10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE TRAVELING TO THAILAND

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Here is my Patreon for those who like to support my channel: www.patreon.com/GeofreyPeterson401?

[@Brad_RM]

I am going back to Phuket in May, your vids are great, and a lot of help. keep them coming..

[@chriscruciat2469]

“Do not argue with the police officer” is a good advice everywhere in the world 😂

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

People come and think their "Rights" work here

[@Mugsmaster]

@@chriscruciat2469 and Wai

[@Virgo_god0972]

Well I know better and have never been there 😅😂

[@mattlawrence7130]

I didn't get scammed while I was in Thailand, but I did get hustled more than once. I'm easy going as well as an American, so negotiating is not something I am good at. I also had a lot of young ladies asking for drinks and I did not say no as often as I should have. I probably spend a few hundred dollars more than I should have because of this. All in all, an cheap lesson.

[@michaelrooney2216]

Great video there one thing you forgot, as a pedestrian remember the cars, motorcycles, etc have the right away 😊

[@sharonmcinnes9522]

I hate the busy roads in pattaya. I dont know how i didnt get killed😮

[@TropicolSnow]

Absolutely phenominal commentary, Great Job!!!!

[@kohchangfarang]

❤ Your video, I agree with you I also love Thailand been here 25 years and still wouldn't want to be anywhere else. 👍

[@mojmaildljaandroida]

Wow how to deal with 90days visa ?

[@kohchangfarang]

@@mojmaildljaandroida I first obtained a work permit visa, now years later a retirement visa.

[@kohchangfarang]

​ I first obtained and had a work permit visa now many years later I'm on a retirement visa.

[@mrobins1974]

Sounds like a crossover between Fight Club and Trainspotting 😂 I love the message bro 👌

[@mrobins1974]

Sorry mate this comment was actually for the prior video I had been watching.

[@marcuslouisson5498]

taxis, in bkk, do not get in the taxi , negotiate from the side walk, get the driver to commit to a fixed price , do not do this while inside the cab, it will diminish your negotiation power, do not pay him until you reach your destination, be clear,make him acknowledge the agreed price.

[@yoginelson]

I have a Charles Schwab account. I just called them and got the process going. What a great tip.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Haha they need to hire me

[@RicardoLobo-gr1rp]

My Fidelity account also reverses all ATM charges

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

@@RicardoLobo-gr1rp nice! I heard some other KZbinrs warning about ATM fees and I’m just SMH thinking these dummies if they only knew lol they need to step their game up !

[@mikga45]

Does Pattaya and Bangkok have western union.

[@REALenvizible]

That Charles Schwab advice is golden. I'm going to look into it and possibly switch out one of my bank accounts to Charles Schwab. Thanks!

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erik_brown]

Super easy you can now use Zelle to move money there you don't have to switch

[@paulmusso1982]

I’ve checked and CS is the bank…

[@ariedebeuker5682]

You have the correct angle of approach to the Thai way. Just Smile 😄😄

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

😀😀

[@dorins3787]

On the international driving license: check with your local gouvernment. In Romania, on the official Gov site, it says it is required

[@30daysoftakeout]

Bro thanks for this. Coming in April through June, you make me want to make this kind of video for people traveling to downtown Los Angeles

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Go for it!

[@-RONNIE]

Another good tips video thanks for sharing with everyone

[@billyjohnson9262]

The Thai language tip is true. I could never learn enough Thai to actually communicate. My second wife was Korean. We were together about 8 years. I know just enough Korean to get me in trouble.

[@Ghosted760]

Cool, thanks for the app info.

[@chadAnd]

Huge help! Coming to Pattaya on the 29th for the first time😎

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Nice

[@marciakipp3633]

This is " highly important " information! Thank you so much!...❤😊

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Glad it helps!

[@alainpeters5655]

To drive or lease a car in Thailand as a tourist or visitor it is necessary to have either a Thai driving licence or a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph. The foreign licence must either be in English, or be accompanied by an official translation into English or Thai. The licence needs to have been issued by a country that has a treaty with the Thai government allowing the mutual acceptance of driving licences. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, EU, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

[@thomasclark4656]

I'm new to this channel and realize I should have been watching you from the beginning. I'll be making my first trip 2025. You have some great information.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Welcome buddy 🙏❤️ also have behind the scenes on my patreon www.patreon.com/GeofreyPeterson401?

[@kevinj5989]

That was a very helpful and educational video! Very practical advice. Thank you!

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drhart905]

Great video brother, thank you.

[@KO-OG-Passport-Bro-1997]

VERY solid advice!!!

[@timkelly6696]

Love the video. Thank you 👍🍀☘️

[@Brad_RM]

In phuket I was fined for not having an international drivers permit. (IDP)Three times. My mate has one and he was not fined. This is not a drivers licence just a permit.

[@jbern2185]

Yes, my friend and I were riding scooters and got tickets for not having the international driver licenses. Our American DLs didn't mean anything and it was 500baht each.

[@KAISERM79]

Indeed…. You need your license plus the international permit.

[@adriantarulli6021]

Same here. I've been pulled over at least 4 times and produced an international permit and only got fined once because my pillion passenger wasn't wearing a helmet. However, you do need a full motorcycle licence in your country of origin.

[@bradcutright520]

My AAA issued International Drivers permit does have Thailand listed as a country that requires such a licensure . . . But i also understand the rules in Thailand are fluid ! ! ! ;-(

[@dslewilkinson5815]

Yes, in phuket international driver’s licence is a must

[@karlheinzdrlung5311]

Out of tourist regions. (where to go I strongly recommend) its definitly helpful to Speak a little thai.

[@yoginelson]

Fantastic info. I learned about Charles Schwab. That was new to me 😊

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Wish I was getting commission for every account opened haha. Really they have been great though

[@bigred6616]

Thanks for the info everything on point thinking of coming soon best info so far !

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikejames7253]

13:35 couldn’t agree more my man 👌 new subscriber to your channel. Thanks for the information

[@MJones-v1c]

This was better than I expected. I thought it was helpful.

[@user-mk2lx7ys8r]

Hey Geofrey thanks for the informative videos. Keep up the good work! I do have a quick question: after you get your Thai drivers license will you need to show a valid USA drivers license to renew your Thai license.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Not necessarily - you take a Thai drivers test

[@jantyyaqoub2132]

The taxi meter scam happens everywhere in the world. Many countries have laws requiring it be used and have undercover enforcement. I’ve seen it first hand a few times. Sometimes you can negotiate a fair off meter. Some countries even require the taxi take you to your destination. This prevents cherry picking fares.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Exactly

[@HungryPanda3287]

I can tell you speaking from experience, good video.

[@mancamerashakuhachiscooter8941]

Good advice video! I am coming from Japan and d wondering about the driving thing!

[@williamtorres4820]

That Thai whiskey got the Tuk Tuk drivers on edge. 😆

[@wsonphan80]

I believe “thank you” is pronounced “khap khun khaap/ka” (for male/female). Love the videos. Keep living the dream 😆🤙🏼

[@vathanato5862]

Been there done that. At Pattaya and Bangkok. Great fun down there. Thank for sharing 😊

[@rob1379]

How do you get to stay in Thailand for a long time? How many months at a time can you stay there to extend your visa or stay is it hard? Is it confusing?

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Hey buddy visit www.geofreypeterson.com take a look on there and then let me know if I can help

[@ErnestoLuna1]

Hello Jeff, can I download bolt and grab even if I don't have the Thai simcard and I am just relying on wifi spots?. I will be there just three days.

[@B3Band]

What are you using for subtitles? They're juuuuuust delayed enough to be irritating lol Premiere Pro's built in transcription and subtitles gets the timing perfect IMO

[@user-mk2lx7ys8r]

Thanks. Good to know.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

You bet

[@mfpix]

Some helpful tips there buddy. Your videos are very entertaining. Are you in Pattaya most of the time?

[@jackrose9939]

Good video and tuk tuk drivers do drink whisky and drive he offered me some I said watch the road 😅😅

[@yuritsanescalona1222]

Thank you budd awesome

[@davefuller5752]

Thank you so much about the International License thing. I’ve been telling everyone here in Australia you do not need to get this license . I’m married to a Thai and must have been to Thailand 40 times the the past 15yrs. I always rent a car from wherever I can get a good deal and not once have they asked for anything other than my Aussie license!!!! Good job Geoffrey.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

❤️🙏

[@jbern2185]

My friend and I got tickets for not having international drivers license. How can this be avoided if an international license is meaningless?

[@Wilko11]

​@@jbern2185You do need an international Driver's license. I've been booked for not having it on me. Had my Aussie license on me but international was back in the hotel room.

[@Wilko11]

Tourists need an international driver's licence to legally drive in Thailand. A foreign driver's licence alone is not accepted.

[@grahamfraser5938]

I can tell you as an Aussie, if you drive here in Australia without a license then you will be facing a magistrate. I cannot imagine it being legal to drive in Thailand without a license.

[@tariqrahman6918]

There are are good pickpockets in Bkk, but that’s to be expected in any big city anywhere….

[@williamconquest5066]

Great info..!

[@danielschoonover3675]

Good information, thank you.

[@stassji5041]

Can you make a video about dentistry in Thailand and if you go on doing cosmetic procedures let's say in Pattaya, what would it cost and if there are any deals right now?

[@cabowabo5557]

I took my Thai girlfriend to Central Mall where there is a full-service Dentist. It was her first time to go for a full cleaning, X-Ray (if needed), and Floride treatment. It was 2,000B for everything. Very professional, had an appointment and had zero wait after her paperwork was filled out!

[@josephw6678]

Fidelity investments also reimburses all ATM charges as Charles Schwab. Saves you so much money

[@allthingsintyme]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@jbern2185]

So whats the procedure for NOT getting fined when driving a scooter? If an international Drivers License is meaningless, then what's the permission to be able to operate a vehicle in Thailand? My friend and I are American, rented scooters, had our helmets on, and got stopped a police blockade. They asked for our licenses, then proceeded to keep them til we paid a 500baht each. They stated we did not have international drivers licenses. So what to do?

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Get a Thai Drivers license 🪪

[@jbern2185]

@@geofreypetersonofficial Is that practical? I'm only gonna be there for like 5 days at a time.

[@PauloGaetathe_original]

This is a game the police often play in touristy areas in order to increase their low salaries, it's also known as abuse of power, except that there's nothing you can do about that in Thailand. It's their country, just pay the fine with a smile! 😊

[@varietasVeritas]

How does the King feel about meams?

[@RocksNRuts4]

r u sayn they want to hold your passport or dont carry it? n is it kumkum ka or kum koom ka? ty

[@Toeslam10]

Most Excellent 💯 information 👌 😊

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Thanks and welcome

[@H...9346]

Hi Geff, can you tell us all. What driving license do we need to show if we are stopped by a Thai police officer. Since an international lience is not valid

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

What country are we in?

[@IndusRush]

International drivers license is valid. Wrong info.

[@ianwallace16]

Was pulled over at police checkpoint….showed him my international license,he said what is this? I told him,he said thank you have a nice day.

[@B3Band]

You say "I'm sorry" and pay 500 baht.

[@UnicornMeat512]

How long would you suggest that someone comes and visits to get a feel for if theyre going to enjoy living in thailand? I want to check out thailand and the Philippines. Is 2 weeks each enough?

[@binyam11]

Y u said what u said about the passport ( do they keep the passport till ur trip ends ?)

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Samui yea

[@beaulong]

I looked at AAA AN and thailand is on the list for idl.

[@law2181]

My international driving licence has Thailand written on it. From uk

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

And?

[@law2181]

So legally I can drive there but will need to pay a fine when they pull me over?

[@jenslaustenhansen3081]

US government tell the same: "An international driving license is accepted as long as it is valid, but a foreign license is not accepted in Thailand." th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/driving-in-thailand/ You also need an international driver licence if you want a Thai driver licence. Maybe a police officer give you a fine. But the risk is lower with an international driver licence. At least not higher. Maybe there can also be an insurance problem if you do not have a proper license. I do not know. I would never give that advice.

[@DanneyTanner]

Is it positive if I post. Absolutely love the meal at the blah blah blah restaurant. It was so wonderful them give me such a small amount of food that now I'm on my way to a Slimmer trimmer me❤😊😊😊

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Lol

[@madyak222]

In Koh Samui the cops were pulling everyone over (including locals) , for no helmets, I showed my International drivers lic and got a discount on the fine 🙂. The locals were Pissed off to be pulled over by the cops, I wasn't to happy either, but thats asia. no big deal.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Lol

[@deweydewey]

What about the phone service, thank you for the video , planning a trip in 2024

[@Dee-ps4ki]

You can't believe everything you see on KZbin!. Here is a picture of a current international driving license and Thailand is on the list. It's part of the land transport agreement of 1949. You can go to the driver's license station in Thailand and at the kiosk it has a copy for you to read of the land transport Geneva convention of 1949.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

USE IT THEN see what happens :P

[@jakoflynn2560]

Patience let go and move on good advice for life I can’t and haven’t ever mastered it and have heart problems as a result

[@kentkirby1888]

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT BRINGING VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO THAILAND. CAN I DO THIS? I PLAN ON VISITING IN SEPTEMBER FOR A MONTH. AT LEAST A 30 DAY SUPPLY. THESE ARE GNC VITAMINS. DO THEY HAVE THESE IN THAILAND?

[@ricardogranados1048]

Yes, that makes sense . Good info. We’re planning a run in November. Thanks

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ricardogranados1048]

@@geofreypetersonofficial Jeffrey receive those 10 bucks I sent you a few days ago ? Cheers 🍻

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

@@ricardogranados1048 ya man thank you 🙏🙏

[@alessiotaddei1827]

I personally have driven in Thailand several times with an international license and the police never told me anything. The international license is valid but there must be an A driving license for motorbike and B for car. I am Italian and the international Ginevra license is valid.

[@henryjus]

An International Drivers License is just a book of translations that you use with your home drivers license. Without the home license it’s useless.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Lol

[@MikeHoncho884]

Is Charles Schwab a good deal for traveling money and moving money from place to place overseas or something? I’ve heard other Vlogger’s talk about this. I’m going to retire in two years and I know my local credit unions not going to be able to handle my pension, check and transferring money to Southeast Asia. Would it be a good idea to make an appointment and talk to someone at Charles Schwab?

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

I think you answered your own question my man.

[@MikeHoncho884]

@@geofreypetersonofficial 🤪

[@cabowabo5557]

Schwab is very safe and secure and is a pleasure to do business with. You can walk into a bank and get a withdrawal with ease...and NO ATM fees. Inside a bank is a little safer than right on the street, although that is safe enough.

[@lkabong5529]

​@cabowabo5557 There are ATM fees, but Schwab reimburses them every month.

[@moestietabarnak]

About the international driver license.... OK it's not valid , so WHICH one is ? how to get it ? 500 baht please? it's a fine for driving without license ? or for something else?

[@paulmusso1982]

Some travel insurance companies Offer Reimbursement only policies…which means U must pay cash up front and hope to get full refund…

[@מדינט]

As for taxi in Bangkok, I always ask for meter before I get in, every taxi driver that turn on the meter gets 200 baht tip for me.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Can do that. But easy to negotiate;)

[@sn0wolf]

Hello I think you might be off base a little bit with the international drivers license. There is an agreement in the books that Canadian drivers licenses (maybe others as well) may be accepted as valid however it was never ratified so is not law. Therefore you can still get a ticket for driving using that and they will ask for your international License. I got a ticket two years ago for this very thing and was told by the officer and the fella at the police station that I needed an international one. That said though there’s a good change there’s something in the books about international drivers licenses as well that never got ratified so either way you’re in the same boat. You are correct though that the best way to handle it is to pay the fine and carry on as arguing will only make the price go up. If your lucky enough to have an officer that’s in a good mood you may be able to give him the money for your fine and he will pay it for you when he gets back to the station….;)

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Go for it then! 🙏🥳

[@fredfoy1133]

The taxi from BKK to Pattaya I was scammed. Driver said 1200 baht for myself and friend. We get to hotel and now its 2400, (per person). After I said 1200 for both total.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Did you pay 4800? If so why would you do that?

[@fredfoy1133]

Sorry, meant he doubled the original rate of 1200 total for both of us. He said 1200, then when we got there he said 2400 total, because it was two of us.

[@quantumleap7441]

Thank you

[@redpilldh]

USAA reimburses ALL ATM fees. 💯

[@jpscharged]

Up to $10 a month.

[@EnigmaR25]

I definitely want to visit and I definitely want to make sure that I don’t get bothered by the Ladyboys. That’s not something I’m into no offense, but how do I tell a person to leave me alone in a nice way do I usually go by with the no thank you thing or, what’s your advice? I just want to prepare myself for when I go.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Give them a small kiss and they will Be happy

[@35davg]

do we need subtitles?

[@SlyOG3972]

Thailand is on the list COUNTRIES THAT REQUIRE AMERICANS TO OBTAIN AN IDP TO DRIVE OVERSEAS International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Thailand.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Do what you want to do

[@barrellcooper6490]

International drivers license is just your driver's license "retyped" onto a form the has a system languages. Basically it has no validity it's just a translation of your driver's license.

[@tupoa360]

I like number 9 Patience is a virtue, they just fail to tell you that Virtue is it's own punishment.

[@bonusjourneys]

Honestly 😳😳!!! My lovely kingdom’s like that😢

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

What mean?

[@DennisdeRuiterrrr]

With an international driverslicense you can convert your driverslicense to a Thai driverslicense at the Department of Transport so i think your wrong there. ( it's what i did a few years ago )

[@B3Band]

How many people on vacation (VISITING Thailand, per the video title) are going to need to convert their home country's license for a Thai one?

[@edwardchase3615]

thailand is on list now. fined if you cannot produce along with home country licence.

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

It was on the list then. Use it if you want it’s up to you!!!

[@glenn9229]

"let's establish English from the start" and don't try to greet the local in the language of their country..... how to establish you're American without saying it

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Haha 😂

[@chupakchieh3965]

😊😊😊😊

[@peterlijaba3805]

Lol, that is typical American, I'm Swiss, we have 4 languages.

[@bijanbayne3259]

I'll be back in Thailand June 22

[@grahamfraser5938]

You mentioned that it was pointless getting an International drivers license but you didn't mention which license we should have so that we can drive in Thailand?

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Thai license sir

[@johnjonesToffeeman]

Never get a taxi where taxis are parked especially near tourist attractions.dont negotiate if the taxi wont use the meter walk away.Dont use tuk tuks they are double and for a first time tourist only.Motorbike taxis are cheap and honest. Avoid Westerners especially ones trying to sell you investments. It is easy to spot ladyboys aftera while.Good time can be had at naked pool parties where you pay a fee to get in and all the girls are naked and will serve you snacks from the barbeques.if you are too exited they will go to a room with you for a short time then back to the pool and try a new one

[@Skullitor]

New subscriber, Question, WHHAT IS A LADY BOY?

[@tonyclaytor3107]

Hey I'm coming over there in the middle of July may need some help Is It Anyway I can get some Direct communication with you not very Savvy on technical stuff

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Sure goto www.geofreypeterson.com to set up a call

[@tonyclaytor3107]

Well I wasn't really looking for a tour my flight gets in at 11:35 Bangkok time wanted to know if best to take the bus or a taxi from airport and a decent hotel to go to for the first couple days once I'm there then I can decide about what I'm going to do after that just kind of winging it at this point

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

@@tonyclaytor3107 no no not the tour part Scroll to the bottom of the homepage, you can set up a phone call with me under consultation services. Thanks buddy look forward to speaking with you. I’m here to help GP.

[@portlandGTR]

@@tonyclaytor3107how was your trip? I just got my passport and booked my flight for January 9th to Bangkok for 3 weeks! Gonna do the same, wing it. I have no clue yet where I’m gonna stay or for how long. Bangkok maybe the first weekend and then Pattaya the rest of the trip. What did you end up finding as the best and most fun times?

[@itsok-zf7dx]

USA and Philippines do the same thing, Pretty sure all countries have "Questionable" taxi people.

[@bleachrebuild]

Dude what happened to Bia Minaj I love that song

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Spotify - Eenie Meenie

[@aaron4387]

I have a love hate relationship with relationship with the Tuk Tuk drivers. Find it very hard to trust those people 😂😂

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Ya you gotta feel them out

[@ladydriver2146]

Take pictures of your rentals they will blame you for damages

[@docram691]

AAA website actually says the IDP (international driver permit) is valid in Thailand. Wondering if that changed after your post????

[@mikeymarriott]

It must have changed. I paused the video to check mine and Thailand is on the list but I got a Thai motorcycle and car license to be safe.

[@davidsinclair7099]

i guess its all good advice.. i have taken some of it but you seem to think every1 can spend $10,000 on a holiday .. im taking $3000 cash and my ticket and my first 3 days accom paid.. thats it .. i cant afford $600 to go here or there on cruises.. when you tell people what it costs in BAHT please include the dollar price.. its difficult translating prices while your talking ..all in all id give you a 3/10 coz you didnt cover the issues i needed covered. ..but from the comments your doing well and i agree if i had more money etc

[@davidsinclair7099]

sorry i commented half way thru and as soon as in came back you covered a few more of my issues ..so sorry for the 3/10 its for me more a 6 or 7 now ha

[@CoolstixDave]

Youve been there four years? Get yourself a BKK Bank account & card! So much easier...

[@rbmedia2238]

I think you are wrong about the international permit. Thailand is a part of the 1949 international agreement. I have it in front of me

[@geofreypetersonofficial]

Use it then you are free to ‘think’ what you like sir

[@craftingmat5425]

I am a little bit confused about the "do not post bad things on social media". Seems like there are several guys out there posting videos, also mentioning some negative aspects. Also you mentioned the one or the other negative aspect. Soooo....?