Penang For Visa Run

[khman]

Hi,

We are two, we are in Chaweng, we have to go Penang because we have to make our EDucation visa. We have all papers from the school to get it.

We plan to go by land/bus.

Do you know the cheapest way to go there? Ideally we would like to arrive tuesday early in the morning to go to consulate, leave the papers, and get the visa 1-2 days after.

We also need the back (round trip).

Thanks!

[sootybrown]

Go to the Bamboo House in Nathon, to Penang its 850 Bht there and 800 Bht back. Go to chulia street, its where everybody goes, many hostel and hotels also many visa agents who will take care of everything.

[samuijimmy]

Chulla Road is a dump of mostly crap hotels .... look for the Broadway Budget Hotel...pretty decent... roughly same area, you'll find on maps.

[khman]

Ok, thanks! Going on monday!

[khman]

Hi,

Do you think it is very risky not to book an hotel/hostel?
We ll arrive at 7PM.

When I arrive, I ask for which neighborhood? Chulla? Not too far from embassy, no?

Thanks

[PoorSucker]

Hi,

Do you think it is very risky not to book an hotel/hostel?

We ll arrive at 7PM.

When I arrive, I ask for which neighborhood? Chulla? Not too far from embassy, no?

Thanks

Have never booked in advance.

Chulia street has lots of cheap guest-houses.

Jalan penang around the corner has better places, I used to stay on Hotel Malaysia.

http://www.hotelmalaysia.com.my/

There's a lot of visa agents on chulia street, the consulate is far away and it's cheaper using an agent than using a taxi.

I used to use Jim's place when I needed a visa.

http://jimsplacepenang.tripod.com/

[samuijimmy]

Hi,

Do you think it is very risky not to book an hotel/hostel?

We ll arrive at 7PM.

When I arrive, I ask for which neighborhood? Chulla? Not too far from embassy, no?

Thanks

I would say don't bother to book...

The consulate is several kilometers away, from that hotels area, it's in a more in a residential district across from a school ... marked on local maps... it's a bit confusing to find because of the one way street system... bus will get you fairly close.

Be sure to dress appropriately or the consulate will refuse service! (no T shirt and shorts) i saw that happen to someone last year ... they were not pleased....

Posted same time;;;; to add.....

Poorsuckers advice good, to use agent.... perhaps.... there will be guys out side the consulate to do photo or photocopies etc....

I did on my own bike last time.... that is not difficult either!

Edited February 23, 2013 by samuijimmy

[robsamui]

I would say don't bother to book...

Do you think it is very risky not to book an hotel/hostel?
We ll arrive at 7PM.

When I arrive, I ask for which neighborhood? Chulla? Not too far from embassy, no?

Thanks

Hi,

The consulate is several kilometers away, from that hotels area, it's in a more in a residential district across from a school ... marked on local maps... it's a bit confusing to find because of the one way street system... bus will get you fairly close.

Be sure to dress appropriately or the consulate will refuse service! (no T shirt and shorts) i saw that happen to someone last year ... they were not pleased....

Posted same time;;;; to add.....

Poorsuckers advice good, to use agent.... perhaps.... there will be guys out side the consulate to do photo or photocopies etc....

I did on my own bike last time.... that is not difficult either!

Just need the right companion . . .

[pokerspiv]

Any of the backpackers hostel travel agents on Chulia street will get your visa for you for a 400 baht fee.

It's far preferable to doing it yourself. The taxis to the consulate alone would cost more than that, not to mention having to wait around all day.

[khman]

Ok..... good to know... thanks!

[samuijimmy]

It may depend on Visa, but you may have to return the next afternoon to pick up.... seems most people (maybe all) who were doing their visa came back the next day.... It's a bit of a pain for people returning to Thailand .

Check the Consulate web site for the hours and details! I think it is all explained there....

Ha ha Rob.... I'll get you for that someday!

[khman]

Thanks,

In fact I already planned that we will give the papers in the morning and get back the next day.

If we get before, better

About visa services, I will see but if I can do it myself, I will. I plan to rent a motorbike to discover Penang. So I can go to ambassy. I am not lazu and I don't really like, except if mandatory, to pay for something I can do,. But sure if I have to pay 400thb (per person) to avoid 4h of waiting, I'll do it

[PattayaPhom]

Chulia isnt the same as only a fee years ago, even have a subway now

[khman]

I am in Penang now.

Hotels expensive (compared to Thailand) and very old style, stinky....

Motorbike rentals too

Food is cheap and good.

I'll see tomorrow if I go embassy or pay 400thb each for that service

Edited February 25, 2013 by khman

[samuijimmy]

I am in Penang now.

Hotels expensive (compared to Thailand) and very old style, stinky....

Motorbike rentals too

Food is cheap and good.

I'll see tomorrow if I go embassy or pay 400thb each for that service

I suggested where to go .... a place that does not stink and probably same amount of money (80 r if i remember) recently modernized .... wifi and bathroom in room! ..... Yes, many Malaysian hotels / guest houses are not as good value for money as Thailand especially at the lower end! ! and they all go up on the week end!

Don't forget to look for Tea in some of the Indian shops! I bet motorbikes more expensive too...

[khman]

Hehe... I found a correct hotel for 87myr... but yes not value compared to Thailand..

I'll get visa tomorrow 2-3PM then leave..........

BIG QUESTION... If I arrive Hat Yai at approx 8PM, will I be able to find immediatly (not the next day morning!!) to Surat Thani/Donsak? But I will have to wait for the boat no?

Otherwise any good option to take train from Butterworth or Hat Yai to Surat Thani...?

Thanks....

[pokerspiv]

If you want to stay in a decent hotel at a reasonable price, I recommend the Hotel Continental:

http://www.hotelcontinental.com.my/

1200 baht per night including breakfast, has a pool as well.