I live in south Florida and spend a lot of time in Thailand and Bangkok specifically. Climate wise May in Bangkok is like August in Palm Beach. So if you can handle south Florida in the summer you can handle anywhere in Thailand. Hot and humid 😅 a wonderful thing. That’s why night markets and giant multi level malls are so popular in Bangkok.
Im sitting here eating my Sunrise Tacos carne asada burrito “San Diego style” as i watch your video.. Good stuff (both the burrito and the video, ha).. Re the heat & humidity- i am originally from New Orleans, and spent many years living in Houston & in Florida.. the weather in Bangkok, to me, is *identical* to those places , except that in Bkk you tend to do much more walking (w/the possible exception of NOLA/French Quarter).. but even though im used to it, the older one gets, the harder it is to take .. ive only been here in Bkk for a couple months, but- other than a twice weekly run at Benchikitti Park at 10 or 11am (when the locals look at me like im a taco short of a combination plate)- my new strategy to avoid the heat is simply to not leave my condo during the day.. i still work, mostly remotely from home, so it’s pretty easy to stay in my condo- but as i told the current woman i am seeing here - from now on, in the immortal words of Hall & Oates- “i only come out at night .”
Something no RUclipsrs ever mentions is that some people unbeknownst to them turn out to be hyper sensitive to mosquito bites. I found this out myself despite taking all the precautions of immunizations, insect repellent , baggy clothes covering most of my skin, which is not easy in that heat. I spent a lot of time in my condo putting on calamine lotion and taking anti-histamine. Showering multiple times a day and washing and changing clothes throughout the day. And this is from someone who has no problem with mosquito bites in the west.
I think I've been bitten twice in about 3 years. I never even thought about it. Do you live very close to a klong or the river? I hope that all works out.
@@innercynic2784I learned somewhere that consuming a lot of sodium will attract more mosquitos. Which made sense. I try to avoid too sweet and too salty things for health reason and I've become less of a target. My mom however, she's like a lightning rod.
Hi brother! It's easy to get a new American passport in Bangkok. Americans have to have an appointment which you get through the Embassy website. So, you can just show up a few minutes before your appointment and go in. That line you see are foreigners trying to get an American visa. I lived in Surat Thani so I needed to buy a Thai Post envelop and the Bangkok Embassy sent it to me.
In the UK and Australia, there is a company called TJ MAXX so the TJ MAXX-USA had to change their name to TK MAXX. In Australia, BURGER KING-USA had to change its name to HUNGRY JACK'S because a Burger King restaurant was already trademarked there.
I live in Vegas and why anyone would think the hot tropical humidity Thai weather would be like the hot dry desert has no idea. Thailand is closer to Louisiana weather wise. Which I have many years of experience with.
It's hard to find 36" waist even here in the US - they sell out fast. My brother who lives in Thailand will bring his old clothes back to the US and give to charity, then buy new clothes to take back. Otherwise, I bring him a small supply of whatever he needs when I visit (not just clothes), also his new credit cards. Haven't used it, but BCBS has/had Globalcore which has arrangements with various hospitals in Thailand. There are two standards, don't remember the actual names, but assume how billing and payment are done and what is covered. You need an international driver's license (good for one year), plus your country license to drive in Thailand (both must have motorcycle to drive one). If you live in Thailand, best to get their license.
Good tips. Yes if you wear a size 40 waist, that will be hard to find in Thailand. My Blue Cross works perfect here. But, I have the same policy embassy workers have.
Thank you for the helpful hints. Do you get Amazon deliveries at Bangkok?Is there a good english language bookstore that you know of? This is a repeat comment. If you received the first one my aploigies.
Amazon can be tricky. They charge customs, but oftentimes, the Thai post office will hold it for extra or double customs charge. So I don't use it. Asia Books has many US titles. There is a great used book store near the top of Sukhumvit Soi 28. I forget the name
I'm not sure what your asking. Chaing Wattana is the main immigration office in Bangkok. It's near Don Mueang airport. Google map will get you there on the new train line. I'm not sure what Ahlgenta is
Hey Joe, Andrew here from Vegas. Met you last February at Stellas. Great video, alot of great info. I'll be back for Christmas and New Year. Just wanted to drop a note to you if you need anything from the US hit me up I can bring it for you. I know you were considering a backup cell phone plan from a mvno carrier. US Mobile has a cool service where you can start your plan and pause it until you need to use it. Take care and thanks for a great informative channel.
Some good ideas but….when you try to get a replacement drivers license, passport, or credit card when you tell them its lost or damaged, they will give you a replacement with the same expiration as your old one. This is from my experience, just to let you know.
If you tell the bank the credit card was compromised, you get a new number and four to six new years. Passport will also give you a new number at any time and ten years. As long as you pay the fee. The drivers license is hit or miss. Depends on the state. If you add a motorcycle license, often times you get a new expiration date. But, I agree, your miles will vary on everything.
Will most condos do a six month lease if i pay extra? Whats a reasonsble premium for that? Sorry to ask you so many wuestions. You have a great channel and are an awesome help. The international drivers license from AAA saved me from a ticket when I got pulled over driving a motorbike in Phuket
Hey thanks for watching. Most owners want a year long lease. I'd guess maybe 20% will take 6 months. I'm not sure how much more they would want. If asking price is 18,000b you might get a deal at 16,000b on a one year lease. If they ask 18,000 and you offer 6 months, I'd guess 20,000b will get it done. I doubt you will get a deal on most 6 month contracts.
Hey Joe, I was trying to follow along the best I could, but could not quite grasp it. How do you receive two factor authentication codes (for digit numbers) from a bank or brokerage account you may have in the US. It is on your US phone that you are using on Wi-fi? Out of all the things you have ever spoken about I have never been able to really figure it out. Just so you know with my accounts if I can't get two factor authentication codes on my phone when I retire in Thailand that is a real problem for me. Thanks in advance.
Yes, I asked Navy Federal and Fidelity. They won't do a 2 step to a Thai number. But it will send a text when my US number is in wifi calling. Experiment from home. Many places are now doing a 2 step on email now. But, the US number is handy.
I'd guess they will sell you anything. Most of us are on basic plans. Pick a basic plan, maybe 500b a month. Give them a 100 bucks. That might get you almost a year. No need to mess with a $10 bill each month
A SIM is good for as long as you topup regularly. It's the plan that is more important. You can get a 30 day plan that renews automatically, don't know if you can get a year long plan. You can dial a number on your phone to discontinue plan (at least with AIS company).
I could never get Line to work on my US number when traveling in Thailand or back here in the US. I've read that all US numbers are blocked. Have you ever heard that?
@@EagerExpat did you download your LINE app in America or Asia because there are two different versions and you cannot download the Asian one in America
Thank you for the video. Do you get Amazon deliveries in Bangkok?Are there any good english book stores in Bangkok? May be you could mail your sim card to a relative in The U.S, have them mak a few phone calls and mail it back to you. That should reset it for a while?
@@doidoi5762 Amazon can be an issue with customs. Amazon is suppose to charge the fee. Then the Thai post office often charges customs a second time. You might save $40 on Amazon on a $150 item. Then you pay $20 customs fees to Amazon and $20 to the Thai post office. Plus, it could take 15 days to get the package. As far as mailing the SIM. A normal letter might take 30 days each way. A FedEx from the US to Thailand is really expensive. I think my buddy paid close to a $100. Double that fee. But, yes, that's an option.
I maybe misunderstanding, but my Thai friend calls my US phone on WhatsApp with no problem. Any good dive sites you like? I did Sail Rock in Koh Phangan. And if you’re ever in Key West do the Vandenberg.
Yes, What's App works fine. The problem is older folks in the US that don't understand how to use an app. I think I was talking about Wi-Fi calling. That doesn't work with a Thai number to a US number. What's app will. Sail Rock is a nice dive.
@@EagerExpat I just hope it doesn’t go lower like it usually does during high season I am worrying it might go down to 30 or 29 even for my next trip over.
All the commentary is exactly the details that everyone thinks about. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for the comment. I'm glad it may help
Great tips, thanks. Your channel is enjoyable and helpful, no click bait needed.
I appreciate that. I hope my small tips can help someone
Thumbs up 👍 Khun Joe
Thanks for the visit
Thanks for the brilliant advice. I’m going to Bangkok next week and this info is very useful, thanks again.
Have a great trip. I'm glad I could help a little.
Shower with a citronella soap - that will help to serve as a natural deterrent.
Great information and wonderful insights!
Glad it was helpful
I live in south Florida and spend a lot of time in Thailand and Bangkok specifically. Climate wise May in Bangkok is like August in Palm Beach. So if you can handle south Florida in the summer you can handle anywhere in Thailand. Hot and humid 😅 a wonderful thing. That’s why night markets and giant multi level malls are so popular in Bangkok.
Yes, coming from that Florida you had a big head start.
Great view across the way bud.
Can’t wait to Get Back.
Get back soon. It's a great city
@@EagerExpat👍👍🙏🏻🙏🏻😎
Im sitting here eating my Sunrise Tacos carne asada burrito “San Diego style” as i watch your video.. Good stuff (both the burrito and the video, ha).. Re the heat & humidity- i am originally from New Orleans, and spent many years living in Houston & in Florida.. the weather in Bangkok, to me, is *identical* to those places , except that in Bkk you tend to do much more walking (w/the possible exception of NOLA/French Quarter).. but even though im used to it, the older one gets, the harder it is to take .. ive only been here in Bkk for a couple months, but- other than a twice weekly run at Benchikitti Park at 10 or 11am (when the locals look at me like im a taco short of a combination plate)- my new strategy to avoid the heat is simply to not leave my condo during the day.. i still work, mostly remotely from home, so it’s pretty easy to stay in my condo- but as i told the current woman i am seeing here - from now on, in the immortal words of Hall & Oates- “i only come out at night .”
It sounds like you have adjusted to the weather great. I'm with you. Night is the time to explore this town
Something no RUclipsrs ever mentions is that some people unbeknownst to them turn out to be hyper sensitive to mosquito bites. I found this out myself despite taking all the precautions of immunizations, insect repellent , baggy clothes covering most of my skin, which is not easy in that heat. I spent a lot of time in my condo putting on calamine lotion and taking anti-histamine. Showering multiple times a day and washing and changing clothes throughout the day. And this is from someone who has no problem with mosquito bites in the west.
I think I've been bitten twice in about 3 years. I never even thought about it. Do you live very close to a klong or the river? I hope that all works out.
@@innercynic2784I learned somewhere that consuming a lot of sodium will attract more mosquitos. Which made sense. I try to avoid too sweet and too salty things for health reason and I've become less of a target. My mom however, she's like a lightning rod.
Hi njie. I mean the building with. Agents to help the process. Somewhere near Asok
The building with visa agents is on Sukhumvit Soi 13 The Trendy
Hi brother! It's easy to get a new American passport in Bangkok. Americans have to have an appointment which you get through the Embassy website. So, you can just show up a few minutes before your appointment and go in. That line you see are foreigners trying to get an American visa. I lived in Surat Thani so I needed to buy a Thai Post envelop and the Bangkok Embassy sent it to me.
Good to know. I still have a little over three years on the current passport. Thanks for the tip
Americans can now renew their passport online
In the UK and Australia, there is a company called TJ MAXX so the TJ MAXX-USA had to change their name to TK MAXX. In Australia, BURGER KING-USA had to change its name to HUNGRY JACK'S because a Burger King restaurant was already trademarked there.
Thanks for watching
I live in Vegas and why anyone would think the hot tropical humidity Thai weather would be like the hot dry desert has no idea. Thailand is closer to Louisiana weather wise. Which I have many years of experience with.
Ya. I hear ya. I'm from San Diego. We don't do weather. Ha ha. And I'm used to Bangkok now. It's not that bad. A small price to pay.
It's hard to find 36" waist even here in the US - they sell out fast. My brother who lives in Thailand will bring his old clothes back to the US and give to charity, then buy new clothes to take back. Otherwise, I bring him a small supply of whatever he needs when I visit (not just clothes), also his new credit cards.
Haven't used it, but BCBS has/had Globalcore which has arrangements with various hospitals in Thailand. There are two standards, don't remember the actual names, but assume how billing and payment are done and what is covered.
You need an international driver's license (good for one year), plus your country license to drive in Thailand (both must have motorcycle to drive one). If you live in Thailand, best to get their license.
Good tips. Yes if you wear a size 40 waist, that will be hard to find in Thailand. My Blue Cross works perfect here. But, I have the same policy embassy workers have.
Took my first motorbike taxi ride in Bkk yesterday. Pretty crazy ride! 😂 I would not want to drive here.
It's an organized chaos
Thank you for the helpful hints.
Do you get Amazon deliveries at Bangkok?Is there a good english language bookstore that you know of? This is a repeat comment. If you received the first one my aploigies.
Amazon can be tricky. They charge customs, but oftentimes, the Thai post office will hold it for extra or double customs charge. So I don't use it. Asia Books has many US titles. There is a great used book store near the top of Sukhumvit Soi 28. I forget the name
Joe I mainly just want to know where the building is with I'mMigration ahlgenta which you have mentioned
I'm not sure what your asking. Chaing Wattana is the main immigration office in Bangkok. It's near Don Mueang airport. Google map will get you there on the new train line. I'm not sure what Ahlgenta is
Two weeks and I will be starting my life there. I'll be staying at the Hyatt Place first 3 weeks, while I look for a condo.
That's great. Say hello when you get to town. Maybe grab a drink.
@@EagerExpat Definitely, looking forward to it.
Hey Joe, Andrew here from Vegas. Met you last February at Stellas. Great video, alot of great info. I'll be back for Christmas and New Year. Just wanted to drop a note to you if you need anything from the US hit me up I can bring it for you. I know you were considering a backup cell phone plan from a mvno carrier. US Mobile has a cool service where you can start your plan and pause it until you need to use it. Take care and thanks for a great informative channel.
Hey man, thanks for the offer. I think I'm good. We'll grab a drink at Stella's when you visit.
Some good ideas but….when you try to get a replacement drivers license, passport, or credit card when you tell them its lost or damaged, they will give you a replacement with the same expiration as your old one. This is from my experience, just to let you know.
If you tell the bank the credit card was compromised, you get a new number and four to six new years. Passport will also give you a new number at any time and ten years. As long as you pay the fee. The drivers license is hit or miss. Depends on the state. If you add a motorcycle license, often times you get a new expiration date. But, I agree, your miles will vary on everything.
Will most condos do a six month lease if i pay extra? Whats a reasonsble premium for that? Sorry to ask you so many wuestions. You have a great channel and are an awesome help.
The international drivers license from AAA saved me from a ticket when I got pulled over driving a motorbike in Phuket
Hey thanks for watching. Most owners want a year long lease. I'd guess maybe 20% will take 6 months. I'm not sure how much more they would want. If asking price is 18,000b you might get a deal at 16,000b on a one year lease. If they ask 18,000 and you offer 6 months, I'd guess 20,000b will get it done. I doubt you will get a deal on most 6 month contracts.
Most owners I know require a 3 month minimum
Hey Joe, I was trying to follow along the best I could, but could not quite grasp it. How do you receive two factor authentication codes (for digit numbers) from a bank or brokerage account you may have in the US. It is on your US phone that you are using on Wi-fi? Out of all the things you have ever spoken about I have never been able to really figure it out. Just so you know with my accounts if I can't get two factor authentication codes on my phone when I retire in Thailand that is a real problem for me. Thanks in advance.
Yes, I asked Navy Federal and Fidelity. They won't do a 2 step to a Thai number. But it will send a text when my US number is in wifi calling. Experiment from home. Many places are now doing a 2 step on email now. But, the US number is handy.
Do you happen to know if they are selling a yearly sim card at the airport?
I'd guess they will sell you anything. Most of us are on basic plans. Pick a basic plan, maybe 500b a month. Give them a 100 bucks. That might get you almost a year. No need to mess with a $10 bill each month
A SIM is good for as long as you topup regularly. It's the plan that is more important. You can get a 30 day plan that renews automatically, don't know if you can get a year long plan.
You can dial a number on your phone to discontinue plan (at least with AIS company).
I could never get Line to work on my US number when traveling in Thailand or back here in the US. I've read that all US numbers are blocked. Have you ever heard that?
I'm not an expert, but four years ago I had Line working on my US phone. Maybe they changed the rules?
@@EagerExpat did you download your LINE app in America or Asia because there are two different versions and you cannot download the Asian one in America
Thank you for the video.
Do you get Amazon deliveries in Bangkok?Are there any good english book stores in Bangkok?
May be you could mail your sim card to a relative in The U.S, have them mak a few phone calls and mail it back to you. That should reset it for a while?
@@doidoi5762 Amazon can be an issue with customs. Amazon is suppose to charge the fee. Then the Thai post office often charges customs a second time. You might save $40 on Amazon on a $150 item. Then you pay $20 customs fees to Amazon and $20 to the Thai post office. Plus, it could take 15 days to get the package.
As far as mailing the SIM. A normal letter might take 30 days each way. A FedEx from the US to Thailand is really expensive. I think my buddy paid close to a $100. Double that fee. But, yes, that's an option.
@@EagerExpatLine works on my U.S. phone in both Thailand and U.S.
I maybe misunderstanding, but my Thai friend calls my US phone on WhatsApp with no problem. Any good dive sites you like? I did Sail Rock in Koh Phangan. And if you’re ever in Key West do the Vandenberg.
Yes, What's App works fine. The problem is older folks in the US that don't understand how to use an app. I think I was talking about Wi-Fi calling. That doesn't work with a Thai number to a US number. What's app will. Sail Rock is a nice dive.
Thailand has become a lot more expensive in the last month.
Yes, 37/1 is way better than 33/1. With my US dollars anyhow. Still, 34/1 or 35/1 is more common than 37/1. Hopefully it changes soon.
@@EagerExpat I just hope it doesn’t go lower like it usually does during high season I am worrying it might go down to 30 or 29 even for my next trip over.