front door. I though I'm not living with jackleg wires through the front door and across the floor to my computer desk.

I noticed a lot of people with True Vision dishes in their yards, but I don't need a few hundred channels and a bill for over 2,000 THB a month with internet service. I already have Sophon basic cable, called True Internet service their plan is 599 THB / mo., plus vat for 15Mbps down and 1.5Mbps up, fiber optics. They sent a little hottie and a guy as service techs, did a pro installation job, through the ceiling, down the wall right next to the outlets. I have to use their modem, but it's a new Turbospeed 4 DSL ports, wifi, two phone ports, and a USB. I have two PC's, desktop, laptop, & my phone, the wife has 2 phones & a tablet.

Uninterrupted service, sometimes speeds of 24Mbps but now I rarely check because it's stable, no problem with Skype calls to the U.S. just like I'm there. I've said all this the say True is far above 3BB and cheaper for reliable, dependable service. If it's option for anyone, get it.

So now I'm waiting for my rebate of 602 THB from 3BB, they didn't even want their trashy DSL one port modem back, still in it's original packaging, never used. They robbed me for 5 yrs.

Just got my first True bill online as a downloadable attachment, called them to setup online Bangkok Bank bill pay, and to make the following bills come by mail as the one online was barely readable, 1,782 THB for installation & modem, the following bills will 599 THB plus vat.

DP.

Hi guys it's looks like the Asus Zenfone 2 is the way to go, all reports here are favorable. the downsided reviews were for functions i don't use anyway. Never have long conversations unless on hold by some govt. agency, and prefer my using camera than the phone. But as you all well know the phone is always handier.

While many like the Samsung 7, among other Samsung products for whatever reason, the phone will probably do everything, whatever you may have expect, except dual sim useage..

Have since bought a Skype U.S. number which can be forwarded in my Thai number, at about $0.06 a min. for my Samsung Core Prime.

That was only problem with Samsung, so some time in the future I'll be looking at Asus Zenfone 2, or other models with dual sim capabilities in Thailand. All features worked in the U.S. even a prepaid sims were available that could be topped off with PayPal, however I continued to use AIS topped off by my bank in Thailand.

Thanks for the useful insight.

DP.

Hi SDG, just back from looking at the Zenfone 2, pretty pricy, 11,000 THB. Maybe you are one the lucky ones, most reviews say battery life sucks, complaints about the camera, people had dropped calls, and the phone would reboot on it's own. I was reading about it for sale in Thailand.

http://tech.thaivisa.com/asus-zenfone-2-thailand/11096/

And this was a kinder review.

Again thanks for the insight, a bit too pricy for as much use as I'll get. Don't do reading on the phone, don't play games or watch videos, or download the millions of apps available.

DP.

Hi SGD, I read something about the Zenfone, but know nothing about it, other than as you said, 4G on both sims. I'll look it up. Sounds ideal for me. On the Core Prime can select sim 1 or 2, or both active, in the real world. I can see your logic of having only one active rather than both always on. I haven't taken a look at the wife's Appo (Thai phone) I believe she has both active sims, as I can call her on either number, different ringtones she has set up.

Was 3,400 THB, but to inspect it I rather do it in a shop where they can change the language & I don't screw up any of her settings. I'll take an online look at the Zenfone, than have a look at it too.

We are heading to the U.S. for 2 wks next week, so things phone will have to wait until we return.

On the subject of Skype, in a live chat, found posted before I said "Skype To Go" numbers are free, with an account, which is true however not supported in Thailand. Just wanted to clear that up, because if your were to set it up, to delete the settings you would have to go to live chat support, and have them do it. Another lesson learned, just time consuming, but at no cost.

Thanks

DP.

To continue Bench499d, It's one way for a Skype number, I can not use it to call out, only to receive, to call out then I must use my Skype account. On-line services in the U.S. are not able to access an overseas number being 11 digits, they only provide space for a 10 digit number.

casualbiker, that's all well and good, and I would gladly pay, only to receive a code, but not possible with a Skype number, had Skype in a live chat twice, they don't have sms capability with a bought number. If I could talk to a live person instead of an automated sys. they could give me the code.

To give one example: My Paypal account is tied to my U.S. residence for billing purposes, I can not complete my contact info to verify my phone number, because when I enter my Skype number they send a code which Skype doesnt support, and I cannot receive.

DP.

Just as expensive as a Skype call to the U.S. from here in Thailand, about $0.02 cents a minute. The caller calls my U.S. CA number, and doesn't incur the U.S. charges for calling overseas, plus no difficulty in dialing a country code. Then a charge to my AIS prepay which has never been more than 20 THB.

Thanks for your input guys, did a little more research and found almost all dual sim card phones are of the 2G family for sim slot #2, which made the subject moot in my quest. So as it turns out the second AIS sim card I bought will be tucked away for some uncertain use.

Today bought a Skype number, of my choice of states, and set it up to forward calls to my Thai number, I don't have a data plan, pay as you go,my phone rings so seldom it scares me when it does. However I am rarely without a wifi connection. It's limitations I'll have to find a way to work around. The most important of which is it can not send sms, voice only, and one way, from caller to you. As that was pretty much my reason for wanting one. As you may know online accounts want to verify your phone, or email addr. by a code send to your phone. That's not possible with a Skype number.

In actuality I find little difference in Skype To Go, and having a Skype number, except the price. Skype To Go is free for up 30 numbers, my Skype number cost $52.25 for a year, and will recharge itself in a yr. of which the only control I have is to cancel the number. I have far less than 30 contacts in the U.S. only 8 of which are important.

So once again lessons paid for are best learned, in a yr. I'll see if it was worth the cost. My thoughts on dual sim slots working since the phone was so equipped, and how a Skype number is limited to my needs is a myth busted.

DP.

Thanks for the replies, casualbiker. another phone is the cheapest way to go, but then burdened with it,. Slap the sim card in with my new second number, and buy the Skype subscription for it. Then it's another piece of furniture on my computer desk since Skype only works wifi, I have Skype on two other devices, one of which is almost always on. Then to remembering to keep it charged, switching phones everytime I need to call the states, and only knowing I received a Skype call once I'm in the house.

A working dual sim phone would alert me to a Skype call by message from the second number even if not signed in. Then I have the option to switch to that sim retrieve that message, or make the call, all with the same device.

I'm from the U.S. living here, retired 6 yrs. With no other alternative I think I'll shop for a dual sim 4G phone, the wife has an Appo (Thai smartphone) two sim numbers, both slots 4G, 3,900 THB. I paid 4,990 THB for the Samsung Core Prime, with 32G SD card, in addition to the cases etc. now worthless with a new phone.

I'll let you know what I find and tally up my loses, unless I can find a buyer for the Core Prime only 6 mos. old.

DP.

I also will be shopping for a new dual sim smartphone, found I a made the mistake of buying the Galaxy Core Prime. Ok so it's my first smartphone, but now that I found I have need of the second sim slot, and second phone number. The second slot is 2G rather than 4G the Thai standard. Therefore worthless as a dual sim phone.

DP

I got a Samsung Galaxy Core Prime about 6 mos ago. I now find I can not use sim card slot #2 for anything in Thailand. As slot #2 only supports 2G bandwidth. Now Thailand is all 4G. Of course I didn't believe the people at AIS, So I bought a sim card anyway, thinking, ok I'll take the gamble for 50 THB. Sure enough in slot one it show the new sim card number, but in slot #2 I am only able to call AIS, who said the same thing.

Was thinking since I need to be reached by Government agencies, and business in the U.S. I'd go ahead and buy a Skype number dedicated to sim #2 for U.S. calls. With this new knowledge that is not possible with the Core Prime.

Now as far as I can see my only alternatives are, buy a new phone with 4G bandwidth on both slots. Or buy a cheap phone, with a U.S. Skype number associated with that phone and number.

Any comments?

DP.

Good, never met anyone from Thai Visa but rude, sarcastic people. I'm sure you'll be missed.

I'll be there with a party of four, if you want to met, I'll be wearing an L.A. Sheriff's Dept. tan shirt, with a hand towel through the left epaulette. My buddy owns a few City Gardens units, we go to all their openings.

DP.

Thanks guys for your knowledge, and time spent in my quest for whether, or not I would be required to file a FBAR for my wife. We do met the criteria in #3. IRC 7701(. Which states since we did filed jointly that first year, she will be considered a person of the U.S. whether nonresident or resident forever, unless I change our filing status.

Therefore, if me, she, or combined exceed the 10K$ limit we must file, regardless of what lastname she uses. As her Soc. Sec # is reported on our tax filing.

DP.