Questions about trip to the US

[Sheryl]

Might help to know what type of phone you have.

Mine is a Samsung Galaxy Win and no problem at all using a US SIM.

[Pinot]

Getting insurance can double the cost you see online. Make sure you get all the financial details. Some credit cards reduce that insurance cost.

I grabbed a sim at the AT& T store. They're all over the place. They installed it in my iPhone. Get a data program so you can use the online map programs instead of renting a GPS at $10 a day. Think I paid about $60 for a 30 day all in phone program.

[Monkey Fish]

Ur thai sim will work but roaming charges are high

check out,

http://www.usasims.com/

That site has an informative faq. Including "GSM 900/1800 are the cellphone frequencies used in most of the world. GSM 850/1900 are the cellphone frequencies used primarily in North America. Please make sure that your cellphone has either GSM 850 or GSM 1900 so it will work in the USA."

My phone (i-mobile IQ II) has micro sims and GSM 900/1800. But also - WCDMA 850/2100 MHz - LTE 1800/2100 MHz

[Monkey Fish]

check out,

http://www.usasims.com/

I just sent them an email, but it couldn't be delivered. "A message that you sent could not be delivered to one or more of its recipients. This is a permanent error. " Not a good sign.

[gk10002000]

Reminder that texting on your phone is against California law. Talking on your phone is against California law unless it is a hands free device. So be careful if you have a smartphone or other device and you poke at it and bring up directions, maps, etc while holding it.

[islandguy]

My personal experiences:

Never had problems with a Thai drivers license.

You should be able to stay with your family when you are faced with the Citizens/Aliens lines at Immigration. I have done so. Some of the the officers are pretty irritating (or downright rude). Keep that Thai smile on your face at all times and just answer questions as asked without going into back stories and unnecessary details.

Enterprise in LA was pretty good for price and service. Some pretty dodgy off brand cheapo companies in the area.

Most hotels in the airport area have airport pickup or are serviced by shuttles (check). Might save a days rental, and you will be groggy after the flight so not a good time to jump into traffic.

Kept telling my wife to remind me to drive like a little old lady. We develop bad habits here.

Try to get insurance coverage by using a major (US) credit card. Know before you get there what you will do.

Data roaming can really add up. Really try to get a handle on how to prevent the sometimes huge amounts people pay while abroad (and yes, this can happen in the States). This doesn't even get into calls and texts. One option (haven't tried it myself) is to rent a 12V or battery operated router with a data package installed. This will let everyone in the family use wifi (at the same time) so can use LINE, Skype, maps, etc. See if the car company rents them? You can keep your Thai phone with or without roaming but don't answer calls, just call them back on Skype. You would still be paying to receive texts (SMS).

My wife was enraptured with America's beautiful natural parks, give them some time. But the first time, driving up to what used to be the Griffith Observatory (now a very educational astronomy science center) and the adjacent famous Hollywood sign was one of the highlights of the trip for her. Have a great time!

[Monkey Fish]

Reminder that texting on your phone is against California law. Talking on your phone is against California law unless it is a hands free device. So be careful if you have a smartphone or other device and you poke at it and bring up directions, maps, etc while holding it.

Good advice.

Maybe I'll just have wetware installed at the AT&T shop.

[Monkey Fish]

My personal experiences:

Never had problems with a Thai drivers license.

You should be able to stay with your family when you are faced with the Citizens/Aliens lines at Immigration. I have done so. Some of the the officers are pretty irritating (or downright rude). Keep that Thai smile on your face at all times and just answer questions as asked without going into back stories and unnecessary details.

Enterprise in LA was pretty good for price and service. Some pretty dodgy off brand cheapo companies in the area.

Most hotels in the airport area have airport pickup or are serviced by shuttles (check). Might save a days rental, and you will be groggy after the flight so not a good time to jump into traffic.

Kept telling my wife to remind me to drive like a little old lady. We develop bad habits here.

Try to get insurance coverage by using a major (US) credit card. Know before you get there what you will do.

Data roaming can really add up. Really try to get a handle on how to prevent the sometimes huge amounts people pay while abroad (and yes, this can happen in the States). This doesn't even get into calls and texts. One option (haven't tried it myself) is to rent a 12V or battery operated router with a data package installed. This will let everyone in the family use wifi (at the same time) so can use LINE, Skype, maps, etc. See if the car company rents them? You can keep your Thai phone with or without roaming but don't answer calls, just call them back on Skype. You would still be paying to receive texts (SMS).

My wife was enraptured with America's beautiful natural parks, give them some time. But the first time, driving up to what used to be the Griffith Observatory (now a very educational astronomy science center) and the adjacent famous Hollywood sign was one of the highlights of the trip for her. Have a great time!

Thanks Islandguy. Immigration lines. You're answering a question I didn't even know to ask. Cheers.

[just_Elaine]

Many times, I have found that the in town price for car rentals are cheaper than rentals at the airport. However, it is not as convenient so it takes more time and planning normally, but I thought I would mention it since it could save you some money.

[just_Elaine]

Oh, also as soneone else mentioned, use a credit card that has collision and theft coverage for your auto rental.

[Monkey Fish]

Thank you just_Elain.

[ricklev]

Your will all likely suffer extreme shock at the lack of bum guns (as I did upon return to the USA).

Perhaps stock up on a few of these before you leave?

http://m.alibaba.com/product/60099666552/Fullrain-The-Bum-Gun-Travel-Bidet.html

Edited February 25, 2016 by ricklev

[Monkey Fish]

Your will all likely suffer extreme shock at the lack of bum guns (as I did upon return to the USA).

Perhaps stock up on a few of these before you leave?

http://m.alibaba.com/product/60099666552/Fullrain-The-Bum-Gun-Travel-Bidet.html

Another question that I had not thought to ask. Thank you ricklev.

My plan is to introduce TP to my children as the backward, cultural practice of a xenophobic, closed-minded people.

But I like that the box has illustrations. For all the people that buy a "portable bidet" but don't know what to do with it.

[ricklev]

Greatest country that god ever made and we can't properly clean ourselves after defecating. Go figure!

[Plumtuck]

As far as the licensing and rental guidelines for driving, I think that is different for each state. (At least according to this https://www.usa.gov/visitors-driving which has some more info)

[BKKdreaming]

Take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel ,

then you may need to take it back to the airport and get the rent a car shuttle to their lot ,

The area around the airport (Inglewood) Century Blvd is iffy and not the place to be walking around ,

Sepulveda blvd north of the airport is Westchester and that area is decent and has an In and Out burger

Sepulveda blvd south of the airport is El Segundo amd Manhattan beach , both very nice

2 miles south of the Airport on Sepluveda / Rosecrans are good stores like Best Buys and Frys , Apple store etc to get phones etc

Closest full size Walmart is 10 miles South on the 405 freeway - 19503 Normandie Ave, Torrance and the Goodyear blimp is near there too

Phones : T mobile and ATT use sim cards so if your phone is 4 band GSM it should work : , but if you are buying a few cheap phones get one on Verizon too in case you end up in a dead zone .

Download gasbuddy for local fuel prices and sigalert for the Freeway traffic from the playstore

Immigration lines are LONG.....and there is a 7-11 when you get out of Immigration at Tom Bradley terminal

make sure your Thai debit card works international , not all do

anything else ?

Edited February 25, 2016 by BKKdreaming

[canathai8]

I hope that your Thai wife will be okay with the X-tra large portions of American-style food served..

Uh, Never mind, the eight pounds will melt off once she lands back at Swampy..

Signed,

Thai Food

[Monkey Fish]

Thanks BKKdreaming! Lots of good info.

[Shot]

I hope you have a great trip.

[CNXBKKMAN]

I only wanted mobile internet on a recent visit the USA. Sims were available at LAX in the arrival hall of the Tom Bradley terminal. Nothing like Thailand where you can even pick up a free one. Including data they cost more than usd100. I waited till I left the airport. A Tmobile sim cost either $5 or $8( can't remember exactly I was converting dollar costs in GBP and THB) at Best Buy and the cheapest data plan was about $11 for a week. It worked fine.

Check out Alamo car hire and select Alamo gold if you want a good car hire. Whoever you go with look at the luggage space guidelines .A Minivan may well fit everybody but some of them have very little luggage space. If you have taken the time to see exactly what insurance is included before you arrive and you are happy you can ignore all the counter staffs upsell spiel and pressure.

[JimGant]

I also expect that officers will greet me warmly, enjoy our conversation, and send me off without a blemish on my record.

Are you black? If so, best watch this Chris Rock tutorial (the latter part has the driving tips).

[Lancashirelad]

For car rental saves time to use comparision sites instead of spending hours checking individual co's. Just google "car rental comparison", I've used one called Argus before.

Be sure to read all small print carefully re what is/is not included.

Best to use a co. that sends you out with a full tank of gas, but sure you fill it at a cheap station near the airport (see gasbuddy) before returning or they will charge a fortune.

If you need a satnav some co's charge a fortune for this too.

For top $ zero liability insurance that the desk will try to sell you if you didn't already include - again, a fortune, buy it independantly online at a fraction of the cost.

If it will accept the booking being made from here netflights dot com include 0 liability.

I'm English, currently in LOS but rented in Michigan twice recently.

[Monkey Fish]

Do seats have charging facilities on planes these days? I'm thinking of kid's iPads.

Do planes have wi-fi?

It's been a few years since I flew. I used a classic 20Gb iPod when I came here.

[Sheryl]

Depends on the flight. I usually go by Korean Air, has electrical outlets but not WiFi.

[Monkey Fish]

I forgot to mention that I'm flying EVA.

[mogandave]

How long are you going to be there? How old are the kids? If you need car seats you might be cheaper to buy them.

Mini-van will twice as much as a nice intermediate.

When you return, drop the family and the luggage at Bradley, then drop the car and take the shuttle back.

I like Avis, but defiantly shop prices.

[Ace of Pop]

Alamo is good too.Some nice renters, very new too.

[livinthailandos]

Some new and old information

Immigration

Lots of airports now have a machine you use to check your passport at immigration, you'll also answer a few questions on the machine as well. Process is easy and have found people Willing to help out.

Customs - you should get a US customs form while on the plane that you'll need to fill out. It will be used to give customs

Money exchange

- do due it at the airport, many times the banks in the US wont change currency

Rental cars

- you should contact enterprise or other rent a car companies direct to ask about your thai license, car insurance is required by law though, also check about out of state driving with there car,

- do rent the car only with a credit card if you use a debit card they will withhold about $200.

Driving

-school zones remember that they are on in the morning and afternoon, do not text in those areas and do not speed as well.

- Stop at red lights, do come to complete stop before you turn right if you don't be prepared to get a ticket because almost everywhere now has cameras attached to the stop lights

- No driving while texting

If your caught speeding tickets are high

- do not drive in the same manner like you drive here in the US, your asking for trouble.

- remember you always have to wear your seatbelt unless you want to be ticketed

- when ambulances are coming do move out of the way unless you want a ticket.

- in the event of an car accident stay put at the scene, you do not want to be charged for a hit and run.

Use Waze app for live traffic conditions it's pretty accurate and free

Media coverage

- everyday be prepared to hear about someone being murdered by a gun and in some cases hear about another college, school kids being killed by a gun

- you always see lots of advertisements on TV for Viagra and for some disease you've never heard of or ad for a lawyer talking g about who to sue and for what

- remember people in the US are very patriotic about there country so best to avoid certain discussion including guns and politics. Do assume most Americans have never lived overseas so most people cannot relate to your experience.

Debit cards and credit cards

- good luck using your debit card with banks to withdraw money, just before I left all banks now in the USA implemented a new system where all debit cards must have a chip, if it doesn't your debit card won't work it happened to me ( however my debit card did work to withdraw money at some gas stations and retailers that didn't use a bank atm

- gas stations you cannot use a credit card to buy gas at the pump as the stupid gas stations require a zip code tied to the credit card billing for US credit cards only. Yes you do pump your own gas ( except in Oregon )

Sim cards

I've only used T-Mobile as my carrier as my phone was unlocked and they accepted it. In the past at&t would not take me unless I had a contract, that has changed but they only offer prepaid but the data, voice rates are pretty poor, T-Mobile was expensive at $80 but I got unlimited, talk, text and data, there was no downgrade throttling after 5GB. One month I used 10GB on my phone as still worked just fine

Restaurants

- tipping is self explanatory, US does not have a service charge, by the way I found out restaurants for some reason in the US cannot charge my overseas credit card for the extra amount for tip. I checked my bills and receipt and never showed up.

Bad areas

Use crimereport to check. The bad places in the US are really bad and definitely don't want to be down those areas at night time. Best you know where to avoid.

The US has no exit immigration so that's a plus. However due note that security procedures are strict and there has been incidents with TSA agents before. Never been threw any myself but it has happened.

Electricity

Due note electricity volts is very different from Thailand. Do not take your electronics from here and plug them into a US electrical socket. Your asking for trouble.

Health insurance

- must have before you go. The US is a horrible country to get sick in with no health insurance.

[Monkey Fish]

Hey everybody,

We just got back from a great trip and I wanted to thank you all again for your advice.

The flights were long and expectedly uncomfortable, but the movie tablets in the seat backs kept the kids entertained. It had been so long since I had flown that I didn't know they would be there. If I had known, I wouldn't have wasted a bunch of time planning on how to entertain the kids on the flight. They never even asked for the ipads.

We lucked out with Payless car rental. Very cheap rate and I just happened to be there at the right time to get a nearly new Grand Caravan with lots of features. When it pulled up beside me I had been resigning myself to selecting between three older POS's. Had we been trapped in one of them for the month it would have been a sour note throughout the trip. But the one we got was great. Moral, if you like gambling, give Payless a try.

Payless was ok with my Thai drivers license, but asked for a US Passport to go with it. Not sure how they would have felt about a foreign passport at that point, but I doubt they turn anybody's money away.

Did not have any interactions with the police, although I did my best by pulling an illegal U'ey in front of Alameda's finest. I did get honked at a couple times on the first day for being too far right in the lane.

Thanks again for the advice regarding car seats. We just needed a booster which I ordered from Amazon before we left and which was waiting for us at the hotel.

Not so much luck with the SIM cards I ordered from ebay. The seller claimed to have sent them regular post so no idea where that fell apart. Ended up getting a burner from Target. But a SIM card for my smart phone would have been more convenient. Next time.

Wi-Fi is everywhere, and it's actually free. Except on the road of course. (By the end of the trip I had figured out that I could use google maps to get directions, then "preview" the directions step by step on the road, while the phone's gps showed where I was on the map.)

We road tripped from San Diego to the Bay area. I had been having second thoughts that this was a waste of a couple days, but it turned out to be time well spent for a group of people that had never seen the US. Of course, the comfortable van was instrumental in this.

Re health insurance: good thing to have. We didn't. And I brought the latest bug with us on the plane ("You're welcome!"). The whole family was pretty sick the first week. I brought two of my kids to Urgent Care during that time. $600 and $900 for what would have been a few thousand baht at most here in Thailand.

Thanks again.

Edited April 16, 2016 by Monkey Fish

[CWMcMurray]

Sounds good

Only thing would add, is next time buy travel health insurance.

I think I paid only a few Thousand baht for a family of 4...

Would have saved you the 1500 USD