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Trenton42

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Posts posted by Trenton42

  1. There seems to be a strategy for the last few pages to go to small banks.

    I always thought it better to go to a large bank because odds are better English will be spoken there, and one can reason with people. That worked for me when I got my account.

    Also, K Bank has a really bad reputation here. Wouldn't go to K Bank for any reason. I don't even use their ATMs.

  2. A few years ago I went to the big Bangkok Bank on Sukhumwit to get an account. They said I could not get one because I did not have a visa; I had a standard visa-exemption on arrival.

    I argued that there must be a way because I needed the SWIFT information including account number to set up wire transfer orders *before* I got the visa. Every time they said no, I just repeated my argument. Seriously, that must have gone on for ten minutes before the clerk whispered to me that I must get a certified copy of my passport from my embassy.

    At the embassy, I had to fill out a form requesting the certified copy, and wait to be interviewed by one of the farang officials. Was out of there in less than 30 minutes.

    Went back to Bangkok Bank and looked for the guy I talked with before, but he must have seen me coming.

    Anyway, a lovely girl helped me instead. As soon as she saw the certified copy, there was no problem.

    IIRC, 130 THB for the ATM card, no mention of insurance. Turned out later that I got free insurance with the 10k THB initial deposit.

    Later because I was tired of paying the Pattaya surcharge every time I used my Bangkok ATM card, went into the Central Festival branch of Bangkok Bank, showed them my passbook from the Bangkok account and passport, and they opened an account on the spot. They even filled out all the forms for me. All I had to do was sign it. 130 THB, and no insurance. Although I did get an email saying I was awarded free insurance once the account went over 10k THB.

    I have two insurance policies, but have no idea what they're good for.

    Just my luck they would be life insurance. Don't want to be worth more dead than alive here...

    • Upvote 1
  3. I guess the van that took us there took a different route because I don't recall a minutes drive from Sukhumvit.

     

    This makes going there easy.  And if I can't find the bus I can just go to Telephone Bar instead.

     

    But still concerned about exactly where to wait to catch the bus back and flaging it down in the dark.   Have no idea how to find a bus schedule.

    Taking Sukhumwit from Pattaya to Ban Chang is actually the long way. If you took a dedicated van service, chances are they went over the hill saving more than a few kilometres and minutes.

    The Tesco is a rather large landmark in Ban Chang. It's probably a good guess that the buses stop there. I don't know what the proper etiquette is for Thailand buses, but have never had a problem flagging one down in Ban Chang.

    I understand your concern though. How about an afternoon trip to get the lay of the land?

  4. No rush Mr T.    :character00218:   I'm not going there tomorrow.

     

    I wonder if there are two bars areas in Ban Chang?

     

    I was there just once, maybe twice, forget.

     

    The bars are in a quaint little town and as I recalled quite a distance from Sukhumvit though the street could be called Sukhumvit Soi 25.

     

    If it's easy to get to as in a bus that goes from Sukhumvit and Pattaya Tai directly to the bar area then I'm interested in going for sure.

     

    And am concerned about the return trip as don't want to be straded there at 8PM.

     

    If it's too complicated, just not worth the effort for me.  The I-Rovers van was easy though I was locked into their arrival and departure times.

    Have a look here: http://www.bangkokeyes.com/banchang9009.html

  5. So then the bus drops you off a few miles from the bars then, right?

     

    How do you get from Sukhumvit near Ban Chang to the bars in Ban Chang?

    IIRC, the bar area I am familiar with is on Sukhumwit Soi 25. I can double check that for you, but not now. Send a PM if I forget.

    If you miss your stop, just take a motocy taxi; they're all over.

    Ban Chang starts at the far side of Utapao (AKA Pala Beach). You don't want to get out there. Ride the bus all the way into Ban Chang proper.

    If you are worried, get out at the big Tesco. Usually lots of motocy taxis there.

  6. Yes there is a pedestrian bridge there.   That's where I get off the "Jomtien Bus" from Swampy then I cross the bridge and take a baht bus down Pattaya Tai to my place.

     

    So do you pay on the bus or is there some sort of ticket seller there?

    There's a ticket girl on the bus. Just tell her, "Ban Chang."

    On the way back if you mention Pattaya Tai, they usually make an effort to make sure you don't miss your stop.

    • Upvote 1
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