I need to go to the immigration office in Phuket later this week to get the 30 day extension as my 60 days tourist visa is about to run out. I have done this once before but in BKK. Is it the same deal whereby if you turn up when the office opens then it should be processed in an hour or so? Is the cost the same - 1900 baht?

cheers

Cost is the same, don' forget to bring a photo and copy of passport and arrival card.

cheers Mario

anyone got any ideas on approx waiting time for this though?

thanks

Dont know about Phuket but some offices seem to forget to hand back the 100b change if you give them 2000b

Go with the correct money in your hand.

No problem with getting the 100 Baht back. ( this is my experience )

Waiting time depends on how busy it is.

Something between 15 min and a hour I would think.

Phuket Immigration office generally very efficient and polite. Also has been no tea-money for years but occasionally contribute 100 baht when paying for multi-entry (4000 - 3900 = 100). Best go early moning (before 10AM), they now close door at 11AM to allow processing before lunchtime; reopen at 1PM. Crowded time of year, you might have to wait 30 mins; the processing will take about 10 mins.

Dont know about Phuket but some offices seem to forget to hand back the 100b change if you give them 2000b

Go with the correct money in your hand.

A very valid point. Always best to have the exact money required at any immigration office.

I always got the right change but waiting time seems to dependent on aggression of queuing.

i.e. every single other person will try and be seen before you if you let them. God knows they will try. T.I.T