What does an old guy need to move back to America

[GinBoy2]

3 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

It's very difficult to get pets past quarantine in OZ and I would have been about 400 miles from where he would have been domiciled.

 

He was not the kind of dog that would have taken well to being caged but it still was a very hard decision.

 

I generally receive a video once a week which shows that he is well fed and happy.It was the best I could do as I couldn't very well keep him in hospital-I was in and out Of Aussie hospital for 4 months after I returned.I am also physically disabled so I can't really look after him.

 

He was my best mate in Thailand.

I think for many when they decide to leave Thailand, pets are probably one of the toughest things.

 

We're lucky in the US that there aren't any import or quarantine like you have in Australia  

[justin case]

On 4/5/2019 at 6:35 AM, marcusarelus said:

The only thing that might kick me out is being too old to qualify for mandatory insurance.  I think the retirement dollar amount will go to 1 mil shortly and the married to 800,000.  I'm OK there but might not be able to qualify for insurance and they might not understand or accept the Thai AIA and/or FMP from VA. 

ELITE VISA ....5 years = 500.000 baht , no bullshit immigration or insurance

 

ELITE VISA ... 20 years = 1.000.000 baht , no bullshit immigration or insurance

 

what are you waiting for ?

[marcusarelus]

37 minutes ago, justin case said:

ELITE VISA ....5 years = 500.000 baht , no bullshit immigration or insurance

 

ELITE VISA ... 20 years = 1.000.000 baht , no bullshit immigration or insurance

 

what are you waiting for ?

It may be cancelled at any time.  The insurance requirement may change.  I have gotten a retirement visa every year for 20 years for 1900.  If, because of health reasons I may have to go back to America for care and would have wasted all that money. 

[marcusarelus]

41 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

I think for many when they decide to leave Thailand, pets are probably one of the toughest things.

 

We're lucky in the US that there aren't any import or quarantine like you have in Australia  

That's why my wife has to stay in Thailand - take care of the dog.

[GinBoy2]

6 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

That's why my wife has to stay in Thailand - take care of the dog.

Well based on your previous comments, I think the dog is a very secondary issue in the fact your wife won't move back with you.

 

We agonized over whether the cost to ship our cat was worth it.

She's a mongrel Thai moggy, but loving as Hell, and we just couldn't leave her.

Ended up buying her a Siamese brother as a playmate.

When we go back to Thailand, we take them down to Denver and they stay with my daughter and son and their big fat black cat, and they all have a ball 

[marcusarelus]

2 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

Well based on your previous comments, I think the dog is a very secondary issue in the fact your wife won't move back with you.

 

We agonized over whether the cost to ship our cat was worth it.

She's a mongrel Thai moggy, but loving as Hell, and we just couldn't leave her.

Ended up buying her a Siamese brother as a playmate.

When we go back to Thailand, we take them down to Denver and they stay with my daughter and son and their big fat black cat, and they all have a ball 

Just kidding about the dog.  I have a firm grasp on reality that comes from growing up during a war and seeing pets treated better than people. 

[GinBoy2]

So I just did the math on our health insurance.

 

In Thailand Bupa for the two of us, without OPD we were paying ฿150K for their at the time ฿5M plan, dunno if it's changed now.

Here through my wife's work we pay ฿220K, but that includes OPD, preventative care dental and vision insurance. But no exclusions for pre existing conditions.

My wife had a ruptured fallopian tube many years ago, so the Bupa policy excluded everything related to reproductive organs, they wouldn't even cover a routine Pap 

 

So it's a bit of a toss up

[gk10002000]

While getting one self set up, I suggest some of the cheaper monthly rental places that are in just about every city and state.  Some are really cheap but not the best but may do in a pinch.  I as a contractor have stayed in many such places over the years as I worked temporarily around the USA.  And it is not too hard to find a room for rent.  Use Craigslist and search.  Some are flexible on who they let in.  Not the best, but good enough to get your feet on the ground.  The current situation with USA driver licenses is a pain and most states now require two current within 30 days a bill or utility bill or something with your name an address on it.  Thank the TSA driven Real ID act.  But not too hard to get a cell phone account, a triple AAA membership card, etc.  Print out stuff at the local library, although they tend to require a state issued ID to use!  Some cities have rentals that are reasonably convenient and near a bus route or other such things.  You will just have to look and investigate the places you might head to. 

 

Just some ideas from a USA state transient!

[gk10002000]

18 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

It may be cancelled at any time.  The insurance requirement may change.  I have gotten a retirement visa every year for 20 years for 1900.  If, because of health reasons I may have to go back to America for care and would have wasted all that money. 

Yes and while I like the idea of the Elite and I can easily afford it, from a money point of view I will go with the current retirement extension hassle even with the latest rules.  A few hours here and there each year while retired, is annoying but one has to look past that, especially since one is retired and should have some time on their hands right?  If money really is no object then of course spend away, especially if the Elite folks really do handle the 90 day reports.  I really hate bureaucracy and dealing with return trips to immigration every 90 days or fighting some crap an un reliable online system or mailing in stuff that keeps getting returned or rejected might tip the scales the other way for me.  But since I am thinking of only 6 months each year in country with two return trips home every year, I think with one or two trips across the border for some sightseeing every 88 days and some re entry permits I can dodge the need for any 90 day reporting. 

[Cryingdick]

 

21 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

Just out of curiosity.

 

You have said before she works for Samsung. Surely she could get a transfer to one of the Samsung facilities in the US?

She'd make more money and would be together, and she'd be a permanent resident with none of the BS you have to endure with Thai immigration

 

As for the cost of housing, I've said this before but it's worth repeating. It's hugely variable and location.

 

I've got some rather nice condo's which I rent out between $850-1000/month. However those same condo's would be $3000/month in San Francisco.

Location Location Location

 

 

 

I think you might be surprised at how little $3,000 month gets you in SF. People making $250,000 a year are needing roommates to rent a home for $10,000 a month. In Seattle you can still get. Studio for $3,000 a month.

Edited April 7, 2019 by Cryingdick

[GinBoy2]

5 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

 

I think you might be surprised at how little $3,000 month gets you in SF. People making $250,000 a year are needing roommates to rent a home for $10,000 a month. In Seattle you can still get. Studio for $3,000 a month.

I think I was being optimistic  with $3K. 

One of my daughters used to live there, but I'm sure it's got more expensive since then.

I seriously don't know how regular folk can afford to live and work there.

 

 

 

[JTXR]

As a member of both, I strongly second the idea of starting with NFCU and/or USAA.  Their entire purpose is serving US vets and they've got experience dealing with all kinds of situations.  Give them a call and explain your situation and see how you can open an account.  If you've got evidence of your service record, they'll find a way to get you an account and a credit card (even if, at the beginning, it's a prepaid credit card).  NFCU has a branch in Singapore and at least one in Japan. 

Or maybe fly to the US now and set up accounts before you need to actually move there.  Bring less than $10K cash with you, put it in the account, then back in Thailand use Dee Money to transfer more over several months (less than $10K each time) so when you make your move you've got a cushion to set yourself up with.

 

On the Web there are numerous sites with info on "cheapest places in the US to retire," "best cities to live in with no car, etc."

[gk10002000]

3 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

While getting one self set up, I suggest some of the cheaper monthly rental places that are in just about every city and state.  Some are really cheap but not the best but may do in a pinch.  I as a contractor have stayed in many such places over the years as I worked temporarily around the USA.  And it is not too hard to find a room for rent.  Use Craigslist and search.  Some are flexible on who they let in.  Not the best, but good enough to get your feet on the ground.  The current situation with USA driver licenses is a pain and most states now require two current within 30 days a bill or utility bill or something with your name an address on it.  Thank the TSA driven Real ID act.  But not too hard to get a cell phone account, a triple AAA membership card, etc.  Print out stuff at the local library, although they tend to require a state issued ID to use!  Some cities have rentals that are reasonably convenient and near a bus route or other such things.  You will just have to look and investigate the places you might head to. 

 

Just some ideas from a USA state transient!

And I would get your replacement social security card, if you don't have one already, as well as a certified copy of your birth certificate. 

[GinBoy2]

1 hour ago, gk10002000 said:

And I would get your replacement social security card, if you don't have one already, as well as a certified copy of your birth certificate. 

SSN replacement cards are tough. 

 

That may well require actually going in a Social Security office.

 

A lot of this is all chicken and egg, hard to say how much you can actually accomplish before you get feet on the ground

[marcusarelus]

I have ss cards and birth cert.  But I'm drawing a blank on mail addressed to me.  One of my old addresses is now my daughters home so I can get mail there.  I even have an old voters registration at that address but what kind of recent mail could I get that the drivers license bureau would accept?  I assume a subscription to Playboy would not work.  

[skatewash]

35 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I have ss cards and birth cert.  But I'm drawing a blank on mail addressed to me.  One of my old addresses is now my daughters home so I can get mail there.  I even have an old voters registration at that address but what kind of recent mail could I get that the drivers license bureau would accept?  I assume a subscription to Playboy would not work.  

Almost as good as a subscription to Playboy and it's free:

https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-tra/login

 

Also, ask for a replacement voter card from the board of supervisors of elections for your old home to be sent by mail.

 

 

 

Edited April 8, 2019 by skatewash

[marcusarelus]

26 minutes ago, skatewash said:

Almost as good as a subscription to Playboy and it's free:

https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-tra/login

I don't want to do anything with the IRS at my daughters home. 

[NCC1701A]

38 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I assume a subscription to Playboy would not work.  

no but it might get you arrested in the new America.

[gk10002000]

1 hour ago, marcusarelus said:

I have ss cards and birth cert.  But I'm drawing a blank on mail addressed to me.  One of my old addresses is now my daughters home so I can get mail there.  I even have an old voters registration at that address but what kind of recent mail could I get that the drivers license bureau would accept?  I assume a subscription to Playboy would not work.  

A subscription to Playboy would be one of the things Florida would accept.  They need Proof of citizenship (birth cert or passport) and proof of ID, then two recent bills with your name and address on it. 

[marcusarelus]

10 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

A subscription to Playboy would be one of the things Florida would accept.  They need Proof of citizenship (birth cert or passport) and proof of ID, then two recent bills with your name and address on it. 

It is my daughters house.  Any idea of what kind of bills I could get signed up for online?

[Damrongsak]

On 4/6/2019 at 10:32 PM, GinBoy2 said:

... Now as I sit here typing this she is happily purring on my lap, makes me know I did the right thing

You are lucky. My two get up on the desk, stick their butts in my face and step on the keyboard.

[GinBoy2]

1 minute ago, Damrongsak said:

You are lucky. My two get up on the desk, stick their butts in my face and step on the keyboard.

One of them for whatever reason, just loves to curl up on my laptop keyboard too

[gk10002000]

11 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

It is my daughters house.  Any idea of what kind of bills I could get signed up for online?

Yes.  I have my cell phone bill set up online and the online bill can be printed out and it does show my address.  Same for my AAA Triple A automotive.  My auto insurance is all billed on line and I can and di print out that bill also with an address on it.  It was almost a problem since I pay that bill once every six months and Florida wanted a 30 day recent billing, but of course they didn't tell me that in advance, and I had booked an appointment and traveled all the way back home from California where I was contracting at the time.  Luckily the recent bill coincided with my trip.    Basically almost anything one can buy or subscribe to these days can be done on line.  My blue cross medical insurance was online and of course with my address on it. 

[GinBoy2]

20 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

It is my daughters house.  Any idea of what kind of bills I could get signed up for online?

Since you don't have a car, go for a prepaid cell phone bill and AARP membership.

 

When you do get a car, AARP have a great deal with The Hartford on car insurance.

I Pay $900 a year for two cars, comprehensive, and the max liability limits.

I used to pay $500 for the one car for six months with the same coverage. 

So sign up, it costs you $60 for 5 years, and there's your second piece of mail to take over to DMV

[MarcIssan]

I cannot imagine why you would want to do that!  Talk about an added drain on your savings and social security.  But any citizen will not be denied entry into the country so you are safe there.  So all you need is money, then a place to stay, then food to eat.  Forget about pussy...Oh I forgot you are 80 so no worries.  As far as credit cards go, they are unsecured and you cannot be arrested for non-payment.  If you defrauded them in the process, that is a different issue and their interest in you would depend on the amount owed I would guess.  You will need to change your address with Medicare and social security but that's about it from my knowledge.

[MarcIssan]

Ah the driver's license and banking are issues.  When you change the address with Medicare, ask them to send a replacement card.  All you need is one envelope that arrived via the mail that has your name and address on it.  A magazine, a gift in a box from your daughter, a letter, etc.   Then you can open a bank account and get a driver's license.

[marcusarelus]

2 minutes ago, MarcIssan said:

I cannot imagine why you would want to do that!  Talk about an added drain on your savings and social security.  But any citizen will not be denied entry into the country so you are safe there.  So all you need is money, then a place to stay, then food to eat.  Forget about pussy...Oh I forgot you are 80 so no worries.  As far as credit cards go, they are unsecured and you cannot be arrested for non-payment.  If you defrauded them in the process, that is a different issue and their interest in you would depend on the amount owed I would guess.  You will need to change your address with Medicare and social security but that's about it from my knowledge.

I'm not quite 80 so I guess I can have sex for a few more years.  Now I'm investigating VA and payment to another hospital if I'm far away from a VA hospital.  They pay for my treatment here in Thailand but it has to be related to my disability and since it's heart they will cover most things that might go wrong with me -my history. 

[marcusarelus]

4 minutes ago, MarcIssan said:

Ah the driver's license and banking are issues.  When you change the address with Medicare, ask them to send a replacement card.  All you need is one envelope that arrived via the mail that has your name and address on it.  A magazine, a gift in a box from your daughter, a letter, etc.   Then you can open a bank account and get a driver's license.

Medicare card is a good idea.  And I forgot I can get a replacement VFW card anytime. 

Edited April 15, 2019 by marcusarelus

[JerseytoBKK]

On 4/15/2019 at 12:17 AM, marcusarelus said:

I'm not quite 80 so I guess I can have sex for a few more years.  Now I'm investigating VA and payment to another hospital if I'm far away from a VA hospital.  They pay for my treatment here in Thailand but it has to be related to my disability and since it's heart they will cover most things that might go wrong with me -my history. 

Then check out the Villages : https://nypost.com/2009/01/25/retire-to-the-bedroom/

 

It turns out that article above was somewhat over the top sensationalism but if I had to retire back to the US I would check out the place: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-villages-the-villages-3

 

[lannarebirth]

On 4/14/2019 at 9:10 PM, MarcIssan said:

I cannot imagine why you would want to do that!  Talk about an added drain on your savings and social security.  But any citizen will not be denied entry into the country so you are safe there.  So all you need is money, then a place to stay, then food to eat.  Forget about pussy...Oh I forgot you are 80 so no worries.  As far as credit cards go, they are unsecured and you cannot be arrested for non-payment.  If you defrauded them in the process, that is a different issue and their interest in you would depend on the amount owed I would guess.  You will need to change your address with Medicare and social security but that's about it from my knowledge.

 

I have to agree. It's an oppressive <deleted> society, particularly for anyone counting on the government to do anything for them. Were I the OP I'd try to enjoy my last 5, 10, 20 years in Thailand, knowing some nice girls will take care of you and everyone's going to have a great time at your funeral.