What Visa?

[Norrad]

Ok, I'm a freelance web designer/developer and I run my own internet based company. I want to move to Thailand. What visa would you recommend.

All I need for my job is my laptop and an internet connection. I wouldn't be taking any thai's job. Would I be OK just making the 30 day visa run?

Oh yes, forgot my details...

I'm 24 years old and a South African citizen, we don't require visas for stays up to 30 days.

Edited May 5, 2005 by Norrad

[Crossy]

This is the process for UK passport holders, as SA passport holders also get 30 days on arrival I believe you will be able to do this. Unless anyone knows otherwise.

Trot down to your local consulate and get a double entry tourist visa. This will get you 180 days in Thailand if you time things right.

Having a visa means you do not have to have an onward flight booked which is a requirement of the 30 day 'visa' on arrival.

On a tourist visa you will get a 60 day stamp on arrival, at the end of the 60 days nip to your local immigration office and you can get another 30 days.

At the end of that period do a run to the border, do an out and in to activate the second entry of your visa, you will get another 60 day stamp that you can extend at immigration again.

Once your visa is used up, you should be able to get another double entry tourist visa from the consulate in Penang.

Repeat as required.

[SBACM]

Good advice

This is the process for UK passport holders, as SA passport holders also get 30 days on arrival I believe you will be able to do this. Unless anyone knows otherwise.

Trot down to your local consulate and get a double entry tourist visa. This will get you 180 days in Thailand if you time things right.

Having a visa means you do not have to have an onward flight booked which is a requirement of the 30 day 'visa' on arrival.

On a tourist visa you will get a 60 day stamp on arrival, at the end of the 60 days nip to your local immigration office and you can get another 30 days.

At the end of that period do a run to the border, do an out and in to activate the second entry of your visa, you will get another 60 day stamp that you can extend at immigration again.

Once your visa is used up, you should be able to get another double entry tourist visa from the consulate in Penang.

Repeat as required.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Norrad]

Thanks for all the help guys. Thats what I'm going to do then

[astral]

While you are here, keep quiet about what you are doing.

As a "tourist" you are not supposed to work.

Read the Internet section and the comments about adsl links.

Especially the TRUE company who apparently want a work permit before

you can have an adsl connection.

You will need to go for one of the other companies.

It should not be a problem.

[Norrad]

Thanks again for all the help guys.

I understand that on a toursit visa you won't be able to open a local bank account so I will pretty much be living off of my credit card and topping it up from my South African bank account via internet banking. Would 1500 US$ a month cover living expenses in Thailand or should I speak to my bank about upping my limit?

[thaiflyer1]

Depends on the bank......Siam Commercial Bank will open you a savings account on the back of a tourist visa. If you are refering to a current account with cheque book then no you cant open this type of account with just a tourist visa. With the savings account you can opt for either a domestic ATM card for you to make withdrawals within Thailand or an International ATM card that allows you to draw from your Thai savings account while overseas.

Regards living expenses 1500 US should be ok as long as you dont go mad.

Edit.....bit of reading for you http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=32425&st=0

Edited May 12, 2005 by thaiflyer1

[ggwyn]

Hi Norrad

I am an Australian, been living here in Bangkok for a couple of years.

My experience is that tourist visas and visa runs will do the job nicely for you. Be sure to put down 'tourist ' in the space for 'Purpose of visit', make no mention of work.

Regarding internet connections, this site Thai ADSL Forum will almost certainly save you money, time and agitation. I use and recommend CSLoxinfo and not True.

Regarding COL (cost of living) My apartment costs 2800 baht a month, utilities 1500 baht, I eat Thai food - about 100 baht a day. ADSL1024 + phone rental is 1000 + 100 baht.

Of coure many people like spending more on luxury.

Banks. I use Kasikorn Bank, one of the bigger ones. No problems opening an account what-so-ever. I have a savings passbook account with ATM card, Visa Electron Debit card and an eWeb debit card. I find their services and service to be world class.

Greg

Edited May 12, 2005 by ggwyn

[Norrad]

Thanks guys,

I just got back from a 10 day stay in Bangkok, just checking out all my options.

I'm going to go there on a more permanent basis in 4 months time. Just wrapping up some stuff at home. I think I'm going to move in with a thai friend at the start, at least till I find my own place.

Thanks again.

Norrad

[billrussell]

Thanks again for all the help guys.

I understand that on a toursit visa you won't be able to open a local bank account so I will pretty much be living off of my credit card and topping it up from my South African bank account via internet banking. Would 1500 US$ a month cover living expenses in Thailand or should I speak to my bank about upping my limit?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I understand that it is quite easy to open a bank account here - I am moving to Pattaya at the end of the month, and I guess I will find out. Depending on where you want to live, $1500 should be just fine, as I plan to live on a lot less.

I have also found out the best and cheapest way to get cash is with your ATM card - good exchange rates, and very low fees. Credit card cash advances are a different story with fees about 5%.

I usually use my Credit Cards for Hotels, restaurants, etc. and my Bank Debit card for cash

Edited January 1, 2006 by billrussell