A Few Questions About Buying Stuff In Thailand

[mlkmnz]

Hi there,

I'm travelling to Thailand for 3 months next month and have some geeky requirements that I'm wondering if someone can give advice on.

1)I was looking at getting a portable DVD player with LCD screen that plays Divx discs - what sort of price are these going for in Bangkok now? Would want a middle of the road one (not crappy quality, not over the top expensive).

2)Cellphones - I have a GSM phone that I'm going to take with me - wheres the best place to get a sim card through (needs coverage in Samui too? I will be doing more SMSing instead of voice calls. Also looking at using MSN messenger over GPRS - what sort of charges can I anticipate?

3)DVD movies - what are these going for now and wheres the best place in BKK to get them?

Thats about all I can think of, any help or advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

[cdnvic]

Depends a lot on where you are coming from. I find just about anything tech related is cheaper in Canada, better quality, and isn't some pirated knock off packaged as real.

[mlkmnz]

Depends a lot on where you are coming from. I find just about anything tech related is cheaper in Canada, better quality, and isn't some pirated knock off packaged as real.

Very true. I wouldnt be after name brand, but I know junk when I see it.

Also, any idea how much it would cost to feed 2 adults and 2 kids under 3yrs old daily - we would be cooking at home most of the time. Just trying to do a budget.

[peter991]

Answers:

1. 1500 to 1900 baht at MBK - take Skytrain to National Stadium.

2. MBK

3. 100 baht - MBK

You can get everything you need in airt-conditioned comfort.

Peter

[issanpaul]

Answers:

1. 1500 to 1900 baht at MBK - take Skytrain to National Stadium.

2. MBK

3. 100 baht - MBK

You can get everything you need in airt-conditioned comfort.

Peter

I think surely number 1 you have misquoted? 1500 to 1900 baht? i paid 6000 baht for good machine but none branded (was 2 years ago though) portable player with lcd screen was the question,are you not mistaking for a dvd player ?

[mlkmnz]

Answers:

1. 1500 to 1900 baht at MBK - take Skytrain to National Stadium.

2. MBK

3. 100 baht - MBK

You can get everything you need in airt-conditioned comfort.

Peter

Hehe. I had them on my list

[ercorn]

There is a place called Saphanlek in China town most of the stuff in MBK comes from there its also alot cheaper

[Guest Reimar]

There is a place called Saphanlek in China town most of the stuff in MBK comes from there its also alot cheaper

Klong Thom Market is the real name of the place you called Saphanlek!

DVD-Player with LCD, good quality: ~3,000; DVD's 39.- up; Sim Card at any 7/11 Store!

[Etrigan]

MBK is the place you need. I wouldn't suggest Saphan Lek as you are travelling with family, believe me, Saphan Lek has very narrow walkways and much dodgier traders. With kids in tow, it will be a nightmare. MBK is air-conditioned, there are cafes for refreshments, and the range of choices is wide.

Oh, there are no restrooms at Saphan Lek either.

Loads of DVD's for sale too.

[meadish_sweetball]

Just make sure you inspect *everything* before purchase.

The non-brand stores in MBK may seem to have inexpensive goods at first glance, but when you unpack your brand new DVD Player, you may find what is in the package is not what you looked at in the store (in terms of power adapter and other externals, original equipment is not seldom switched for knock-off parts almost impossible to distinguish from originals unless you have a very clear idea of exactly what they should look like.)

Before you go shopping, do your homework very well. And as cdnvic said, you might experience a lot less grief buying whatever you need in your home country instead.

Why am I saying this? Well, I bought minidisc players from some of these vendors in the past. The first one I got was an authentic Sony with real parts that worked well.

The second time I went, the two first stores tried to sell me a knock off with the sound quality of a tape walkman. If I had not asked to listen to it, I would not have known.

I scrapped the first store, and in the second store I said "not that one, I want a real one". And then she went to get a real one - but the price for the real one was a lot more... so I tried to haggle, and it took a long time to get it down to an acceptable price level... and then when I checked the package, it turned out it came with a Japanese style charger/AC adapter. So I had to get that changed as well. More haggling.

These shops do not pay any VAT as a rule, so they can afford to sell things cheaper. But your after-sales service and warranty will be according to those specs as well.

So consider your options.

[Etrigan]

Good advice.

There is no consumer protection in such places as MBK, or Saphan Lek (Klong Tom) market. Check, operate, fiddle around, watch everything go back in the box, then haggle.

[mlkmnz]

All very good advice, thanks guys.

Hehe. is there anywhere in Asia where electronics stores aren't trying to pull a fast one on unsuspecting tourists? Outside 100% legitimate full retail stores that is....

[ercorn]

MBK is the place you need. I wouldn't suggest Saphan Lek as you are travelling with family, believe me, Saphan Lek has very narrow walkways and much dodgier traders. With kids in tow, it will be a nightmare. MBK is air-conditioned, there are cafes for refreshments, and the range of choices is wide.

Oh, there are no restrooms at Saphan Lek either.

Loads of DVD's for sale too.

At Saphan lek half way through the markets where you see a small alley that ends at a flight of stairs go up to the second floor and you will find the toilets.