thehaplesstourist Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Unless you have something constructive to add please don't reply to this thread. I arrived in Vientiane for my first visa run this morning after an 14 hour bus ride with no sleep. The driver took us to these guys sat at tables opposite the Thai Embassy and one of them filled in the form glued the photos and photocopied my Laos Visa for 100 Baht (yes I know it's expensive but at that point I could barely sign my own name) Anyway, he said for an extra charge I could get the Visa without having to stand in line, just come back tomorrow and pick it up from him. I was exhausted and the thought of standing in line for 1 or 2 hours wasn't appealing so I took him up on his offer. I gave him my passport and the money. So basically I've just given my passport to a complete stranger. Has anyone else done this and how did it work out? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mario2008 Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 You will be fine. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehaplesstourist Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 You will be fine. How can you be so sure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoorSucker Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Done this in Penang several times in the past. No, problems. In Penang you just go to an agent on Chulia street and the will fix everything. The service charge is actually cheaper than going to the consulate by taxi yourself. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehaplesstourist Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 Ok, I feel a little better now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMA_FARANG Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Well, I once gave my passport, and my return ticket to a woman to get my arrival entry stamp instead of waiting in a VERY LONG queue at the arrival immigration area in the airport in Bangkok. She then walked away with my ticket and my passport. However, she had an immigration officer's uniform on .... and 5 minutes later she brought my ticket and my passport back to me with an entry stamp for a 30 day entry on arrival. Actually, no gaurentee, but you'll probably get your passport back ... those guys do it for a living, and they woukd rather have more paying customers later than only one passport now. Probably. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyLew Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Run Forest run ... life is like a box of chocolates. You will probably get the passport back tomorrow But what a silly thing to do .... shoot first and ask questions later 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehaplesstourist Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 It's the "no guarantee" part that's bothering me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizla Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 You will be fine. How can you be so sure? Standard practice in Vientiane, dont worry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehaplesstourist Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 Run Forest run ... life is like a box of chocolates. You will probably get the passport back tomorrow But what a silly thing to do .... shoot first and ask questions later Agreed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehaplesstourist Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 You will be fine. How can you be so sure? Standard practice in Vientiane, dont worry So you've done this as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maturebrit Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 done it loads of times in Vientiane and Savanakhet....you will get it sorted Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Newman Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 On the bright side, chances are you have an embassy of your mother country in Laos anyway to get a new one, so don't sweat it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tywais Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Useless post removed. From the op - "Unless you have something constructive to add please don't reply to this thread." 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiRich Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 You will be fine. How can you be so sure? About 100 people a month do this. Just in Laos alone. Lets not talk about how many people do it in Penang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colabamumbai Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 Ok, I feel a little better now. Relax you did not do a stupid thing. I go to Vientiane every two months, whether I have to or just to get out of Thailand. Thousands of people use the services of the agents beside the embassy. They are not going anywhere with your passport. I should mention that they cannot get you same say service which they advertise. You will be fine, get the fellows name and phone number if you are happy and use him again, or for any other associated Thai/Lao business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vento Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 i did it yesterday in Laos as well.. Was promised back passport back the following day at 2pm, got it 1420, left for the airport at 1600. no problems. Instead of worry now (you cant undo it anyway) take a walk to the temple in the city (sakikat or something) its only 5000 kip entrance, and its very nice place to just sit and relax, i can recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puyai Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Standard procedure. Done it a few times myself. In fact I'm surprised that more people don't do it. A small fee or a 2 hour long queue? No-brainer really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semper Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Standard procedure. Done it a few times myself. In fact I'm surprised that more people don't do it. A small fee or a 2 hour long queue? No-brainer really. You can even get it without leaving your hotel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post candypants Posted January 23, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted January 23, 2013 Useless post removed. From the op - "Unless you have something constructive to add please don't reply to this thread." i wasn't aware we could specify this. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phuketrichard Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 back years ago needed to make a visa every 90 days an always went to Penang . dont think i have ever been to the Thai consulate there :-) always used agents Most all hotels/gh in Penang will do it for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disagree Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 what's the extra charge? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 In Penang it was less than using taxi service twice so cost effective for most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disagree Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Sorry, I meant what's the extra charge in Vientiane? Going there to get ED today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsailor35 Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Ok, I feel a little better now. Relax you did not do a stupid thing. I go to Vientiane every two months, whether I have to or just to get out of Thailand. Thousands of people use the services of the agents beside the embassy. They are not going anywhere with your passport. I should mention that they cannot get you same say service which they advertise. You will be fine, get the fellows name and phone number if you are happy and use him again, or for any other associated Thai/Lao business. What sort of a place is it as an alternative visa run destination, i am looking for more. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnad Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 (edited) You will be fine. Even the hotels in Vientienne offer this service. Last time I went there my hotel receptionist offered it to me but I declined as I had just come from the consulate. The guys standing next to the embassy do this day in and day out and i've seen lots of people use them. Edited January 23, 2013 by mcnad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 What sort of a place is it as an alternative visa run destination, i am looking for more. Thanks! Since Vientiane (Savannakhet Laos also) issues 2 entry tourist visa it is the best choice of any nearby consulate. For multiple entry non immigrant visas it is not good at all since they don't issue them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayci Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 14hours, that is a long trip. It that with the thaivisarun people? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 (edited) Fourteen hours is about the norm from Bangkok to Nong Kai. Do it yourself by train in a 2nd class sleeper is the best low cost option IMO. Flying to Udon Thani and then mini bus to bridge is fastest option. Edited January 24, 2013 by ubonjoe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJCM Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 (edited) Any News "thehaplesstourist" ?? Did you get your passport back with the correct visa ?? Edited January 24, 2013 by MJCM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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