Visa Run Company, Any Recommendations?

[sceadugenga]

I take it there would not be any problem doing a Mai Sai visa run on a Saturday or Sunday, right?

Border's open every day, not sure the times but I'll guess 8am till 5pm.

[cm das]

I take it there would not be any problem doing a Mai Sai visa run on a Saturday or Sunday, right?

Just maybe a bit more crowding on the bus. If you're planning a weekend trip I'd recommend getting your bus ticket a couple of days in advance.

[mcgriffith]

One more quick note of advice. When you exit Thailand, walk across bridge to Burma, enter Burma Immigration office, the first thing they ask you after "Passport" and "10 Dollars (or 500 is : "Shopping" or "No Shopping". If you don't understand this (code) question, and reply "Shopping" your passport gets tossed on a huge heap of passports for eventual processing. Fine if you are indeed spending an hour or so. But if you just want the stamp, and a quick return to Thailand, say "No Shopping". They will process you while you stand there. In and out in 5 minutes max. And don't forget your 20,000 B (minimum) cash for re-entry to Thailand.

Edited June 11, 2007 by mcgriffith

[Eliza]

Thanks everyone this is really useful, I think I'll be spending a few days in Chiang Rai, and who knows, maybe Burma too. Has anyone been asked to show an onward ticket at Mai Sai recently?

[waveydavey]

Thanks everyone this is really useful, I think I'll be spending a few days in Chiang Rai, and who knows, maybe Burma too. Has anyone been asked to show an onward ticket at Mai Sai recently?

I got a new 30 day stamp there 2 weeks ago and wasn't asked for an onward ticket or 10,000B. I always ask the officer at the counter when leaving the country before I'm stamped out though - I don't think I'd like to be stranded in Burma.

[MyPenRye]

If I can add my 2 Bahts in ...

1) PLease be aware of the nasty AC on the VIP bus on the way back (or take a sweater or something) ... Am I the only one who gets cold on these VIP buses. I have rationalized that they either they are not able to turn it off, they do not understand, they do not make the connection between the 20 or so people who cover themselves from head to toe, or there is no way that it can be done! Perhaps someone knows something about this.

2) About the 10,000 to 20,000 Bahts that you might need to show:

You can either get a Traveller's Cheque for that amount or use an ATM slip that shows that you have that amount (and hopefully more ). I have never tried the slip, but I was told that it does work. Same for the TC, but I would be flabbergasted if they would refuse it.

I don't know about the onward airplane ticket deal as I always buy return tickets. However, I would like to explore the possibility to have an open date for the trip back as one never knows what can happen. Is there anyway to get such a deal using Expedia? And, BTW, is Expedia a good deal? Would customs officers accept this?

Thanks and regards.

[Ulysses G.]

If I can add my 2 Bahts in ...

1) PLease be aware of the nasty AC on the VIP bus on the way back (or take a sweater or something) ... Am I the only one who gets cold on these VIP buses. I have rationalized that they either they are not able to turn it off, they do not understand, they do not make the connection between the 20 or so people who cover themselves from head to toe, or there is no way that it can be done! Perhaps someone knows something about this.

Many Farangs complain about the AC on the bus, but I love it.

I am huge and sweat like a hog, but I did when I first came here and was skinny too.

[PeaceBlondie]

MyPenRye asks a couple of things. I think Expedia is one of several western websites that doesn't issue tickets if you're abroad. There haven't been any reports of asking for onward tickets at Mae Sai that I know of. There were some requests/demands for showing the ten or twenty thousand baht, in the past. As for air con on the VIP bus, that is the first such bus I've heard of in Thailand. I took the VIP bus to BKK last month, and it never got cold, usually was hot and sweaty. That's one of two reasons I didn't even try coming back yesterday, on a bus, when I landed at Suvanaphum.

[Dazzler]

Does anyone know where to get the contact details of the company to book the pick up in CHIANG RAI?

The company name, email address, tel no...?

I'd like to book my seat before leaving Bangkok!

Thanks

[Austhaied]

Does anyone know where to get the contact details of the company to book the pick up in CHIANG RAI?

The company name, email address, tel no...?

I'd like to book my seat before leaving Bangkok!

Thanks

Try this forum http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showforum=69 They should be able to help.

[neilrob]

MyPenRye asks a couple of things. I think Expedia is one of several western websites that doesn't issue tickets if you're abroad. There haven't been any reports of asking for onward tickets at Mae Sai that I know of. There were some requests/demands for showing the ten or twenty thousand baht, in the past. As for air con on the VIP bus, that is the first such bus I've heard of in Thailand. I took the VIP bus to BKK last month, and it never got cold, usually was hot and sweaty. That's one of two reasons I didn't even try coming back yesterday, on a bus, when I landed at Suvanaphum.

Thanks for all the good advice from several posters on this topic. I did a run to Mae Sai yesterday and took the VIP bus and songtaews as advised here. It was much more comfortable, faster, cheaper and I think safer than using a visa run service. My only possible complaint would be the a/c, which was set too cold as others have referred to. However, by closing vents I was comfortable. Without the advice here I would have had a much less pleasant day. Neil

[realthaideal]

As for the cold on the bus, I always take a ski hat for the ride and pull it down over my eyes to go to sleep -so it's dual function.

And as for the 500 b or $10 US this is a HUGE SCAM!!! With dollars trading at 30-33b each, that means these guys make 170-200 b graft for every single one of us!! Can you imagine the tons of dough lining their pockets??!!! That's almost double what the actual price is, and they know most of us won't have US currency on us, so we will pay the baht price.

But they don't know me! I either keep about $60 US set aside for border runs n shopping, or make sure to hit a bank and get a couple $10's the week b4 I do a run. I am way self satisfied to pay exactly the price I'm supposed to be paying - 10 bucks, baby - and then use the money I save $$ to go buy 3 more dvd's for myself instead.

Seriously, an extra 200b/ head x how many ppl /day ? Like 500 ppl ? 1000 ppl ? 200,000 baht/ day graft?!! I want that job! It must make you so rich in Burma. So Stinking rich......

[Ulysses G.]

Too cold is way better than too hot. A light sweater will usually remedy the problem.

[neilrob]

As for the cold on the bus, I always take a ski hat for the ride and pull it down over my eyes to go to sleep -so it's dual function.

And as for the 500 b or $10 US this is a HUGE SCAM!!! With dollars trading at 30-33b each, that means these guys make 170-200 b graft for every single one of us!! Can you imagine the tons of dough lining their pockets??!!! That's almost double what the actual price is, and they know most of us won't have US currency on us, so we will pay the baht price.

But they don't know me! I either keep about $60 US set aside for border runs n shopping, or make sure to hit a bank and get a couple $10's the week b4 I do a run. I am way self satisfied to pay exactly the price I'm supposed to be paying - 10 bucks, baby - and then use the money I save $$ to go buy 3 more dvd's for myself instead.

Seriously, an extra 200b/ head x how many ppl /day ? Like 500 ppl ? 1000 ppl ? 200,000 baht/ day graft?!! I want that job! It must make you so rich in Burma. So Stinking rich......

The guy looked really annoyed when I handed over ten dollars in response to his request for 500 baht. I'm sure you're right that he's skimming the difference. Neil

[hill16]

Hi folks,

I have to do my first Multiple Entry Non-Imm 'O' visa run from Chiangmai in the next few weeks. I read this thread and found the info extremely useful. I just have some more queries if anybody can help out.

Is the US$10 OR 500baht fee still in operation? The last post on this topic was in July. In light of the fact that it is approximately 330baht to US$10 now I too intend on giving them the US$10 rather than have them profit of me but I want to be sure that I still have the option.

Also, regarding the 20,000baht cash rule for an 'O' visa, can anybody say from experience whether you must show cash or would an ATM slip or Bank book with balance suffice? I would prefer not to be carrying 20,000 baht cash around anywhere, especially near those Burmese thieves.

Finally, since my 'O' visa is based on marriage to a Thai what documents to I need to bring to re-enter Thailand eg marriage cert, wife's house book etc?

Your help, as always, is much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Hill16

[Steve2UK]

The guy looked really annoyed when I handed over ten dollars in response to his request for 500 baht. I'm sure you're right that he's skimming the difference. Neil

Having clocked up three visits to Myanmar Immigration at the Mae Sai crossing, my clear impression is that the main guy behind the desk who takes your money always looks annoyed and scowls from start to finish - no matter what currency you give him. By contrast, all the other guys are pleasant enough.

One point about US$ that hasn't been mentioned - make sure your bills are a] clean and b] the later issue i.e. not old style. I had 6 x $1 bills handed back to me and had to replace each with 50 baht - because they were old-style. Another farang during the same visit had a new-style $10 bill rejected because it had a cashier's pen-stroke on it.

[Steve2UK]

Is the US$10 OR 500baht fee still in operation? The last post on this topic was in July. In light of the fact that it is approximately 330baht to US$10 now I too intend on giving them the US$10 rather than have them profit of me but I want to be sure that I still have the option.

Last I heard, it is still in operation - but I've also heard that it changes from time to time without notice and, seemingly, without any reason. If you want the option, have both currencies with you and try the $10 first; chances are it will be fine.

[hanuman1]

i would definitely take dollars. did so last month without any problems. if you go on the weekend, be prepared for loads of Thai daytrippers making the market across the border very busy. funnily enough the last time i went (on a sunday) there were hardly any westerners at all - got through immigration in record time.

by the way, if you plan to pick up cheap DVD's it seems there may be a clampdown going on at the moment according to rumblings on the Chiang Rai forum...

[meadish_sweetball]

Last time I went, I ended up re-entering right behind a tour group of 30 people who did not have a clue how to fill out their arrival cards... and I hadn't brought my own pen.

So here's a reminder: bring your own pen.

[sostanov]

Do banks in Chiangmai change Baht to Dollars?

I haven't seen anymoney changers around.

Is the US$10 OR 500baht fee still in operation? The last post on this topic was in July. In light of the fact that it is approximately 330baht to US$10 now I too intend on giving them the US$10 rather than have them profit of me but I want to be sure that I still have the option.

Last I heard, it is still in operation - but I've also heard that it changes from time to time without notice and, seemingly, without any reason. If you want the option, have both currencies with you and try the $10 first; chances are it will be fine.

[JuniorExPat]

Do banks in Chiangmai change Baht to Dollars?

I haven't seen anymoney changers around.

Yes, they do and yes, there are!

. . . . but you do have to go out during daylight hours although having said that I'm pretty sure that some banks and exchange booths in tourist/shopping areas operate late hours.

JxP

[tayto]

If you are going To MaeSai get your dollars in Chiang mai or Chiang Rai.

The banks and money exchanges in Mae Sai are part of a scam going on there, they do not give out dollars.

If by any chance you forget, there are a few gold shop who will give you dollars but at a bad rate.

Remember to give Burma, only dollars as they are pocketting bit time from this scam.

[Steve2UK]

If you are going To MaeSai get your dollars in Chiang mai or Chiang Rai.

The banks and money exchanges in Mae Sai are part of a scam going on there, they do not give out dollars.

If by any chance you forget, there are a few gold shop who will give you dollars but at a bad rate.

Remember to give Burma, only dollars as they are pocketting bit time from this scam.

At least one bank in Mae Sai does give out dollars - and it's the one immediately to your right as you stand facing the border, up some steps and into a regular bank. As it happens, on a bank holiday, I did once have to change some baht for dollars at one of the gold shops - and the rate was very close to the Bangkok Bank rate for the day. Hmmm...... $10 is not exactly megabucks when it comes to a few baht either way, is it?

Still, always better to be prepared and make sure by getting the currency in advance - Mae Sai's a long way to go (and, IMHO, an armpit of a place) if you can't do what you went there for..........

[hill16]

Hi folks,

I have to do my first Multiple Entry Non-Imm 'O' visa run from Chiangmai in the next few weeks. I read this thread and found the info extremely useful. I just have some more queries if anybody can help out.

Is the US$10 OR 500baht fee still in operation? The last post on this topic was in July. In light of the fact that it is approximately 330baht to US$10 now I too intend on giving them the US$10 rather than have them profit of me but I want to be sure that I still have the option.

Also, regarding the 20,000baht cash rule for an 'O' visa, can anybody say from experience whether you must show cash or would an ATM slip or Bank book with balance suffice? I would prefer not to be carrying 20,000 baht cash around anywhere, especially near those Burmese thieves.

Finally, since my 'O' visa is based on marriage to a Thai what documents to I need to bring to re-enter Thailand eg marriage cert, wife's house book etc?

Your help, as always, is much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Hill16

Hi guys,

Successfully completed my Non- Imm visa 90 day stamp run to Mae Sai yesterday and just thought I'd report quickly on my previously posted concerns for anyone who might be interested.

I was asked to pay 500 baht or US$10 by Myanmar immigration. Whipped out the fresh, crisp and clean $10 bill immediately and handed it over. No problems there Suspect that if we all get wise to doing this that they will up the price to $11 or $12 just to catch us out on small bills and have us pay 500 baht so we should keep an eye on this in the future .

Wasn't asked for any marriage papers or housebooks or to show 20,000 baht in cash. I had brought copies of the marriage docs etc and my bank book which shows a balance of more than 20,000 baht. I did notice that on the window of the booth there is a sign stating that you must show cash or what I figure is a traveller's cheque for the relevant amount depending on visa type so I don't know if I would've been in trouble had I been asked. The missus was on standby anyway to run to the nearest atm on the Thai side should there have been difficulties so no dramas.

In and out of Myanmar in one hour. Managed to convince those persistent w**kers that follow you around trying to sell you cigs or viagra that I didn't need any and that they should <deleted> off.

The missus however had to buy 200 Marlboro Menthols for her mate. The lad showed the carton and then tried to wrap it in newspaper quickly. Fortunately, the missus is quite an astute little lady and she asked the guy to stop and open the carton whereupon she discovered not Marlboro but another lesser brand. Having been caught in the act didn't seem to deter this guy. He managed to short change her by 25 baht which by her standards is grand theft but at that stage there were 6 of these gangsters surrounding her so I had to drag her away in case her purse and jewellry vanished along with her 25 baht....

Crossed back in to Thailand in record time. Very few farangs and no queues. By this time we needed a feed and decided to try the buffet lunch in the Wang Thong Hotel which I had heard was good value.

Absolute <deleted>!!!

We bought two tickets for 120 baht each and the food was a disgrace. Then, to rub salt in, we were charged 140 baht for 2 Pepsis and 2 bottles of drinking water ie 35 baht each!!!! I would urge all Thaivisa runners to stay away from this place if you want a good value, tasty lunch. The funny side of it was reading their brochure in which they proclaim they are the only 5 star hotel in Mae Sai.... hahahaha

So, in conclusion, a successful visa stamp run on the bureaucratic front but with a few minor problems. Got the VIP bus at 8am and was home in the house at 8pm. Methinks I deserve a beer tonight after that. If only the missus had got that 25 baht back.....

Regards,

Hill16

P.S. The Thai police boarded the bus 3 times on the way there and 3 times on the way back. Not sure if they were looking for illegal Myanmarese or for drugs or dvds. They asked the Thais only for ID. On one occasion they checked the bags but again of only the Thais. No hassles though .

[meadish_sweetball]

They are mainly looking for drugs or illegal immigrants. All the times I have seen them in operation they seem to focus on people who look like they could be paperless highland people or come from the other side of the border.

The fried chicken carts on the right hand side of the road (as you enter Thailand from the bridge), not too far from Thai immigration, is the best option in terms of food I've found there so far, although the best of the lot, a Southern Thai guy, has married and moved into Chiang Rai. The guest house nearby has uninspiring but harmless guest house type food at guest house type prices.

At one time we tried a restaurant on the other side of the road, due to them advertising Yunnanese food, and since we're fans of some of the Yunnanese fare at Mitr Mai here in Chiang Mai. But it wasn't particularly good, so I would not recommend that either.

Still looking for a really good place to eat lunch there. Such a place would have the potential to make big money.