Bringing In Electronics

[Zeus 56]

I've traveled LAX- BKK 12 times (through NRT) and I have always found the out bound trip goes fast. There is just so much anticipation of returning to the LOS. Actually the westbound portion is two hours longer than the return, but the anticipation makes it go faster. Just make sure that you have something to keep yourself busy (movies, music, book, sleep). That plane will touch down sooner than you will think.

 

I have to second the advice about bringing a pen! In fact - bring two. My last trip I lost my pen in NRT, and had to borrow one from the passenger sitting next to me before we got to BKK. Not a problem, but it was a hassel.

 

If you plan on repeated trips (even if you don't plan on it - Thailand tends to get you hooked - You will be back) I find that investing in noise cancelling headphones is worth it. While they do not provide absolute silence, they do seem to be designed for the frequencies that a plane generates. Most of the engine noise is eliminated, and it makes your music sound better. Bose (the best known) go for $299 which is a bit too expensive for me, but other headphone mfgs can be had in the $50-$150 range.

 

And finally, This was just a bonus... I picked up this Awesome MP3 player from Sony. About the size of a lighter, and packed with features (NW-E507, $130). Now I don't need to carry CDs, or a CD player for music. This thing has a 50 hr rechargeable battery! I charged it up before I left and It had plenty of power to spare after 4 flights and 3 weeks in Pattaya. I love it! Plus in the LOS, you can pick up MP3 CDs with hundreds of songs on each. For example I got all the albums of the Eagles on one CD for $2.50 (100 baht).

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS...x650/NWE407.jpg

 

Zeus

Edited August 28, 2005 by Zeus

[RaiderFan1 0]

Trust me I have no fixation on ladyboy's what's so ever, I just heard that that Is a Pattaya Initiation from the Vet's out there for a good laugh, that's all and would not want to be apart of that Initiation, LoL, especially being drunk or something. Although I have a great sence of humor so no worries.

[RaiderFan1 0]

Thanx Zeus, great advice. I'm only 30 well In a 16 day's 31, but I am not In this technology world so to speak which I should be. The other day I just found out what an IPod was, I do have a Mac and use It very well, but have never used a PC. So I will ask my bro about those headphones since he's a technology & comp. Wizard. So they will have us fill something out on the plane before arriving to BKK, what Is It. I thought getting a passport and paper work done before that took care of all that. I've never had a passport before so still got to take care of that before I go.

[Firepole 181]

Start working on the passport A.S.A.P. Some airlines won't let you book a ticket without a passport number.

 

The forms they hand out on the plane are simple. "Where are you staying, where are you coming from, return dates and flight number", etc...

[RaiderFan1 0]

But I am not going till Feb. just because Football season will be over then, It shouldn't take that long. I actually downloaded the DS-0011 Form, but got to see If I can just print It out and use that or do I need some special govn't form. Had no clue some Airlines would not make a reservation without a passport # or whatever. Now I know.

[Zeus 56]

Passports can take some time - it all depends on the applicant. The post 9/11 age will have the US doing a background check to validate that you are a US citizen, particularly if this is a first time application and not a renewal. The average time is 6 weeks. There are times when you can have that sped up ( if you have a near term flight ), but why risk it? Start now. Here's a quick lick for first time applicants of USA passports:

 

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html

 

Thailand has a 30 day tourist visa program for US (and many other countrys) that allows visas to be issued immediately at the airport (as opposed to getting one from the Thai consulate). The information filled out on the plane is the entry and departure card associated with that visa. It is basic info, and most of it is on your passport already.

 

cenctm is right about the airline reservations. Most major airlines require a passport #. Start now.

 

The good thing is that US passports are good for 10 years, so you won't have to apply again for a while. And renewals are easy - you can mail them in!

 

Zeus

Edited August 28, 2005 by Zeus

[RaiderFan1 0]

Once again thanx, I had no idea It involved alot or some time to get one. I've only read alil about It, but thought I could get one In a matter of day's or so though or actually within a week. I did figure the post 9/11 would be alil more time or paper work, but I will get started right now so I can book everything together. Did not know Airlines needed passport Info. even to get on the plane. Got some good deal quotes, but none of em even mentioned a passport # or anything, but I'm sure you guy's know. Since I know for sure I'd qualify for getting a passport and WoW, good for 10yrs. Another question that I have Is can I get a visa for longer maybe like 2 months or so just to be on the safe side, cause I usually go where the wind takes me and may want to stay a lil longer. I just love havin fun way to much. Maybe I should start a new thread, but got every answer that I need here, so I'll just stay so I can PDF the whole thing as one. Thanx for all your help guy's and I owe you one, two, three, Ten, Twenty.

 

[Eneukman 1]

Once again thanx, I had no idea It involved alot or some time to get one. I've only read alil about It, but thought I could get one In a matter of day's or so though or actually within a week. I did figure the post 9/11 would be alil more time or paper work, but I will get started right now so I can book everything together. Did not know Airlines needed passport Info. even to get on the plane. Got some good deal quotes, but none of em even mentioned a passport # or anything, but I'm sure you guy's know. Since I know for sure I'd qualify for getting a passport and WoW, good for 10yrs. Another question that I have Is can I get a visa for longer maybe like 2 months or so just to be on the safe side, cause I usually go where the wind takes me and may want to stay a lil longer. I just love havin fun way to much. Maybe I should start a new thread, but got every answer that I need here, so I'll just stay so I can PDF the whole thing as one. Thanx for all your help guy's and I owe you one, two, three, Ten, Twenty.

 

RaiderFan,

 

If you're planning on staying for more than 30 days, it will be easier if you apply for either a tourist visa, valid for 60 days, or a single entry non-Immigrant "O" type visa., valid for 90 days. They can be obtained from on the Thai Consuls in the US. Some Consuls are easier to deal with than others but I'm sure that some of your fellow countrymen will be able to advise you on this.

 

More information on visas can be obtained here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/

 

Alan

[RaiderFan1 0]

Thanx again, I found out I could get a passport within 24hrs thanx to that site above, but can't do anything about my Visa till I get a passport. Alway's something huh with Red Tape BS. Taking care of these passports/Visas seem like more work or hassle than learning about the country your touring, J/k. But I know It will be totally worth It. OMG I have the Pattaya Blues and I havn't even been there yet Once I get this passport stuff done and Pattaya booked, It's all down hill from there, well until the long dreaded 25hr flight.

[Soi7 1]

Thanx again, I found out I could get a passport within 24hrs thanx to that site above, but can't do anything about my Visa till I get a passport. Alway's something huh with Red Tape BS.

 

 

Not BS as they need your passport to stamp your visa in it.

 

If you want the Info on getting a 1 year Multlpy entry O Visa PM me.

 

S7

[havoc 0]

Thanx again, I found out I could get a passport within 24hrs thanx to that site above, but can't do anything about my Visa till I get a passport. Alway's something huh with Red Tape BS. Taking care of these passports/Visas seem like more work or hassle than learning about the country your touring, J/k. But I know It will be totally worth It. OMG I have the Pattaya Blues and I havn't even been there yet Once I get this passport stuff done and Pattaya booked, It's all down hill from there, well until the long dreaded 25hr flight.

ill be in town a couple days just before you, having my birthday over there on the 8th, i guess if i see a guy with a Raider cap/shirt ill say hello

[RaiderFan1 0]

Cool, and You sure will see me In Raiders shirts. I'll be there I think from Feb.8- Mar 10. Or i leave on the 8th so I'll be there the 9th or 10th depends on how long I stay In BKK, but I think I'll just stay for a couple day's before going on down to Pattaya. Maybe I'll look you up before I go and I'll buy you a round or two. This will be my first trip to LOS.

[traveloz005 0]

I walked through Customs yesterday with my laptop, one film SLR camera and 35-70mm zoom lens and my digital SLR (a Nikon D70) and associated 18-70mm lens. No problems at all though I didn't stop around long enough to ask

 

Alan

How safe is that much electronics gear Alan ? Can laptop fit into safe ? Is it useful forr internet (or use cafes) ? Or photo storage ?

[Eneukman 1]

How safe is that much electronics gear Alan ? Can laptop fit into safe ? Is it useful forr internet (or use cafes) ? Or photo storage ?

No problems so far, though I really must organise some contents insurance for the condo.

 

I only have a small safe in my room, so I can't put my laptop into the safe. The safe at the RG though was big enough to take my laptop. I have a phone line in my condo so I don't need to go to internet cafes. At present, I'm using dial up with CS Loxinfo though I am looking at one of the ADSL pakages being offered by ToT. I'll probably leave it for a few months until I decide whether I'm going to renew the lease on this condo or look for one on a higher floor.

 

Alan