My go-to in Pattaya (Na Kluea) is Let's Hyde. Depending on season, about $45/night. A garden oasis in an urban environment. It's on the north fring of Pattaya. Close to the crazy, but just out of it. 😊 Pro tip... Western Union USD to THB to yourself, as opposed to carrying enroute or using an ATM upon arrival. I bring about $1k, then use the Robinson Dept store in Asoke, BKK to transfer the bulk of the cash I want in country. They're a WU agent (BKK Sukhumvit Soi 17, Pattaya has WU agents as well).
The wai is also a must do if the thai person seems upset for any reason with you, use it and the response as you say, is they immediately respond with a wai back and calm down. Saves a punch in the face lol
For a 30 day stay in Thailand you do NOT need a visa on arrival! You will automatically get a 30 day permission to stay stamp put in your passport at immigration. A VOA is something completely different.
The irony is the better you get at speaking Thai the harder it can be to communicate with Thai people sometimes. If you reach a certain level of proficiency Thais will assume you understand them when they speak to you and it is very difficult to understand Thai when spoken quickly. I do suggest learning the basics in Thai because they appreciate it when you make an effort to talk in their language but make it obvious when talking with them that you are not a master of speaking Thai and they will be more patient with you. There are also several translation devices you can buy today that are affordable and make it very easy to communicate with Thais and also learn their language at the same time. Bringing one of those with you would be a good idea when visiting the country.
I can relate. I lived in South Korea for 10 years and knew a lot of Korean words and phrases, but when it came to conversations, I was about as dumb as a box of rocks. I always said "I can speak a little of your language."
I used Google Translate... sent quite a few text messages by translating English to Thai and the reverse. Used the conversation feature in stores and restaurants. Great tool!
Great video Tom! All advice is right on the mark. I just stayed at the TJ hotel in jomtien, next door to the D Varee. 79 dollars for two nights. I was shocked at the pillow top mattress. Excellent hotel.
That's true and worse, during certain times of the year air quality is so high, that is not recommended to go outside. I think Chiang Rai set a new world record last year which is not a good thing. Thank you for your input.
All the zooms between cuts hurt my eyes - maybe consider a softer transition style? Thank you for all your advice and lessons. I feel like I learn a lot.
Highly recommend a Charles Schwab checking account. No international or exchage fees at ATMs. You get it reimbursed every month. Only drawback is no cash deposits
I also have a Charles Schwab account but unfortunately my debit card has never worked even though I’ve contacted Charles Schwab repeatedly. I have other friends that use this account with no problems. So it’s definitely a good option. Thanks for the advice.
@@gregsmitz6310 I’m actually on my third card. When I contact the customer service, they always tell me wait a few days to let the system update. I’ve heard this at least five different times, the last time I was in St. Louis I visited a local Charles Schwab office. They told me the issue was because I was in Thailand. I told them I had many acquaintances that use their debit card in Thailand with no problem. They showed me in their user agreement that their card is not authorized for use in Thailand. At that point, I just gave up and figured their service wasn’t for me. Now I use a Chase Southwest Airlines card with zero transaction fees as well. Though I still maintain a Charles Schwab account. For the people that have this account it’s definitely a good thing and will save you a lot of money in the long run if it works for you.
1. What is the voltage at the wall outlets in Thailand? 220 volts? 2. Mexican Border towns love the US Dollar.. taken always. When in England never saw US currency except in donation buckets such as Canterbury Cathedral otherwise Pounds always. How in Thailand?
Good vlog. I live in UK, no longer travel to USA, Europe, Australia, and other due costs . Thailand I can get quality accommodation for a few bucks. Good food few bucks, women up to me, but a few bucks. Live the dream
Hello Tom.....nice informative video. What are your thoughts if I brought Thai baht currency as well as US currency. I know the exchange rate might be better once there....But are there any issues if both are brought?? Thank you
Quick question. If you come for a month with a throwaway ticket reserved for within 30 days, but you want to extend, can you extend for another 30 days and do that twice for a total of 90 days?
If you want to learn the culture, there are 3 different ways to wai. Kids you dont wai, same as service people. People on yourlevel you wai at your chin. Elder people you wai at the nose. People in power you should raise the wai and you will get a low wai back. There is no need to bow. When I first came over I just bowed. Now I tend to wai, it's fun to learn as you go. Just something so simple can be a minefield. Dont step on money. that's the foot touching the Kings head. I know I did that. Got verbally abused by some good friends for doing so. Mind you if a Thai is about to lose a thousand baht because its windy, they will have no problem standing on it. Horses for courses. Do not upset Thai people would be my main advice. Treat everyone with respect. Do not think you are above anyone because a punch in the mouth can hurt.
Where can I find big men's clothes? I am a big chubby guy and Im looking to buy some clothes to bring back to Australia. Do you recommend a place in either Bangkok or Phuket?
In all honesty, there's tailors on every street in the major cities. I would Google them and find out which ones have the best reputations through the reviews. We have a place in Pattaya called Houston Tailor's that are known for their excellence in quality. maps.app.goo.gl/CaxnQzG9WXnhuSmUA I wish I could give you specifics for Bangkok or Phuket but I just don't know the tailors in those areas. Thanks for your comment
I probably haven’t given that fair review. The one thing I can say is I always use the same towel all week long maybe that’s my contribution to the ecosystem. Thanks for the input.
While traveling, what are your have to have items?
Games on my phone that I can play without being connected so I can play on the flight!
Great idea, Thanks for the input.
YOU JUST CONVEY HAPPINESS AND CONTENTMENT IN EVERY VIDEO ON THAILAND. GOOD LUCK AMIGO....FROM BOLIVIA
Thank you so much 😀 You are right, Thailand keeps me on a high so to speak. 😃😃😃
Well done to you, you explain excellently, an excellent video and give good tips, you are a kind person 🌹❤🙏🙏❤🌹
Thank you so much.
Enjoying this one a 2nd time around ! Looks like I will be able to get over there sometime in the fall for my 1st visit !
Excellent let me know when you’re in town.
Probably the best advice you will find on TH-cam re Thailand.
You're to kind, Thank you
@@MargaritasinParadise No, just truthful. Check your email from ZV sender.
@@MargaritasinParadise No, just being truthful. Check your mail from sender ZV.
Thank you
Great info!!! This is what watchers are looking for the basics!!! Keep it coming!!!
Thanks! Will do!
My go-to in Pattaya (Na Kluea) is Let's Hyde. Depending on season, about $45/night. A garden oasis in an urban environment. It's on the north fring of Pattaya. Close to the crazy, but just out of it. 😊
Pro tip... Western Union USD to THB to yourself, as opposed to carrying enroute or using an ATM upon arrival. I bring about $1k, then use the Robinson Dept store in Asoke, BKK to transfer the bulk of the cash I want in country. They're a WU agent (BKK Sukhumvit Soi 17, Pattaya has WU agents as well).
Thanks for sharing! I've seen Let's Hyde, but never have stopped in. I will check it out. Thanks for the tip on Western Union, great info
The wai is also a must do if the thai person seems upset for any reason with you, use it and the response as you say, is they immediately respond with a wai back and calm down. Saves a punch in the face lol
Great point
what a cool shirt
Thank you
For a 30 day stay in Thailand you do NOT need a visa on arrival! You will automatically get a 30 day permission to stay stamp put in your passport at immigration. A VOA is something completely different.
Great information, thanks for the updates.
Big T, thanx again my man !!
No problem 👍 Thanks for the comment
Great stuff!😊
Thanks so much
The irony is the better you get at speaking Thai the harder it can be to communicate with Thai people sometimes. If you reach a certain level of proficiency Thais will assume you understand them when they speak to you and it is very difficult to understand Thai when spoken quickly. I do suggest learning the basics in Thai because they appreciate it when you make an effort to talk in their language but make it obvious when talking with them that you are not a master of speaking Thai and they will be more patient with you. There are also several translation devices you can buy today that are affordable and make it very easy to communicate with Thais and also learn their language at the same time. Bringing one of those with you would be a good idea when visiting the country.
That's a great option as well. I personally like the free apps that are available most phones today. Thanks for your advice.
I can relate. I lived in South Korea for 10 years and knew a lot of Korean words and phrases, but when it came to conversations, I was about as dumb as a box of rocks. I always said "I can speak a little of your language."
I think this stance applies to most foreigners in general, most want to learn they just don’t. Haha
I used Google Translate... sent quite a few text messages by translating English to Thai and the reverse. Used the conversation feature in stores and restaurants. Great tool!
Nice, great input.
Great video Tom! All advice is right on the mark. I just stayed at the TJ hotel in jomtien, next door to the D Varee. 79 dollars for two nights. I was shocked at the pillow top mattress. Excellent hotel.
Thanks for sharing
Great information thank you
Very welcome, thanks for the comment
While air quality reading of 50 may seem ok in Thailand it is already double the acceptable world standard!
That's true and worse, during certain times of the year air quality is so high, that is not recommended to go outside. I think Chiang Rai set a new world record last year which is not a good thing. Thank you for your input.
Great advice man 👍 Thank you.
You bet! Thank you for the comment
Another great vid!
Thanks again! I appreciate your help so much in many of the channel comments.
All the zooms between cuts hurt my eyes - maybe consider a softer transition style? Thank you for all your advice and lessons. I feel like I learn a lot.
Great advice, I will definitely look at the transitions. Thanks for the comment.
Highly recommend a Charles Schwab checking account. No international or exchage fees at ATMs. You get it reimbursed every month. Only drawback is no cash deposits
I also have a Charles Schwab account but unfortunately my debit card has never worked even though I’ve contacted Charles Schwab repeatedly. I have other friends that use this account with no problems. So it’s definitely a good option. Thanks for the advice.
@@MargaritasinParadise strange, maybe need a new card because people have used before in Thailand.
@@gregsmitz6310 I’m actually on my third card. When I contact the customer service, they always tell me wait a few days to let the system update. I’ve heard this at least five different times, the last time I was in St. Louis I visited a local Charles Schwab office. They told me the issue was because I was in Thailand. I told them I had many acquaintances that use their debit card in Thailand with no problem. They showed me in their user agreement that their card is not authorized for use in Thailand. At that point, I just gave up and figured their service wasn’t for me. Now I use a Chase Southwest Airlines card with zero transaction fees as well. Though I still maintain a Charles Schwab account. For the people that have this account it’s definitely a good thing and will save you a lot of money in the long run if it works for you.
1. What is the voltage at the wall outlets in Thailand? 220 volts?
2. Mexican Border towns love the US Dollar.. taken always. When in England never saw US currency except in donation buckets such as Canterbury Cathedral otherwise Pounds always. How in Thailand?
The outlets are 220 volts and in Thailand they use the Thai baht for their currency.
Thank you for information
You are welcome
Good vlog.
I live in UK, no longer travel to USA, Europe, Australia, and other due costs .
Thailand I can get quality accommodation for a few bucks.
Good food few bucks, women up to me, but a few bucks.
Live the dream
Exactly, in Thailand your money definitely goes further
How long is the visa on arrival….I’m thinking of going there on my way to the Philippines…..
30 days for most countries
Hello Tom.....nice informative video. What are your thoughts if I brought Thai baht currency as well as US currency. I know the exchange rate might be better once there....But are there any issues if both are brought?? Thank you
I don't think there's any issues at all as long as they don't exceed a combination of 10,000 US dollars.
Quick question. If you come for a month with a throwaway ticket reserved for within 30 days, but you want to extend, can you extend for another 30 days and do that twice for a total of 90 days?
Yes I believe you can but double check the Thailand website for clarification.
I think only 30 day extension.
Why buy a throw away ticket ?
Why not use it. Get away to Vietnam for a few days then come back.
That's a great point. There's lots of options.
If you want to learn the culture, there are 3 different ways to wai.
Kids you dont wai, same as service people. People on yourlevel you wai at your chin. Elder people you wai at the nose. People in power you should raise the wai and you will get a low wai back.
There is no need to bow.
When I first came over I just bowed. Now I tend to wai, it's fun to learn as you go.
Just something so simple can be a minefield.
Dont step on money. that's the foot touching the Kings head.
I know I did that. Got verbally abused by some good friends for doing so.
Mind you if a Thai is about to lose a thousand baht because its windy, they will have no problem standing on it.
Horses for courses.
Do not upset Thai people would be my main advice. Treat everyone with respect.
Do not think you are above anyone because a punch in the mouth can hurt.
Great information, thank you
At immigration when l go Thailand I was not ask where I was going to stay , at immigration just need to see a return or onward ticket.
Thank you so much for the update.
@@MargaritasinParadise your welcome all the best
You too
Fyi TM6 is gone no longer need address where staying
Thanks for the update
Pointing fingers at others is bad behavior in every culture, and you should also take into account that 3 fingers are pointing at yourself.
Great point
Google wai to learn how to use correctly. Like older doesn't wai younger
Great information, thank you
What is the voltage in Thailand? I see you have a 110 volt extension cord.
Thailand system operates on a 220 system
@@MargaritasinParadise I'm not an electrician, but how does your cord work in Thailand?
I'm not an electrician either. But apparently the gauge of the wires no problem and the plug fits all receptacles.
But I'm sure you can buy a 220 extension cord if you wanted. I have used the same cord for over 20 years all over the world, not a problem.
Where can I find big men's clothes? I am a big chubby guy and Im looking to buy some clothes to bring back to Australia. Do you recommend a place in either Bangkok or Phuket?
In all honesty, there's tailors on every street in the major cities. I would Google them and find out which ones have the best reputations through the reviews. We have a place in Pattaya called Houston Tailor's that are known for their excellence in quality. maps.app.goo.gl/CaxnQzG9WXnhuSmUA
I wish I could give you specifics for Bangkok or Phuket but I just don't know the tailors in those areas. Thanks for your comment
@@MargaritasinParadise thanks mate. Good video you made. Hope I bump into you on my trip in January.
Sounds good, I hope to meet you then
Dude, she WAS a freelancer! Wise up 😂
Thanks for your input
You can actually bring 20000 into Thailand
Thanks for the input
Legally? The limit is $10K and have to be declared as far as I know.
Google it
It appears US$20,000 or more has to be declared when entering Thailand. Thanks for the info.
Leaving your key card in while you're away to run the air conditioning isn't good for your eco-balance
I probably haven’t given that fair review. The one thing I can say is I always use the same towel all week long maybe that’s my contribution to the ecosystem. Thanks for the input.
First
You are Awesome!
Remember, leave your heart at the airport... Not your brain 🧠🧠.
Great point, I may use these words in a future video. Thanks
@@MargaritasinParadise you should, I probably heard it somewhere anyway.
Haha