Penang Tourist Visa

[gregchambers]

I earlier asked for some info on using Penang to get a multi-entry tourist visa and went for it after the replies but this will hopefully update things a little bit.

The Hotel Continental recommended on Thaivisa as having a visa agency in-house but there was no such office on the premises. Rather nasty manager demanded advance payment rather than actually paying for the room as such. He wanted 150 ringit against 80 ringit per night but eventually accepted 100 ringit (I would not even think about admitting to having a credit card to any Malay co), which I paid every day. No great hassle except it throws me into paranoia about rip-offs but got the difference back when I checked out without any problems. Advert in front of the hotel says 60 ringit but this is only for solo travellers (I had Thai girl in tow). 80 ringit rooms are in the old part of the hotel which are fine except twin beds and the toilet really needs a good going over with caustic soda. Free newspaper and breakfast for two every day so really only about 70 ringit or 740 baht. This is a good location, right in the heart of things and better value than Bangkok hotels.

BTW the exchange rates at the airport in Bangkok are a rip-off. You can bargain with the Indian money changers in Penang to a limited extent.

Thai embassy is located about 1mm off the free tourist map that is available at the airport, ie you will never find it unless you take a taxi. Taxi's cost 10 ringit each way from Georgetown. Penang taxis are very expensive by Bangkok standards (no meter) over short distances but 25-30 ringit from airport to Georgetown isn't that bad a deal (esp as there are no alternatives other than walking!).

Thai embassy guy didn't like my photos which meant a 20 ringit round trip back to town and 10 ringit for new photos. 200 ringit for double entry tourist visa. British passport, he didn't even bother to open it so no real problem, just come back tomorrow afternoon to collect it. Visa form does not mention multi-entry, you have to ask for it.

The photo run and taxi fees probably added up to more than paying a visa agent but then I don't really like handing over my passport to such chaps (hence need for hotel with visa agency on premisis which did not pan out).

There is a bus service in town, I think 1 ringit a trip (that is what I paid but may be more for longer distances?). Taxi drivers seem to work out of fixed locations rather than driving around looking for customers. The drivers are in a queue system and the first guy you talk to may have been waiting for an hour for a fare. If you turn down his price and tell him you are happy to walk unless he accepts a more reasonable price he will refuse BUT offer the journey to the other drivers at the price you suggested. So some driver can have a lower fare but not wait for ages for a customer. These guys do not want to see the money dematerialize before their eyes. But do this in the nicest manner possible, absolutely no aggression.

February was incredibly humid, a real hard slog walking; just as well I'd trained the Thai gal up to it! General ambiance in Penang was very benign and friendly - okay a few days, just the surface but way ahead of somewhere like the Philippines.

If you want to do it on a real budget, buy a decent map of Penang and walk to the Thai embassy (an hour from Georgetown). Oh, and I'd suggest avoiding the Federal Hotel, some really feral fifty year-old katoeys outside who I doubt would take no for an answer if you were actually staying there!

[huski]

Oh, and I'd suggest avoiding the Federal Hotel, some really feral fifty year-old katoeys outside who I doubt would take no for an answer if you were actually staying there!

yikes !