Ride Sharing / Visa runs with other people

[wump]

Hi,

I have to do a visa run from Pattaya to Camobodia next week and I would like to share the costs of a rental car plus gasoline (about 2.2K Baht). I couldn't find any ride sharing sites in Thailand.

Back home train journeys are twice as expensive as the gasoline for the car (long-distance buses were illegal until recently) for the same journey so everyone uses ride sharing. You just book the whole thing online, driver confirms and it's about 8$ for 100 kms. Easy!

Since it is 2K to go to Cambodia with a cramped minibus on a visa run wouldn't this something people want? Maybe add a subsection in the classifieds?

[MrTee]

Good idea..
not a good time for me to go, but it'd be good to have Visa Run Share club. I hate those mini bus rides..

[wump]

Judging by the views I guess there is not much interest in this sort of thing?

Anyway, if anyone still wants to go send me a PM, I'll be going Saturday or Sunday in an Altis/Vios or similar. So far there might only be one other person, should work out 600-1000 THB return depending on the number of people (2-4).

[CharlieH]

Would most people get into a car with 3 other complete strangers and just hope everything will be fine and you 'll end up whete you think you will ? I doubt it, I certainly wouldnt.

[wump]

Well this works perfectly in other countries so I don't see why it wouldn't in here. Even in the worst case it would be still better than a cramped minivan with no leg room and a crazy driver on ya ice, right?

[donniereadit]

Well this works perfectly in other countries so I don't see why it wouldn't in here. Even in the worst case it would be still better than a cramped minivan with no leg room and a crazy driver on ya ice, right?

Last minivan ride the driver was wild and red eyed on an overnight gig. I asked him something at a rest stop and he just stared at me. Strangest unblinking red eyes I have encountered for awhile. Still remember the stare. He did not say anything the entire trip. I remember the guy riding shotgun asking him in the middle of the night when everyone was sleeping if he wanted to stop for a coffee or something. No response. I also rested my head on the ladies breast that was sitting against me during that trip.

[cnx101]

Mini bus to Cambodia is an awful trip never again.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[wym]

Would most people get into a car with 3 other complete strangers and just hope everything will be fine and you 'll end up whete you think you will ? I doubt it, I certainly wouldnt.

Sure, and if anything goes awry a bit of adventure.

I guess you wouldn't be into the new sharing economy trend then either - Uber for getting rides rather than using taxis, couchsurfing/house swapping or AirBnB.

Your lack of trust/faith in human nature's probably shutting you out from all kinds of wonderful experiences.

[CharlieH]

Would most people get into a car with 3 other complete strangers and just hope everything will be fine and you 'll end up whete you think you will ? I doubt it, I certainly wouldnt.

Sure, and if anything goes awry a bit of adventure.

I guess you wouldn't be into the new sharing economy trend then either - Uber for getting rides rather than using taxis, couchsurfing/house swapping or AirBnB.

Your lack of trust/faith in human nature's probably shutting you out from all kinds of wonderful experiences.

If you call, being mugged, possibly worse, an adventure.

Being threatened, possibly drugged, passport and any valuables gone, may be even organs removed, yeah sounds like a great experience, only to be beaten by winding up dead in a ditch ! All because you wanted to save a few baht, yeah, terrific !

Edited January 29, 2014 by CharlieH

[wym]

I still hitchhike when I'm stateside too, never had anything but wonderful experiences with everyone I meet.

I guess we live in different worlds. Feel sorry for you.

[wym]

Not to mention the fact that a group of westerners going in on a rental car together is not just more enjoyable and comfortable but MUCH safer than trusting the visa-run company and their whacko drivers.

[CharlieH]

I still hitchhike when I'm stateside too, never had anything but wonderful experiences with everyone I meet.

I guess we live in different worlds. Feel sorry for you.

Clearly different opinions, but I dont feel sorry for you as I dont make personal remarks. Edited January 29, 2014 by CharlieH

[craigt3365]

This might be better over in the Pattaya forum. OK?

Topic Moved.

[KittenKong]

"Since it is 2K to go to Cambodia with a cramped minibus on a visa run wouldn't this something people want?"

That 2000B includes the obligatory Cambodian visa and some "facilitation" at the border, both of which you may have forgotten.

And in fact you can still find a reasonable visa run service for under 2000B from Pattaya, all-inclusive.

[KittenKong]

Mini bus to Cambodia is an awful trip never again.

I quite enjoyed the two minibus visa runs that I did prior to getting my retirement extension.

[ggt]

Mini bus to Cambodia is an awful trip never again.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

My 1st and last mini van trip to Cambodia was memorable...packed in like sardines...had to wait for the last passenger for 30 minutes...while someone beat on his door to wake him...he comes to the van in shorts and tank top...tattoos from head to feet...reeked of alcohol and cigarettes...snored and passed gas all the way to Cambodia...

Need I say more?

[OMGImInPattaya]

I would never meet up with anyone on thaivias in person...too many weirdos and psychos! Besides, I'd trust the driving of a Thai van driver any day to some foreigner. Also, I dont know what companies you guys have been using but I've had nothing but uneventful and comfortable trips from the likes of the van services run out of the Queen Vic and Sportsman's pubs.

[wym]

Well considering all the weirdos and psychos so many report taking into their beds and homes, I wouldn't have thought so many TVers would be so risk averse.

Myself given the chance to drive rather than being driven, bit of exploring on the side, maybe stop off at a wedding party never know who you might meet!

But to each their own. . .

[aveabeeror2]

Would most people get into a car with 3 other complete strangers and just hope everything will be fine and you 'll end up whete you think you will ? I doubt it, I certainly wouldnt.

Sure, and if anything goes awry a bit of adventure.

I guess you wouldn't be into the new sharing economy trend then either - Uber for getting rides rather than using taxis, couchsurfing/house swapping or AirBnB.

Your lack of trust/faith in human nature's probably shutting you out from all kinds of wonderful experience

I would be over the moon if I could take you, Wym, on a visa run. As for bring you back, that would be another question.

[Woody1]

A good idea in some respects, the sharing is great, but in a car / truck full of strangers I don't think so.

On a positive note, I've done the visa run to the border (many years ago) with a friend who was driving, no problem as we both knew where we were going, and what we needed to take with us, and what to do at the border. Also, we weren't in a particular rush, so enjoyed the day. It also doesn't bother me sitting at 140kmh with someone I trust behind the wheel.

Also done the Pong Nam Ron border with friends when I've been driving, and the stayed at Soi Dao golf club for a night, made a nice little break of it.

I've driven it alone a couple of times too, no problem, a bit of music on, and enjoyed the scenery on the way.

Lastly, you wouldn't have to entrust your life to a 300 Baht a day yabba freak (aka minivan driver)!!

The negative side of the OP's idea I believe, is that some people / passengers might want to take a leisurely run there and back, whilst others may want to get it all over and done with as quickly as possible. On that note, some passengers wouldn't be comfortable travelling at, for e.g. 140kmh (but I am as a driver, and passenger with the right driver behind the wheel). I could see tensions / frustrations spoiling the trip in no time.

Also, the good thing about the, "organised" visa services is that virtually all documentation is check before departure, so little chance of problems once at the border, which by law of averages would surely happen if left to, "novice" border runners.

In summary, a great idea travelling to the border with friends, in own / shared vehicle, but I couldn't see it working out too often in the company of strangers.

[wump]

Just an update:

I went with a friend to the Ban Pakard border which I think is the closest one from Pattaya. According to Google Maps it is some 230 km from Pattaya, we did it in about 3.5 hours with a quick stop for some snacks and another one for filling up the car.

Total cost was:

1200 Baht for the car for a 24-hour period

about 1000 Baht for E20 gasoline (very economical car, I think it was something like 5 litres per 100kms).

At the border not too much hassle. You can literally park 2 meters away from the Thai departure window. As usual, the Cambo side tried to scam 1000 Baht for the visa because we "come back on the same day". So we changed our story and said we would stay there a day and paid only 20$ each. After paying we were quickly sent away for the next window (departures) but waiting 1 minute at the visa window got us back our 30$ in change.

Lots of casinos on the Cambo side, there is a mini market with proper Cambo supermarket prices and a scanner and all seems well organised. Nearly no beggars or kids. Everything is priced in THB, no dollars needed (except for the visa). We were the only farangs there at 6pm.

Coming back was hassle-free, no "exit-fee" asked for at the Cambo side, passport was stamped right away, Thai side quick and efficient as usual.

I can recommend this to everyone where there is at least 2 people, it is cheaper and a lot more stress-free than a cramped speeding minivan where you have to wake up at 6am. Also, you can take your own time to shop/eat/gamble. The border closes at 10 pm so you can start in the afternoon like we did and you don't have to rush. Reports saying the border closes at 6pm are out of date.

Apart from the occasional roadworks the road was in very good condition and it is a dual carriageway for the most part.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Just an update:

I went with a friend to the Ban Pakard border which I think is the closest one from Pattaya. According to Google Maps it is some 230 km from Pattaya, we did it in about 3.5 hours with a quick stop for some snacks and another one for filling up the car.

Total cost was:

1200 Baht for the car for a 24-hour period

about 1000 Baht for E20 gasoline (very economical car, I think it was something like 5 litres per 100kms).

At the border not too much hassle. You can literally park 2 meters away from the Thai departure window. As usual, the Cambo side tried to scam 1000 Baht for the visa because we "come back on the same day". So we changed our story and said we would stay there a day and paid only 20$ each. After paying we were quickly sent away for the next window (departures) but waiting 1 minute at the visa window got us back our 30$ in change.

Lots of casinos on the Cambo side, there is a mini market with proper Cambo supermarket prices and a scanner and all seems well organised. Nearly no beggars or kids. Everything is priced in THB, no dollars needed (except for the visa). We were the only farangs there at 6pm.

Coming back was hassle-free, no "exit-fee" asked for at the Cambo side, passport was stamped right away, Thai side quick and efficient as usual.

I can recommend this to everyone where there is at least 2 people, it is cheaper and a lot more stress-free than a cramped speeding minivan where you have to wake up at 6am. Also, you can take your own time to shop/eat/gamble. The border closes at 10 pm so you can start in the afternoon like we did and you don't have to rush. Reports saying the border closes at 6pm are out of date.

Apart from the occasional roadworks the road was in very good condition and it is a dual carriageway for the most part.

A scanner no less...George Bush The First would be impressed. Did you see any women of questionable morals about? That would seem to me the only reason to go on ones own.

[wump]

With scanner I meant the thing at the supermarket where they scan the barcode so they cant really cheat you. I think they are even cheating themselves since everything is priced at the exact same price as other major supermarkets in the country (dollar wise), however they are using 1:30 Dollar to Baht when in fact the Baht is considerably weaker at the moment so they are losing nearly 10% with every transaction.

There were no hookers visible (we are not allowed to discuss this in here anyway) but I am sure you could find some. Probably involves asking tuktuks or hotel staff. Keep in mind though, that virtually all visitors there are Thai so I am not sure how welcomed you would be for this sort of thing.

There is a sweet ladyboy working at the minimart tough

[OMGImInPattaya]

With scanner I meant the thing at the supermarket where they scan the barcode so they cant really cheat you. I think they are even cheating themselves since everything is priced at the exact same price as other major supermarkets in the country (dollar wise), however they are using 1:30 Dollar to Baht when in fact the Baht is considerably weaker at the moment so they are losing nearly 10% with every transaction.

There were no hookers visible (we are not allowed to discuss this in here anyway) but I am sure you could find some. Probably involves asking tuktuks or hotel staff. Keep in mind though, that virtually all visitors there are Thai so I am not sure how welcomed you would be for this sort of thing.

There is a sweet ladyboy working at the minimart tough

Suddenly I feel the urge for some casino gambling

[nickmanchester2]

Well this works perfectly in other countries so I don't see why it wouldn't in here. Even in the worst case it would be still better than a cramped minivan with no leg room and a crazy driver on ya ice, right?

Last minivan ride the driver was wild and red eyed on an overnight gig. I asked him something at a rest stop and he just stared at me. Strangest unblinking red eyes I have encountered for awhile. Still remember the stare. He did not say anything the entire trip. I remember the guy riding shotgun asking him in the middle of the night when everyone was sleeping if he wanted to stop for a coffee or something. No response. I also rested my head on the ladies breast that was sitting against me during that trip.

ok

[wump]

Hey, if anyone is interested, I will have to go again soon. My visa sticker says ENTER BEFORE 16th of April so I would have to leave by the 15th. Apparently you can go on the last day but I don't want to risk it. 13th-15th is Songkran so I guess I should go on the 12th latest. I only need another 3 months so I could go as early as on the 5th of April or so. If anyone wants to come along, please let me know here or send a PM.

Total real cost (fuel plus rental) will be, not including Cambo visa.:

1 extra person 1,100 baht return each

2 extra persons 700 baht return each

3 extra persons 550 baht return each

I am driving, if you would like to drive then no problem, but then I would ask whoever is driving to sign for it at the rental place to avoid any problems afterwards.

[wump]

Okay, seeing there is already a Phuket ride sharing group with over 700 members I created one for Pattaya. Just add yourself and post any rides you have, thanks! Let's see if we can reach the number of Phuket members

Pattaya Visa Run Ride Sharing Group

Edited March 31, 2014 by MaikB84

[seasia]

Hi Maik

I`ll ask on here so as to keep what I think is an excellent idea going but what time( of day ) do you leave Pattaya ?

My visa expires 15th April and was going to go on the 12th, same reason as you, just before/at Songkran.

A little earlier would also be OK, 5th would be fine.

If you are not settting off very early in the morning, I`d most likely be interested.

I was going to book a taxi, which I have done before, but would rather share a ride, no interest in driving myself.

Thanks and Well Done for persevering, good idea.

[marinediscoking]

Hi Miak,

I have been doing this for years. Before I would rent a car like you leave at noon and get back by around 9pm. I could never find anyone who wanted to share the cost and it is much better than the crazy cramped mini vans. I was going to go again around april 15th but decided to fly to Cambodia instead and avoid some of the songran. On air asia it is 4800 return so not much more and avoiding the water.

It is very good you started the ride share!

[wump]

Last time we were a bit late and left at 14.30. I thought the border closes at 6pm so we had to rush a bit. Arrived there at 17.55 only to be told that the border closes at 10pm daily. We were actually going to stay overnight to avoid the "you leave on the same day and pay money"-scam but everything was fully booked so we just went back... didn't have to pay anything extra.

I would say let's leave on the 12th about 14:00? Sounds good? Or do you want to leave earlier?